emember Nana the dog in Peter Pan? Now that was a well-trained pet. She put the kids to sleep, protected them from strangers (most, anyway), and even did the laundry. But unless you know where to get a dog like that, you may want to carefully plan how to introduce your new baby to your dog or cat.
Chances are your beloved canine or feline already knows something is up. Mom’s belly is getting bigger, the house is getting rearranged, there are all kinds of new smells… diapers and Desitin… baby blankets and bottles… and what’s the deal with all these stuffed animals? Pets pick up on hormonal changes as well, so there’s a good chance your dog or cat knew you were pregnant even before you did. Still, you are going to want to make preparations in order to ensure a happy homecoming for your baby.
Don’t wait until the third trimester to get things ready with your pet. Once you know you’re expecting, there are a number of things you can start with right away.
Obedience Training
No, not your husband. If you haven’t already done this kind of work, you’ve got the next nine months to get over any bad habits. Address behavior problems such as jumping, mouthing, possessiveness, fear, or anxiety. If you’re not sure how to work with your pet on your own, seek help from an animal behaviorist. Consider enrolling in a training class with your dog - this will help with obedience and enhance the bond between the two of you. Remember, your dog’s behavior is controllable while your baby’s is not for the first few years (though there are reports that this can extend well into the teenage and even adult years).
Baby Practice
Invite friends with babies over to your home so that your pet can get used to the sights, sounds, and smells of children. You can play recordings of a baby crying, turn on the mechanical swing, use the rocking chair, and even practice holding a baby doll in order to accustom your pet to the upcoming routine.
Sleeping Arrangements
If you allow your dog or cat to sleep on your bed, think about whether or not this will continue once the baby comes. Your pet looks to you for stability and consistency. If you suddenly decide that the bed is off limits because the baby is there sometimes, you will create anxiety and possible resentment in your pet. A gradual transition to a pet bed is a better way to go.
Our dogs have always slept at the foot of the bed and we didn’t want to change that. It was very important, however, to make it clear that the bed is also a place for our baby. We spent plenty of time with our dogs and baby on the bed, teaching the dogs to be gentle and showing them that the baby was not going to steal all the love away. This way, the bed became a peaceful, restful place and not a territory to protect. We also got a king-size mattress.
Health
Take your dog or cat for an annual wellness exam before the baby comes. This way you will be able to address any particular health problems while your life is still relatively controlled. Spay or neuter if you haven’t already done so - fixed pets tend to have fewer health problems and are generally less aggressive.
