12 Simple Tips To Help You Introduce Your Dog To A Toddler

Introducing a dog to a toddler or baby can be nerve-wracking. You don’t know how it’s going to go and this will affect how they get along for years. Here are some tips for this experience.

Keep Your Nursery Off-Limits. Your dog should not be allowed in unsupervised.
Use Smell. Before you show your dog your child, let them sniff the toddler’s blanket, toys, or clothes.
Be Attentive. Don’t let your dog get jealous. Make sure you’re giving them attention, too.
Go Slow But Steady. Make sure you’re consistently encouraging the two to learn about each other, but don’t force either of them to get closer.
Learn Body Language. Study your dog so you can quickly pick up on any negative cues.
Use Sounds. The noises a toddler or baby makes can scare a dog. Play recorded noises of babies beforehand, or let your dog hear the toddler before they ever see them.
Training. Make sure your dog knows basic commands and obedience.
Use A Leash. When you first let the two meet, keep your dog on a leash so you can better control their movements.
Teach Your Child. If your toddler is old enough to understand, teach them to respect the dog and behave reasonably around them.
Maintain Hierarchy. Dogs still follow many of their hierarchy instincts from the wild. They should not feel like the Alphas of your family pack. You are the Alpha.
Use Items. Let your dog sniff and interact safely with some of your child’s things.
First Impressions. Don’t march right into your home without a single care with a baby. Go in first, greet your dog, then bring the baby in.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay