For a dog, bringing a new baby into the house is a monumental occasion. Dogs are smart, and yours will likely have picked up on your pregnancy already, but that doesn’t mean that they’re ready for what comes next. Here are some tips to help you successfully introduce your new baby to your dog.
Before the baby comes
Get your training sorted before the baby arrives
It is essential that you iron out any kinks in your dog’s training before your baby arrives. Nine months is plenty of time to go over the basics and to add in a few new commands that may make your life easier when you have another thing on your hands. Having a calm and obedient dog will make the introduction process much easier for everyone involved.
Remember that your dog can feel your energy
Dogs can pick up on your energy. If you are sad, your dog knows. If you are anxious, your dog knows. And if you are tense, your dog knows. Bringing a baby into your house and introducing them to your dog is a nervous time, but it is essential to be aware that your dog will pick up your energy, so if possible, try to work on calming your own feelings.
Introduce your dog to your baby’s scent first
Introducing your dog to an item of clothing that smells like your baby, can help you to establish some important boundaries. Ask your dog to smell the item from a distance so that they know that you are in control and that you have given them permission to smell it. Do not give them the item like it is a toy or let them run off with it. This interaction should be calm and controlled.
Establish boundaries in your home
If your dog currently has free-reign over your entire house, then it is important to establish some boundaries, at least in the beginning. Start by keeping the nursery off-limits, and consider installing a dog-gate or similar device so that your dog can smell and see inside, but knows that they cannot enter. Over time, you can begin allowing your dog to smell items in the nursery with supervision, but they must always leave when you ask them too. If possible, try to establish these boundaries before your baby arrives. Dog gates and other devices can be found from stores like Time 4 Paws.
The introduction
Take your dog on a walk
On the day that you plan to bring your baby home, try to take your dog for a walk so that they can work out some of their energy. When you return to your house, ensure that your dog is in a calm state before letting them in.
Let your dog sniff your baby
As soon as your dog enters your home, they will smell your new baby. Allow them to sniff the baby from a distance and try to keep them calm. As time progresses, they can begin to smell the baby more closely, but should always be closely supervised.
Don’t become complacent too soon
Even if it appears as though your dog is uninterested in your baby, do not become complacent too soon. We’ve all heard the horror stories about dogs and babies, and so it is crucial to be calm but on guard during these very vulnerable first few months. Even if you have a dog breed that is known for being loving and family-friendly, this does not mean that you can let your guard down.
Moving forward
Provide your dog with lots of attention
A new baby can be all-consuming, but you must not forget to give your dog the love and attention they also crave from you. Schedule time in for daily walks, play with them, give them lots of new stimulating toys, buy them a new bed, and help them to feel safe and secure by providing them with your leadership.
Teach your baby to respect your dog
As your baby begins to grow up, crawl and explore their environment, it is not just the dog that needs to respect certain boundaries. Teach your child to respect your dog, not to pull its hair, ears or tail, and to allow him time to sleep and relax. Although your dog may have accepted your baby, they may still get grouchy if they are pulled around like a toy.
What to do if things aren’t going to plan?
If your dog is showing signs of aggression or you are concerned about the safety of your baby, then it is always best to involve a professional in your introduction. A professional dog trainer will be able to pick up on subtle behavioural signs and can also teach you methods to reassure and control them.
Image credit: Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels