Animal Chatter

After years of being the only baby in the house, your pet is not going to be the only baby anymore. Was your first reaction to perhaps call the local shelter or find another home for your pet? If so, that isn’t necessary. Below is a list of tips for introducing the newest baby in your family to the one you already have, the one that sheds his hair, drinks out of the toilet, and races around the living room looking at you when he wants to go out to potty. The first thing I want to stress is obedience. If you have not already completed an obedience class with your pet, now is the time. It will be good exercise for you both as well as a great prelude to bringing home baby. With obedience training, your dog knows just what you expect of him.

Lets start with before baby is born

Set up the playpen, toys, crib etc. Let your pet get used to these items. That way, you aren’t introducing too much new stuff at one time. Let him smell the items.

Play baby crying noises, or invest in a baby doll that cries. Let him get familiar with that sound (and you, too).

Sprinkle baby powder around; the scent will become familiar also.

Have your friends and neighbors and relatives expose their baby to your pet so he can get used to those little people.

If your pet is a cat, you can purchase a mesh cover for the crib incase you plan on leaving the nursery door open so that the cat cannot jump into the crib on the baby. For that matter, it will keep those small bouncing dogs out of the inside of the crib also. If the nursery is going to be a pet free zone, close the door and whenever you do open it, make sure your pet understands not to enter. That way, he won’t associate not entering the room with the baby.

After the baby is born

Before bringing home baby, take home a blanket from the hospital with baby smells on it so your pet can familiarize himself with those smells and not be so curious.

When mom or dad walks through the door with baby, greet your pet, call his name, and let the introductions begin. Reward Fido for his good behavior with baby.

When singing songs to the baby, incorporate your pets name into the songs also.

Keep your pets routine as close as possible to the way it was before baby.

Play with your pet not only while baby is sleeping, but while baby is awake also. Reward your pet when it plays well with the baby.

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Including your pet in the joy of having a new baby is the key. Do not make him feel like he is an outsider now. Reward, reward, reward.

Following these few simple lessons can make the difference between a smooth transition for your household or an upset one.