Preparing Pets for Baby

JameRoo430 · September 2009

Is anyone or has anyone done this? What did you do? We have a 1.5 year old golden retriever who is used to having our undivided attention so we want to try to make the transition as easy as possible for her.

So far we have been leaving her alone a little more often to see how she reacts when she doesn't have us at her beck-and-call. We have also established from day 1 that she is ONLY allowed on furniture with invitation (which we almost always give her but we make her wait for it) so that she doesn't jump up when we are feeding baby or things like that. Any other suggestions??

ellemoney:) · September 2009

Sometimes people suggest carrying around a baby doll to get the dog used to it. I didn't do that.. but I did have DH bring home blankets that smelled like baby.?

We had zero problems with the transition and my girl dog is actually super protective over Layla.

?

jewels_025 · September 2009

We are going to start walking our 2 year old lab with the stroller , just incase she finds it strange. Shes very obedient on the leash , but the last thing I want is her to get startled by the noise of the wheels and pull away from me.

Mrs.Bert · September 2009

I just asked my dog's vet this very question this morning! She recommended letting the dog smell the blankets the baby has used, and give treats/praise whenever the dog is well behaved around the baby. She said make being around the baby a positive experience, and make sure your dog has a "safe place" (like a bed in a quiet room) to hang out when home gets a little too noisy. HTH!!

hipstrix · September 2009

We're doing all the usual stuff...but I noticed that one of my dogs reacted kind of strangely to the sound of a baby crying on tv, so we bought "Baby sounds for pets" for like $7 on iTunes and I've been putting the laptop in the nursery, etc. and playing it. I give the dogs a treat about five minutes after I start it.

luckyabby09 · September 2009

Our vet told us to play baby crying CD and to give the dog a present from the baby, like hold the baby at pets level and give him/her a treat.

tak2002 · September 2009

The recommendations my vet gave are

1. get baby gates now and start using them so that the dog doesn't think it's the baby's fault he's being "lokcked" out of a room.

2. Start a special activity between dog and someone else in your household NOW. Then when you are giving so much attention to baby the dog at least knows that he has "special time" with your dh (or whom ever).