Preparing your Dog for a Change in the Family

Baby
Dogs and babies can be the best of friends. To help your dog prepare for the newest member of the family you should:

Set up the nursery as soon as possible. Let your dog explore the room during the process.
Introduce your dog to the new scents that he will be living with once the baby is home by using some of the powders, soaps, lotions you will use on your baby.
At least one month before the baby’s arrival, establish necessary changes in your dog’s routine. For example: If you don’t want to allow your dog in the newborns room while the baby is sleeping, now is the time to close the door and to teach your dog that this room is off limits.
To get your dog used to the sights and sounds of babies, invite friends with babies to visit or obtain an audiotape of a baby crying. Baby sounds may be the most frightening aspect of having a baby around from your dog’s perspective. Try to desensitize your dog gradually before the baby comes home.
Before bringing the newborn home, bring home an unwashed piece of his or her clothing for your dog to smell so he gets used to the new smell.
Once the baby is home, try to keep your dog’s routine as close to normal as possible. This means regular meal times and play sessions. Praise your dog and give him attention when the baby is in the room so your dog will associate the new member of the family with good times, not competition for attention.

New Love
Take a look it a from a dog’s point of view: While once he was the apple of your eye and recipient of nearly all your attention, now he has to wait until your new love is gone before he gets a pat on the head. The hierarchy in the pack has been challenged. Not only is this a new smell in the house, and a new voice, he has taken over some of his favorite resting spots. It is no wonder that he exhibits his stress by growling, urinating or chewing whenever he makes an appearance. Here’s how your new love can become friends with your dog:

Food – Have your new love feed your dog. Have them remain in the room while he is eating. In the beginning, sit across the room and gradually move closer as your dog gets more comfortable with him.
Talking & Walking – Both of you should take your dog on a walk. When your dog is relaxed, have your new love walk him with you. When he is comfortable with your new love, have him walk him alone.
Scent – Put a couple of your new loves’ shirts by your dog’s favorite sleeping areas. You might even consider wearing his jacket while you are petting or playing with your dog.
Approach – Let your dog approach your new love. Forcing your dog to confront him will only increase the level of stress and question his place in the pack.
Playtime – Have your new love play with your dog with her favorite toys.

Separation from a Family Member
To ease your dog through this transition, especially if it is the primary care taker who will no longer be taking care of the dog, place an article of clothing with their scent on it in the dog’s bed. Keep the dog’s routine as consistent as possible and make sure you spend extra time with the dog giving love, attention, and it’s favorite treat.