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You eagerly await the birth of your baby, when you realize that you’re not sure how your dog will react to the new annex. After all, it was your baby so far.

Introducing your dog to your new baby is an important step in keeping your home safe for baby and a happy place for your pet. It is never too early to start preparing your dog for the newcomer. Remember, it is used to get attention and now he must share it.

There are a few things to do in advance of the arrival of your baby …

Make sure your dog is healthy. Take him to your vet for a check-up. You want to make sure your dog does not have worms or parasites. If your dog has been spayed or neutered, you may want this to happen simultaneously.

Friends of babies should be encouraged to visit if your dog is familiar with them. Make sure you look closely at your dog during the visit. Give him attention so there is know reason for him to be jealous

Allow your dog to become familiar with the odors that the baby will make in your home. Let him sniff the crib, changing table, diapers, toys, lotions and powders. You can also put part of the baby lotion on your hands and let him get used to the smell. Never let your dog sleep on the furniture or play with baby toys.

Baby noises will help your dog get used to the sounds before the baby comes home. Turn on the baby swing from time to time, rock in the rocking chair. There are also training cd’s of baby sounds. The more familiar he becomes with the sounds, the easier the transition when the baby comes home. Your goal here is to have a positive experience, so play with him and give plenty of attention. Treats work great too.

The toys your dog does not resemble baby toys. You do not want him to take a toy from the baby’s hand and the child may have accidentally injured.

If the baby’s room will be off limits, establish a solid barrier. To do this well before the baby coming home. Your dog will be used. It will also be able to watch what happens in the bedroom and do not feel so isolated from family. Whenever you leave the nursery, make sure you give your dog praise and affection.

Make a doll in the house with you. When you take your dog for a walk, pushing a stroller with a doll in it. You want him to become familiar with all the different activities that include the baby.

When the baby comes home for the first time, do not neglect your dog. Have someone else take the baby while you greet your dog. It has failed and you need that time to show you how he is happy to have you home. Much love and a new toy would be perfect for this return. Once your dog has settled you can begin to introduce the baby. If you do not know how he will act, leaves or retain in the introduction, but he can feel the baby’s hands and feet. Pet him and talk of encouragement during this introduction. The first few meetings with the baby must be positive.

Never force your dog to welcome the baby. He needs to do in his own time. Give him lots of attention and playing time there is no reason to be jealous of the baby. Let him sit near you when you have the baby. This will make him feel part of your family.

Proper training will help your baby and your dog to be comfortable with each other. This will make a happy home safely.