Congratulations! You have just had a baby and are ready to leave the hospital. But wait -- How’s your first child (your pet-the one you initially practiced your parenting skill with) going to react to the new arrival?

Even months before your baby’s due date, you have hopefully been working with your pet to resolve any preexisting behavioral problems. Even small problems can seem big through the eyes of a sleep deprived new parent.

Make sure you have reviewed basic obedience skills daily (sit/stay and down/stay) with your dog so it will reliably and consistently obey you. You should gradually change your pets feeding, exercise, and play schedule to that which will fit the family’s situation once the baby is home.

Before your baby arrives home, let your pet explore the baby’s sleeping and diaper changing area. Incorporate fun interactions with your pet in the baby’s room rather than making the room off limits.

Use a doll to mimic baby behaviors and tape recordings of a crying baby to help acclimate your pet to these changes gradually.

After the baby is born, present a blanket with the baby’s scent to your pet. Let the pet explore this new odor under positive circumstances.

When the family arrives home from the hospital, someone besides the mother should carry the baby into the house. This will allow the mother to interact with the dog who is excited enough simply by her return.

After your pet has settled down, have an adult hold him on a short leash in a controlled sit/stay or down/stay position across the room, while another adult holds the baby.

Proceed slowly over several training periods, bringing the dog, as long as it is well behaved, closer to the baby.   Keep the dog under control with a reassuring and relaxed manner.

Some sniffing and licking are normal parts of your pet’s exploration. After several successful sessions, cautiously allow your dog off its leash.

Remember, pets need time to adjust to a new family member and these changes need to occur in a gradual and positive manner.

If you are not certain that your pet is trustworthy because of its history or lack of training, your child’s safety must come first.

Call a professional trainer for help. And please remember that no matter how well you trust your pet, an infant should never be left alone with any animal.