Bringing a new baby into your home can be a thrilling experience, but for your furry friend, it can also signify remarkable changes. Well, it’s vital for you to help your dog prepare for the arrival of a new family member to ensure a smooth transition for everyone. This article lays out several strategies to set up your dog for the much-anticipated arrival of your newborn.

Initiate Changes in Routine Early

One of the ways you can prepare your dog for the coming of a new baby is by slowly adjusting its routine. This might involve changing feeding times, walk times, and even quiet time to accommodate the new baby’s needs. By beginning these changes early, your dog will have ample time to adapt to the new routine ahead of the baby’s arrival.

Introduce your Dog to Baby Sounds and Scents

Familiarization with new baby sounds and scents can help lessen any potential shock or stress for your dog. Start by playing baby sounds in your home. For the smell, you can bring home a blanket or piece of clothing the baby has been in.

Train your Dog on Basic Commands

If your dog doesn’t already know basic commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, or ‘no’, this is the ideal time to teach them. Training it to behave when the baby arrives is essential not only for the baby’s safety but also for your peace of mind.

Changes in Attention

Understandably, the new baby will take much of your time and attention. To prepare your dog for this shift, gradually reduce the amount of attention you give the dog. This will help them adjust to getting less attention when the baby arrives.

The Most Important Thing:

NEVER LEAVE YOUR BABY UNATTENDED OF COURSE, BUT PARTICULARLY WHEN WITH YOUR PET. EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN GETTING ALONG WELL, THINGS CAN CHANGE VERY SUDDENLY WITH A INNOCENT TUG OF THE EAR OR UNEXPECTED CRY OR NOISE.

Conclusion

Preparing your dog for your new baby’s arrival is an important part of getting your home ready for this big change. By following these steps, you’ll help ensure a smooth and stress-free transition for your family and your Furrylicious friend. Remember, each dog is unique, so what works for one might not necessarily work for another. The key is to have patience and give your dog plenty of time to adjust.