To blanket or not to blanket
When I was pregnant with my daughter, I researched things to do with my dog to start preparing him for the changes ahead. I encountered a variety of advice that ranged from useful to risky. Thanks to my background in animal behavior, I could parse out the helpful bits, but that left me concerned for folks who would be following all the recommendations I had read. The piece of advice I’d like to focus on today is bringing the baby blanket home from the hospital for the dog to sniff. I’m not sure where this piece of advice originated from, but over the years, it has perpetuated the idea that introducing your dog to your baby is a one-and-done ordeal. That if your dog “accepts” the blanket, you’re in the clear and they will live happily ever after. Sadly, this concept has led to trauma and heartbreak for a lot of new parents.
Before we jump into blanket sniffing, let’s talk about the homecoming phase. Rather than an introduction, you can think of your baby’s homecoming as an adjustment period for your dog, much like you would another pet coming into the home – gradually over time and with a lot of positive associations. Keep in mind that they don’t need to be physically close to start forming a bond. It is perfectly fine to have your dog separated in those initial sleep deprived days, including having them stay at a family or friend’s house while you adjust to parenthood.
Given that the homecoming adjustment period for your dog may span several weeks to months, you can see why relying solely on a single blanket sniff is not sufficient when looking at the big picture. It also overlooks the numerous additional adjustments your dog will experience, including unfamiliar sounds, new visual stimuli, baby equipment, modified routines, and other environmental changes. The good news is that nearly all these adjustments can be addressed prior to your baby's arrival. If you are feeling uncertain about where to begin, I provide Expectant Parent Preparation packages designed to guide and support you through this transition. Since behavior change can take time, it's best to reach out as soon as you can, but preferably in the first trimester.