Introducing Dogs and Babies
Dogs often form strong emotional bonds with their families and can sense changes in the home. They may notice the excitement around a new baby, but that awareness does not automatically prepare them for the arrival. Pet parents should take a few preparatory steps before introducing dogs and babies.
The following tips will help you introduce your dog to the new baby at home:
Be The Pack Leader
Before the arrival of a baby, pet owners may have an increased tolerance for behaviors that are less than favorable. However, when a little one is added to the mix there might be some behaviors that must stop to create a safe environment between dogs and babies. Cesar Chavez lists the following ways in how to become the pack leader to set rules, boundaries and limitations:
Avoid Overexcitement
Dogs often mirror their owners’ emotional state. A calm household can help them settle, while a highly excited environment can make introductions harder. When introducing dogs and babies, owners should stay calm and keep the energy in the room steady.
Introduce the Scent Before the Baby
One helpful way to prepare your dog is to introduce the baby’s scent before the first meeting. Bring home a baby blanket or clothing item from the hospital, and allow the dog to smell it from a distance. This helps establish that the scent is new and should be approached calmly.
Control the Introduction
When this invisible boundary has been created with training practice, it is time to introduce the baby. Pups should be taken out for a long walk to drain all of their energy with the baby arriving home while they are away. The vibe in the air should be calm and welcoming, absent of excitement or excessive energy. Dogs adapt to their owners emotions, so create a peaceful environment for the introduction. The pup should be allowed to get fairly close to the baby, however the boundary should be set with a limitation on just how close the new parents are comfortable with.
Dog-Proofing A Home
There are several ways to dog-proof your home before the baby arrives. These include: Remove Hazard: the hazards inside the house are similar for dogs and babies: open stairwells, electrical outlets, chemicals or materials, and tools. Use gates, barriers, or enclosed areas to manage those spaces. Safe Area: use safety doors or barricades to provide a safe place to play for the baby or the puppy before the baby. This area should be free of secondary hazards like poisonous plants, sharp corners of furniture or window sills, and in a well lit area to watch for choking hazards on the floor. Further Prevent Injury: remove anything breakable or valuable, use caution with open flames like fireplaces or candles, use caution with pesticides inside the home, and get on your hands and knees to view the space from a baby’s eye level and watch for hazards.
Best Breed of Dogs for Babies
The following breeds are vet and expert-recommended for babies:
It’s an exciting time to bring a baby home, yet very stressful when thinking about introducing dogs and babies. The above tips should give owners a starting place on how to execute the introduction, and to create an environment that is safe for dogs and babies alike. To receive more information on our products, including pet insurance, please contact us today by email at info@pinpaws.com or visit our website.
