Translated by Nick R
It’s normal to worry about how our dogs will react to a new baby and how they will get along.
So, if this is your case, and you want your baby and furry dog to get along, follow the tips I give you below so they can be best friends.
Table of Contents
1. Educate your dog
Your canine has become accustomed to a particular way of playing, greeting, or generally behaving with you and the people he lives with. However, that might not be the best way to interact with a baby.
For example, my puppy Amber has a lot of energy and can become a bit rough when she wants to get my attention, play or greet me. She jumps on people because she is very spoiled and likes to be around everyone, but now that there is a baby in the house, we had to correct that behavior.
It might not hurt adults to behave like this, since she is a small Cocker Spaniel, but she could knock a child down and cause him to hit himself, so if your dog is also too effusive when interacting with you, you should train him to behave accordingly.
You can start by ignoring him if he is acting too rudely. He’ll try to get your attention either because he wants to greet you or because he wants to play, but you should ignore him until he calms down and then take care of him.
You can also teach him basic tricks like sitting and staying still so you can handle him in case you need to.
And, of course, some dogs behave this way because they have lots of pent-up energy and want to get rid of it, so make sure your pet gets the daily hours of exercise and play he needs to stay relaxed and calm.
Typically, small or mini breeds will need at least about 30 minutes of exercise daily, medium breeds 30 minutes to 1 hour, and large breeds 1 hour to 2 hours. However, this can vary greatly depending on the canine’s personality and breed.
So you may be interested in reading the articles on 20 breeds that need more exercise because of their anatomy and the benefits of going for a walk with your dog.
2. Your dog’s schedule and routines
Now, months before the baby arrives, you should prepare your pet for some changes in his routine. You won’t have the same time as before and you’ll have to adjust to the baby’s needs, but you must remember that your canine also needs you to enjoy a healthy life.
For dogs, routines and creating habits are very important since this way they know when to eat, relieve themselves, exercise and play. This will also prevent them from anxiety or stress, as they will have a more structured life.
Therefore, start imagining how your life will be with a baby at home and how you can meet both their needs, this way you’ll know what adjustments you have to make to your canine’s schedule and gradually get him used to the changes that will take place.
3. A dog with good health and hygiene
You must always assure your pet’s hygiene, but with the arrival of a baby, it must be something that you control meticulously. The baby is very vulnerable in the first stages of life.
Poor hygiene could cause your dog to contract parasites such as ticks or fleas, or different diseases that can be transmitted to people.
So he should have his vaccination schedule up to date, daily brushing, periodic baths, deworming, nail clipping, cleaning of the accessories and toys he uses…etc. In addition, not only the hygiene of your canine will be important, but also the hygiene of the house in general.
Note: go to the vet to check your pet’s general condition to make sure he is in good health and ready to live with a baby.
4. Don’t leave your dog behind when the baby arrives.
It’s really important that you don’t push your dog away with the arrival of the baby or he will probably associate the child with negative feelings. You must give him the attention you gave him before, and that’s why reorganizing his routine is so important.
Respect your pet’s schedule and as being a mother or father is no small thing, ask for help from the people around you and with whom you live so that your pooch will continue to feel part of the family and get the love and attention he needs.
5. How to introduce your dog to your new baby
This is essential as you need to get them both used to see and recognize each other. You can approach your dog to the baby in a controlled way (you can hold him in your arms) and at a certain distance that you can shorten over time.
Let him smell the newborn and observe him, and let him be around so that he can hear him at all times. This way, when the baby starts to crawl, the animal will be already used to him.
By the time you want to let them touch each other, you can hold the canine in his harness at a certain distance to make sure he won’t jump or knock the little one down.
You can also take a piece of clothing with the baby’s scent on it and give it to your dog so he can smell it. You can do this even before the little one arrives home so it won’t be such a surprise for your furry friend.
Mutual respect
Babies are very curious, they constantly check out their environment and a pet will seem amazing to them, so they will want to touch it and probably be after the canine playing with it.
However, you need to be sure the baby doesn’t hurt the pet. Just as you educated your dog to avoid unintentionally hurting the baby, you must educate the little one to properly pet your furry friend without pulling or hitting him.
Mutual respect is fundamental to creating a solid and lovely relationship between the child and the pet.
Supervision
Don’t leave your dog alone with the baby at the beginning. Even if he is educated and loves the baby, he could hurt him if he tries to get close to play. Your puppy will know how to treat the baby over time, but he won’t learn from one minute to the next.
Advice
You can use positive reinforcement on your canine when he approaches the baby and behaves well, so he will associate the child with the things he likes (that is, he will relate him to positive things) such as toys, caresses, or snacks.
