WEST HAVEN, Conn. -- If you're a dog owner who's also expecting a new bundle of joy, there may be more to do than you think when it comes to preparing for the arrival of a baby.

Without proper preparation, there could be trouble when man's best friend meets the new addition to the house.

In Dogs and Storks, a course offered at Yale-New Haven Hospital in West Haven, parents-to-be are able to get a lesson in making the transition a little smoother.

Michelle Douglas, who teaches the course, said one thing to do is get the dog used to seeing you with a baby.

"We try to get both mom and dad to carry a doll so they get used to the visual aspect of what a baby looks like in your arms," Douglas said.

Robyn and Marc Acampora said they're expecting a girl in July. They said they tried Douglas' advice with their dog, Hogan, and that it helped.

Douglas said it's important before the baby is born to anticipate what you'll do in specific situations.

"They just need to set clear rules and let the dog know what's expected," she said.

For example, Douglas said you should think about feeding time for the baby.

The Acamporas said they've come up with a plan for Hogan for when the baby is eating.

"We need to have him get distracted," Robyn Acampora said.

The Acamporas said they're going to use a Kong -- a dog toy in which treats can be stored -- with frozen peanut butter inside, something suggested in the class.

"It keeps them occupied for a couple of hours," Douglas said. "And it's hard work, so when they're done, they fall asleep and take a nap."

She said it can also be helpful to get your dog comfortable being in a room with a door closed.

"Put him in there with something special and practice closing the door," she said.

Douglas also noted that a baby's cries can also be upsetting to a dog. She suggests using a CD of baby's cries to get the dog used to those sounds.

Parents-to-be should also be prepared for their dog to act out when the baby is getting all of the attention, Douglas said.

"The most annoying behavior that new parents complain about is attention-seeking behavior," she said.

The Acamporas said they're planning to keep a chart of bad behaviors, like nipping.

"We're supposed to either just not pay attention to him and walk away; secondly, close the door; third is the crate," Robyn Acampora said.

But the most important advice, Douglas said, is "it's never safe to leave the room and leave your baby and your dog together, no matter how good the dog is."

For more information, visit the Web sites for Michelle Douglas, Dogs & Storks or Yale-New Haven Hospital.