Many people start their families by getting a dog before adding a baby to the mix. This often means that the dog becomes used to being the “baby” itself. Even if you have older children when you get the dog, a baby is a whole new ballgame for your dog. Therefore, it is important to make sure your Labrador retriever is prepared for the new addition to your home. This will reduce conflict and help keep everyone more comfortable.
- Make sure your Labrador is properly trained before the baby arrives. This may mean taking your dog to a training class to ensure he learns not to jump on people. This is critical when you bring your baby home. The last thing you need is for your large Labrador retriever to jump up on a tiny newborn baby.
- Get your Labrador retriever used to everything baby in your home. Set up the baby’s furniture early and allow your pet to get used to seeing it. Buy a baby doll and start carrying it around the home so your Labrador sees you carrying a baby around. You can also play baby sounds around your pet so he will get used to hearing a baby in your home.
- Invite friends and family members who have a young child over so your Labrador retriever can get used to being around a baby. While you don’t want to use a baby as a guinea pig, it is important for your pet to get some practice before the time comes. Labradors are sensitive to change and will already sense that something is changing.
- Make sure someone takes care of your pet while you are in the hospital having the baby. Just like an older sibling, your Labrador retriever can feel neglected if you disappear and will feel replaced if you suddenly show up with a tiny new person.
- Send home a blanket the baby has used with your spouse or significant other before you bring the baby home. Allow the dog to sniff it so your Labrador can get used to the baby’s smell. This will make the baby more familiar to your dog when you bring the new baby home.
- When you bring the baby home, enter the home yourself without the baby. Allow your significant other to bring the baby in so you can give your Labrador retriever your full attention. This will show him that he is still important, despite the new baby.
Bringing home a new baby is an exciting experience. However, your Labrador retriever shouldn’t have to fee left out. As long as you prepare your dog before you bring the baby home, you will experience a smoother transition. However, it is always important to remember that complete supervision is a must with babies and dogs. Even the most mild mannered Labrador retriever can snap without warning.
