Safety is the number one priority. This idea of a wonderful relationship between children and pets should not be taken for granted. It is important to prepare your pet for a new level of separation.
It’s not fair to bring your new baby home and then lock up your dog in the kitchen. It’s not that you shouldn’t lock your dog in a room. In fact, it’s a safer option. They need to know that being away from you is fine and a chance to relax. Stair gates can be used to create a physical barrier that keeps the dog in one room without completely shutting them out.
Walkies
It is worthwhile training your dog to walk politely with a loose lead alongside a buggy if they tend to pull. After the baby’s birth, your dog will be happy to walk alongside. This reduces the risk of them dragging you and your buggy and makes the walk more enjoyable.
It is important to get them used to carrying a child. Begin by talking and having a small bundle. Remember that we often talk to our animals in the same way we speak to our babies, Our pets will, therefore, assume we’re talking to them. Your dog may jump up and try to see what you are talking about. This could be dangerous if you have a baby in your arms. We need to teach our dogs not to jump and to understand that when they do not, good things happen (like a tasty snack being thrown to the ground).
You can also find out more about Privacy.
Dogs and cats, like humans, need their own space. They can retreat there for peace. Because cats like to be high up, you can provide them with comfortable bedding at the top of your bookshelf or wardrobe.
I used to be considered the cutest one in my family. Shutterstock
Dogs will benefit from a crate that is covered and located in a quiet corner of the home. It should be easily accessible, large enough for them to spread out, and easy to access. These spaces will teach pets that they can go to a quiet, safe place if needed.
Desensitise
Some babies can be loud – some even reach 120 decibels. This can be stressful for animals who are not used to the sounds. It is beneficial to teach them that it’s an annoying noise they can ignore.
You can find recorded clips of babies on the internet. And unlike with real babies, you can change the volume. Play the sound quietly at first when your pet is relaxed.
The ideal is that the pet will hear the sound but ignore it. You can leave some treats on your floor and let the sound run quietly if they get up.
You can also prepare some treats and begin feeding them as soon as you start playing the clip. This will help your pet learn that the sound indicates good things are happening. Even if the volume is at the lowest level, a behaviorist can help if your pet seems to be anxious about the sound.
Routine
In the beginning, keeping your pet’s routine as predictable and consistent as possible can reduce their stress. In the early days of walking your dog, it may seem like a huge task. You should enlist the help of family and friends or even a dog walker.
You can prepare your pet for the arrival of a new member of the family with a little effort. Be alert, as there will be an adjustment period. Instead, teach your dog to be polite and calm when interacting with the baby (if it is safe).
Don’t let your pet’s behavior be a mystery. Ask for advice from an animal behaviorist to help you make the transition of a new pet as easy as possible.
