BABIES

PREPARING FOR THE ARRIVAL OF YOUR NEW BABY:

Preparations should begin as soon as you know that changes are afoot in the home
The more time you have to train the easier it will be
Your dog needs to be familiar with ‘new baby’ routine before he/she arrives


WHAT TO CONCENTRATE ON:

Ensure your dog:
Has a basic understanding of ‘good behaviour’:
Able to lie quietly at least for short periods
Does not jump up
Walks on the lead without pulling
Comes back when called

SPOTTED SOME PROBLEMS?
Contact your local Dog Listener or vet and ask for details of a local dog trainer &/or behaviourist

HEALTH CHECK
Make sure your dog is up to date with vaccinations and worming

IS YOUR DOG YOUR BABY?
Has your dog been your baby until now?
If so, its nose will certainly be put out by all the attention being transferred to the new baby.

Make sure your dog becomes used to receiving less attention. Busy yourself doing something else occasionally and get it used to being left alone for short periods.

'NO GO' ZONES
Are you going to restrict access to certain rooms once the baby arrives?
i.e. Nursery, bathroom, playroom etc.
If so, get your dog used to staying out of these rooms now so that it is not something else for you both to worry about when the time comes.

PRAM WALKING
Once you buy your pram teach your dog to walk nicely alongside. Don’t wait. Your dog needs plenty of time to familiarise itself to walking alongside a pram. If you are embarrassed walking an empty pram up the street – Practice in the garden!

NEW FURNITURE
Bring the new furniture into the house early so that these items become familiar too.

TOYS
Teach your dog the difference between his toys and the baby’s toys.

BABY CRYING
Remember to act normally when your baby cries and try not to get too stressed or this will rub off onto your dog.

CHANGE OF ROUTINE
Get your dog used to the change in routine as much as possible.
Are the walk, play and feeding times going to change?
If so, change them before baby arrives.



THE BIG DAY

IT MATTERS
Try not to make a ‘big deal’ out of the home-coming – Even though to you it is a monumental occasion.
Teach your dog to approach calmly and gently.
Allow your dog to make a safe approach – They will want to see, smell and take a genuine interest. Consider using a lead

BE POSITIVE
Show your dog that having baby around is positive. Give praise when your dog is calm, quiet and gentle. Give a treat reward if appropriate.

NEVER LEAVE THEM ALONE
Do not place the baby on the floor alone with your dog.

Do not shout or strike out if your dog gets things wrong. Show your dog what you want. If your dog gets too close, calmly move him away.

EXERCISE
Remember – Your dog still needs exercise and entertainment even if you are exhausted. Do not expect a bored, energy packed dog to be on its best behaviour indefinitely!

STILL WORRIED?
Speak to your vet or seek advice from a qualified Dog Listener or behaviourist.

NEVER LEAVE YOUR BABY ALONE WITH A DOG