Dog Training Tips – Dogs and the Newborn Baby

How to introduce your dog to the newborn baby

There’s a baby on the way and everyone in the family is excited – the nursery is being painted and decorated, the house is being child-proofed and your stomach is growing bigger by the day. The only one who isn’t quite involved in this major event in the family, is your family dog. While it’s easy to get lost in the initial euphoria surrounding the baby’s arrival, it’s important that you prepare your dog for your newborn baby. While dogs are naturally protective of family members, it will be your job to make your dog understand that the newborn is a part and a very cherished part of the family. So take a look at these tips on how to introduce your dog to your newborn and gear up for the big day.

First, it would be a good idea to reinforce the basics – get your dog to sit, stay, come, heel etc. on a daily basis. Take him to the nursery and get him to obey you though. This might seem absurd, but it’s one of the best ways to introduce your dog to the newborn baby – by getting him familiar with his surroundings.

Next, take a doll and use it like a fake baby – cuddle it, caress it, feed it, change its diapers, do everything that will be a part of your routine once the baby arrives. If your dog gets excited and tries to jump on you while you do this, ask him to stay or sit. When he’s calm and you’re sure of his temperament, allow him to sit. This way of introducing your dog to the newborn, makes him prepared for what is to come instead of making him jealous and angry.

When the baby finally arrives, make sure you keep the baby and the dog in separate rooms initially. While you may have trained your dog thoroughly, it is better if the transition is gradual. It is normal for your dog to get curious about the newcomer and the sounds he makes and he would want to be a part of it. Make sure you don’t ignore your dog. He’s been the centre of your life for so long and it’s not going to be easy for him. So make sure you spend enough time with him, petting him and letting him know that he’s important. Slowly, give him a baby blanket or one of the baby’s toys to sniff. This is because dogs become familiar with people by their scents and it’s one of the best ways of introducing your dog to the newborn baby. In no time, the dog will recognize that baby as one of the family and it’s only uphill from there.

The important thing to keep in mind when introducing your dog to the newborn, is to remember that he needs and deserves your attention, love and care too. Once you’ve assured him of this, he’ll never see the newborn as something that’s taken his place in the house. And you can all live happily ever after!

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I am a professional dog trainer and have trained various mixed and pure breeds. I have seen some dogs that had potential to be great but the owners did not know how to enhance the dogs built-in greatness. I want very much to assist the disguided dog owners to be responsible for how they train their pets and learn how to apply these techniques.

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