{"id":1332,"date":"2020-05-01T16:30:50","date_gmt":"2020-05-01T15:30:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=1332"},"modified":"2022-01-04T13:55:26","modified_gmt":"2022-01-04T13:55:26","slug":"dogs-and-babies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/dogs-and-babies\/","title":{"rendered":"Introducing Dogs and Babies: Tips, Tricks, and Facts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Human babies, we love them. Puppies, we love them as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, there may be some problems when you bring them together if they aren\u2019t prepared for the introduction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If your dog is used to being in the center of attention, introducing a baby to the household could be a significant challenge for them to adjust to.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the canine trainer and host of Animal Planet\u2019s <\/span>It\u2019s Me or the Dog<\/span><\/i><\/a>, Victoria Stilwell, <\/span>dogs and babies<\/span> thrive on predictability.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hence, a newborn in the family brings dramatic changes not only to the parents\u2019 life but also to the dog\u2019s lifestyle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This guide will go through the most effective techniques to introduce both an adult dog and a puppy to a baby.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, are you wondering which dog breed is the best for a family? Don\u2019t worry. We\u2019ve got that covered as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Introduce<\/span> a <\/span>Dog to<\/span> a <\/span>Baby<\/span><\/h2>\n

Think about it: If you were a dog, wouldn\u2019t you feel confused to meet a tiny human that sounds, moves, and smells like nothing you have experienced before?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not only that but, all of a sudden, this tiny human is taking up all of your owner\u2019s attention and time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, there are steps that owners can take to gradually introduce their baby to the dog and help the two form a special bond.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Preparation Before the Baby\u2019s Arrival<\/span><\/h3>\n

To make the <\/span>dog and baby best friends<\/span>, there are a couple of steps you should take before the newborn arrives. Here is what you need to do:<\/span><\/p>\n

Teach it a couple of commands.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Firstly, set some time aside for teaching your dog a few basic commands such as \u201csit,\u201d \u201cstay,\u201d and \u201cget down.\u201d Also, the \u201ccome\u201d command is critical, as you want your dog to come to you when you call out its name.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, don\u2019t forget to reward your dog with plenty of treats throughout the training process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Start changing the dog\u2019s routine slowly.<\/span><\/h4>\n

To get the <\/span>dog and baby<\/span> to like each other, you will have to <\/span>make gradual adjustments<\/span><\/a> to the dog\u2019s everyday routine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, you can start by changing the time you usually take it for a walk and do this before the baby arrives. This way, the dog will not suspect that the changes are being made because of the baby.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, if you plan on walking your pup with the baby, do some dry runs with an empty stroller to get your dog used to walking next to it calmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reduce the playtime with your dog 2-3 weeks before the newborn arrives.<\/span><\/h4>\n

To increase the chances of your <\/span>dog and kid<\/span> getting along, you should gradually decrease the affection you give to your canine friend. If you don\u2019t, the dog may feel confused as to why you are, all of a sudden, giving the baby more attention.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A big mistake is to do this step at the last minute because the dog will expect the same amount of affection you were giving it before the baby came into the household.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let the dog listen to a tape recording of baby sounds.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Another excellent tip to help <\/span>dogs and infants<\/span> get along is to play various baby sounds to your pup.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Just pay attention to how the dog reacts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, once the baby is born, you can try bringing a piece of the newborn\u2019s clothing to your dog before <\/span>bringing<\/span> the <\/span>baby home<\/span>, so your pup can get familiar with the scent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Controlling Unwanted <\/span>Dog Behavior With<\/span> the <\/span>New Baby<\/span><\/h3>\n

So, the baby is home. What should you do next to make sure everything goes smoothly? You should:<\/span><\/p>\n

Take baby steps when introducing them to each other.<\/span><\/h4>\n

As soon as you step into your home with the newborn, make sure to greet your dog straight away so it doesn\u2019t start jumping out of excitement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Next, let the dog see, hear, and smell the baby from a safe distance, gradually allowing your pup to come closer if it feels comfortable enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>best way to introduce dogs<\/span> is calmly and at their own pace.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Even though most dogs adapt to a newborn rather quickly, it\u2019s essential to consider your dog\u2019s personality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If it would help you feel more comfortable, you can keep the dog on a leash during the first couple of introductions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This will allow your dog to approach you and the newborn but still let you choose how much you want your dog to interact with the baby.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, don\u2019t forget to always praise your dog and give it treats when it sniffs the baby.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you feel comfortable enough, allow interaction without a leash.<\/span><\/h4>\n

