Our smaller brothers must get used to the crib, stroller, toys and new noises in advance.
Russell Hartstein, a certified psychologist and trainer for cats and dogs from Los Angeles, strongly recommends that all animals be prepared for some behavioral restrictions when a new and unusual living creature appears in the house. First of all, it is also important not to ignore your cat or dog with the arrival of the baby.
In order for them to understand reasonable boundaries that cannot be crossed, it is very useful to use dolls, especially those completely imitating babies. And when you bring home a real baby, then continue to act in the same way as during training with a doll that smells and makes the right sounds. This will help the cat or dog understand the situation better than if you just came home with a newborn and completely unusual smells and sounds.
In addition, Hartstein recommends taking a baby blanket or diaper, letting the pets sniff them and getting used to the smell. You can also pretend that whatever smells like a baby is the baby itself. Then you need to come home only with a blanket so that the animals greet you as usual. After they have sniffed the blanket and expended energy, the dogs should be put on leashes and given some kind of treat. Positive reward is essential to reinforcing good behavior skills.
For the first acquaintance, sit in a quiet room with a baby in your arms. Avoid being nervous or agitated when your partner brings the dog into the room on a leash. Talk to her in a calm, joyful voice to reassure her that the new family member will be enjoyable.
The expert also advises creating boundaries, which is what cats especially need. This can be a separate room or part of it, which can only be entered in your presence. Or even deny them access to a special pet-free area. Many cats and cats believe that cradles and changing tables are meant for them, and can sleep sweetly in them all day long. Therefore, you need to accustom them in advance to the fact that this is a forbidden subject. It is recommended to reward them if they take up the space intended for them (cat trees, shelves, boxes, boxes, etc.).
When asked if the pets will ever forgive their owners for “betrayal”, the trainer answers in the affirmative, but warns that one must not forget that they are also your family. If time is allocated rationally, then all its members will feel loved and included in the common life. Over time, it will be possible to add funny games to training that will teach your baby to love and take care of all living things, even if they are not like us.