Knowing how to introduce the baby to the dog correctly is very important for anyone who is going to be a mother or father and, despite From knowing in detail the personality of our pets, we know that they can be somewhat unpredictable. Especially if there is something new involved.
All members of the family are going to undergo changes before the arrival of the baby, whether we are talking about schedules, routines or perceptions and just as it can affect people who live under the same roof, they are also going to occur account of all the animals in the house, including your dog.
In principle, if we have been able to train our dog and we have confidence in him, we can rest easy. However, it is worth reviewing this article on our site to learn how to introduce the baby to the dog correctly:
Before the baby arrives you must prepare your dog
It is very important that in order to avoid unforeseen events we have everything under control beforehand. For this we need to prepare our dog before the dog-baby presentation occurs.
The basic and fundamental thing is to focus on two pillars: education or discipline and the correct association. The first will give us security in our dog by knowing that it obeys us and attends to our commands or guidelines in any circumstance and place, the second will teach the dog everything good what's in the arrival of the baby But we can't change a dog's chip overnight, that's why it's important that everything is done all the time in advance as possible. Let's take a closer look at these two pillars.
Discover how to prepare your dog for the arrival of the baby in our complete article full of instructions and very useful advice so that the process is carried out graduallyand appropriate for your dog.
Train your dog to trust him more
Your dog may or may not have acquired bad habits, it will depend on each case, although it is normal for all dogs to have some behaviors to improve, although on many occasions they are not especially problematic. Sometimes the dog does a little what he wants
If your dog is one of those wonderfully behaved dogs, all you have to do is work on the obedience commands on a daily basis: it will make you feel comfortable to know that your dog pays attention to you and follows your instructions. However, if your dog has a serious behavior problem or you think you won't be able to control the situation well, it's essential to go to a dog trainer In principle, no parents You are going to leave your newborn baby unattended, but anything can happen. You must be prepared.
What will help us avoid this unpredictability? Having offered an education, even a basic one, to our dog. Do not forget that the use of punishment or physical force must be totally prohibited. You must train your dog through positive reinforcement if you want him to have a positive attitude with the baby and with anyone.
Make a positive association
Just as we try to associate car rides, veterinary visits or dog grooming with positive things, with the little baby we should also associate his presence with pleasant factorsfor our dog. So, before the child arrives, we will prepare the room with his things: diapers, creams, lotions, clothes… In addition, you should follow these tips that will help you a lot to understand the new situation that he will have to live:
Whenever you enter the baby's room, allow him to sniff: sniffing relaxes and helps them to know and relate stimuli, it is a positive attitude. Always reward him with snacks or with kind and affectionate words
Have him practice training commands in the baby's room so he associates the room with obedience and positive reinforcement. Never punish him or make him leave the place with bad words
Don't have an upset attitude, try to convey calm to your dog at all times, especially in the baby's room. Your character will totally influence your dog, keep that in mind
A calm and positive introduction
The first days it will be totally understandable if you don't allow direct contact between the dog and the baby, however it is very important Make him a part of the situationeither allowing me to accompany you and observe you all the time.
You must make sure there is no hostility related to the baby so don't scold him at any time. Ask your partner to help you whenever necessary but using positive reinforcement.
You must introduce the baby and the dog at a time of tranquility and total calm Try to ensure that there are no other stimuli in the middle, just the baby, the dog and your smile. At first it's ideal to let him sniff her tiny feet a bit, never anything too direct. Ask your partner to be with you at all times to make the situation even more special and tender.
Thinks the dog may not have seen other babies and doesn't know what this little animal is. However, it is common for dogs to understand and empathize. If you transmit confidence and security to your dog, he will understand and respect the newcomer.
Little by little you will observe how your dog reacts and to what extent you can allow them to get closer to each other. Of course, if you suspect that your dog may be jealous of your baby, you should see an ethologist or dog educator as soon as possible.
And then…
Always try to improve the relationship as we have explained, through positive reinforcement, happiness and the appropriate measurement of the limits that you must set between the two. You are the person who knows the two members of the family best, so little by little you will discover how to act and work with them
Now you have a big job ahead of you: continue to enjoy a happy family.
