How to Introduce Your New Family Member to Your Pup
By Sally Writes
For many families across America, their first chance at ‘parenting’ was with their beloved puppy. But as you know, a baby changes everything, and that means that the new parents – and their pup – probably have a lot of adapting to do when a new baby enters the home. Dogs are great for children, with studies showing they can even help stave off childhood asthma and eczema. However, it is important to ensure that the first interactions between your baby and pooch run smoothly. A 2016 study showed that parents sometimes minimize issues that can involve children and pets. How can you eliminate risks and build a happy, safe home for your pooch and your new baby?
The Moment of Truth
When you bring your baby home the first day, ask a family member to give him a good workout beforehand. This enable your dog to expend excess energy and enter into a calmer state. Allow him to sniff near your baby, without actually letting him sniff too close. Let him sniff near the foot area first, gradually allowing him more access as the beautiful baby-dog bond begins to build.
Creating a Safe Space for Baby
In the beginning, it is important to create a safe space for your newborn – one that pets cannot initially access. Logically, this space should be their nursery. Cats and dogs alike really take to baby beds and tend to love getting close to baby to share the warmth. Because babies can overheat, though, it is probably best to establish the bed as a ‘pet-free zone’. Of course, as your little one grows into a comfortable little toddler, room limits can be relaxed somewhat, but until then, try to be strict about establishing different zones for human and pets in the household.
Know that Puppy Jealousy Exists
Do you have a dog that loves you to such an extent that he always has to be touching you or be near you? If your pooch is accustomed to being with you 24/7 and finds it hard to adjust to your greater need for space and time with your child, know that jealousy is normal – according to a 2014 study undertaken at the University of California – San Diego. When they are jealous, they can bark at or ‘push’ you or their rival, so you need to stop these behaviors quickly by saying “No!” firmly. Your dog will soon understand that displaying dominant language such as trying to ‘take’ your hand while you are tending to your baby, will be calmly stopped.
Supervision is Key
Even if your pet and baby become soulmates, make sure to keep an eye on them at all times when they are together. Babies don’t instinctively know their own strength, and they can pull a dog’s ears and tail, or pinch your pooch without knowing the hurt they are causing. The good news is that the years fly past, and kids quickly learn what a sacred and beautiful thing their pet is. They also learn, by observing and listening to you, that their pooch is as worthy of respect as all living things are!
If you love your pup ‘to the moon and back’ and you are worried about how he may adapt to your child, take note: most dogs come to love and accept children, so long as the introduction is gentle. Arguably the most important consideration to keep in mind is the importance of keeping baby and pets apart in some areas of the home, or at least to ensure that your child isn’t alone with the dog, even for just a few seconds. This will ensure that baby and pooch don’t unwittingly hurt each other, and that a bond is built that will be cherished for many wonderful years.
