Introducing the dog..

[yorkshiremum2022]

Hello!
We have recently (last week) found out we are expecting. It is our first child and we are over the moon.
We have a Cocker Spaniel pup, Nala. She is almost 10 months so will be about a year and a half when baby arrives. She is very loveable and wants to be around people all the time.
Does anyone have any tips for prepping her for the arrival of the baby and for when baby does actually come home?

Thanks x

I bought a doll and called it baby, cuddled it and didn't let the dog too close. I also played annoying crying sounds really loud too. I laugh when I think back on it because of course my dog knows the difference between a doll and a living smelly creature! 😂 Daft really.

Other things I did which I think were more useful was I didn't play too often with him. My partner did and I stroked him, but I took a step back gradually so that he wasn't jealous or getting anything less when the baby came.

When the baby did come, I made sure to treat him no differently, so if he came to me, I stroked him even I was busy with the baby.

A lot of it is down to nature so if she's a nice, friendly dog, you should be okay. The other part is they pick up on tension, so try to be relaxed when introducing etc. You don't want her to think the new baby is making you tense.

Oh and congratulations! 🎊

I'm due early next year, and we've been advised to bring a piece of clothing the baby has worn in the hospital home first before bringing the baby so he can get used to their smell. Then when bringing the baby back, best to introduce them outside of the house - ie we plan to bring dog out to baby and have a short walk together.

Plan to keep my dog's routine the same, and lavish lots of affection on him the same as always. 2-3 days a week at dog daycare still as he loves it, and lots of mind stimulation games.

My friends have had no issues and their dogs and babies/toddlers are great friends which is really lovely to see.