Infants and Dogs
Infants and Dogs: Dog Training for New Parents
Second City Dog Training in Chicago has the skills and experience to allow your dog to get used to the new kid in town.
A new baby means big changes (baby sounds, smells, etc.) for the entire household—dogs included! Most couples get a pet long before having kids, but not everyone considers how their dog and baby will do together.
Many owners assume that if they love their child, the dog will, too. Sometimes, this is true. Other times, jealousy rears its ugly head, and they just don’t get along. If this situation sounds familiar, there is no need to panic. It’s never too late to foster a good relationship between your dog and your baby. Dogs and newborn babies can be a challenge, but when you do things right you can introduce your dog when the baby comes home in a successful way!
Alternatively, you may belong to the category of couples that likes to plan. Are you feeling anxious about whether or not your pup and baby will get along? We can help you take preventative measures to ensure the big transition is an easy one.
Second City Dog Training designed the Cribs & Canines program for changing babies and dogs just like yours. We always strongly recommend never leaving babies, toddlers, or children unattended. We use crate, baby gates and more to keep both babies and dogs safe and secure.
How Can Prepare Your Dog for the When Baby Arrives
Some common issues we see between a dog and a new baby are:
- Jealousy
This is easily the most significant issue when it comes to introducing a new baby. Suddenly, there’s this squawking, squirmy little human taking up all your time! We can help set up a schedule that includes your dog while simultaneously helping them get used to sharing your attention.
- Confusion
Have you ever noticed how similar dog toys and baby toys are? All of the plush, squeaky toys used to belong to your dog! They might not understand that the toys and mats on the floor are for the baby and not for them. We can help you set boundaries.
- Fear/Anxiety
Babies come with new smells and sounds. If your dog is used to a quiet night, having a little one that wakes up crying could easily cause your dog some stress. Sound machines, baby toys, people coming to see the baby…they can all affect your dog’s mental health. We’ll make sure your dog knows how to stay calm through all of these adjustments.
- Aggression
Often, aggression is born of fear and anxiety. Once the stressors are addressed, aggression should no longer be an issue. However, your dog might also exhibit aggression because they become overprotective of you or the baby. A new baby could also trigger territorial behavior. No matter the reason, we can make your dog safe for your baby.
- Crowding
Dogs never want to be left out of the action! They always stick their noses where they don’t belong, and it can be exceptionally inconvenient where a new baby is concerned. If you’re having an issue with your dog underfoot or encroaching on the baby’s space, we can help you set boundaries through positive reinforcement dog training.
Ready to Get Started? Bring Baby Home with Peace of Mind!
Our professional dog trainer at Second City Dog Training are here to help your dog prepare for and adjust to life with a newborn baby. Email us or call us to learn how we can teach your dog to be around a baby calmly and safely.
Having a baby in the house doesn’t have to be a scary experience when you train with us!