We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful 7-month-old Dutch Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix.
Tango is a happy, curious and loving pup. He loves going for walks and being outside. He loves meeting new people. He is very smart and loyal.
Tango does have a slight separation anxiety as he was found abandoned in a forest (he is a rescue pup from SPCA). With Paul’s training and guidance, Tango is well on his way to being the best dog he can be!!!
Welcome to Doggie Dialogue
Congratulations to all our new parents this year and to our expecting Moms who will be having babies due soon!!! (quite a few this year)
To help your K9 adjust to all the new sights, sounds, smells, and the NEW routine we recommend preparing your dog before your new arrival comes home.
We recommend start by practicing unwrapping the new baby supplies, such as car seats, toys, and highchair and introduce them to your dog. Let them investigate, this will help.
Before the baby arrives, you can start to use a little bit of baby lotion, creams, or powders, yourself, therefore your K9 will get familiar with the scent.
The 2 main focuses will be teaching your dog the skills to safely interact with the new family member by having good verbal control of your K9.
The second is to plan to adjust any walking schedules, napping, or feeding times for your K9 that may better work with the baby’s schedule. For example, if your K9 is used to eating at 7:00 a.m., start now at conditioning them that breakfast can now range between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
If you feel your K9 is not liking the new feeding schedule, you can invest in an automatic feeder.
These feeders now have a built-in timer, so if you are busy with the baby, your K9 will feed himself/herself.
When the baby naps in the afternoon and you would like to lay down as well, we recommend hiring a dog walker. (at least for the first 3 weeks)
If you plan on having a dog walker, please introduce the dog walker NOW, and do occasional walks to help prepare before your newborn arrives.
If your K9 goes to doggie daycare, continue with that, once or twice a week, or ask a friend or family member to assist with your K9 for some quality playtime and exercise in the backyard.
Resist the temptation to lavish your K9 with extra attention in the weeks before the baby’s due date. This will set him/her up for a bigger let down when baby arrives.
Start scheduling short play and cuddle sessions with your K9 now and gradually give him/her less and less attention during the day. (they will entertain themselves, don’t worry)
If there is going to be “new rules” in the house when the baby arrives, prepare now. For example, if your K9 will not be allowed on the bed or furniture, introduce that restriction now.
If you don’t want your K9 to jump up on you when holding the baby, start teaching your K9 “4 paws on the floor.” You can practice with a doll.
If the baby’s room is going to be off limits, teach your K9 to sit or stay by the door, using a verbal command.
If your K9 is NOT crate trained, we recommend starting, therefore your K9 will not jump into the baby’s crib or your bed at night, when everyone is sleeping.
Should you need any assistance with your K9 during this time, please feel free to reach out to Paul at any time.
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