Many couples believe that dogs are your very first “baby.” Your dog likely knows that he’s! Your dog will remain an integral part of the family once your child or daughter arrives on the scene. However, the routines of your household will change, which can confuse your dog.
As with baby dogs, they thrive on predictability, as do we “a newborn dramatically changes not only your life but your dog’s as well,” says Victoria Stilwell, dog trainer and host of Animal Planet’s Me or the Dog. Soon, he’ll be sharing your love for the demands of a newborn and won’t be able to understand why the walks he enjoys are becoming shorter.
Don’t wait until Baby is home to help your puppy adjust to the more prominent family. “While you’re pregnant, initiate changes to get him used to a new schedule,” Stilwell suggests.
Prepare Your Dog for the New Sounds and Smells
Remember that just because you know what’s happening doesn’t mean your dog is. If you don’t make the right way to introduce your pet, he might be anxious about the infant. Babies can make all kinds of strange sounds. They also have different smells! However, you can take steps to prepare your pet for those changes.1
For instance, you could play a recorded recording of baby sounds in the house well before your baby’s arrival. This will allow your puppy not to be overwhelmed by sudden noises.
It is also possible to put items that smell like a baby all over the house. So your dog is not exposed to myriad fresh smells each time you bring your child home. It could include baby lotion and baby powder. If you have blankets for babies from where you’ll be giving birth, that’s perfect.
After your baby’s arrival and your dog is born, she will require a “safe space” away from everything if she becomes stressed. It could be a crate with an inviting pad or pet bed located in the laundry room or another area where the baby isn’t and is quiet.
DESENSITIZING TO THE SOUNDS & SMELLS OF BABY
Listen to recordings of the baby’s sounds at a low volume, then increase it if your dog isn’t upset and is peaceful.
Make use of a realistic baby doll that moves and makes sounds to help your dog get used to how a real baby would be and how it will sound. Reward and praise your dog’s behavior when it is nice and quiet with the doll.
Be sure to walk past children from an appropriate distance, like walking by an elementary school or playground. If your dog reacts adversely at the sight of children, speak with a professional immediately.
Bring home an item your baby wore when they were in the hospital so that you can get your dog used to the scent of your infant.
Review the fundamentals of relationships
Training is a continuous process of developing a positive bond with your canine. Beyond the specific commands, think about training with a professional and invest the time to establish boundaries and an excellent daily relationship between your dog’s family and the human family. “I want to teach all dogs to be respectful of the baby, the space around the baby, and when the baby is around in general,” says the trainer and the founder of Dream Come True K9, Blake Rodriguez. “But that typically starts with a dog that is asked this routinely by adults–with or without the baby.” After that, introducing an infant to the family is more pleasant. Your dog will become familiar with providing space when needed, and you will be able to train your dog to behave more quickly than you would expect from your child.
How introduce an animal to a child can be a stressful experience.
This article will help you’ll be able to discover ways to ensure that introductions are safe and effective!
However, before this…
Congratulations! Your family is growing more and more. With everything already on the “before the baby” to-do list, Dads and dog moms are left with one more important item to take care of the dog’s needs. A lot of excitement comes with the arrival of a baby. Even your pup is taking in a new enthusiasm.
A dog is an excellent pet for both of you, and with proper training, it can become an affectionate and calm companion for children too.
Studies show that children raised with dogs at home are less likely to suffer from anxiety.
To ensure that your beginning of the relationship is an excellent foundation, We’ll go over six ways to introduce your dog to your baby!
Make sure your dog is accepting of the baby.
Your pet could not only feel disoriented but also overwhelmed by the new smells and sounds within the home. To make sure your pet and your baby live together, offer a treat when your baby cry or coos to make sure he associates the baby’s noises with positive things. Instead of declaring everything baby-related off limits, allow your pet to smell your child’s feet and clothing while you hold them close to your pet’s nose. Dogs can learn about their environment by smell, and getting your dog acquainted with your child’s scent (the fragrant and sweet-sour) — and perhaps offering him a treat when you let him sniff calmly could reduce the likelihood that he will go through (and tear up) the baby’s belongings.
Control the Introduction
Begin by taking your dog for an extended walk. It is essential to eliminate the energy of your dog. When you return, stand at the door’s threshold to ensure your pet is calm and submissive before inviting her inside. When you open the door, your dog will know a new scent around the house. It’ll be somewhat familiar if you’ve been introduced to the smell. The father or mother who is holding the child must remain in a peaceful state. The dog can play with the baby, but only at an appropriate distance. Don’t let the baby get too close the first time you meet. In time, the dog will be allowed to move close to the baby. This way, you’re teaching your dog to respect your baby as a pack leader.
As if your baby was already born
Just like using fireworks sound effects to get your dog ready for the fireworks, make babies crying sounds to ensure your dog will get used to hearing these sounds. Start with a low volume, then gradually increase the book over a few weeks.
Install your baby’s crib before birth so your dog can become accustomed to it before dawn. It’s the same for safety gates as well as the pushchair.
Dogs have a sense of smell that is very sensitive. If you begin using talcum powder and other similar products early, the aromas aren’t as exciting and mysterious for your dog when your baby is born.
How to prepare your dog
The earlier you prepare your dog, the longer they’ll need to adapt and be at ease. It will also allow you to move at your dog’s pace, which is crucial to their comfort and confidence.
Consider the scenarios your dog has to be accustomed to and gradually introduce them to your dog. Make sure they are prepared to handle these situations in the real world. Always give your dog rewards that he likes, and ensure you do it slowly, so your dog has ample time to practice, learn and perfect throughout the process.
The effort you make now will be rewarded when the baby is born. You’ll have the chance to spend time getting acquainted with the new baby confidently, knowing that you’ve given your dog the necessary methods to help them become at ease.
Prepare Your Pet For The First Meeting With Your Baby
There are a variety of ways you can take care of at the house to prepare for your pet’s arrival at home, including:
Make sounds to play in the background of crying or screaming babies for your pet to get used to new sounds (YouTube is a fantastic source to do this).
Change your routine gradually to suit the performance of your dog. Changing how it’s time to feed your dog, take a walk, or even the place it sleeps can prepare your pet for a more significant change.
Train your pet by using mats or rugs. Before your baby’s arrival, be sure that you’ve prepared your pet to walk to the carpet at will. This way, when you take your child home, you can guide your pet if you need to spend time alone with your new baby.
