Bringing home a new baby is a wonderful time, but it can also be a time of great stress for parents, especially when they have other, four-legged family members to consider. If this is their first child, chances are that up until that point, their dog was their baby. Now, Fido is going to have to share that love and attention with a new, tiny human that requires constant care.
But, it doesn’t have to be a difficult transition for the family. Sure, things are about to change, but now there is just more loving family members to go around. When introducing a new baby to the family dog, a little bit of preparation can go a long way.
According to the ASPCA, it’s important that your dog gets comfortable with baby sights, sounds, and smells before you ever bring your newborn home. They also recommend starting early to get your dog used to changes in their routine, such as feeding time.
“Gradually introduce your dog to the new experiences, sights, sounds and smells she’ll encounter when you bring your baby home, and associate these new things with rewards. This will help your dog learn to love life with the baby.”
The family in this video was prepared to introduce their newborn to the family Golden Retriever. Dad even strapped on his GoPro to capture the entire experience. The dog looks happy, with tail wagging, as he waits patiently to be invited in to see the newest member of the family. It isn’t long before mom, dad, baby, and the family pet are snuggled up together for some quality family time.
Watch the heartwarming introduction in the video below.
