by Alicia Kryklywyj

Created on: November 03, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

Your expecting your first baby and as your due date approaches you may find that friends and family start hinting at you that it's time to get rid of your beloved dog. All to often this is a reality that happens. There is no reason you have to re-home your dog because you are having a baby. With a little bit of preparation they can easily co-exist.

If currently your dog has the freedom to do what he wants when he wants, this has to stop. He needs to be put under some restrictions. If you start restrictions only once you have brought the baby home, it may cause some resentment.

Fido is no longer allowed on furniture and certain rooms are to become off-limits. He should have an area, such as the laundryroom, that will be blocked off and used as his safe-place. He should be placed in this area a few times through-out the day with a bone or toy to keep him busy.

It is important to always monitor interactions. Never leave them alone together even for a few seconds. Whenever your dog and baby interact make them as positive as possible. Reward and praise for sniffing baby or giving a kiss. Allow fido to have a special bone or treat only in the presence of the baby so he learns to sit back and observe rather then hover around.

Do not allow your baby to pester the dog or pull on his ears, tail, or fur. If you find baby starts to get grabby or constantly gravitates towards the dog, place him in his safe place and give him a treat for going there.

At feeding time have baby with you as you place kibble in the bowl. Take baby with you on your daily walks and when you buy your dog a new toy, give it to him with baby present and on a baby blanket. This way he learns to associates seeing baby with good things happening to him.

Keep interactions minimal in the beginning and as positive as possible. Gradually lengthen the interactions as your dog gets use to the idea that baby is a permanent resident. Soon your dog will be able to spend a majority of the day with you and baby and he will of learned to interact with baby in a positive way giving you peace of mind.

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