Question:I will be having a baby in December. I have 2 dogs and a cat. They have never even seen a baby before. They also rule the house. What can I do to prepair them and change their why of thinking that it's all about them? I could never give them up. Help!
Answers:
If you have friends or family with a baby or small child, ask them to come over a few times before you have the baby. When you have the baby, have your husband, or someone, to bring home a blanket with the baby's scent on it. Let the dogs smell it so they will already know the baby's smell before you bring him/her home. When you bring the baby home, the dogs will be curious. Don't yell at them when they try to see, this will make them more curious and they will feel left out. My sister had a baby in March, and their dogs have done wonderfully. They let the dogs smell the baby and lick her toes. It may sound gross..but they wanted to see her, and I don't think it hurts anything. Now she is three months old, and smiles and smiles whenever the dogs come up and lick her toes. They got to know her, without getting in her face and jumping on her. Most importantly, even though you want to lavish all your attention on your new bundle of joy, make sure you pay attention to your puppies too. Have someone else carry the baby in when you first get home. The dogs will be excited to see you. Maybe you could bring their favorite treat or a new toy for them too. I hope this is helpful!
Introduce the pets slowly to the baby. Always give the pets attention too. Don't leave them out. It is like introducing a baby to their brothers and sisters only these walk on 4 legs and have fur. It can be done. I had cats and dogs with all three of my girls and they grew up together. Dogs never bit the kids once. Good luck and congratulations on the new baby.
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