Your new child is on the way, or has just arrived! Having a dog as a pet can be a great way to instil empathy and responsibility in your child, and surely your dog will be thrilled to have a new family member join the pack, right?
A dog's world can get turned upside down when a new human baby joins the family, but preparation and follow-up care can help everyone adjust.
Firstly, it's important to note that your dog is a wonderful pet. How come Fido needs time and attention to acclimatise to the new baby? Small children and babies act extremely differently from the adults your dog is used to being around.
They make loud squeaking noises and can move rapidly and unexpectedly. Babies and little children often interact with dogs at eye level, which can be unsettling for the dog.
While it is common sense for adults to let a dog alone while he eats, younger people might not understand the importance of doing so. A dog may experience distress or fear as a result of such stimuli.
If you still have time before the birth of your child, you may be wondering what steps you can take to ready your dog for the arrival of the kid. There are a number of things you can do in the weeks and months leading up to the birth that will make things easier overall.
First, a new baby means lots of new people and new noises, which may be exciting for everyone, even your dog, who may occasionally just want some quiet time to himself.
It's acceptable if she already has access to a container. If that's not possible, consider introducing her to a crate, or at the very least, designating a safe space for her in your home.
For when things get too much, let your dog know there is a safe haven she can retreat to. A dog walker or "doggy day care" facility may also be useful from time to time when you have a new baby. Take advantage of this pause to research your dog-friendly options.
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All the sights and smells of baby gear, such strollers, blankets, and swings, will surround you and your new child. Don't rush your dog through these experiences; instead, spread them out over time so that he or she can absorb them and eventually treat them as routine.
Some canines experience anxiety around moving objects; therefore, it is important to acclimatise your dog to the stroller in advance. As a first step, you could try gently rocking the stroller back and forth, and eventually, you could walk her while pushing the stroller empty.
Your dog may already be fully trained, but if she isn't, you may put this time to good use by teaching her some useful skills. Start training your dog today to ignore items like baby blankets and toys that have been left on the floor.
Consider whether or not your canine is still welcome on the furniture she has previously enjoyed, such as the couch or chair. Teaching your dog the basics of self-control through the use of the "sit" and "stay" commands is always a good idea. Similarly, having him lie down in his bed or kennel when you say so can be quite useful. Read also: Using an Electric Dog Training Collar to Train the Recall
Also, if your dog doesn't already know how to behave, you may want to teach her to "back away" so that she doesn't bother you when you're trying to calm a crying infant. Say a command like "back away," show your dog the treat, and toss it a few feet away so he can get it on his own. The process should be repeated a dozen times.
Then, switch things up by saying, "back away" while extending your arm. Say a reward message like "yes" and throw the treat past your dog once she starts moving in the direction you suggested. Keep going in this fashion, but gradually lengthen the distance your dog must travel away from you before he is rewarded with a treat.
When introducing a newborn to a dog, what are some safe practises to follow? Since your dog will likely be happy to see his family again, it is advisable to let everyone in the house except the one holding the baby.
The parent with the infant can come in once she has calmed down a little and is on a leash. We want your dog to think of the infant only in a good light, so please try to keep your cool and relax before the meeting.
If your dog seems wary of the infant, you can coax her over by calling her and offering treats, but you should never try to force her to approach the baby.
Give her permission to sniff your baby's feet. It's up to you to determine how often and for how long these get-togethers will occur. Regardless of whether or not your dog is still interested, it is always best to conclude meetings on a good note. Treats and a friendly family member can help you get your dog to leave the area.
However, if after sniffing the air around the baby, your dog decides she's had enough and wants to move on to other things, that's fine; let her. Keep in mind that we want the baby to always be linked with happy things, so never criticise or penalise your dog for bad conduct in their presence. Read also: How to Look for and Hire a Pet Sitter
Depending on the individual dog, the introduction of a new family member should be handled in a pleasant manner and at a pace that is satisfactory to the dog. If you do this, you can be sure to have a great time watching your kid and dog grow up together.
