It’s natural to want your dog to be happy and excited when a new baby arrives home. After all, dogs are part of the family too. Dogs are social animals, and, as such, they crave companionship. For many dogs, their human family fulfills this need. But, when a new baby arrives, everything changes.
Their routine is disrupted, they may feel left out, and, worst of all, they may no longer be the center of attention. It’s no wonder some dogs react negatively to the arrival of a new baby. Your dog may be scared or jealous of the new arrival, and that’s not good for anyone.
Preparing your dog in advance is important if you’re expecting a baby. Helping your dog adjust to the new baby will make the transition easier for everyone.
Here are some tips on how to train your dog to accept a new baby:
- Start early
If you’re expecting a baby, start preparing your dog ahead of time. Get them to the idea of a new person in the house by having friends or family members visit often. This will help your dog get used to having someone new around, and they’ll be less likely to be scared or jealous when the baby finally arrives.
- Get your dog used to having a baby in the house
Start by playing recordings of babies crying, cooing, and laughing. Begin at a low volume and gradually increase the volume over time. If your dog seems nervous or agitated, stop the recording and try another day again.
Before the baby arrives, bring home a blanket or article of clothing that smells like the baby. Let your dog sniff it and get comfortable with the scent.
- Help your dog adjust to changes in routine.
When the baby arrives, your dog will need a place to retreat when things get too chaotic. Creating a safe space will help your dog feel more comfortable when the baby comes home. Choose a quiet room in the house and ensure it has everything your dog needs: food, water, bedding, toys, etc.
You can also give your dog something to get excited about, such as bully sticks for dogs. Not only will your dog be excited about the new treat, but it will also be getting them some great exercise and mental stimulation, which will keep them busy.
4 . Introduce them slowly
Don’t just plop the baby down in front of your dog and let them figure things out independently. Slowly introduce your dog to the baby, letting them sniff and explore at their own pace. If your dog seems scared or hesitant, take things slow and give them time to adjust.
It takes time for dogs (and humans!) to adjust to big changes like having a new baby in the house. So be patient and understanding with your dog as they transition. They’ll get used to it in time, and things will eventually return to normal.
Conclusion :
A new baby is a big change for the whole family, including the dog. It’s important to start preparing early and take things slowly when introducing the baby to the dog. You can help your dog adjust to life with a new baby with patience and training.
Kori
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