Bringing home a new addition to the family is a joyous occasion, but it can cause stress for your existing two-legged and four-legged family members. By taking the time to ensure your new baby is properly introduced to your fur-children, you can lay the proper foundation for a lifelong friendship.
Some parents may fear that German Shepherds are not good dogs for children, but the truth is that any dog can be a family dog with the right training and care. Take some time now, well before your due date, to understand what your dog may be feeling and research the proper way to introduce your pet to your new baby.
First, realize that your dog may be jealous of the new addition. Your dog may also become stressed by the change in routine and the new sounds and smells that accompany a baby. Try to be sympathetic to your dog’s perspective and find solutions that will ease the stress on your pet during the transition.
Remember that you are the leader and responsible for guiding interactions between your German Shepherd and your new baby. It’s your job to ensure the introduction is handled slowly and calmly, allowing your dog to grow accustomed to the scent and sound of the new family member over an extended period. This way you can avoid accidentally traumatizing or over-stimulating any member of the family by attempting to rush acceptance.
Once initial introductions have gone smoothly, remember to keep up a day-to-day routine so that your dog feels safe and secure with his place in the household. Bored dogs and those who feel ignored are more likely to cause trouble and engage in problematic attention-seeking behaviors; do your best to keep meal times and walk times consistent and give your dog the attention he needs.
Finally, remember that your baby’s safety is your primary concern. Your baby is helpless and doesn’t know the rules when it comes to interacting with his four-legged sibling. Never leave a dog and child unattended; it’s your job to ensure that the dog’s boundaries are respected while the baby’s safety is protected.
If you need help or have any concerns about how to introduce your dog to a new baby, seek the help of a qualified animal behavior expert. With professional guidance and training, you can ensure that your dog learns the right habits to continue being a loyal and friendly companion to the whole family.
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