Introducing a baby to a hyperactive dog requires careful planning and supervision to ensure the safety and comfort of both your child and your pet.
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But this member has four legs & a tail. And its movement is directly proportional to their level of happiness!
But one of the biggest concerns in such a situation is, how to introduce them to each other. Because as parents when your four-legged baby meets your two-legged baby, you have to make sure that they fall in love with each other!
Introduce Baby to a Hyper Dog | Detailed Guide
1. Start Early
It is always advised to plan & start as early as possible. Keep realistic goals & how you want to accomplish them with two babies at home. Consult your fellow pet parents for more information on how they manage.
Chalk out a plan. But most importantly, stay true to your financial capabilities. This will help you in the long run.
2. Preparing Pets for New Baby
When pets are trained from the start, the journey of parenthood becomes 10x easier. If your pet is not trained, you still have time. Enroll them in a good Canine training school. They will be taught everything.
From the basic commands of sit, stay, etc to advance commands like walking leash-free, etc. And not just commands. Each pet is unique & has its quirks & temperament.
The school will also focus on equipping them with the right habits & getting rid of any harmful behavior. You can also train them using pet-friendly treats.
It will reinforce their training by forming a positive association with dog food. This will ensure that they are better groomed to be around a baby.
3. Baby Sounds
One effective way to introduce a baby to your pet is to acclimatize them to baby sounds.
Opt for baby sounds like crying, cooing, laughing, etc you can find multiple videos all over the internet that will help you serve this purpose.
Find every possible baby sound & start playing it on the speaker in the house. Increase the intensity & duration slowly and let your pet adapt to this new change.
And when the actual baby arrives, your pet will be ready to welcome them with open paws!
4. Spread Baby Fragrance
Our pets are smarter than we think. We underestimate their prowess of vision & smell. But the truth is, they rely on it more than we know.
Another positive way to introduce babies to pets is by using baby items. Most prominent being fragrance.
Start using baby powder, baby oils, moisturizers, etc. Spread them around like confetti & let their nose do the job.
This will go hand in glove with the baby sound and will replicate an actual scenario of a baby being in the house.
5. Maintain Distance Please
As much as you love your pet, it is always safe to keep them at a safe distance. At the end of the day, our pets are animals.
The only way to communicate with them is to train them & build a healthy rapport.
Also Read: How to Take Care of Newborn German Shepherd Puppies and Mother
Separate the baby room with the right types of equipment. But this doesn’t mean that you should cut off any interaction between the two.
Keep their interactions minimal yet effective while maintaining an appropriate distance.
5. Always supervise.
Many other little things will require your attention. Like baby-proofing/pet-proofing the house so as to introduce the baby to a hyper dog. It is understandable that once the baby comes, they will need more attention. But being a responsible pet parent, you need to divide it equally.
Don’t let your pet feel isolated or cornered. They might end up feeling jealous & this will result in an unhealthy relationship.
Parenthood is a journey that should be enjoyed by both, the baby & the pet. The more love you give, the more love you shall receive! Happy pet parenting!
How do you introduce an excited dog to a newborn?
Introducing an excited dog to a newborn baby requires care and planning. First, it’s important to make sure your dog is calm and relaxed before the introduction.
You can do this by giving your dog some exercise and playtime to release excess energy.
- When it’s time to meet the baby, have another person hold the baby while you stay with the dog. This helps your dog understand that you’re still there for them, even with the new arrival.
- Real-time fact: Dogs have an amazing sense of smell. They can often tell when something is different in the house, like the scent of a new baby.
- This is why it’s good to let your dog sniff and explore baby items before the baby comes home, so they can get used to the new smells.
- When you introduce your excited dog to the baby, keep the initial interaction short and positive. Let your dog sniff the baby while being gentle and calm.
- Reward your dog with treats and praise for good behavior, like sitting or staying still. If your dog gets too excited or anxious, it’s okay to take a step back and try again later.
It’s important to always supervise their interactions and never leave them alone together. Over time, with patience and positive experiences, your dog will likely become more comfortable and accepting of the new family member.
FAQs
What are some strategies for ensuring my dog remains relaxed in the presence of my baby?
To keep your dog calm around your baby, introduce them slowly and carefully. Allow your dog to sniff and get used to the baby’s scent. Use positive reinforcement like treats and praise when your dog behaves well around the baby. Always supervise their interactions, and if your dog gets too excited, take a break.
How can I help my dog become comfortable with the arrival of a new baby through training?
Training your dog to accept a baby involves teaching them basic obedience commands like “sit” and “stay.” Gradually expose your dog to baby-related sounds and objects. Reward good behavior and be patient with your dog during this process.
What steps should I take if my dog licks my baby’s mouth?
If your dog licks your baby’s mouth, clean your baby’s face gently with a baby wipe. Monitor for any signs of illness in your dog, as licking can transmit germs. Teach your dog not to lick the baby’s face by redirecting their attention to toys or treats.
How should I handle a situation where my dog displays excessive excitement around my baby?
If your dog is too excited around your baby, make sure they are well-exercised and have a designated space where they can calm down. Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior and discourage overexcitement. Seek guidance from a professional dog trainer if needed.
Is it possible for dogs to experience jealousy towards babies?
Yes, dogs can sometimes get jealous of babies. To address this, ensure your dog still receives attention and love. Gradually involve your dog in baby-related activities, like walks or playtime. Never punish your dog for being jealous, but instead, use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior around the baby.
About Author
Esha Sinha is a seasoned writer who has over the years contributed quality content on various high-profile websites. She has particularly excelled in niches like Fashion, Business, Entrepreneurship, Education, Pet Healthcare, etc. Her professionalism, four years of experience, and expertise make her one of the most sought-after content writers in the field.
