Do's and don'ts...

Before the baby is born (we are talking AT LEAST one month in advance), practice by carrying around a doll. Allow the dog to sniff the doll, and praise him profusely for not jumping up and/or for being gentle around the "baby."

Praise your dog every time he shows an appropriate behavior around the doll.

Purchase or make a cassette tape of babies crying, screaming, laughing, etc...to prepare your dog for these new sounds.

Reduce the amount of 1 on 1 time you spend with your dog to something similar to the amount of time you will actually have for your dog, once the baby arrives. You must do this to prepare your dog so he is well-adjusted by the time the baby arrives.

If you must change your dog's schedule (eating, walking, etc...) do it BEFORE the baby comes! If someone new will be feeding the dog once the baby arrives, have that person start now.

When the baby is born, take a piece of clothing your baby wore, or the blanket he was wrapped in, and send it home the first night, with a family member. Have the dog sniff the item, and leave it there. Your dog will now be familiar with his new family member's scent! 

If the husband has the closest relationship with the dog, HE should be the first person to enter the house WITHOUT the baby in his arms. He should pet the dog for a few minutes, and then the wife should enter the home with the baby in a secure carrier (just in case dog gets excited or curious and jumps up to see the baby). The point is, whoever has the closest relationship to the dog, should NOT be the one carrying the baby into the house for the first time.

Permit the dog to smell the baby upon entering the house. Again, it is crucial to praise your dog when he shows appropriate behaviors!

Do not relegate your dog outdoors or somewhere else to seclude him from the baby because you are afraid he'll hurt her. In doing so, you send the message to your dog, that he is not a valuable "pack" member of your family.  He wants to meet and be with this new member too!


Do not expect your dog to "go with the flow" and be well-adjusted, if you did not take the time to prepare him beforehand! 

If your dog displays ANY SIGNS of  possession guarding (treat, bone or toy aggression) BEFORE the baby is born, it is extremely important that you work with your dog NOW. Practice taking away his food dish while he is eating, putting it out of reach, and put your dog in a "sit." Praise your dog thoroughly when he does not bark, growl, or whine. Return the dish to the ground and allow your pet to eat. Practice this often. Same thing goes with treats and toys. Practice EVERY DAY, taking away the dog's toy, treat or bone, and praise the dog when he does not snap, growl, etc...reward the dog with praise, praise praise. If you cannot get past this hurdle yourself with these simple exercises, call your vet and ask for a trainer.  Keep all dog's toys, treats and bones away from your baby and children at all times. Give these items to your dog only when the baby is not around, in another room perhaps, and pick everything up when your dog is through playing. Follow through and separate your dog's toys from your child and her toys at all times.

Don't give up on your dog, because you think you will have "no time for him." Your dog will be FAR better off, staying in his home, with the family he knows and loves, even if it means he does not get as much attention! People underestimate their dogs--they are very resilient, and can adapt to a change in schedule!!!

Experts in the animal field agree that a dog requires a mere 15 minutes of 1 on 1 time with his master PER DAY, to be happy, healthy, and well-adjusted! That could be laying in bed at night watching t.v. and petting him, playing ball in the backyard for 15 minutes while dinner is cooking, or going for a walk or jog! Surely a dog owner can find 15 minutes a day to dedicate to his buddy.

If you choose to take your dog to a shelter anyway, be aware that shelters across the country are overloaded. Most will hold your dog for 5 days (provided he is healthy, young, and "adoptable"). If he is not adopted in that amount of time, he will be euthanized (put to sleep) in order to make room for the next dog.

Also be warned that when you advertise or offer your pet "FREE TO GOOD HOME" you run the extreme risk, of having a professional "batcher," answer your ad, and masquerade as a loving owner who will give your pet a great home; however, he will turn around and sell your pet to medical research facilities, dog fighting rings, or for profit. There are real people who do this for a LIVING.

If you decide to give up your pet it is best to contact a breed rescue organization or sell your pet for AT LEAST $100, in order to weed out individuals with ill intentions for your pet. We suggest that you ask for and call personal references, and visit the homes of people who show an interest in your pet, to ensure a proper placement. It is your responsibility to find your pet an alternative home, should you choose not to keep him.