DOG AND NEW BORN: OUR TIPS TO COHABIT DOG AND BABY

Dog and new born: How to succeed cohabitation?
Are you going to have a baby and are wondering how to best prepare for the arrival of your newborn with your dog? Here are 3 tips to best prepare your dog for this change of life!

Tip # 1: Adapt the rhythm of your dog’s life and get used to the objects of childcare
When a baby arrives in our life all our habits are jostled, the organization of the days (and nights) is then completely modified. That’s why it’s important to get your dog used to this change of pace.

The ideal is to gradually reduce the time of your daily walks, but also the general attention to your dog. Of course, it will still maintain a regular and positive contact with your dog, but understand that if you currently walk your dog 2 hours a day, this habit probably can not be kept once baby arrival!

In any case, it will be necessary to walk your dog at least 30 minutes a day or even several times a day and keep positive attention, such as games and / or hugs regularly in the day.

Another important point is to make sure that your dog is not afraid of new things that will soon become part of his life. So remember to get your dog used to strollers, chairs, high chairs, etc. Finally, if your dog shows a reaction of fear then you will have time to set up sessions of positive habituation around these objects.

Tip # 2:
To facilitate cohabitation between dog and newborn: Educate your dog to have the right behaviors
This advice is one of the most important! Indeed, it will be important to change certain behaviors of your dog, such as jumps or access to the sofa for example. In reality, you need to identify all the attitudes that your dog has today that could be bothersome and even dangerous when a baby is born.

Once these behaviors are targeted, you will have time to modify them through education. So, if your dog jumps on you when you get home, teach him to sit down or go to the basket, so he can calm down and say “hello” more quietly, and so on.

Tip # 3:
The first days at home with the dog and new born
The first encounter between your dog and your newborn is often an important moment. In reality, it is not necessary to introduce your baby to your dog. Your dog lives primarily in a world of smell, so he does not need to see your baby to understand that he is present. Also beware of the excitement of your dog when you return from the maternity ward. Indeed, having not seen you for several days, it may be necessary to go home alone to say hello before returning your baby. Your dog will be calmer and the first habits will be put in place then more easily.

In conclusion
Despite all this advice, having a baby is always an unknown adventure, do not hesitate to provide help, such as someone in your family or even a dog-sitter who can be present and help you with your dog.