Best Dog Advice for Women Expecting a Baby?

[dogs4life]

Being pregnant and expecting your first child, unfortunately brings out the "expert" in everyone around you. Everyone has strong options about your "condition" and how you should act, eat and buy for your new baby.

When I was pregnant with my daughter lots of people were concerned about how the dogs would react and what we were doing to prepare for the changes in our household. Many times people would tell us to get rid of the dogs, put the dogs out 24/7 or lock the dogs up when they have toys, treats or food. Personally I only got advice from 3 people I trusted because they actually loved their dogs and felt that their dogs and kids deserve to live in harmony. One was my hairdresser, one was a scientist client of mine and one was a vet client of mine. In all cases they had the same goals, keep the kids and dogs together in harmony and safety.

So I wanted to share what we did and the great advice we received that changed my perspective. Also I want to hear what worked for you and the great advice you recieved.

1. What was the best advice you got from other moms and dads with dogs?

For me:
-Never put your newborn on furniture or walk away from a newborn for 1 second.
-Crate train, crate train, crate train!
-Do not sleep with your dogs.
-Do not let your dogs get on furniture unless invited.
-Get your dog used to someone playing with their food, toys, treats, bed and crate. My daughter gets into the crates and takes treats and toys from the dogs with no problem. It took work but they all understand now that Sam can take anything from them.

2. What is the best advice you give other expectant moms and dads?

For Me:
-Never walk your dog while pushing a stroller, disasters waiting to happen and very frustrating.
-Wear your baby! Buy a sling, wrap, pouch, Mei Tei or carrier. I loved my Moby Wrap, Mei Tei and Ergo. Hated the stroller. It will save your nerves, ease your mind and free your hands for walking the dogs or doing everyday things.
-Teach your dog not to pull on the leash keeping in mind that your child will want to walk your dog as soon as 18 months. If you get your dog prepared now you will have an easier time later. Our neighbors are constantly surprised that I let Sam walk Montana and Hank at the same time, supervised of course, everyday. It took me 1 year to get Montana to quit pulling while on lead.
-Crate train, your children will hurt the dog(s), that is a given. Make sure you can protect your dog by putting them in their crate during times your child is "crazy" or you have neighbor kids over who are not nice to your dogs.
-Train your dog not to bolt out the door...kids leave door open and let dogs out all the time. Teach your dog not to leave without permission.
-Obedience training and off-lead training is invaluable. The ability to control your dog without a leash is a huge stress buster.

3. What Books helped you with your dog and baby interactions?

For Me:
-Childproofing Your Dog: A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Dog for the Children in Your Life by Brian Kilcommons & Sarah Wilson was at my bedside with all my pregnancy and birth books.