According to expert tips about <\/span>dogs with babies<\/span>, you should always be nearby when your dog is approaching the baby.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If the newborn suddenly cries, kicks, or screams, your pup could be startled and react inappropriately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, don\u2019t forget to give your pup plenty of attention whenever the baby is around.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Small Steps to Becoming Friends<\/span><\/h3>\n

Now you got to the point when your dog is comfortable around the newborn, and vice versa. But how do you help the two become best friends? Remember that nothing major happens overnight, so give it some time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Teach the child to be nice to the dog.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Even though teaching the dog to be friendly with the child is usually the first step, the most critical step in building a healthy relationship between a <\/span>dog and kids<\/span> is teaching the child to respect the animal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your child must understand that animals, just like humans, have boundaries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They are not toys but part of the family. If abused by a child, even the most docile dog can react. So, teaching your child not to pull, kick, sit on, or play with the dog in any inappropriate way is crucial.<\/span><\/p>\n

Teach the child to read the dog\u2019s body language.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Although <\/span>introducing the dog to the baby<\/span> properly means that this will happen naturally over time, teaching the child some of the key dog body language signs is essential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This will help the child recognize the dog\u2019s limits, which will keep both of them safe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s giving the dog space when eating or noticing when the play is getting too rough, the child needs to understand your dog’s body language. This way, they can act accordingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Puppies and Babies<\/span> 101<\/span><\/h2>\n

So, we have covered the basics of introducing an adult dog to the infant, but what about puppies?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How are puppies different from adult dogs, and how to properly introduce a baby pup to a baby human?<\/span><\/p>\n

Why They Get Along<\/span><\/h3>\n

Dog babies and human babies are very much alike. They are small, curious, want to play all the time, and eat and poop a lot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hence, it is only natural for them to instantly become best friends.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, studies have shown that having a <\/span>puppy and<\/span> a <\/span>baby simultaneously<\/span>\u00a0may decrease the child\u2019s <\/span>chance of developing an allergic reaction to canines as they become older<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, as puppies have zero experience with babies and toddlers, young kids may look terrifying to puppies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Who wouldn\u2019t be terrified if there was a tiny version of a human chasing them around, trying to pull their tail, and making unusual high-pitched sounds?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, remember, a <\/span>puppy and<\/span> a <\/span>baby<\/span> are, in a way, on the same level, which means the baby will likely want to play with the puppy\u2019s toys or treats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, as both baby and puppy are still testing each other\u2019s limits, it\u2019s essential for you as a parent to supervise them at all times.<\/span><\/p>\n

Introducing Babies to Puppies<\/span><\/h3>\n

Even though the procedure is similar to introducing adult dogs to babies, there are a couple of differences with puppies. Here are the top strategies we recommend.<\/span><\/p>\n

Allow puppies to explore.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Introducing <\/span>babies and puppies<\/span> to each other may be slightly different and easier, as an adult dog is more mature and more familiar with the home environment and human limits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, puppies are clueless, and they usually require more exploration than adult dogs do. Hence, if you have just set up a nursery, grant the puppy access to the room, and let it explore it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, when it comes to the nursery, make sure to <\/span>puppy-proof it<\/span><\/a> , so the diaper pail or the baby toys do not get munched on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to expert advice on <\/span>dogs and children<\/span>, try to manage access to certain rooms by installing a baby gate. This way, the puppy won\u2019t feel left out, as it will still see what\u2019s going on in the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Introduce the puppy to baby smells and sounds.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Remember to familiarize the puppy with baby sounds and smells, and adjust its schedule before the baby arrives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider applying a bit of baby lotion or powder a couple of weeks before the baby’s arrival. This way, the puppy will associate the scent with a human it trusts and loves.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just stay calm.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Most importantly, when introducing <\/span>babies and puppies<\/span> to each other, you should stay relaxed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are trying to introduce the two, and you see that the puppy is not in the mood, do not force it. Instead, take a break, and try again later.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, if the puppy is interested in meeting the baby, allow it to sniff the baby and approach it. If the puppy tries to play with the newborn, don\u2019t scold or scare it, as that could make the pup associate the baby with something bad.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Be patient, pull it away calmly, and say \u201cno\u201d if it gets overexcited. Moreover, rewarding your pup with treats for good behavior will teach it how to behave around the baby.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Best Dogs for Babies<\/span><\/h2>\n

Any breed can be a perfect fit for any family, as long as proper training and treatment are exercised.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, when talking about the <\/span>best dog breeds<\/span><\/a> for families, some have a history of being great with children.<\/span><\/p>\n

Golden Retriever<\/span><\/h3>\n

There is a good reason why so many families own a Golden Retriever. They are extremely easy-going, patient, and calm, making them ideal pets for the youngest family members.<\/span><\/p>\n