Our family is growing, and we want to make my transition to big brother as smooth and successful as possible! Here’s how we are preparing for the arrival of my baby brother. Hopefully this list helps any of you who are also expecting now or in the future!

• Make prior arrangements for dog sitting at a moments notice once mom goes into labor
  • Pack an overnight bag with 4 days worth of essentials (mom could be in the hospital for more than a day or two if a c-section is required or other complications).
  • Make a detailed guide for the sitter with your schedule, feeding/walking instructions, emergency contact info, and anything about your quirks or routine that they should know.
  • Find and hire a suitable pet sitter in your area on Rover! Click to receive $20 off
• Get familiar with all of the changes in the house
  • Sniffing and exploring the nursery early on. This way, I’m less anxious or excited by the unfamiliarity.
  • Designating a bed spot for me in the nursery by mom’s recliner. Practicing staying in my spot and getting rewarded with a treat. This is in hopes that I won’t try to jump into mom’s lap while it’s baby feeding time.
  • Humans mimicking movements that will be new, such as carrying around a baby and bouncing the baby bouncer. Treats for neutral behavior, of course!
• Cry training: Getting familiar with the sound of baby crying by playing recordings and getting rewarded for neutral behavior, laying down in a designated place (bed, mat).
• Getting familiar with baby’s scent: mom will be sending a swaddle home from the hospital with a family member who will let me sniff it, before baby is brought home.
• Plan for first moments back home to set everyone up for a smooth welcome and introduction
  • Dad will bring baby in the house, no interaction allowed yet
  • Mom will greet me one-on-one outside so I get to tell her how much I missed her!
  • Once I’m calm, I’ll be allowed to be in the same room as the baby where I can detect his scent without coming up to him. We will take it slowly to build closer proximity
• Visitor protocols: There will be visitors coming and going, and this can be stressful for us pups if we’re not used to it and are territorial. I am selective about who I am friendly with, so the best course of action for me is to have a trusted human hold me from afar anytime the front door is opened.
• Store rewards throughout the home
  • Treats in each area of the house to help reinforce good behavior in real time
  • Make sure we’re well stocked with my favorite treats!
• Plan for sleeping arrangements: I am used to sleeping in my own donut bed by my humans. We’re remaining flexible to see if I want to stay in the same room or will want to sleep elsewhere once baby joins us, so I have a familiar bed or crate in 3 other places in the house. Sometimes I like having my own space! Also, in case I have trouble sleeping, we have some calming treats (PetFinn.com Calming Aid – save w/ code BUTTERSPUP20) as well as vet-prescribed sleepy meds on hand (Trazodone).
• Schedule one-on-one time: On set days of the week, mom will take me on a walk and play with me uninterrupted while baby is sleeping. Especially during the first week, if mom is able to take me on a walk, we are prioritizing it. This way I know I haven’t been replaced and am still an important part of the family.
• Socialization: For those of you pups who love to play with other pups, it may be a good idea to schedule play dates and doggy day care in advance. I personally love being a solo dog and sniffing butts on my walks are all I need 🙂
• Prep enrichment activities: To keep me entertained and mentally stimulated, mom prepped frozen lick mats and kong toys for me that anyone can quickly grab out of the freezer to give to me. These help keep me busy at times when I may not be able to have as much playtime. You can use various bases of your choice such as plain yogurt, peanut butter, wet food, or smashed bananas! Then top it with crumbled treats or kibble for a fun crunch.
• Grooming: Get freshly groomed so I’m all cleaned up for baby’s arrival, and pre-set the next grooming appointment.
• Being open to seeking help: Even with all of the careful preparation, it may still be a difficult time of transition! We loved our dog trainer who helped us with behavioral concerns when I was first adopted, and would welcome having a trainer work with us again. We believe strongly in doing everything we can to integrate the family, help each other adapt to a new norm, and give everyone (including me) lots of grace in the process.

Can’t wait to welcome baby bro home!
– Butters The Pup 🐾