I am so fed up with dogs (and cats) being dumped at rescues because the owner is having a baby! Firstly a pet is not a throw away item and secondly pets and children can live happily side by side - and it is good for the children to look after something!
But you need to prepare your dog/cat for a new arrival because they will not understand the crying, the smell!, the nappys everywhere and the fact that the toys on the floor are not now theirs!
So at least 3 to 4 months before the baby is due you need to start to do the following:
1. buy a cd or record the noise of crying and play it during the day so the animal gets used to it
2. start laying down nappys, wipes, creams, changing mats on the floor so the pet gets used to leaving them alone
3. buy a doll that cries and carry it around and show it to the pet
4. Start putting the child gates up and training your pet on how to stay behind them or go through them
5. Take them and show them the bedroom, cot, mobiles etc so there is nothing new or unfamiliar when the baby arrives
So when the baby comes home you need to introduce your pet and not keep saying "Get away". Obviously you never leave the pet and the child alone (the pet should be used to this by now). But you must ensure that when the baby is asleep that you give your pet your full attention - remember your pet was your baby before the baby! They will feel jealous and put out and will most probably think they have done something wrong. So please watch out for a change in behaviour. My book has several stories in where dogs become very upset and even start to self harm because they have lost their owners affection and feel they have done something wrong.
So then you have to train your baby to treat your dog with respect. No pulling, tugging or sticking pencils up their nose! Your pet must have a safe place to retreat to (which is why a crate is a good idea) so they can have some peace and quiet. A dog will warn a child with a little growl (this is how they keep their puppies under control) so it is your responsbility to remove the child and let the dog know that it is ok. Dont keep shouting at the dog as you will make it nervous and you will lose trust. Why not contact me for a session and we can sort out any problems?
