How to cope with a jealous pet when grandkids come along
For many pet owners, introducing them to the grandchildren can be nerve wracking. Often we don’t know how our animals will behave if they haven’t been exposed to little people before. Here are some tips to make the introduction smooth and the relationship strong.
Try to leave the pet’s space alone
Many animals don’t like change, and tend to have their favourite spots to sit or sleep. Now isn’t the time to move the dog’s basket to make room for a playpen.
Make changes early
If you do need to move furniture around or turn your spare room into a nursery, do this well in advance so that your pet has a chance to get used to the changes.
Allow your pet to have a nose about
Most likely you will be getting some new furniture, toys or clothes to keep in the house. Let your pet sniff around and get used to them before they meet the little people.
Invite some kids over
If your pet has not had much exposure to kids or babies, you could try inviting a friend with children over for a visit to see how they react. This will give you the heads up if your pet goes absolutely crazy – you might need to then consider keeping them outside when the grandchildren come, at least at first. You could also try taking your dog to a park so that they can get used to the noises of children.
Give lots of attention
If you find that your pet does seem a bit jealous, remember that they may need a bit more love and attention than usual. Give extra cuddles, go for a few walks, and do the things your pet enjoys to let them know they haven’t lost their place in your heart.
Ensure they are well trained
Your pet may need to take part in some obedience training if you are finding they are acting in a jealous manner or starting to show signs of wanting to bite. The dog needs to know who is boss and this way you will have more control over them if things go awry.
How did your pet deal with the introduction of grandkids? We would love to hear from you in the comments.
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