Mary Allen
Pregnant and dog? Sure, the beloved four-legged friend was your number one for a long time. But if a small two-legged friend is on the way, your furry friend will probably have to share this space from now on. For this to work as harmoniously as possible, a certain amount of preparation is advisable.
Even if your priorities shift a bit with pregnancy, with the right approach, “pregnant and dog” are not mutually exclusive!
- How do I prepare my dog for my offspring?
- And how do I ensure harmony between baby and furry friend?
Are you expecting a baby and can’t wait to tell you this great news? There is someone you don’t have to tell because they already know – they usually know before the pregnancy test – your dog. With his fine nose, he can perceive the hormonal changes in your body.
Good Preparation
Friends and family are happy for you and shower you with lots of advice and well-intentioned tips for the time with the baby. The dog and the danger it supposedly poses are often the cause of discussion. Prepare for it mentally. Of course, you will have your thoughts about how to deal with the dog properly during pregnancy and for the time afterward.
Don’t let yourself be unnecessarily unsettled! You will find the ideal solution for you and your family and will be able to maintain a close relationship with your dog even after the birth. You know your dog best and with good preparation, you will be able to continue to do justice to him despite the stress and hectic in the new everyday life. Ideally, you now have a few months to prepare yourself and your dog well for the future together.
Before Birth: Deprive Dog of Unwanted Privileges
Think with your partner in advance about how you imagine life with a baby and dog:
- What is important to you, what rules would you like to introduce and what habits will you not be able to maintain?
- What should your dog learn before the baby arrives?
If, for example, your dog should no longer be allowed on the sofa or in bed in the future, you can get him used to a new place at an early stage. Because if the dog is sent off the sofa when the baby is there, it may negatively associate this loss with the child.
- Are there dog toys and chewing bones all over the house?
Then you should start putting them away in good time, so your dog will not even think of having to defend it from the crawling child or its visitors later on and the stress level remains within the normal range.
- Do you respond to the smallest whimper or every play request from your beloved four-legged friend?
Then he should learn that they are not available 24/7. This way, early changes and new rituals that you are now getting your dog used to will not be associated with the new baby.
Check the Basic Training of the Dog
Even if you enjoy life with children and dogs very much, there will be days when your nerves are on edge and you are stressed and will be happy if the dog reliably responds to your signals. Now is the right time to review or start training your four-legged friend.
Feel free to perfect your “seat” and “place” . Being able to fix the dog will make your life a lot easier. Imagine how nice it is when the dog sits relaxed in the car when you signal “sit” and waits until you have unpacked your child and stroller without nervously and demandingly jumping up on you.
- Does your dog run up to you when you call back?
Perfect. If not, you should practice this until you give birth. You probably won’t be able to push the pram into the undergrowth to look for your lost four-legged friend.
- And what about walking on the leash, how consistently have you trained your dog?
As your pregnancy progresses, a dog that pulls becomes more and more exhausting. At the latest when you are out and about with the stroller, you will be happy if you have taught your dog to watch out for a slightly sagging leash.