Introducing Your New Human Baby to Your Fur Baby

When bringing home my newborn for the first time to meet my fur-baby Frisco, there was a lot to consider because I wanted it to go smoothly.  Frisco was only a puppy himself (6 months old) and I had devoted a lot of time to him only.  He saw me going through a lot of changes as time drew near and could tell probably that I was going to pop at any moment, as will your pooch! Here are some helpful things you could consider prior to bringing home your newborn baby.

Obedience class:

Obedience class of some sort is definitely a must! In obedience class you are able to develop a relationship with your dog and most importantly learn each other and you learn how to command your dog.  One of the biggest take aways from obedience class was to allow your dog to have a safe space or spot in the house that they would still take command, give your dog lots of praise for going to this spot and work on giving sit and down commands.  Also, give commands in sitting, as there will be times that you will be doing feedings and sitting with a sleeping baby, the dog will need to be able to take commands with you in different positions.  

Baby Cries:

Youtube is filled with baby noises, find some and play them for your dog so they get used to hearing strange noises, I'm sure you'll get plenty of head tilts in curiosity because this is an unfamiliar noise to them.

Toys:

Designate toys that are for dog only and baby only, come up with consistent key words that the dog will then know what's theirs and what's baby's.  This won't always be avoidable, but if you make it consistent it can make things easier in the long run.

Arrangements:

Make sure you have made arrangements ahead of time for around your due date for your dog to be well taken care of, whether they're going to a familiar home, or familiar person to come to your home to take care of your dog.  Try to spend extra time for a longer walks before hand or to a dog park to let out some extra energy, because as you're getting closer to due date, you're also anxious and expected any day, and your dog is able to pick up on those emotions you're feeling.  Spending some extra time with your pooch will put them a bit more at ease.  Once you're at the hospital and have had the baby, consider calling your sitter to make sure everything is okay and that your dog is well taken care of.

Meet & Greet:

If possible allow a partner to go home to check on the dog and bring the baby's first blanket or hat that they provide to get your dog used to their scent, this will give them time to acclimate to the new baby coming.  

When bringing baby home for the first time, allow your partner to greet your dog ahead of time so they are able to get some excitement out since they're just seeing you both for the first time, then allow your partner to hold the baby so your dog can greet you as well.  There will be many licks and tail wagging involved as they will be so happy you're home!

Home Life:

In the midst and fog of new transition of being home with a newborn, try not to neglect your dog, keep them apart of routine activity and talk to boy your babies (dog and baby) as much as possible and allow your dog to still get a lot of exercise if possible, maybe even consider a dog walker if its during the winter so you're not bringing the baby outside in the colder weather, or even doggie daycare to allow them some activity and interaction with other dogs.  If your dog is not getting enough activity be prepare for some behavior changes.  

Hope you consider some of these tips when bringing home your newborn, they were considerably helpful when bringing home my son to meet Frisco.