Photo by Vicki Yang<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n When you\u2019re expecting a baby, there are so many changes you have to go through. Changes to your body, changes to your routine and, if you plan to have a separate nursery, changes to your home.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Life will also be quite different for your dog.<\/span> For so long, he has been almost like your child himself. Now he has to share you with a little creature that looks different, smells different and makes an awful lot of noise!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Start making changes to your dog\u2019s lifestyle well before you bring your baby home. That way he has time to adjust, and won\u2019t be so shell shocked at the new arrival.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Here are the important steps to preparing your dog for a new baby:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 1. Give him a refresher course on basic obedience <\/span>training<\/span>. Teach him not to jump, and train him to go and lie on a mat on command. That way, you won\u2019t be trying to change a diaper while your dog is underfoot.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 2. Put some boundaries in place<\/span> so your dog gets used to having limits<\/span>. You may not want your dog going into the nursery, or into your bedroom if your new babe is sleeping with you. Baby barrier gates are ideal. Your dog can still share the lounge room with you, but you won\u2019t have dog hair in your baby\u2019s room.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 3. Introduce your dog to children. It\u2019s helpful if your dog meets young people before you introduce him to your new family member. Perhaps you <\/span>can visit<\/span> friends or family who have <\/span>children<\/span>. Try to avoid children who will shriek or run around when your dog approaches; that won\u2019t help your dog get used to <\/span>them<\/span> at all.\u00a0 <\/span>Ask the children to give your dog treats so he learns that<\/span> they <\/span>are good to be around.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 4. When your baby is born, let your dog become familiar with her smell on a baby blanket before you come home from hospital. Don\u2019t be surprised if your dog wants to sniff and nudge the <\/span>little <\/span>wrapped bundle. He will be extremely curious. It\u2019s okay to let him sniff, but take care. His enthusiasm may result in <\/span>someone getting scratched<\/span>. Under no circumstances should you leave your child alone with your dog. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 5. Although the changes to your life are huge, do your best to spend a little time with your dog each day. That way he won\u2019t feel neglected. It won\u2019t take long until you\u2019re able to go for a walk with your new baby in the stroller, and your dog <\/span>can<\/span> come too.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n