Instructions
Before Baby Arrives
Visit the veterinarian for a health check-up. Get any necessary shots and vaccinations. If your dog isn't spayed or neutered, this is a good time to consider. Spayed or neutered animals tend to be calmer. Take this appointment as an opportunity to address any concerns with your veterinarian introducing your dog to the new baby.
Bathe and groom your pet several weeks before the baby's arrival. Be sure all his nails are clipped and that she has a clean bill of health.
Begin training your dog. If your dog is already not trained in basic commands, such as "sit", "stay", "leave it/drop it", and "come," be sure to accomplish this before baby's arrival. You may want to consider dog obedience classes. These classes will help your family learn effective training techniques. This will help to establish a strong foundation of communication with your dog.
Introduce your pet to baby scents, sounds and toys. Familiarize your dog to new scents he'll encounter, such as baby powder, baby toys, and diapers. Use CDs or recordings of babies laughing or crying. Train your dog to avoid taking or playing with the baby's objects.
Adjust your dog to less attention; be more flexible with his scheduled feeding and social times. After the baby's arrival, your dog will no longer be the center of attention. It's important to begin adapting your dog to less attention. Stick to a daily routine, ensuring your dog's needs are met. Continue to spend quality time with him.
Have someone bring home from the hospital one of the baby's worn hats before she arrives home. This introduces your dog to your baby's actual scent. Place the worn hat or bonnet in the dog's cage or bed. By the time your baby comes home, your dog will already be used to her scent.
How to Get a Dog Used to a Baby Before the Baby Is Born
Often times, a family's pet is considered their "first child." When your first child comes along, not only will the family need to prepare for a major life change, but your family must realize the dog will also go through an adjustment. This may be a stressful time for a family pet to adapt to the loss of attention; his feeding and playing schedules will change and he will likely not receive as much attention. Preparing your dog is key to a successful family transition to a new baby.