• Dogs are pack animals, and don’t always enjoy when a new member of their pack unexpectedly joins. Especially when it becomes clear that the new pack member is now higher up in rank. There are things you can do to make the transition easier.

    First and foremost, dogs should be obedience trained. It is imperative that your dog can follow commands when you bring home your baby.

    Of course you should remember that your dog is still a member of your family and still deserves attention.

    The second most important thing you can do is start to wean your dog from all of your attention. Set aside time each day to essentially ignore your dog. If possible, take your dog to a park so that they can see other children and get used to their noises. Once you have the baby, bring home a blanket that your child has used. Let your dog smell it, lick it. Let him sleep with it. Get your pup as accustomed to that smell as you can. Once the baby is home take the time to actually introduce the two. We have always done this step with our dog on the leash.

    Our dog is prone to over excitement and I prefer having that extra amount of physical control should she decide that she wants to smother my child in kisses and snuggles. Of course you should remember that your dog is still a member of your family and still deserves attention. If you can, make sure your dog is still getting ample petting and loving time from you.

    I have heard of some who recommend purchasing your pet a new toy such as a Kong that you can fill with treats to keep pups busy while you feed or change the baby. Once your child is older, it is just as important to teach them how to properly treat dogs as well.