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Introducing Dog to Baby One of life’s most exciting moments is bringing home your new baby. It can also be a big adjustment for your dog. With a little planning and preparation, you can help your four-legged friend make the transition smoothly. Find out the best methods for dog owners to introduce their dogs to ialsonfants.
Why is Preparing Your Dog for a Baby Important?
canines and their owners have a very strong relationship, and for some canines, the arrival of a new puppy in the family can be upsetting. When you consider it from their angle, it makes sense.
All of a sudden, there is a different individual in the house than you; she is smaller than you and has different sounds, scents, and movements. While some dogs adjust to life with a baby rather well, others might require extra support.
If actions aren’t made to facilitate a seamless transition, a new infant may be making your dog feel stressed, and that bad impression could endure a long time. Preparing your dog for your baby’s arrival at home in the days before is the best course of action.
It’s very important to start introducing small changes before bringing your newborn home, particularly where introducing your dog to him is concerned.
5 Ways to Prepare a Pet for the Baby
“It’s best to make gradual changes in the pet’s routine rather than drastic changes when the baby arrives,” according to Purina Senior Scientist for Human/Animal Bond Dr. Ragen T.S. McGowan.
Thankfully, being pregnant provides you several months to get your pet ready for the arrival of the baby.
- Change your pet’s schedule to one you can stick to even after the baby arrives.
- Spend quality time alone with your pet.
- Review obedience instruction for your canine companion.
- Make a few areas of your home pet-free.
- Introduce your pet to strollers and other baby equipment.
Why Do Dogs Need to Adjust to Changes?
Dogs require additional time to become used to changes in your home for a few reasons. Dogs in most cases follow a routine schedule. All of this most likely will change once the baby arrives. Your dog may get frustrated with the new schedule, along with all the new sights and sounds. For this reason, it’s important to allow your dog time to adjust to a new baby.
Also read : How to Read Dog Body Language
Tips to introduce your baby to your dog and Home
According to McGowan, if the mother of the baby goes home alone, this “will give pets time to say hi without them jumping up on the baby.” Take some clothes of the baby or a blanket in advance so that your dog becomes acquainted with the smell before their introduction.
Then, bring the baby to a non-pet area of the house so your dog can smell and hear your baby.
“Dogs, especially, benefit from being brought up to meet the new addition with the help of someone who brings the dog into a neutral room on a leash where you are sitting, holding the baby,” McGowan said. This allows your dog to easily approach you and the baby.
- A New Baby is a New Experience for Your Dog
- When first introducing your dog to your baby, take close note of the behavior of the dog, which will denote discomfort on their part, or even feelings of aggression.
- If your dog is well behaved, he gets upgraded food and lots of praise.
- While the infant is in the room, make sure your dog gets lots of attention. Positive interactions with the baby will be associated with your dog.
- Regardless of how laid-back or amiable your dog may seem, you should never leave them alone with the newborn. A thoughtful, upbeat introduction will facilitate the formation of a strong, lifelong attachment between your pet and the newborn.
