Introducing Your Dog To Your Baby
Prior to the birth of you baby take some time to prepare your dog for the new addition to your family. Up to now your dog has had your sole attention. With the arrival of your newborn baby it is only natural for your dog to feel a sense of jealousy. This is why it is important to prepare your dog for your newborn’s arrival. Preparing your dog can be as simple as having friends visit who have babies or young children. In this way you can help your dog to become accustomed to the attention given to a baby and young children.
Introducing your dog to your baby will be much easier if your dog has been well trained in other areas. Here is a great dog training guide that well help you with general dog training techniques as well as suggestions on how to train your dog to behave appropriately around babies and young children: Training Your Dog in all Situations
It is also important to acquaint your dog with the new smells of a baby. A major way your dog investigates his world is through smell. There will be many new smells with the arrival of your baby, her furniture and other baby items. Let your dog become familiar with the baby’s room. Let you dog explore the smells of the new furniture, clothing, etc. It is important for your dog to see your new baby as a part of the family. Becoming familiar with and accepting the new smells will help your dog in accepting the baby.
A word of caution, when you introduce your dog to your baby’s room don’t let him become too familiar with it. For instance, your dog should not be allowed to jump up on the furniture. You do not want your dog jumping on the furniture when your baby is there. Prevent a bad habit from forming by keeping your dog off of the baby’s furniture from the beginning.
Along with new smells a baby also means new sounds. A baby’s cries can be alarming. Often a dog will become anxious when he hears the cries of a baby. It is a good idea to purchase a recording of baby sounds and play it occasionally. Don’t forget the sounds your baby’s toys and equipment will make. Plan the time to acclimatize your dog to these sounds as well.
There are a number of situations when your dog should be kept at a distance from your baby. One of these times is during your babies naptime. You should have an expandable baby gate to keep your dog out of the baby’s room when she is asleep and you’re not with the baby. Your dog should be able to see through the gate. Your baby’s cries will cause unnecessary anxiety in your dog, especially if he cannot view the area.
When your dog comes to warn you that your baby is crying be sure to praise him enthusiastically. In this way you will reinforce your dog’s watchful and protective feelings toward your baby.
Remember if you are looking for a fantastice free site about dogs and dog training secrets click here: Dog Obedience Guide
Your dog and baby should never be left alone unsupervised. This is especially true if you are unsure of your dog’s reaction to the new household changes. A loving dog, by trying to cuddle close to your baby, may accidentally hurt her. Often your baby will not be able to move her face or body away from your dog if he gets too close and a young child cannot physically push a dog away.
Carefully watch your dog’s reactions when your baby is brought home. The process of introducing your baby to your dog should be slow and deliberate. Watch your dog carefully for negative or aggressive behavior. If negative behavior occurs place your dog in another room to calm down. When your dog has calmed down, reintroduce your dog to your child. Continue putting your dog in another room if the aggressive behavior is repeated. Continue to repeat this procedure until the situation is calm and relaxed.
When you first return from the hospital, with your newborn, there should be someone available to hold the baby. This will give you an opportunity to greet your dog. Since your dog was the center of your attention before the arrival of your baby be sure to set a few minutes aside each day for your dog. This will help your dog adjust to the new situation much faster.
Because your new household environment will be more hectic it is important to establish set routines. It is much easier for your dog to adjust to the new environment with established routines. All of these ideas will help establish a happy and harmonious family.
Here is a review of a high quality guide you might want to check out: How to Understand and Train Your Dog
