Week 27 - Pregnancy Prep

Heading into the final stages of the second trimester, I am experiencing a mix of physical and emotional feelings. This morning, I did the dreaded gestational diabetes glucose tolerance test, which was actually not so bad. I think a decade or two ago, the glucose syrup was literally sickening, but nowadays, it is just a small sugary drink that gives you a sugar boost and then a sugar low.

I am tired all the time and the joys of polyuria have well and truly kicked in. Average sleep cycle lasts an hour, and then its a reliable visit to the bathroom… hour after hour after hour. Our little girl is constantly active, fluttering, kicking and pushing from the inside, reminding me that she is now the boss of my body, but happily sharing my heart with Chester - love of my life.

Now to the reason you are probably reading this… how is the dog training coming along? The baby’s room is more or less set up and we visit there for quiet time several times each day.

Harry is learning that there are some toys that he can bring along, but the others are no-go zones. This is done by making him perceive the toyws he is allowed to play with seem to be the best fun. FInding hisw toys, playing with his toys are enjoyable missions for him and he loves playing the game of finding his toys in her room.

There are no treats in the room, but there are on the other side of the gate. The dogs have free choice to either come in to her room and rest on their comfy bed, or find a yummy treat outside of the room. Bringing food into this space will make the dogs see the room in a way that is anticipatory for food, wnich may lead to anxiety and frustration if i am busy in there.

For me, choice is incredibly important to provide for the dogs. We often see dogs deprived of choice more and more as parents bring a new baby home, which can lead to a myriad of emotional and physical problems for the dog.

Because Harry is the youngest and most active, he is also learning the best place to play with balls. Balls are outside fun, so when we come inside, the ball stays outdoors. He has learnt this so quickly - again because he has choice. If he wants to come inside (which he doesnt have to if he doesn’t want to), then the ball needs to be dropped. It’s his choice to make.

Starting next week, I will be introducimng the sounds of baby cries into the dog’s day and night. I will esnt this on a timer on my phone - with different sounded alarms (prerecorded). When the alarm goes off, I tend to the doll decoy who will one day be a real baby girl. This is a desensitising process, which I plan to reduce the interest of the dogs over time. Cashew will be most challenging to learn this as he is hyperalert to change - particularly sounds. Will keep you posted.

See you in a week’s time. For comments and questions, reach out to laura@laurav.com.au and remember, you can always catch my work on ABC iView, 3AW and ABC Perth.