Dogs are connected to their people and their daily routines. They know when the people wake up, when and where they do certain chores, and whether it is a workday or the weekend. How? It’s quite simple: dogs are creatures of habit and they take into account the habits of those around them, too. Dogs have a keen sense of sight and smell that helps them to monitor life around them — including the changes that come with pregnancy.

Pregnancy creates hormonal changes that affect your emotions, your routines, and even your scent. Some reported changes from Moms-to-be are; over clinginess, aloofness, protectiveness, excessive attention seeking, elimination related issues, anxiety (pacing, licking etc)

If you notice unwanted changes in your dogs’ behavior here are some things to consider.

• What exactly has changed? Has the dog’s behaviour changed, or have the family’s activity level and
  routines been disturbed? Is your dog reacting to changes in your behaviour?
• How is this behavior change being reinforced? Dogs do what works for them. Why and how is this
  behaviour working for your dog?
• When did this change begin? Is the behaviour new, or have you ever seen it before? If so, when?
• Could there be any medical reason for the change in your dog’s behaviour? Allergies, aches and pains, and
  illness make us cranky, and they affect our dogs in a similar way. Could this have a bearing on your dog’s
  behaviour?

Each pregnancy is unique — from one woman to another or from your first pregnancy to the next. And although most pregnancies bring with them a great amount of joy, even “normal” pregnancies can be stressful. Family pets often react to this stress, and if the family is dealing with a difficult pregnancy, that stress is multiplied — for everyone.

Consistent leadership and training help to keep companion animals grounded throughout this wonderful and stressful time. You have a great deal to learn and do prior to the arrival of the baby; the good news is Bark Busters offers a great deal of support and information to help you prepare your dog for life with kids.

Welcoming a baby into your home can take some adjustments, for both you and you dogs. Here are some tips from Alana & Marco who run the Kingston / Belleville and Ottawa West Bark Busters.

• Make any changes to your dog’s environment and routines at least 2 months prior to bringing your baby home (i.e. dog is now outside more, feed and walk times are variable, not sleeping on your bed, etc.)
• Start ignoring your dog’s demands for attention. Call him to you for pats. The demanding will only get worse once baby is home.
• It is best to use a crate/portable den for your dog to sleep in and to provide his own “safe place” when you need him away from you or your baby.
• Ensure your dog has at least basic obedience training in place and working.

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