Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby She may find some of them upsetting, especially if she didn't have opportunities to spend time with children as a puppy. You'll drastically alter your daily routine, so your dog's schedule will change, too. And, out of necessity, she'll get less of your time and attention.
Some dogs become more protective of their owners during pregnancy and will stay close by your side. As your baby bump grows, this protective drive may even increase. But while some dogs adjust well to the change, others have a hard time.
But as well as being a steep learning curve for both mum and dad, it can also be a massive upheaval for the dog. Not only will they have the new arrival to get used to, they'll also have to adapt to sharing your attention with the baby. There's a chance that some dogs could feel left out.
Dogs tend to be more protective of babies and small children as well, but that doesn't mean that dogs really understand what babies are or what we call them. Dogs can tell a difference, but they probably don't know just what a baby is.
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. And instead of making all things baby off-limits, let your furry companion take a whiff of your little one's feet, clothes and diapers as you hold each one to his nose.
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.
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.
Canines are smitten with babies and can form strong connections because of the amount of time spent together. Both a baby and a dog, especially a young pup, have a common desire for a playmate and someone who will give them attention.
Remember, NEVER LEAVE YOUR BABY AND DOG TOGETHER UNSUPERVISED, even if you trust your dog. As your child grows up you will have to continue to supervise interactions with your dog since many attacks occur against children that do not realise that they are irritating or threatening animals.
Some parents worry that dogs will pass germs to their babies when they lick or slobber on them. It's true that dogs' mouths can harbor bacteria, especially if they've been chewing on unsanitary things. However, germs tend to be species-specific, meaning dog germs are unlikely to make your child sick.
Some dogs are nervous about babies or even a bit afraid of them and go out of their way to avoid contact. If your dog seems a little worried about the new member of your family, you can teach her how to touch the baby with her nose on cue.
If you're more than a few months pregnant or have a baby or a toddler, wait until your child is 3 or older before bringing a new dog or cat home. Adopting a pet is a big commitment of time and resources, and the added responsibility can be hard for new parents.
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.
Dogs can get jealous of babies just like siblings can. They might not know how to act around a new baby, or not understand what is expected of them. Dogs could also be jealous of the attention that the new baby is getting.
For years, dogs have been pack animals, which is one of their wired responses to hierarchy. A dog releases dopamine in the presence of a child, so you know that even their biology makes it enjoyable to play with babies.
So, yes, a puppy can definitely think of you as his “mother” — that is, his provider and protector — and develop as strong an emotional bond with you as if you were blood-related. Your puppy will also quickly learn to pick you out among strangers, both by sight and through his powerful sense of smell.
Dogs Are Aware Of Their Size
They are often more gentle, curious, and protective of infants. While dogs likely don't know a baby is a baby they are aware that babies are small, fragile, vulnerable and helpless. In fact, many dogs will be found mothering babies in the same way dogs would mother puppies.
Possible reasons for the dog's response:
The dog howls because they have learned that this gets the baby to quiet down. The dog howls because they don't like being near the baby. The dog howls because they're trying to get a human's attention and say: (“Pick up the baby and make it stop!”)
Studies have found that babies raised in close contact with a pet get sick less often in their first year of life, meaning fewer visits to the doctor's office. Exposure to pet dander and the microbes that pets carry into the home from the outdoors is suggested to improve babies' developing immune systems.
For most dogs, however, 2 years of age is the safe minimum.
Owning a dog also can get the family out of the house for fresh air and exercise on daily walks. The age of your children is one factor to consider when getting a pet. Generally, since many dog bite injuries happen to young children, it may be safest to wait until your child is older than age 4.
1. Golden Retriever. It's safe to say that this breed is one of the most personable around. Golden Retrievers are always eager to please and have a calm temperament, which means they will be happy to socialise with everyone – even with other pets!