Blessed event can be a trying time for Fido

At the shelter, animal bios include the reason why the animals were surrendered. This is done to help showcase that shelter animals are oftentimes surrendered through no fault of their own. Their previous owners no longer have time for them, they are moving, or they have too many animals in their home. One common reason people surrender pets, unfortunately, is because they have a new baby. While it's true that there are some animals that need homes without young children, for most animals this isn't the case. Dogs can be especially overwhelming for new parents, so taking the time to help prepare your pet before the baby arrives is crucial.

Helping Your Pet Adjust

If your dog is used to being your only child, he'll probably have a difficult time adjusting to a new baby, especially when that baby demands all of your time and attention. Prepare your pet for the new baby by helping him learn to spend some time without you and, if possible, growing a new relationship with another member of the family. Suddenly cutting off your attention when your baby arrives can lead to behavior problems as your pet seeks out your attention in any way possible. Now is also a good time to start slowly introducing your dog to your friends' children to make the sudden arrival of a new baby less startling.

Address Training Needs Before the Baby Arrives

If your dog needs to work on leash walking skills or basic manners, take the time to train him before your baby arrives. Once the baby arrives, your pet's poor manners will only cause you a bigger headache and you will no longer have the time to focus your attention on training. Work with your dog to teach him to sit quietly by your side so he can spend time with you and the new baby in a quiet and safe way. This is also a good time to start training your dog to adjust to a new routine.

Plan Ahead

Believe it or not, your dog's energy level will not magically drop from a 10 to a 1 simply because you have a new baby and no longer have time to take your dog on long walks. Your routine many change, but your dog's basic needs will stay the same. If you have an active dog, simply taking him outside quickly to go to the bathroom is not going to be enough for him. Your dog will end up having a lot of energy to burn, and the outlet he chooses probably won't make you happy. Bored dogs tend to act out or become destructive, which leads to many new parents surrendering their pets. Plan ahead by looking at doggie day cares or finding a friend or family member to help out right after the baby arrives.

Remain Positive

There is a reason pets are also known as companion animals - they seek out the companionship of people. Your pet will not understand that you're busy with the new baby or too tired to take him to the park. And when you do spend time with your dog, he will likely be overexcited about getting attention from you. When you're overly tired, trying to keep quiet while the baby sleeps, or just overwhelmed by your dog's enthusiasm, it's easy to respond negatively to your dog's attention by scolding him. You don't want your dog's only interactions with you to be negative. Praising your dog and rewarding him will reinforce good behavior and help show him he's still an important part of your life.

Set Aside Time for Each Animal

A great tip I once heard about caring for pets after a baby is born is to set aside a specific day every week for each animal in your home. On a pet's designated day, spend some one-on-one time with that pet. Not only are you giving them the attention they need, you're also using that time to make sure your pet has no injuries or health concerns. Feel for any new lumps or bumps, check his or her ears and nails, and make note of any grooming needs. A new baby is overwhelming, and the added stress of trying to keep up with your pet's routine needs can push new parents over the edge, causing them to feel like their only choice is to give up their pet. Carving out a specific time each week to focus exclusively on your pet will cut back on the overwhelming feeling of needing to take care of everything - and everyone - all at once.

If you have a new baby on the way and are feeling overwhelmed about caring for your dog, too, surrendering your pet isn't your only option. Just like you need to make changes and preparations for the baby, your pet needs to be prepped, as well. Taking the time to help your dog adjust to the changes about to happen in your life as early as possible will make him less stressed when the baby actually arrives. With some time and effort ahead of time, it is definitely possible to welcome your new baby with your dog by your side!

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, a cockatoo, a cat, a bearded dragon, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org. To learn more about Cocheco Valley Humane Society, go to www.cvhsonline.org or call 603-749-5322.