A new baby is a cause for celebration, and you likely can’t wait to paint your nursery and shop for baby clothes. But in that excitement, don’t forget about your loyal companion. Introducing your dog to your new baby is an important step in making sure your family is happy and healthy.
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How to go about introducing your dog to your new baby
Dogs experience anxiety when their lifestyles change, so it’s essential that you ground them during this time. Here are a few tips to help you make the transition as smooth as possible.
Prepare ahead of time
It can be helpful to start getting your dog used to the idea of a new baby before your little one arrives. Talk about the baby as if they’re already part of the family, and try to include your baby’s name in your activities. Show your pup pictures of babies or even a doll that looks like a baby.
This will help your pup become familiar with the idea of a baby and will help reduce any stress or anxiety they may have when the real one arrives. If you haven’t done so already, take your dog to obedience classes and find ways for your dog to interact with other children or babies.
Involve your dog
When your baby arrives, make sure to include your pup in the celebration. Give your pup a special treat or toy, and do your best to give them lots of praise and cuddles. This will help to create a positive association with the new baby and get your pup used to interacting with them. It’s a great way of introducing your dog to your new baby.
Be gentle and patient with the introduction. It’s okay to consider some anti-anxiety treats, like Honest Paws’ CBD oils for dogs, that can help your beloved dog adjust. Never ignore your dog when you come home from the hospital. Instead, let them give you plenty of hugs and kisses.
Limit baby time when introducing your dog to your new baby
When introducing your pup to your new baby, do so in small spurts. Start by having your dog spend short amounts of time with the baby, and gradually increase the amount of time as your pup becomes comfortable. It’s also a good idea to give your pup plenty of space and alone time.
You should always supervise your dog when they’re around the baby. This will give you an idea of what your dogs’ triggers are and when you should separate the two. If you have a helper, take walks with your dog alone or spend some quality time together away from the baby.
Create positive experiences
Create positive experiences for your pup when they’re around the baby. Give them treats or toys when they’re near the baby, and try to give them lots of praise and cuddles when they’re behaving properly. It’s important to keep up the same strategies you used in the introduction.
Most dogs prefer routine, so if you suddenly change how you act towards your dog, they may feel like the baby is hogging all the attention. This will stress them out and possibly make them more aggressive. Try to show your dog that they don’t have to compete for your attention.
Be patient when introducing your dog to your new baby
Introducing your pup to a new baby can be a long process. It’s important to be patient and understanding and to never force your dog to interact with the baby. This is especially true if your dog is uncomfortable around non-family members or if your pup has general anxiety.
We understand why you want to speed things up. You love both of them, and you just want them to get along. However, if you take your time, it’ll be worth it in the end. Think of how happy you’ll be when your loyal companion and your beloved child become the best of friends.
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