Preparing your dog for a new baby

Your pup is getting a new human!

No, not me (though I would gladly bring home ALL THE DOGS!!). Many new parents have questions about how to prepare their fur babies for the new roommate on the way. Every dog is different, but a few things that tend to help:

🧸set up your nursery and baby gear early, and give your dog a chance to sniff and explore

🚧install baby gates and practice crate time to get him used to being kept out of “baby safe” zones

😭 play clips of crying babies to decrease anxiety around new sounds

🐕 practice basic obedience training, or work with a trainer for a refresher

🤰🏻in labor: follow your dog’s lead. If he retreats, allow space. If he’s glued to your side, cuddle and pet him and soak up all that oxytocin!

👨🏽‍🍼keep early meetings with baby short, safe, and positive. Hold baby close, allow dog to sniff and be close if he’s relaxed, offer tons of treats!

🦮maintain his routine as closely as possible when you come home. Ask neighbors or family (or your dog loving doula)to help out with walks and exercise

🧘🏻‍♀️relax! Easier said then done sometimes, but dogs are smart, and they pick up quickly on our emotions. Show them that you are calm, happy, and in charge.

💗a few extra snuggles never hurt!