Bringing home a new baby is an exciting time but it can also be stressful, especially in a household that also includes a family dog. Even the most gentle, loving dog may have difficulty adjusting to the newest family member and all the changes that come with him/her. Schedules will be turned upside down, new noises and smells will suddenly be a part of their world and the bulk of your attention is going to be focused on the baby, all of which can be hard for your dog to adjust to. In order to make things easier on everyone, read below for some helpful tips from Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, Colorado.
Life with baby can be very different
Obviously, you want your dog to be accepting of your baby and that actually begins before the baby arrives. You can help acclimate your dog by gently introducing them to baby items, playing recordings of crying and other baby sounds and even using a doll to simulate some of the activities like changing and feeding that will be happening with the new baby. Of course, your dog is smart enough to realize the difference between a doll and a real baby, but it can still be an effective teaching tool.
Each time your dog reacts positively to any of the new sensory stimulation, praise them and give them a treat. This way they’ll begin to equate the baby with good things happening and feel less anxious and agitated. Once you begin doing these same activities with the baby, continue giving your dog praise and treats every time they respond positively to keep this association going.
Inevitably, the presence of a new baby will mean changes to everyone’s routine, including your pup. Again, you can help to get him used to this by starting the changes before the baby arrives. If your dog has a regular feeding time, switch it up. You can do the same for walk time and play time, so that your dog isn’t expecting things to always be exactly the same.
The first time you bring the baby home, have everyone else enter the house and greet the dog first so it can get all of its excess energy out and do all of its jumping and licking before the baby comes in. Have someone put the dog on a loose leash so it’s under control but not constricted. When you come in with the baby, sit down and have the dog come to you slowly and carefully. Let it sniff the baby and praise it for any gentle, controlled reaction.
Remember, your dog will pick up on your emotions, keying in on your tone of voice and your body language. If you’re anxious about the introduction, your dog will feel the same way and that can get things off on the wrong foot. Try to stay calm, talk in a relaxed voice and be gentle with your dog. Harsh criticism and scolding will only serve to create a negative association with the baby and that’s the last thing you want.
Introducing your dog and your baby can be a delicate process, especially if your dog is elderly, ill or has been your "only child" for some time. If you are at all concerned about your dog’s reaction or if the dog shows any actual aggression toward the baby, we here at Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, CO always recommend that you consult a professional for advice to help avoid any dangerous consequences. This is a wonderful, but stressful time for you and your dog but if it’s handled properly it can be the beginning of a long and loving relationship.
