Think ahead: what changes will occur in your pup’s life when the baby arrives?
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If you’ll need to move things around or if the dog won’t be allowed to enter a certain room, implement these changes in advance (3 months before the baby comes or earlier).
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Same with any changes in daily routine and walking schedule.
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🐶Teach your dog important commands: it is crucial to be able to switch the dog’s attention when needed or stop them from doing something.
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🐶Work with your pet’s bad habits.
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If your dog is used to jump at you when you enter the house, a baby in your arms won’t be a reason to stop: this might be dangerous.
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Train your dog to keep 4 paws on the floor. If there’s an issue of resource guarding, also work with that.
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▫️How to introduce a newborn to a dog?
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🐾Before bringing the baby home, ask someone to walk your dog well, to decrease your pet’s level of excitement.
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🐾When a new mom arrives at home, it’s better for her to give the baby to someone else and greet the dog. It’s important to be calm while doing that, and not create unnecessary excitement.
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🐾When the dog calms down, show him/her the baby, let them smell the baby’s foot.
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In an ideal situation the dog will smell the baby, might lick their little foot and then just leave to mind their canine business.
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🐾Show your pup he is still loved and appreciated.
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Don’t send your pet out of the room that has always been accessible, don’t yell or use physical violence.
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The first meeting is an important moment which will become the basis for the child’s relationship with the dog.
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🐾Create positive associations with the baby. For example, give a treat to your dog every time you as a parent communicate with the baby.
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It’s certainly better for the dog to become a bit of a beggar than for him/her to be afraid or jealous of the baby😊
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🐾When your baby learns to crawl and walk, make sure he/she doesn’t chase the dog around or bring your pet any discomfort.
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It is important for the dog to be able to leave the room with the baby/toddler any time.
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🐾Never leave your dog alone with the baby/toddler! Even for a few seconds! Their communication should happen under your supervision.
