By Move One
Bringing a new baby home is a joy. However, families with pets often worry about how their dog will react to the new member of the family. Introducing a baby to your dog is almost like bringing a baby home to a sibling. Parents have to be extra careful with older dogs that have never been exposed to infants before. But if you prepare your favorite four legged friend in advance, the introduction and initial period of adjustment should go smoothly. Here are some preparatory steps: Consider a series of obedience classes before the baby arrives, especially if your dog doesn’t know the basic commands: sit, come, stay. When teaching the ‘leave it’ command, rather use the word ‘mine’, as this word is commonly used by toddlers. Also, take bite prevention exercises. Even if your dog is perfectly trained not to bite, do this training again, just in case.
Bringing a new baby home is a joy. However, families with pets often worry about how their dog will react to the new member of the family. Introducing a baby to your dog is almost like bringing a baby home to a sibling. Parents have to be extra careful with older dogs that have never been exposed to infants before. But if you prepare your favorite four legged friend in advance, the introduction and initial period of adjustment should go smoothly. Here are some preparatory steps: Consider a series of obedience classes before the baby arrives, especially if your dog doesn’t know the basic commands: sit, come, stay. When teaching the ‘leave it’ command, rather use the word ‘mine’, as this word is commonly used by toddlers. Also, take bite prevention exercises. Even if your dog is perfectly trained not to bite, do this training again, just in case.
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Get your dog accustomed to babies. You may buy baby products, so your dog can get used to unfamiliar smells. Also, get a doll that looks like a baby and make sounds like a baby. You may also, if possible, expose your dog (in a controlled manner to ensure the infant’s safety) to real babies of friends or neighbors. This should be considered only if the dog is reliably trained and highly controllable.
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Before the dog meets your new baby, it is a good idea to have them sniff the baby’s future clothes or blanket first. When coming home from the hospital, let your spouse or somebody else carry in the baby, so that you have time and space to reunite with the dog. This way, the dog will be less jealous. After that, introduce the dog to your baby, slowly and not too close. Keep the dog on leash at that time. During the initial meeting, avoid telling your dog to ‘get off’ or ‘go away’ as this will create negative first impression.
Help your dog learn that the baby belongs in your family. Dogs should be exposed to a new family member in a very gradual and controlled manner, and in a very positive atmosphere. You don’t want your dog to associate unpleasant situations with your child, as this can result in them feeling anxious or aggressive in the baby’s presence. Praise your dog when you are caring, feeding or dressing the baby. The dog will see a child as a positive influence if praised more when your baby is around.
Never leave your dog and your baby unsupervised, under any circumstances. Be extra careful when the baby is crying, screaming or waving its arms and legs. Such actions can bring out a predatory or investigative reaction from the dog. Put the dog in another room or in the down/stay position, several meters away from a crying baby.
Try to find some time for your dog, for example, while your baby is napping. Take it for a walk (with or without the baby) and commit some time to it. It is important that your dog’s needs are not neglected during this sensitive initial period of adjustment.
If you make preparations and initial introductions correctly, your dog and your baby will soon become best friends. Still, no matter how well your bundle of joy and dog get along, never leave them alone and without supervision.
If you make preparations and initial introductions correctly, your dog and your baby will soon become best friends. Still, no matter how well your bundle of joy and dog get along, never leave them alone and without supervision.
