Bringing a new baby home can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience for new parents. However, it can be just as stressful for your furry companion who considers themselves a part of the family too. Dogs, especially, can feel neglected or jealous when there’s a new baby in the house. Fortunately, it’s possible to ensure that your dog adapts well to the baby if you take specific steps before and after the baby arrives. One effective tool you can use is dog treats. In this blog post, we will explore how treats can be used to train your dog to adapt to a new baby and maintain positive behavior.
Start early
As soon as you discover that you’re expecting, start training your dog to behave in ways that accommodate the arrival of the new member. Teach them obedience commands like “sit,” “stay” and “heel” so that you have better control over their behavior. Use treats to reward good behavior. When your baby arrives, being able to guide your dog’s behavior will be vital in keeping everyone safe. With time, your dog will learn how to behave in the presence of the new baby. The earlier you start, the better prepared your dog will be.
Set up the baby’s nursery
Get your dog used to the baby’s nursery in anticipation of its arrival. As your dog sniffs around the baby’s crib and toys, reward positive behavior with treats. This could help them understand the purpose of the room and how they should behave in it. Additionally, positioning your dog’s bed near the baby’s nursery can acclimatize them to the new sleeping arrangements. Using treats to reward your dog for remaining calm and quiet as they get used to the new surroundings reinforces positive responses.
Introduce baby smells
Before the baby comes home, introduce your dog to the smell of baby products like baby wipes, lotions, and powders. As your dog gets familiar with the smell, reward them with a treat. With every positive response, increase the intensity and frequency of the smells introduced to the dog. Associating the new scent with positive associations, reinforces good behavior.
Practice control
Teach your dog that the arrival of the new baby doesn’t mean abandonment or neglect for them. Make a schedule that includes spending time with your dog, taking them for walks, and playtime to reassure them that they are loved and valued. In the initial stages, having someone else around to look after the baby while you give your dog attention can be helpful. Use treats as rewards for taking commands related to spending time with the baby and demonstrate that good behavior will always be properly rewarded.
Reinforce positive behavior
As your baby becomes a permanent part of your household, it’s important to reinforce positive behavior for your dog. Treats can be particularly useful in this respect. If your dog obeys your commands or exhibits any positive behavior, reward them with a treat. This reinforces the idea that good behavior is always rewarded, and slowly but surely, your dog will be completely comfortable in the presence of your baby.
To summarize
Bringing a new baby home can be a joyous event, but it can take time for your furry companion to adjust. With the help of treats, however, it’s possible to train your dog to adapt to the new arrival. Start by incorporating obedience training, setting up the baby’s nursery, and getting your dog acclimatized to the smell of baby products.
Always reinforce good behavior with treats and ensure that your dog gets the attention they deserve. Above all, be patient, and don’t lose sight of the fact that your dog is a crucial part of your family as you welcome the new addition. With time, love, and patience, your dog will learn to love and protect the new baby!
