If you've got a beloved pet dog and are expecting the pitter patter of tiny feet, it's natural to be anxious.
After all, newborns demand a lot of attention, which means less time and affection for your pooch.
But there are a few things you can do to help prepare your dog for the arrival of their new ‘brother’ or ‘sister’…
Practise the new routine
As cute as they are, newborns are exhausting, so you’re bound to have less energy to play with your pooch.
With that in mind, try getting him used to having less time with you before baby arrives. If he’s used to an hour of ball games every morning, an abrupt end to this active lifestyle will leave him frustrated, bored and bouncing off the walls.
Bring home the scent first
As you well know, dogs have an incredible sense of smell.
Before you bring the baby home from the hospital, it’s a good idea to get your dog used to the child’s scent.
Give him an item of clothing that the baby had on, or a blanket they were wrapped in so he can get a good sniff.
He’s more likely to accept the baby if he’s relatively familiar with them before they arrive.
Give him praise
Dogs are a bit like kids when it comes to encouragement. A bit of praise can have them on their best behaviour.
With that in mind, heap praise on him when he’s in the same room as your baby. Don’t ignore him when he’s behaving well. You want your dog to view the child favourably, not as a rival to be beaten.
Invest in more dog toys
You could do this as a way of praising him for his good behaviour.
But buying your dog gifts isn’t just about positive re-enforcement. It’s also about giving him something to keep him occupied.
You won’t always be able to take him for a walk when he wants it, so it will help if he has new things to chew on or bounce around.
Set up the cot in advance
Setting up baby furniture and a nursery means lots of banging.
Chances are your dog won’t enjoy the loud noises, so it’s good to get this part out of the way before the child arrives.
The more upsetting things he has to deal with at once, the less likely he’ll cope well.
Have friends’ babies over
One way to get a sense of how your dog will react to your baby is to invite friends’ kids around.
If your dog reacts badly to the baby, or seems put out whenever you hold the tot, don’t give in and give the child back to its mum.
Remember: this is your chance to give him a taster of what’s to come.
