Use praise and treats to help the dog associate the baby with good things. Don't reward attention-seeking behaviour like barking, jumping and begging. Include the dog in walks and playtime with baby. Let the dog get used to the baby gradually and at her own pace.
Most dogs adjust to the infant within a few days, while others may take several weeks.
The baby should be introduced in a quiet room where the dog has few associations - not in a place where they usually sleep or eat. Hold the baby and allow the dog to sniff it. The dog will appear interested for a few seconds and will then lose interest. When they back away, praise them and give them a treat.
Reasons Why Your Dog Might Not Like Kids
There's a chance it's because of: A lack of socialization: If your dog didn't experience enjoyable interactions with children during the puppy socialization period, they might seem scary or overwhelming to him.
When your dog seems sad or depressed after you bring home a baby, it's likely due to the fact that the household dynamic has changed. If they stop participating in things they once enjoyed, seem sluggish, or stop eating, drinking, or sleeping, they may be going through a bout of depression.
Dogs and kids are a match made in heaven, but it can take some time for the bond to form. Don't set expectations that the magic will happen immediately. Teach or review basic commands before the baby arrives. Introduce your dog to new gear, new routines, and new smells before the baby comes home.
Dogs are extremely loyal members of the family and just like humans they can experience a variety of different emotions - including jealousy. This can especially be the case when someone new becomes a member of the family, such as a newborn baby and seems to get all the attention and affection.
They Lay Near Your Baby
Some cats are more cuddly than others, so it might be difficult to gauge how they feel about your baby when they're not one to snuggle in the first place. Dogs, however, might have a more obvious tell. Either way, if your pet is taking naps by your baby, they're probably in love.
Many babies become interested in patting dogs when they're as young as 6 months old. That's fine, as long as your dog is comfortable with the attention and you keep a close eye on your baby at all times. Never leave your child alone with a dog, even if it's your well-trained, easygoing family pet.
Your pet may not only be feeling displaced but also overwhelmed by all the new noises and smells in the house. To help your dog and baby coexist, give him a treat when the baby cries, squeals or coos so he'll associate those baby sounds with something positive.
Professor Ruffman states that this indicates the presence of empathy, meaning that the dogs subconsciously felt upset in response to the baby's distress. Canine behavior experts have also stated that dogs pick up on the energy around them and that the energy of a crying baby causes the dog to feel upset.
A dog's mouth carries a lot of germs, which can easily be passed to people. This is especially problematic for babies and immune suppressed adults. Both are at an increased risk of contracting infections and parasites from dogs. So, even though it may look cute, a dog licking a baby's face should not be allowed.
Most dog aggression towards children is fear based, though many dogs will also show aspects of food, possessive and territorial aggression as well.
There are multiple reasons that a dog may exhibit aggression toward family members. The most common causes include conflict aggression, fear-based, defensive aggression, status related aggression, possessive aggression, food guarding aggression and redirected aggression.
Introduce Them Gradually
Keep the dog on a leash during their first meeting. When you bring the baby inside, keep calm and relaxed, so your dog follows your cue. Let the dog observe and sniff the baby from a distance. Each day, allow the dog to come closer and closer, so the dog learns proper boundaries with the baby.
Either anxious or potential predatory behavior may be exhibited in the form of intense watching of the baby, startling or quick movements in response to the baby's cries or movements, barking at the baby, or engaging in more nipping or herding behavior toward other targets while the baby is around.
If your dog growls at your child he is sending a clear warning that he is very uncomfortable with the actions or proximity of the child. Be grateful that your dog chose to warn with a growl rather than going straight to a bite.
If a dog shows his teeth or growls at a child, he's clearly feeling uncomfortable and aggressive. But it's unwise to wait until you see these dramatic behaviors. It's much safer to learn to recognize your dog's early, subtle warnings.
While your baby is tiny, you will generally be able to keep them and your pets apart for most of the time. Keep pets out of the room they sleep in, and never let a pet share a bed with your baby. Always introduce your pets gently to a new baby. Dogs may feel jealous of a new baby when you first bring them home.
At no time should a small child be left alone with a dog, no matter the age, breed, size, or temperament of the canine. Dogs are unpredictable animals, and despite domestication, can still have predatory drives.
A newborn brings a whole range of new smells and sounds into your home, and perhaps the most worrying is crying. Remember, your dog picks up on energy, and the energy that your baby is giving off while crying is anything but calm and assertive. Your dog may become distressed, too, whimpering, whining, and barking.