Bringing your newborn home while it is an exciting time for new parents can be a very stressful time for your dog. Dogs are susceptible and can feel the tension that parents feel when they bring the baby home, which can also cause anxiety in dogs. If you have a well-trained dog, attentive to all your vocal commands, you will have fewer problems than if you never learned formal discipline. In any case, there are some things you can do to get your dog and the newborn to get used to each other, so that they eventually have a happy long-term relationship.
At the introduction of the baby, one of the first things you want to do is to adapt your dog to all the new smells that will permeate the house in the coming years. The new baby will have a variety of scents that are different than those who have lived at home before, and the dog will have to learn all these new scents, sounds and everything about the baby. So before the newborn is brought home, the mother has to come with baby clothes to feel the dog and also to attach this scent to her mother. As soon as the dog is relaxed, only when the father tugs in the new baby, mum and dad have to talk in soft, soothing tones while petting the dog during the introduction.
First impressions are critical when you have your baby and puppy meet. Whatever goes on in this initial meet will set the tone for the upcoming years and months for everyone involved.
Many things could happen, but if you follow these steps, you’ll make the first meet go as planned.
- The most critical step is to have someone else carry the baby inside the home so that you’ll be free to greet your dog. He’s going to be very happy to see you since you’ve been away having babies and not there for him.
- It’s an excellent idea to bring your dog home a new toy that you can introduce him to and take some time to play with him. This will help the two of you to bond and hopefully tire him out a little.
- When it’s time for the introduction, you may consider leashing him if it makes you feel safer. Show him the baby while you talk to the dog and make him feel safe. Let him sniff your baby’s feet and hands without ever forcing him to do anything. Let him go at his own pace.
- To state the obvious, never leave them together unattended. Dogs can easily smother a young baby accidentally only by loving them. And you never know when a baby might make a quick or unexpected move that could scare your pup and cause him to nip or bite out of fear. If your dog ever acts the least bit aggressive, remove him from the room immediately. Keep them apart and try another introduction when the dog is calm.
After everything seems to be calm and going well, try sitting on the couch with the baby on one side and your dog on the other. Talk to them both as equals and show your pup that you love them both. While your dog is friendly and relaxed, pop him a treat to show that good things happen when he sits nicely with the baby.
Your life has now changed forever, and you will have many things to learn and adjust to, but always remember that your pup needs your love too. Try to keep to a regular schedule as possible, and you’ll find that in no time at all, baby and dog will be the best of friends and bring much joy to your life.
After everything in the house has calmed down and your dog has gone to bed to relax in the usual place, it is time to invite him to lie down next to the baby. You or your partner must stay close and continuously reward the dog with compliments, combined with the command you usually use when you want your dog to be gentle.
Introducing a new baby to your dog can be a stressful task, but if you do it right, it can mean a life time of joy. Dogs are naturally fond of children and become their best friend after a short time. After all, your fur baby is part of the family too!!
