If you’re looking for a plan of how to safely introduce your new baby with your dog, why not try this…
Your dog and the new mum will want to say a proper hello to each other, so make sure somebody else carries the baby into the house for the first time. Don’t punish your dog for being excited when he sees mum for the first time – he’s bound to be happy that she’s home! Simply have someone take the baby to the safety of another room whilst they greet each other.
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If you want further advice on how to introduce babies to dogs, take a look at Tips On How To Safely Introduce Your Baby To Your Dog
It’s vital that the baby is not brought into the same room as the dog until he is in a calm and obedient state. Make sure you give your dog lots of positive praise and reward for staying calm and listening to your instruction. Check that your dog is correctly leashed and there is a safe distance between him and your baby – have them at opposite ends of the room if you can. Use a calm reassuring tone to talk to your dog as the baby is gradually brought closer by an adult. It’s essential that this process is not rushed, and is done in a positive happy atmosphere. If your dog tries to jump up at the baby, or you feel he is becoming anxious in some way, take him out of the room straight away. Don’t try to reassure you dog by stroking him and talking in a ‘There,There’ tone of voice, as this will only serve to confirm in his mind that he was right to be anxious or aggressive. Instead, tell him firmly ‘No’, take him out of the room, and return him only when he has returned to a calm state of mind.
Keep your dog on the leash at this stage. If your dog has completely calmed down, you may let him to have a short sniff of your baby. Don’t forget to give lots of praise to your dog for staying calm whilst sitting or lying down, listening attentively for your instruction.
Remember, there’s plenty more helpful tips and useful advice on managing the introduction of your dog and new baby at How To Prepare Your Dog To Meet The New Baby
Slowly increase the time that the dog is allowed to be near the baby. Once you can see that the dog is able to maintain a calm state in the babys prescence, you may consider unleashing him, but only if there is another adult there to help you supervise. You may decide it’s best at this stage to put your dogs muzzle on. You want your dog to notice lots of positive benefits from having the baby in the house, so be sure to make time for plenty of 1-to-1 time with him over the coming days. Whenever you’re on your own in the house with the dog and your baby, be sure to tether the dog to a heavy piece of furniture, or use a baby gate to keep them separate.
Under no cirumstances should you ever leave a dog and a baby alone unsupervised – not even for just a few seconds.
If you enjoyed looking at this article, you may like to have a look at another of my articles on this subject entitled Preparing To Bring Your Baby Home To Your Dog
There are plenty more great tips and loads of helpful advice on all aspects of dog training and dog behavioural issues at www.fixmydogonline.com