Prepare your dog for a new baby

Dear Cathy: My daughter and her wife are expecting a baby. They have two dogs

— a bichon-Yorkie mix and a huskie-greyhound mix. The Yorkie, Shelbie, is older. She is protective of my daughter and will growl if children approach too quickly. Llama, the younger dog, is not aware of her size and loves to greet people by nudging them with her nose and paws. How can they acclimate the dogs to this new human? — Marsha, Queens, New York

Dear Marsha: While each dog will react differently to the arrival of a new baby, they also can cope with change — as long as it’s gradual. Have your daughter and her wife begin working on basic obedience training. A well-mannered pet will be easier to manage.

Decorate the baby’s nursery in advance so the dogs can adjust to the sights and smells.

Take the dogs for walks near playgrounds or invite friends with kids over so they get used to being around children.

If your pet’s routine will change, change it before the baby is born.

After your grandbaby is born, have someone bring home a blanket with the baby’s smell on it for the dogs to sniff so scent swapping can begin.

When the dogs see the baby for the first time, ask them to sit and give them treats while they observe the baby.

Give the dogs lots of attention when the baby is present.

As for Shelbie, she should never be in between your daughter and the baby. This is a protective position. Either move Shelbie from this position or have your daughter step over her so Shelbie learns that she doesn’t need to be protective of your daughter.

Dogs should never be left unsupervised with a baby. This basic rule of thumb will protect your baby from an excited pet and your pet from a wound-up child.