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Preparing dog for baby
in Pets
I've been doing some research on this, but I'd like to hear personal stories about what you did (or didn't do) to prepare dog for LO, and if you think anything in particular helped.
The first thing I read after googling was "start showing your dog less attention" 
I suppose that will happen naturally, but we just love to love on him!
Re: Preparing dog for baby
As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I ordered "Childproofing Your Dog" by Brian Kilcommons from Amazon.
I also enrolled my pittie in Canine Good Citizen classes. My Aussie shepherd had already earned hers. My pittie never actually took the test, but brushing up on his obedience was good for him. We also stepped up the NILIF at home, especially the Stay and Leave It commands.
We set up all baby gear as we got it, turn it on (whether it moved like the swing or made noise like the activity gym) so the dogs could get used to it.
We got the "Preparing Fido" CD of baby noises and set it on repeat and would play it all day and just go about our business so the dogs would get used to the sounds.
Other reading recommendations:
http://babiesandbeasts.blogspot.com/search/label/
The%20MOST%20IMPORTANT%20post%20in%20here
http://familypaws.com/
http://www.americanhumane.org/interaction/programs/humane-education/pet-meets-baby.html
I've heard of people setting up and turning on baby equipment. I've also heard of people taking walks with their dogs and an empty stroller and holding on to a doll wrapped in a blanket so the dog can get used to not jumping up on you when holding a baby and so they can get used to you holding a baby. Maybe use a doll that makes crying noises on such so he can get used to the sounds of a baby?
So excited for you!
I also want to add --
Despite any preparations you do, expect your dogs to still be stressed when the baby comes home. If you're able to remain calm and anticipate bumps in the road, it will help your dogs overcome their stress more easily.
B/w 1/8: betas 17,345, progesterone 25.6
Thanks, everyone! Miko is not a high strung dog at all- in fact he's very chill and laid back, so I'm not too worried about it but I probably will set out baby things and sounds for him to get used to. I think the biggest issue will be him getting less attention... but we'll try to compensate for that with more playtime with his "girlfriend" (the dobie next door).
Katelyn & Lucky- I didn't say anything on Facebook yet because it's so early, but thanks for the well wishes!
We have a young GSD and did all the recommended steps with her (bring a blanket home from the hospital, let her smell it, etc) and got her some new toys when we brought the baby home. She was very jealous of the time spent with the baby and my biggest problem was me trying to nurse and her coming up and shoving toys in my lap/wanting to play. I became very good at breastfeeding and playing tug of war at the same time!
Luckily, she has been GREAT with the baby. My best advice is to teach the dog the "leave it" command if he doesn't already know it. You can start wtih a training treat...put it in front of him and say "leave it". When he goes for it, cover it up with your foot. do this until he realizes he should "leave it". When he does this, reward him (but with a different treat from a different hand). Then after he masters that, you can teach "leave it" using other things...household items, other dogs, people, anything. This was the best tool for getting her to leave the baby alone, because at first she LOVED trying to smell and lick the baby. It's also especially helpful when you want to have the baby on the floor for tummy time, or when he/she learns to sit and eventually crawl.
good luck!
Great question - and lovely photo!! When Thomas was on his way I used a book called 'Tell Your Dog You're Pregnant: An essential guide for dog owners who are expecting a baby'. It was really helpful and came with a CD of sounds.
Max took some time to get used to the sounds but the book helped on how to do it. I think the website is http://www.babyandpet.com or Amazon
. Best of luck!
My parents took the dog when we went to the hospital and brought baby's swaddle blanket and onesie home every night for her to sniff. They kept her a few extra days after we were discharged. That let us figure out a routine with the baby and by the time our dog came home, we were more relaxed. Our strategy was to give the dog her space until she adjusted...never forcing interactions with the baby. When she did want to investigate, one of us focused on the baby while the other lavished praise and attention on the dog. It didn't take her long to adopt the baby
Congrats!
Honestly, we just set the stuff up and let R sniff it. I played a few baby sounds and that was that.
He wasn't stressed when we came home and took everything in stride.