Tips for Making Dogs and Babies Work
Some people think that having dogs and babies in the same house, you are just setting yourself up for disaster! Dogs and babies have such different and demanding needs that sometimes it can feel really difficult to try and have dogs and babies together in the same home. However, it is possible to make dogs and babies work - there are just some things that you need to do in order to keep everyone happy!
One of the tips for making dogs and babies work is TREATS. If you want to keep dogs happy when the baby is around, then you should make sure that you give the dog plenty of treats when the baby comes into the room. For one thing, this will keep the dog occupied eating treats so that it will not disturb the baby. In addition, it also will help your dog to be happy when the baby comes into the room! Your dog will automatically think of treats whenever it sees the baby, and consequently it will not develop resentment towards the baby because your attention is now divided.
Another way that you can make dogs and babies work is through separate spaces. Dogs need to have their separate space so that the baby will be able to get the sleep it needs. If the dog disturbs the baby from napping, then you could end up having a very grumpy little baby on your hands! Instead, you should make sure that your dog has a separate space where it can go while the baby is sleeping. In addition, separate spaces are great because you can keep the dog away from anything of the baby's that might get ruined - you don't want your dog to start chewing on the baby's toys or blankets, for example!
You can also make babies and dogs work by giving a lot of attention to your dog. Dogs are family-oriented, pack animals and they probably are used to getting a lot of attention from you. Work hard to continue to give your dog attention after the baby arrives. If you begin to ignore your dog, then it will start to develop resentment towards the new baby that has come to join the family. Make sure that you still spend a fair amount of quality time with your dog each day, even if it is hard to give your dog all of the attention that it used to get.
Another way that you can get dogs and babies to work is by making sure that your dog knows how to act around the baby. If possible, try to get your dog obedience trained before the baby arrives - it is important that your dog understands verbal commands like, "No!" before it gets near the baby. In addition, you should give your dog the chance to be exposed to other babies, so that the dog will get used to the smells and sounds that babies make. However, when introducing your dog to new babies, make sure that it is on a leash or controlled in some way - even the friendliest dog can get too excited around delicate little babies!
Dogs and babies can grow up becoming the best of friends, but you need to make sure that they start "working" together on the right foot. Separate spaces, treats and attention are some factors which can help make dogs and babies get along under the same roof. With the proper introductions and care, you should end up having three happy members of your family - not only the baby and the dog, but you will be happy too!
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