Dogs are natural explorers, and most puppies won’t be able to resist the opportunity to explore a new house. Unless they’re completely trained, it’s likely that your dog will almost certainly try to find the cat or sneak under the desk and explore. They may even try to sneak out an open door or window. But keeping a dog locked in a separate room all day is not fair on them and can have negative long-term effects on their behavior as well as their attachment with you as an owner. So what do you do? How can you keep your new baby safe while still giving your dog lots of time together? It’s not easy being a parent with a puppy in the house – but with these pro tips, you can make sure your little one is safe at all times.
Don’t be afraid to crate train
If you’re not familiar with crate training, it involves putting your dog in a crate for part of the day or for certain periods of time during the night. While some parents use this as a punishment tool, it is actually used for positive reinforcement: it helps dogs to feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed. There are many reasons as to why crate training is a good idea for your dog: – When you have a new baby at home, your dog will be excited, overstimulated, and might even get a little jealous because they’re going to want your attention. They may bark, chew, or even urinate in undesirable places. Crate training will give your dog a safe place to go to when they start to feel anxious or overwhelmed. If you catch them doing something they shouldn’t, you can also put them in the crate. – Crate training helps your dog learn boundaries. They’ll be able to relax and understand that they can’t go running after the cat or jumping on the baby. That’s not to say they can’t interact with them – just that they’ll understand that it’s not appropriate for them to jump up on the baby or even on the bed.
Ensure safe spots are locked off
If you have reading nooks, cat shelves, or a playpen, now is the time to lock them off and put them out of reach. Put a baby gate on the bottom step, too. You can use a gate to block off a room, or you can use a gate that attaches to the wall. If you’re worried your dog will chew through the gate, you can even try topping it with a piece of wood. Be sure to put toys and chew toys inside the gate so your dog has something to do while they are confined. Again, you don’t want them getting bored while they can’t roam freely around the house.
If your dog is a runner, invest in a good leash
Adorable as they are, young puppies like to explore. If they get loose, they could run into traffic or get lost in the neighborhood. If your dog is a runner, it’s a good idea to buy a long leash. You can attach it to the door frame and keep your dog in the yard. You can also use it when you take your dog for walks. If your dog likes to roam, you’ll likely have to put the leash on them when you take them outside. This will help prevent them from running away or running into the street. A leash is a must-have dog equipment, and it’s important to get one that’s made for dogs. With a leash that’s too short, you run the risk of getting tangled up in it or injuring yourself if your dog pulls. And with a leash that’s too long, you’ll leave yourself open to your dog taking off in ways you don’t expect.
Don’t forget the manners
As your dog learns the new addition to the family, be sure to keep practicing the basic commands. You can even add a few more into the mix if you feel like it will help your dog feel less anxious. If you’re using clicker training, keep clicking and rewarding your dog for good behavior. You can also try rewarding them with treats if you’re still breastfeeding. If you’re not breastfeeding, you’re probably not allowed to give your dog treats yet, but you can still reward them with praise and cuddles!
Find a routine that works for everyone
Remember that your dog might be a little sad and lonely while they’re in their crate. That’s normal and temporary, but it’s definitely something you should keep in mind. It can be hard to find balance. You want to keep your dog happy and engaged while also keeping your baby safe and happy. That can be a challenge, but it’s possible! Try keeping a routine with both your dog and your baby. This way, you can make sure that everyone gets the attention they need. Try to keep the baby awake during the day for about as long as your dog is awake in their crate. That way, if your dog is lonely, they don’t feel like they’re missing out on too much. You can also try reading to the dog if you don’t want to read to the baby.
The Wrap Up
For most parents, adding a dog to the family is a beautiful thing, and it can be a super rewarding experience. However, it’s important to remember that adding a dog to the family is a big change. If you don’t do some research and plan out what to expect, things can get pretty stressful pretty quickly! With these pro tips, you can make sure your new addition is safe and happy.
