We're expecting a baby. What can we do to help prepare our dog and to minimize any jealousy?
When possible, prepare for the new arrival by exposing your dog to infants and teaching them correct behavior ASAP. Always reward your dog for the calm behavior you want.
Dogs are curious, and they need to sniff babies. Kept completely away, they may be overwhelmed with curiosity and be driven to inspect the infant on their own terms. They may think they are being kept away because this is a dangerous object. Don't make it a big deal, let the dog sniff. Say, "good dog," then go and play a doggy game.
Before the infant arrives, bring a blanket home from the hospital with the infant's scent. This will give your dog a sneak preview. If the dog has never been exposed to an infant's cry, find a tape recording and play it while feeding your dog (to associate the sound with something pleasant -- food).
When the big day arrives, take the dog out to meet mom and the baby on neutral territory. From here on in, just use some common sense. While your life will become busier with a newborn (that's an understatement), don't ignore the dog. Its schedule may have to change, but if the dog continues to get your attention, it will adjust. For example, if you no longer have time for the early morning run, try the midnight walk. While you're up walking around, calming the fussing baby, why not toss the dog treats or a favorite toy? If you're really thinking, you'll set it up so the dog thinks it only gets a specific favorite treat when the baby is around.
No matter how calm your dog happens to be around the newborn, absolutely never allow your dog to spend unsupervised time with an infant.