Your New Baby
&
The Family Pet

"The Good News is that Dog's Natural Instincts
Are to
Protect a New Pack Member"

Truth - "Every day, animal shelters take in dogs and cats who lost their homes because they weren't easily adjusting to the new baby. Or, worse because THEIR OWNERS THOUGHT THEY WOULDN'T ADJUST." The is a quote from Stephanie Shain, The Humane Society of the United States Director of Outreach for Companion Animal Issues.

Preparing the Family Pet for the Arrival of a Baby

Our pets have lovingly and patiently prepared us to be parents. Don't they deserve to be patiently and lovingly prepared to accept a new family member?

The family pet needs to be prepared for the new baby since it will be a time of change.

"Dog owners can get some idea of how their pet will likely respond to the new baby's arrival by considering its personality." Dr. Nicholas Dodman, a veterinary behaviorist at Tufts and author of "If Only They Could Speak".

"Parents -To-Be"

Help your beloved "first child" to feel at ease with the new arrival.

" . Brush up on pet obedience training.
" . Before baby arrives, parents-to-be need to accustom their pets to the sights, smells and sounds of a new baby.
" . You can purchase a CD called "Preparing Fido" containing baby sounds. Created by Lisa Ruggles & Shawn Hrnicir. www.peparingfido.com
" . You can tape your friends baby sounds if they will let you and play the sounds during the day or evening hours so that your pet will get used to the noises.
" . Long before due date, fill the house with sights and smells associated with a baby. Stock the baby's room with diapers, lotions, powders, etc.
" . Some animal behaviorists and veterinarians have suggested putting lotion and a diaper on a doll, carrying it around the house and talk to it in that "special voice" once only reserved for your pet.
" . Bring the baby's first receiving blanket home while mom and baby are still in the hospital. Let your pet sniff the blanket while you pet and stroke him, helping him to associate the smells with a positive experience.

Once home, get in the habit of NEVER leaving the pet and baby alone together, in the same room. While baby is sleeping call the dog out of the room and block re-entry.

As your child grows don't allow him/her to pull on the animals ears or tail.

With A Little Effort You, Your Pet And Your Family
Can Have A Wonderful Life

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