Check below for some ideas on how to work with your doggie before the baby comes. Following this advice on how to prepare your pet for the arrival of a new baby will make life much easier and, before you know it you will be snapping photos of your babies together, living in harmony!

* Spend less time with your dog. You may be inclined to squeeze in a ton of quality time with Fido or Fluffy before the baby is born to make up for the attention deficit coming soon, but experts advise doing just the opposite and gradually reducing the amount of time you spend with your pet before the baby comes. Also, “If your pet is particularly attached to the mother-to-be, another family member should develop a closer relationship with the animal. That way, the pet can still feel loved and provided for while mom is busy with the baby,” the Humane Society suggests.

* Teach your dog basic obedience skills. You'll need them more than ever. For example, if you're nursing and the dog wants to jump into your lap, “sit” or “down” can keep her at bay — and the baby safe — until you're done, the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says. If she's biting or getting too close to the baby's things, “leave it” or “drop it” are valuable phrases. And teaching her not to jump on people will be important for those times when you or anyone else is holding the baby. The Humane Society says you may even want to enroll in a training class with your dog to strengthen your bond and give you more control over her behavior. The ASPCA has more tips on which commands are especially helpful for parents-to-be.

* Introduce them to new sights, sounds and smells. With babies comes a slew of new things to torture your pet's senses. Get your pet used to the sight of a baby by carrying a swaddled doll around the house or putting one in the baby's crib, the Humane Society suggests. Prepare your kitty for the sound of a shrieking infant by playing the sound of a baby crying. If you're using a mechanical swing or mobile, turn it on occasionally so your pet becomes familiar with it. Set out diapers and clean clothes for the dog to smell, and use baby lotion or oil on your skin once in a while.

* Set limits now, not later. If the dog or cat won't be allowed into the nursery, start keeping her out with a sturdy gate now, not the day you bring baby home. Same thing applies if the dog sleeps in your bed now but won't once the baby is born. Get her a comfortable dog bed instead; the sooner she gets used to it, the better.

Experts suggest when it finally comes time to bring your baby home, to make it a quiet and easy event. If your dog senses nervousness, he might become anxiety ridden himself.

It’s a good idea to have Mommy or Daddy take the baby into another room, keeping Fido with you for a while. Have some material that has been around the baby, a plush toy or blanket, and let the dog smell it. Once the pup has the baby’s scent, it might be an easier transition.

Just remember to be calm and comfortable the entire time. Later on, as the dog gets used to the new family member, things will get loud enough… and Fido will learn to endure to it like the rest of the family!

For more information check out Mother Nature Network.