Content
At the time of pregnancy, all kinds of questions arise that include, in this case, your dog, since you don't know how the pet will react to the baby's arrival or what he will do if he can't spend as much time with him. Jealousy is a natural feeling that arises when someone feels rejected within a core because, in this case, another member is taking all the attention.
In this article by PeritoAnimal, you can read some advice so that your dog never gets jealous of the newcomer, even establishing a good relationship with him inside the home. Keep reading to find out how avoid jealousy between children and dogs.
prepare for the baby's arrival
In this article on how to avoid jealousy among children and dogs, we will provide a little guide so that you understand all the steps to follow and prevent this undesirable situation from happening. For this it is necessary to change your usual routine before the baby arrives. In this way, the dog begins to understand that things are not going to be as they are now but that they are not going to be any worse for it.
Involving your dog in the wonderful experience that is pregnancy is no joke: the dog must participate in the process as much as possible, understanding in some way what is going to happen. Don't forget that dogs have a sixth sense, so let it get close to your belly.
Before the baby arrives, the whole family starts to prepare things: their room, their crib, their clothes, their toys... Must allow the dog to sniff and move in an orderly and peaceful way around the child's surroundings. rejecting the dog at this point is the first step in creating jealousy toward the future family member. You shouldn't be afraid that the dog will do something to you.
It is important to note that, if walking and meal times can be changed after the newborn's arrival, you should start preparing these changes as soon as possible: get the dog used to walking with someone else, have his food prepared, set an alarm so you don't forget certain habits, etc. Don't let your pet undergo a sudden change in its routine.
Once the baby arrives in this world, let the dog smell the new family member's used clothing. This will get you used to its odor, a factor that will make you appreciate your arrival even more.
Introduce the baby to the dog
Once the baby comes home, your dog will do his best to find out what's going on, and chances are he's never seen a baby before. When you get used to its scent, it will be more relaxed and confident with the presence of a being that is foreign to it.
In the beginning, it is normal that it costs too much to bring them together, as you will be left wondering "what if my dog gets confused? And if he thinks he is a toy?". There is very little chance that this will happen, as the little one's scent is mixed with yours.
Take your time to make the introductions closely, but it is important that the dog has eye and gesture contact with the dog from day one. Watch your attitude carefully.
Little by little, allow the dog to get closer to the baby. If your dog is nice and sweet to you, why not your baby?
Another completely different matter is the case of a dog whose character or reaction is unknown, such as an adopted dog. In these cases, and if you really have doubts about your reaction, we recommend that you contact the shelter to ask for information or that you hire an ethologist to oversee the submission process.
Child growth with the dog
Up to 3 or 4 years old, young children are usually sweet and affectionate with their puppies. When they grow up, they begin to experience and see everything around them more abruptly. must teach your children what it really means to have a dog in the family, and what it implies: affection, affection, respect, company, responsibility, etc.
It is very important to teach your child that, even if the dog does not respond properly to what is asked, it should never be hurt or forced to do anything at all: the dog is not a robot or a toy, it is a living being. A dog that feels attacked may react defensively, don't forget that.
So that the child's coexistence and emotional development is ideal, you should share with your child all the responsibilities that a dog carries, such as allowing him to accompany the walks, explaining how and when to give food and water, etc. . Including the child in these daily tasks is beneficial to him.
