Helping canine companions through major life transitions

Q:My daughter and her wife are expecting a baby in November. They have two dogs — a small bichon-Yorkie mix and a large huskie-greyhound mix. The Yorkie is protective of my daughter and will growl sometimes if children approach her too quickly.

How can they prepare the dogs for a new baby?

A: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 with the dogs, specifically sit, stay, down, here and leave it. A well-mannered pet will be easier to manage around a baby.

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

Take the dogs for walks near playgrounds or invite friends with kids over so they get used to being around children. The dog should be kept on a leash or placed in a kennel in the same room so the dog can be present but not interact with the child or vice versa.

If your pet’s routine will change, change it before the baby is born. If you normally walk your dogs at 7 a.m. but want to walk them at noon instead, begin the change now so they have time to adjust.

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 them treats whenever they are behaving well around the baby.

As for the Yorkie, they should never be in between your daughter and the baby. This is a protective position that feeds their need to protect your daughter. Either move them from this position or have your daughter step in front over them so they learn that they don’t need to be protective of your daughter.

Q:

We just had to put our 15-year-old mini poodle mix down as he was unwell and suffering. His half-sister is getting sick over this now. She waits at the door for him, doesn’t sleep at night, and wanders around looking for him. We can’t get another dog at this point to keep her company. What can we do for her?

A: Please know that grief, both yours and your other dog’s, is normal, expected and different for every person and pet.

I was happy to hear you say you weren’t getting another dog. While another dog might be a diversion for your remaining dog, one should hold off on adopting another pet right away for several reasons.

First, there is always some stress when introducing a new pet into the household, which your older dog doesn’t need right now. Secondly, your attention will be focused on the new dog and not on the dog who is grieving.

Whenever there is a sick dog or cat in the house, it means the other pets in the home probably haven’t been getting much attention. So give your dog lots of affection right now. Spend time with her. Cuddle with her. Distract her with puzzle toys or walks or whatever activity or treats you know she enjoys. Time together will help you both cope with the loss.