Preparing your dog during pregnancy for baby’s arrival

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Preparing your dog during pregnancy for baby's arrival

 

Preparing the household for a new family member should always include your pet dog. Dogs are intelligent creatures and can be trained to do certain things and avoid others. However, preparing them for a new baby will take much more effort. Training dogs should start during pregnancy and not after pregnancy, when the baby is already inside the house.

Gradually spend less time with your dog

Months to pregnancy, gradually spend less time with your dog to accustom it by the time the baby comes after pregnancy. As new parents, you will naturally spend more time with your newborn. If you do not train your pets during pregnancy to get used to not having all the attention, you might find yourself in a house with a dog barking incessantly on one side, and a baby wailing just as loud on the other.

Pregnancy’s adjustments actually force you to start spending less time with your pet. Remember, of course, that you must not neglect it during pregnancy; however, usual close bonding times, such as having the dog sleep at the foot of your bed, should be gradually stopped during pregnancy.

Train them to obey

If you haven’t trained them well for it yet, pregnancy is the best time to have your dogs obeys simple commands such as “sit,” “out,” or “down.” You will find this especially useful immediately after pregnancy, when you bring home your child and your dog will naturally bark at the newcomer. Remember that intelligent though they are, you cannot expect your pets to not potentially harm your baby.

Have them vaccinated during pregnancy

Keep your pets safe and healthy.  As a necessary precaution, make sure your dog receives all necessary vaccines during pregnancy.

Remind them of boundaries

Unlike before pregnancy when your pet is permitted to move about the house, it should be trained to keep away from certain premises they sure won’t be going to once your baby is there. This is usually the nursery or your room if you will have the baby sleep there after pregnancy. Start this during pregnancy by commanding the dog not to enter the room until you’re sure it has been used to it already.

Pets, no matter how harmless they seem, may not be too good to have around a newborn. Their hair or fur may cause allergic reactions or irritate the baby’s skin. It’s best to train the pet to stay in the yard instead of inside the house during pregnancy, as the longer they stay inside, the more stray hairs may find themselves in your sheets. Clean your whole house thoroughly during pregnancy and after to keep irritants away.

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