Preparing Dogs for Baby
Nicole Barnett from We Work for Treats gives you the tips you need to prepare your dog for your baby’s homecoming!
Dog Meets Baby
Nikki Phillips
Introducing your furbaby to your new baby can be a special moment, to ensure a smooth greeting you should prepare your pet, gather your village, and pack your patience. Nicole Barnett from We Work for Treats, provides some helpful tools to prepare your pup for the new family member.
Before Baby
According to Barnett, training your dog with basic commands will payoff once baby comes. You should start by teaching stay, sit, and heel. Instilling these tools before the baby is due date, will help establish a controlled environment and provide a channel for one-on-one attention for your pup. If you use a unique command, remember to share that information with people who will help you care for the dog when the baby comes.
She advises picking up extra kongs and lick mats to keep your pet occupied when the baby arrives. Prepare the extra kongs and store them in the freezer for quick access. In addition, portioning and storing a couple weeks’ worth of treats is helpful. Having these items ready in a “grab and go” style will keep your dog on schedule and engaged. Barnett suggests preparing supplies for six to eight weeks.
| Insider Tip: Make sure there is space in the freezer before you begin preparing the freezer-bound food. You should also schedule a routine vet well-visit. At the check-up ensure vaccines are up to date and stock up on any medications and treatment materials. |
Where they are newborns, there is new gear. Barnett wisely recommends practicing the baby routine so the dog can get familiar with the items- rocking chair, crib, changing spot, and baby carrier. Bringing the stroller along on a short walk will help the dog get used to the adjusted routine.
Since the physical space will change when the baby arrives, it can be helpful to get your dog used to its own, safe space. Barnett uses a “stay-on” mat for her dog. This is a baby free space where your dog can go when it needs a break or gets over excited. The goal is safety for all beings, not necessarily punishment.
A final prep step is getting your pup comfortable with other people taking care of them. Invite helpers over to assist with feeding and walking the dog to help them build a bond before the baby comes. Establish a walk/visit schedule for the first four to six weeks. Helpers do not have to commit to every walk, every day, but a routine is best. If going for a walk without you is a struggle for the dog, at first go with the other person, then only go for half a walk, then just put the leash on, then stay out of the process entirely.
| Something to Consider: If you plan on co-sleeping with baby, but your pup is already a co-sleeper, how will this routine change? |
Baby is Coming
Whether you have a home birth or a hospital delivery, plan ahead to ensure your dog is taken care of and is not stressed out by the events of the day. Barnett provides some helpful suggestions for all types of deliveries.
If you are planning on a home birth, think about where the dog will be while you are in active labor and delivery. This is where having a safe place in the prepping stage can be helpful. You should also have a plan for who will feed and walk the dog when you are not able.
Something to Consider: Be sure to have a pet care plan in place if you are admitted for a longer than expected hospital stay. |
If you are planning on a hospital delivery, be sure to have a plan for dog care if you have to leave in the middle of the night. You should also think about how long you will be away from home, so you can set up someone to walk and feed your dog over several days. In the prep work stage, you can show that person/people where the materials are located and ensure the dog is comfortable.
| Something to Consider: Be sure to have a pet care plan in place if you are admitted for a longer than expected hospital stay. |
Baby is Here
When greeting your pup for the first time after the baby arrives, Barnett suggests that you are empty handed so you can fully embrace your pet. They will likely be excited to see you and will not be aware of the need to be gentle or cautious. Your dog missed you and will need bonding time as you reunite, even if you deliver at home.
Have a list of on-call helpers ready for walks, feeding, and playing. Keep the list posted somewhere accessible. This will make it easy for you and others to locate the information and reach out as needed. If the helpers know each other they can coordinate and communicate, about the dog, providing an added layer of assistance.
Safety is paramount in this time of transition. Use carriers, gates, and crates to separate as needed. Seek out moments to spend one-on-one time with your dog, perhaps while a visitor holds the baby or during nap time.
| Pro Tip: Do not leave the dog alone with baby, even if they seem to be getting along well with the baby, remember this is new and unpredictable for all involved. |
Dogs are generally people-pleasers, they want to see how they fit into this new space. Barnett suggests, taking the baby and dog for walks together or spending time in the yard or on the carpet with safe toys for everyone. She reminds pet-owning new parents not to force it, if the dog walks away that is okay, keep trying, keep the pathway open. The goal is to eliminate as much newness as possible before the baby comes, so when the baby, and its noises, arrive those will be the only new elements to the environment.
This information is intended solely as a general educational aid and is not a substitute for medical or other professional advice.
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