Adding a new member to the family is always a big conversation for every family and trying to have that conversation with your fur baby can be difficult depending on their temperment. Here are some suggestions for getting started!

**If your fur baby is reactive, especially toward children, or has a tendency to resource guard, it is easier to start working on those skills WAY before a new addition is imminent or even a possibility.  The earlier you start, the better.  These skills can be tough and we want your pups to have the greatest chance for success and the best possible outcome.  Our Reactive Rover classes can be a huge help for pups with big feelings, whether your dog is too forward or really shy we have a curriculum for your family!  Good Dog, DYNO offers private training sessions to help with guarding behavior and other struggles. **

Before Baby is born

• Get your pup used to the equipment. Set up the crib, the car seat, the stroller, baby gates, etc. and have them in your space so that your four legged friends can sniff them and get used to that change early! You can even wear carriers around the house before the  baby arrives, so that isn’t a shock to your dog,  or practice walking your pup with the stroller without anyone inside- if you plan on taking family outings. Let your dog sniff around and get comfortable. If they are nervous, you can use their MARKER WORD and give treats for looking at the spooky objects and taking steps closer!
• Get your pup used to the sounds! You can play videos of cooing or crying infants both in and out of the baby furniture and mark and reward your pup when the videos are playing. This way,  they learn that these sounds are natural and to not worry when they happen. Once the baby comes, you will be too tired to be happy or neutral about these sounds to work with an anxious pup.
• Set up areas of your house that are just for your current pups  where they can go to feel secure and get away from their new family member. Your dog’s kennel can work just fine if you’re limited on space!
• Consider setting up pet free zones such as the nursery, if there is one, so Baby has a pet free zone as well. At  minimum, get some pet proof containers for baby items and toys,  especially if your pup thinks all toys are their toys!
• NOTE: While you can certainly work on decreasing barking, don’t stress about it too much.  My kiddo will startle if I set a cup down on the table a little too hard but sleeps through his furry sister barking loudly. As long as they were gestated with a screaming dog around, Baby will be completely unphased! 

After Baby is born

• Bring a few swaddles to the hospital and, when you change them out, take the used one home for your furry friends to sniff. This gets them used to the new addition’s smells before they come home. 
• Have you and your partner take turns saying hi to your dog when you bring the baby home, while the other partner waits with Baby,  so that most of the big excitement has passed when you bring Baby out of the car.
• If possible, introduce the dog and baby outside of the home, in a slightly more neutral location. If you can’t do it outside due to weather or other conditions (such as an apartment), greet through a baby gate. This will dispel any concerns about the intensity of feelings from your dog (even if it is just excitement)!
• Always supervise your dog and babies’ interactions,  and be prepared to discuss boundaries and consent with your kiddo as they get older and start to reciprocate attention.  Animals often give lots of cues that they are uncomfortable before they escalate. If your kiddo loves the pup, it could end up causing problems if they don’t understand or respect a NO from your pup. Be sure that you understand dog body language as well. Something as quiet as a lip lick and look away can be a request for space; holding still while your tot hugs them doesn’t always mean that your puppy loves the attention. Be aware that patience in your dog- just like in a human person- can run out! Remember to respect your dog’s boundaries!

If you have any concerns about this process, ask for help! The trainers at Good Dog, DYNO are here for you and your family!