A new member of the pack is rarely easy on a dog. This is especially true of breeds such as Skye Terriers that are very picky about the people and animals they associate with. There are some things you can do however, that will make the transition a little bit easier for everyone involved.
Begin Preparing Early
Babies bring new equipment, new scents, and new noises into the home. While you can't easily prepare your Skye for everything before the big day arrives you can begin bringing in the new baby equipment, establishing boundaries for toys (Skyes love teddy bears), and playing the music that will be commonly heard around the house. Another way to prepare your Skye for the new sounds is to get a recording of a baby crying and play it over and over again. This is a sound the Skye needs to be accustomed to and not alarmed by.
Make sure your Skye is trained to understand and obey at least a few basic commands. Sit, stay, and out are fairly important commands in any instance and can prove invaluable once the baby comes along.
Get a Crate
There are many people who feel that this is not the way to go but it really provides a safe haven for your puppy from the baby (especially once she starts exploring the world and chasing the puppy) and it gives you a place to put the puppy when he's being a little too curious for comfort. The crate can also become a place for you to send your Skye when the baby is napping and you need a few moments of peaceful sanity to get you through the day. A moment free of puppy and baby on occasion can help you care for both much better.
Establish Boundaries
Boundaries are important. They are doubly important for breeds such as the Skye Terrier that are more than a little head strong and independent. The fierce loyalty and protectiveness of this dog is a commendable trait but it can be problematic when bringing in new babies to the arrangement. Be gentle but consistent when chastising and make sure that your Skye is never left alone with your baby even for a moment.
Plan for some growing pains along the way and make a concerted effort to focus a little extra attention on your Skye as he learns to share your heart with baby. Do not neglect your Skye though or he will resent the baby. Keep feedings at the normal times, take your walks together, and let him get a carefully supervised peek at the baby on occasion.
While it may be a painful experience to introduce your new baby to your Skye if you manage to do it the right way you will find that the stage has been set for a lifelong friendship with your baby and your Skye. Use your knowledge of your Skye to create the best situation possible for your Skyes personality and the safety and well being of all.
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