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May 2016 Moms
TheThornBird
member
Getting Your Dog Ready!
TheThornBird
member
Hey guys!
I'm a professional dog trainer and thought I'd put together a cheat sheet of how to get your dog ready for the new baby. Feel free to ask questions!
First Trimester- I can't stress enough how important it is to start working on these NOW. You don't want to be 8 months pregnant trying to train an out-of-control dog.
-Brush up on basic obedience. It's very handy to have your dog trained to go to a certain place, always come when called (hard to chase after them when you're 9 months or are holding a baby!), and doesn't pull or lunge on walks. Find a GOOD class/trainer if needed. Anyone who says they are science-based or use the principles of behavior & learning is probably a good trainer. Be wary of anyone who pushes "dominance" or "pack theory", or who use absolutes ("Positive reinforcement doesn't work" or "Punishment doesn't work". They both work).
-Start to disrupt their usual routine- feed/walk them at different times, leave the house when you normally wouldn't, be busy doing other things when you normally hang out/pay attention to them. Only do a little at a time and gradually build it up, so they don't think the world is falling apart and freak out 
-Start giving them things to do, so they learn how to keep themselves entertained while you are busy. Puzzle feeders, Kong toys, chew toys, etc are all great.
-Make a list of all attention-seeking behaviors (pawing, whining, barking) and vow that from this day forward, you will no longer reward those behaviors (and don't forget, "No" is very often a reward. Negative attention is still attention). I like to hang a calendar up, and every time the dog whines/paws/barks/whatever, completely ignore him, get up and walk to the chart, and add a tally mark to that day. This does two things- 1. The dog learns that those behaviors result in mom/dad getting up and leaving and 2. Lets you see if the behavior is decreasing over time. Use basic obedience as a way for the dog to earn attention (such as sitting calmly on his mat means mom will give some pats).
Second Trimester
-Keep working on eliminating attention-seeking behaviors
-Figure out what your dog is sensitive to, such as crying or other baby sounds. Start playing these in the house, starting at a soft volume and working your way up in volume and duration. Can you re-direct him during these noises, or is he hyper-focused/vigilant?
-Start practicing what you want him to do when X happens (for example, when I breast-feed, I want him to go sit on his mat).
-Start carrying a doll around. Carrying a baby changes your posture and body language, which can freak dogs out, so start getting him used to it now.
-Practice responding to your dog while carrying the doll, talking to it, doing something else, etc. How do you respond if you are talking to the doll/baby and your dog starts barking? What if the baby is napping and your dog starts barking at the mailman? Carry the doll as much as possible to figure out what things you need to work on.
-I personally recommend not encouraging the dog's interest in the doll/baby- he should learn that it's none of his business, mom and dad will take care of it. So I don't let the dog sniff/check out the doll or baby.
-Figure out where you'd like your dog to sleep. If you all of a sudden shut him out of the bedroom once the baby arrives, it can be way too much change all at once. Teach him to sleep in a bed if needed
-Work on crate training if needed (though not all dogs are good with crate training).
Third trimester
-By now all the hard work should be finished, woo-hoo!
-Start putting together support and help- show family/friends how they can help with the dog once the baby arrives (stuffing Kongs, how to walk him, games/toys he likes, etc).
-Have plans in place for this additional help; if family is coming to help out after the baby is born, let them know they will also be helping with the dog (ACTUAL help, not just opening the door to the backyard). Have back-up plans- can a neighbor or friend take the dog for a day if you are feeling overwhelmed? Can he go to doggie daycare to give you a break? Do you need to hire a walker?
-Take the dog to the vet for a check-up if he's due in the next few months. Easier to do it now.
-Stay very calm once the baby arrives, and don't make a big deal. Many owners make a huge fuss when they arrive with the baby, letting the dog sniff it, talking in excited voices, etc. I personally advise against this, since it can get the dog very worked up over the baby. Things should be more along the lines of "Yep, we have this new, strange creature here now, but it's cool, I got it. Go back to chewing your bone".
-Don't let yourself get to the point of being overwhelmed!!! Have all your plans in place, and be sure to make plans for yourself. Let other people help you out. Give yourself a break and go get a pedicure (or whatever floats your boat). Many people who love their dogs end up re-homing them because the stress is just too much. Set yourself up for success beforehand.
Re: Getting Your Dog Ready!
DS: Born 5-17-16
Both of our girls have been around kids before and seem ok. The Shepard can be a little skittish with people grabbing onto her but she is ok. The husky can become very shy and hide if she doesn't know someone, but again, will eventually come out of her shell.
We have two mixed-breed dogs, litter mates that we rescued as a pair. They are 3 now and with daily exercise and discipline their behavior has steadily improved. That said, they definitely think they own our bed and while they don't sleep with us all night every night they do come and go as they please. I keep telling DH that we've gotta break them of it sooner than later but he feels bad. I love them but I do not feel bad, they have an awesome dog bed and lots of cozy places to sleep in our apartment. Would you recommend we start training them to sleep elsewhere now? Any tips or techniques you can share would be much appreciated! Thank you!!!