Re: Baby on the Way

In Reply to: Baby on the Way
Posted by:  Jenny
Posted on:  August 30, 2001 at 12:31:31

: HI:
: I just found out that I am pregnant and I am due in April. We have a female Jack Russel that will be one year old in October. She is so good, she minds and knows what "no" means. I have had little cousins and babies come over in the past and she has done really well, all she does to the babies is lick their feet. I'm just worried that she may feel jealous when the new baby arrives. I hope that she accepts it and is close to it(that is how I think she will be). Would obedience classes benefit this issue any? How do you think she will do? I appreciate any thoughts and ideas.
: Thanks

------------------ Response Area -------------------
Hi Jenny,

First of all congratulations on your pending motherhood!

The key to making as smooth transition for your dog to the newest family member is to make sure that you get her ready well in advance.

Yes obedience training would be the hallmark of your plan. Your girl will learn commands that will come in handy for when your baby arrives.

Also what you must start to do is to get her used to all things related to the baby. There will be new items and smells coming into your house that your dog will be curious about. It is better to let her get used to those things in advance of the baby coming.

Allow her into the nursery before the baby arrives so she can check everything out. I don't know about your terrier but I can tell you mine are some really nosey dogs and anything that enters the house must be inspected.

Get her used to the smells of baby items, the lotions and such. You can rub some on your hands, or powder your hands and let her be able to smell these things.

If you do all of these things well in advance then these items and smells will become routine to her and she shouldn't be getting real excited once the baby arrives.

It is also a good idea if once the baby does arrive and if you get the luxury of staying in the hospital for a couple of days, to have your husband bring home something the baby has worn or even a blanket the baby has been wrapped in so your dog can get used to the smell of the actual baby.

And of course you know that once the baby gets here you have to not forget your first "baby" and make sure that you and your husband also spend some quality time with the furry kid.

This can work, many people have successfully introduced a baby to their terriers but they are the people that did their homework well in advance of baby coming.

Your trainer too should have some tips for you.