Teaching your dog and child to live in harmony.
How will your beloved dog react to your newborn baby? This is not an unreasonable question to ask as it can’t always be predicted how our furry friends will react to the new family addition.
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Thankfully, there are training methods you can adopt to create harmony between your dog and baby:
1. Get used to sound and smells
It is a good idea to get your four-legged friend used to the scent of your new baby before you bring him or her home. Before the baby is brought home from the hospital, give your pup a blanket or toys that have your baby’s scent. Also, play a recording of the baby crying or babbling so your dog will be adjusted to the new sounds before the big arrival.
2. Watch the dog’s reactions
Once your baby has arrived at home, the family dog should be allowed to sniff the new arrival slowly, carefully and, of course, always under the supervision of the parents. It is important to watch how the dog reacts.
Many pets will stay calm and relaxed while others will react with excitement or nervousness. If the latter is the case, send the dog to their bed as soon as he starts growling, before he has a chance to snap. After a few minutes, call him back slowly and let him sniff the child again. If he starts to growl, send him away again. This will help your furry friend realise that his growling is inappropriate. Once he is near the child and stops growling, award him with a treat so he understands this is good behaviour and that the little one is now part of the family.
Never leave your baby unattended with the dog, even if he appears peaceful.
3. Don’t forget about them
Much like an eldest child, it is important that your dog doesn’t feel forgotten because of the new arrival. They will notice if they are suddenly receiving less attention and affection. So, don’t forget to scratch your dog and stroke it in front of your baby so he knows he commands affection in the newborns presence.
If you find it difficult to be present for your pet with your new baby, consider hiring a dog sitter who will walk and play with him and give him the attention he craves when you are otherwise engaged.
4. Maintain routine
As much as possible, try to keep up your dog’s regular routines: be it the evening walk, which is possible with a stroller, brushing their fur in the morning or the cuddle before bedtime. It is important to keep these up as your pet will immediately sense neglect and could project it onto the baby. Therefore, we highly recommend treating your dog with as much of the same love and attention they were receiving before.
Once your dog is used to your baby, the chances are they will become their protector. So, even if it seems a little difficult at the beginning, stick with it as living with an animal is wonderful for children’s development.
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