We all know that babies and fur babies are kept safe during YouTube Videos. No one wants to see either one of them injured, even accidentally. But, real life interactions not intended for public viewing may or may not be as safe unless you prepare them for it.
Not all dogs are comforable around babies and we need to make sure that we avoid potential problems by preparing both babies and fur babies before introducing them to one another. There will be helpful info below the short video clip to tell you how this is done.
There is no doubt that this baby and fur baby have already developed a great relationship. You will enjoy hearingRalph E. Doodles, the dog, tell the new baby in the family that he loves him! Too cute for words, human ones anyway.
Before Introducing Babies And Fur Babies You Need To Prepare
Parents should prepare both babies and fur babies before you introduce them. It is best to do the dog prepartation component before the baby arrives if you have this option. Things get really chaotic and hectic right after a baby arrives.
Check out your dog’s consistency in what is known as “Manners” training. Does he follow your cues for such actions as “sit” or “down”? You should make sure he does so when you give the cues in differing positions such as standing, sitting or lying down.
It is important for you to be consistent with all cues whether verbal or when using a body or hand signal. This is a vital part of the preparation so be thorough with this training.
Even though it is important for you to socialize your fur baby around kids in a controlled and positive environment, there are other things you need to do first. A few of these things are listed here.
Parents need to become familiar with how their dog reacts in certain situations. How does he seek out their attention? How easily does he startle? Do fast movements or loud noises set him off?
Learning this takes observation over a period of time and in differing circumstances. You may want to do some breed research. Dogs have inbred tendencies based upon genetic codes inherent to certain breeds. Some are quick to chase and others are more nurturing.
Give your dog a chance to be around the baby equipment before the baby arrives if you can. It will make a huge difference if your dog knows what is or is not acceptable behavior around the various baby equipment.
It is best not to leave a dog alone with the baby in a moving piece of equipment. Some dogs become agitated with anything that moves and this can lead to infortunate incidents.
Walking the dog next to an empty baby stroller (beter yet, one with some weight in it) is great preparation for after the baby arrives. Hopefully, the baby will be part of walking the dog in the near future!
Appeal To The Dog’s Senses
- Playing a CD of baby sounds can also help you to create postive experiences even before the baby has arrived.
- Introduce the dog to baby lotion by putting it on such things as the car seat or baby carrier then make sure the baby is wearing it the first time they meet. OR, introduce the dog to one of the baby’s blankets with its scent on it.
- Make sure there is a secure diaper disposal set up in place. This is probably self-explanatory.
A Few Miscellaneous Suggestions
- Make sure your dog is uptodate on any medical concerns that might need to be addressed.
- If your dog has had to be out of the home or cared for in any way by someone other than yourself right before meeting the baby for the first time, make sure they had no issues arise during that time. If there are any, deal with them before allowing the baby and the dog to be introduced.
- Keep the dog well-exercised and give him at least 10-15 minutes of specific training a day.
- Provide a crate or other safe place where the dog can “get away” and include a chew toy to entertain them.
Once The Baby Arrives
- Never leave the baby alone for any reason, not only “for a second”. Either take the baby or the dog with you. Alternatively, you can close a gate or door to separate them. Too much can happen even in a very short period of time.
- The sounds and movements of a baby can agitate many dogs. Dogs have moved a baby by carrying it in their mouths the way a mother dog might carry her puppies. Other dogs have hurt babies because it moved and sounded like prey.
- Do not place a baby on the floor when a dog is in the room unless you can stay on the floor with the baby and avoid face to face contact between them.
- Avoid negative interactions such as punishing or scolding your dog in the presence of your baby.
- Positive reinforcement-based training methods help to build positive associations with the dog in the baby’s mind.
- Never hesitate to contact your vet if you have any concerns about a dog’s actions or attitude toward a baby. Professional help can make a huge difference. This link is about whether or not to keep a dog with a new baby in the house. https://excellentdogsclub.com/the-baby-or-the-dog/
Here is a story about sibling love that you will enjoy. https://excellentdogsclub.com/beagle-showers-new-human-baby-sister-with-genuine-love/
If you enjoy seeing babies and dogs having fun together you will love this. https://excellentdogsclub.com/dogs-that-make-babies-laugh/
Not all baby and fur baby stories are funny ones. This one is heroic. It is about a homeless dog that rescued a baby from a garbage dump. https://happymutt.org/dog-rescued-abandoned-baby/
Photos Courtesy of Pixabay
Video Courtesy of Rumble.com
