DogBoston

Jo, We are having a baby and we are concerned about how our dogs (two beagles, one is 4, the other is 6) will act when the baby comes home. any thoughts on that? this has me losing sleep …. Amy, JP

Hi Amy!
Congratulations — both on your impending new arrival and your comittment to your dogs! Try not to lose too much sleep — you’ll be losing enough once the baby arrives!

One of my best friends and colleagues is an expert on babies and dogs, and she says that preparation is KEY to a successful homecoming and bonding experience — here are a few tips:

1. Review and practice obedience commands like sit, down and stay from various positions (in case you are playing on the floor with the baby)
2. Really work on socializing your dogs around babies and children, but look carefully for signs of stress
3. Start living by a ‘baby schedule’
4. Get the dogs comfortable around the baby furniture and teach them the behaviors you would like to see around the stroller, crib, swing, etc.
5. Get some baby lotion and put some on the baby’s equipment, toys, etc — then put the same lotion on the baby before you bring it home.
6. Have Dad bring home a blanket with the baby’s smell on it before you come home from the hospital.

For more great information, please visit my friend’s website: http://familypaws.com/dogsandstorks/

- Jo