Prepping the pooch before the new arrival

[Septbaby]

Hi all

First post, feel a bit late to the party at 27 weeks but hey ho!

My main question is around getting our rather puppy like 4 year old german shepard bitch ready for the new arrival. As she's a large girl we want to make sure everything is covered and nothing left to chance

The things we have started/starting soon

-establishing a proper bed space in living room so she doesn't just lounge wherever she feels like
-she knows not allowed upstairs without permission so that ones cracked

• pram has just been delivered so going to start looking like a crazy lady walking her with it to build up her getting used to walking nicely beside it ( had tips from a trainer friend about positive reinforcement when walking)
• allowing her to gently meet babies/toddlers and start to learn how to properly behave around them
• we're both on board with her never being left alone with baby and will be teaching the wee one about respecting her and her space when she needs to be left in peace

She's a big fluffy monster but as soft as anything and just want to make sure she is as prepped as we are (realise I sound like a bit of a loon) so has anyone else got any successes or tips on preparing and introducing dogs and small people :)

Thanks!

It might be worth asking MNHQ to move this thread to the doghouse board as there are some very knowledgeable folk on there who I've seen give loads of great advice on this very topic in the past.

It's always worth getting an update on this info and I'm keen to refresh my memory too so I'm watching with interest!

I got a book that came with baby sounds to play to the dog. It had some good advice as well. Cant remember the title and have lent it to someone else now, something like how to tell your dog you are expecting.

My 12 year old ignores the noises.

One thing we have done is talked about baby, started calling ourselves mummy daddy etc. Someone recommended a new toy for when the baby comes home from hospital. Generally just make sure you fuss over the dog as well as the baby so dog does not feel left out.

Fortunately our dog is semi working so sleeps outside and is not allowed on furniture or upstairs which Ithink makes it easier.

I also invested in a sturdy playpen to pop baby in if I need to answer door or something and will certainly stop any crawling towards the dog bed when older (Dog hates being woken up when in a deep sleep).

Am 37 weeks so will let you know how we get on!!

I believe the book liquid is talking about is called 'tell your dog you're pregnant'.
I am trying to prep our lively 6 year old mixed breed for baby, and bought this book. Ours is a rescue and used to live with children. He pretty much ignores the baby noises, but still not sure how he will react to a baby being around 24/7! He's had us to himself for 3 and a half years and is rather spoilt!
I think what you have planned is good, but I am new to all this too so would appreciate advice!

Am following this, have got a 14 month old jack Russell who I've stupidly spoilt rotten....am 28 weeks pregnant now and wondering how to get her ready for our new arrival! xx

When our DD arrived our Border Collie was nearly 4 and wouldn't stay in the same room as her, if we walked in he ran out. I think he was a bit overwhelmed!
He walked quite well next to the pram, i didn't practise beforehand, i think it calmed him down and made him walk slower.
We bought this playpen(in a nicer dark blue) and opened it up when DD started crawling/tummy time to create a divider in the room.
Our dog now says hello to her before me when we return home and has just been bringing her toy after toy in the garden to throw!

Hi everyone

Thanks so much for the posts so far, I'll definitely take a look at the book you've mentioned RAFwife :) anythings a start!

I'll let you know how we get on with your suggestions :)

Just marking my place here to watch this thread. I've got two 7 year old Pomeranians who are used to having me all to themselves!

Hey Sara!

That book sounds like a good place to start RAFWife PruHound is almost 2 but still bouncy as a puppy. It's going to be... interesting...