Dogs and babies. As soon as you see those words, you probably think of some picture you’ve seen on a calendar. That’s because dogs and babies are just about the most cute combination ever. However, if dogs and babies are to get along, there has to be a little ground work laid.
Related: Best and Worst Dog Breeds for Kids
Dogs and Babies Aren’t Auto-Buds
Dogs and babies may rank high on the cute scale, but they aren’t always going to be fast friends. You have to remember that babies are little terrors. They don’t mean to be, but they are. Babies like to explore, and in the case of dogs and babies, that can mean ear and tail pulling, climbing, poking, and sometimes chewing. This may not bother a highly patient dog, but if you have a dog that’s high strung or impatient, it can be a problem.
Go With What You Know
When it comes to dogs and babies, the first thing on your mind should be your dog’s personality. If you have a highly friendly dog, you can be a little more loose with the interaction. Remember, however, that an excited dog could accidentally injure your baby, so you still need to be watchful. If your dog is more aloof or not high in patience, you need to watch your dog and your baby’s interaction like a hawk. If the baby decides to grab at a pooch that brooks no nonsense, you might have a problem.
Related: 5 Best Large Dog Breeds For Families With Kids
Be Vigilant
Dogs and babies don’t always have to be together to develop a strong bond. In fact, sometimes it’s better if they aren’t. If your baby is young, you want to keep an eye on any and all interactions. You don’t want bites from an irritated dog, but you also don’t want accidental injuries to your baby from an overly excited pup. In the same way, you don’t want accidental injuries to your small dog from an overly adventurous baby.
Teach Your Baby
Dogs and babies are an adorable combination if you teach your baby to respect your dog. It’s never too early to teach your baby to respect the family fido. Never let your baby get away with pulling, poking, or being rough with your dog, and lead by example. Even if your dog loves the rough stuff, don’t participate in wrestling or rough housing where the baby can see. That can be learned later when he or she is older.
Teach Your Dog
Dogs and babies are an adorable combination if you teach your dog to respect your baby. Did that sentence sound familiar? =D Never let your dog get away with being to rough with your baby. Teach it that it’s not allowed to rough house or nip.
Never Leave Them Unattended
Dogs and babies might seem like the most natural pairing ever, but never leave them unattended. Even if you trust your dog, and its always been good with your baby, crazy things can happen. So always be around and supervising when the pooch and the tot are together.
Dogs and Babies – A Match Made in Heaven
Dog and babies are the cutest thing to ever exist. Ever. There’s just something about a boy or girl and his or her dog that can’t be beat. If you follow these tips on dogs and babies, you should have an easy time keeping it fun instead of tense. Just remember this final tip. Always be vigilant, and always stop the interaction if you even suspect that your dog is getting impatient.
Did you raise your dogs and babies together? What tips to do have to add?
