If you’re a dog lover, you don’t need to be told that our dogs quickly become accustomed to being the center of our universe. And most of us wouldn’t have it any other way. But, what do you do when you have a baby on the way? A baby which will, no doubt, also need to have her place at the center of your universe.

Dogs have long been called man’s best friend, but when it comes to a new baby, some dogs take to it better than others. Fortunately, dogs aren’t usually difficult to train, and there are several things you can do to help prepare your pooch for baby’s arrival.

• First, realize that dogs are, by instinct, pack animals. The sooner your dog comes to accept your baby’s place in the “pack,” the better their relationship will be.
• Teaching your dog to interact with the new baby will be much easier if your dog is able to respond to basic commands. If you have not already had your dog obedience trained, do so before the baby arrives.
• Set up the baby furniture (i.e., crib, rocking chair, bassinette, play pen, etc.) well before baby comes. Make sure to establish with your dog which areas are off limits.
• Purchase a safety gate if you don’t already have one. No matter how well trained your dog is, there are going to be times you want to keep the dog and the baby separate, and using a barrier is the best way to keep both where you want them to be.
• Use baby lotions and oils on your own skin starting two or three months before baby arrives, so your dog can become accustomed to the new smells.
• Let your dog put his head on your tummy while baby is moving. Some dogs respond very well to this, and even seem to have an instinctual sense about the idea that a baby is coming.
• Accustom your dog to being around babies by inviting friends or relatives with infants to come over to your house.
• Get a realistic looking baby doll. Put baby powder on it so that it will smell a little more like baby will, and bring the “baby” with you whenever you take the dog out for a walk. Let your dog see you cuddling the new “baby” at home.
• When baby is born, have someone bring one of the outfits or onesies baby has worn to your dog so she can smell it and get used to the new smell before baby comes home.

Of course, like any relationship, it will take time for your dog and baby to figure one another out. Make sure you supervise the baby at all times when the dog is around, especially at first. Given time and some preparation, most dogs form wonderful bonds with babies.

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