After all the adorable videos of protective pups interacting with cooing babies posted on social media, it’s no wonder that parents assume their dog will become their baby’s best friend. Indeed, the latest research boasts of the many physical and social benefits of the canine/child bond. Reduced chances of developing allergies, stronger immunity, increased physical exercise, and greater empathy and social confidence are just a few of the reasons that more and more parents want to raise their children with a canine sibling. In principle, we couldn’t agree more; canines and kids are a great combination, making almost any home a happier one. However, the instant bond so adorably portrayed on Tik Tok and Instagram is in many ways a myth. There is a process to introducing your baby to your pooch that should not be rushed or ignored in order to make sure that your baby is safe and that your pup feels secure.
In Utero Bonding?
There is much anecdotal evidence professed by expectant mothers of how their pups change when they are pregnant. Expectant owners tell of how much more protective and demonstrative their fur babies become. These mothers are sure that their dogs know they are carrying, and with so many pictures of dogs resting their heads on pregnant bellies, it’s easy to assume they’re right. However, does Fido really understand that his human is pregnant? There is no doubt that a woman’s scent changes when she is expecting due to hormonal shifts and that dogs, with their keen sense of smell, pick up on these changes. Dogs’ sense of hearing also comes into play when, according to some experts, dogs lay their heads on pregnant bellies, because they can hear the fetus’s heartbeat, which is audible to them after 28 weeks. However, researchers hypothesize that although dogs hear and smell the changes in their pregnant human, they do not understand the cause of these changes and that there is a new human “puppy” on the way. The fact that a dog often becomes more protective and loving when his owner is pregnant is attributed to the fact that a dog senses a change in her mood and physical health, in the same way that a dog may become more loving when his owner is ill. Although the research is not definitive, it does indicate that your fur baby is simply responding to your needs and not actually protecting the new baby or bonding with him/her, no matter how lovely the idea may seem.
Preparing Your Pup
Preparation is key to your pooch calmly accepting your newborn. You should begin the preparation process months before your due date, as in the same way that it takes months to complete birthing classes, prepare a nursery, and buy baby paraphernalia. Your dog will require time to adjust to the changes that will ensue when you bring your newborn home. Expectant pet parents should not assume that because their dog is gentle and loving with them that he will be the same with their baby. Newborns cause great changes in any household which dogs may resent if they are not prepared for the new sounds, smells, and schedule disruptions. The following pointers will help smooth the transition from Fido being an “only child” to becoming a big brother or sister:
- First, make sure Fido is up to date on all his vaccines and health screenings.
- If you’ve neglected obedience training in the past, now is the time to enroll him in basic training classes. It will be essential that your dog follows commands, when you have a new baby in the house.
- Make sure all behavioral issues are solved prior to your newborn’s arrival, which will allow for a less stressful home environment.
- Get your pup used to playing on his own for a little while each day (having some engaging chew toys is essential), so that he does not demand constant attention once the baby arrives.
- If you plan to keep your pup out of certain rooms when you bring the baby home, then make sure to introduce and enforce this rule in the months before your delivery.
- Buy some baby toys ahead of time and train your dog not to touch them.
- Use the internet to play crying and cooing sounds, so that your pup becomes accustomed to general baby noises.
- Finally, if the pup’s primary caretaker is the expectant mother, then in the months prior to delivery get Fido used to a different caretaker. You can hire a professional dog walker and let Dad take charge of feeding.
Homecoming
The above pointers will prepare Fido for the big day, and the following will help you to ensure a smooth and calm introduction process.
- Let Dad bring a blanket or onesie home from the hospital for Fido to smell before bringing the baby home, so that he becomes familiar with him/her.
- Let the parent who is not Fido’s primary caretaker hold the baby when first bringing your newborn home.
- Your pup will be curious so allow him to approach the baby and reward him for calm behavior and prompt responses to your commands.
- Offer positive reinforcement, through encouraging talk, attention, and treats, whenever your pup behaves well around the baby, so he associates good thoughts with him/her.
- Don’t leave your baby on the floor when your dog is in the room.
- Never ever leave your pup unsupervised with your newborn no matter how trustworthy you think your dog.
- Do now allow your pup to sleep in your baby’s room.
- As your baby grows teach him/her how to gently interact with your pup. Even the kindest of dogs may react when a finger is put in his eye, or his tail is pulled.
- If despite your best efforts you encounter worrisome behavioral issues, contact a professional trainer immediately.
The bond between kids and dogs is beautiful to see and offers benefits to both human babies and fur babies alike. However, this bond is not automatic and requires the correct training and preparation to occur. The time and effort you spend preparing Fido will pay off in spades when your baby arrives, and your pooch is calm and happy contributing significantly to your calm and happy home.
