What happens when Fido already rules the roost and then you bring home the new prince or princess from the hospital? Anxiety for starters. But it doesn’t have to be that way. As long as you prepare Fido and yourselves for your new family of four, it can be all good for everyone involved. Below are 4 basic ways to go from canine to crib and keep the peace and harmony in your house:

• Start preparing as soon as possible-make the changes that will affect Fido now, like feeding times or evening walks or sleeping locations; the sooner you establish the new rules, the better.
• Be fair-once you’ve made new rules, stick to them; don’t leave the baby’s toys on the floor if you don’t want Fido to be tempted.
• Share the love-Fido may have been the sole recipient of your undivided attention for a long time now; he’ll happily share as long as he still gets his fair shake.
• Ask for help-you’re not the first and you won’t be the last new parents who need help with keeping the peace between the babe and the hound; ask the experts-from vets to shelters to experts online.