How a Bernese Mountain Dog Reacts to a New Baby

Author

Reads 203

Tricolor Bernese Mountain Dog on Green Grass Field
Credit: pexels.com, Tricolor Bernese Mountain Dog on Green Grass Field

Welcoming a new baby into your family can be a life-changing experience, especially for your furry friends. Bernese Mountain Dogs, in particular, are known for their gentle and patient nature, but it's essential to understand how they might react to a new baby.

Their calm demeanor can help them adjust to the new addition, but it's crucial to introduce them slowly and under controlled circumstances. This approach allows your Bernese Mountain Dog to become familiar with the baby's scent, sounds, and movements.

As they get used to the new baby, you may notice your Bernese Mountain Dog becoming more protective and alert. This is a natural response to the new family member and can be a sign that they're feeling more secure and comfortable.

Their instinct to protect and care for their pack is strong, and with proper introduction and training, your Bernese Mountain Dog can become a loving and loyal companion to your baby.

Take a look at this: Bernese Mountain Dog Family

Introducing Dogs to Babies

Tricolor Bernese Mountain Dog on Green Grass Field
Credit: pexels.com, Tricolor Bernese Mountain Dog on Green Grass Field

Most Berners are gentle and nurturing, but it's essential to teach children and your dog how to conduct themselves around each other.

Dogs can have a difficult time adapting to new babies at home, so it's normal for parents to have concerns or worries about introducing their babies to a new dog.

The best time for a pup and a newborn to get acquainted is after the dog is tired from walking or playing.

Preparations aside, animal welfare charity Blue Cross notes that the first interaction between the dog and baby should be under control, with the baby being held in a parent's arms and the dog allowed to sniff the child.

The dog will appear interested for a few seconds and will then lose interest, so when they back away, you should praise them and give them a treat.

For a smooth introduction, Blue Cross suggests that the baby be introduced to the dog in a quiet and neutral room, not the one they usually eat or sleep in, to save them from getting territorial.

Bernese Mountain Dog Standing on the Shore of a Beach
Credit: pexels.com, Bernese Mountain Dog Standing on the Shore of a Beach

Dogs are creatures of habit and gain a sense of confidence and security from having a stable routine and knowing what to expect at certain times of the day.

By preparing your pup for the change as soon as possible, like leaving the dog alone for longer periods, you can move at their anxious and hesitant pace.

The charity recommends that owners expecting a new child begin preparing their pup for the change as soon as possible, like leaving the dog alone for longer periods.

Watch Bernese Mountain Dog's Reaction to Seeing 'Her Baby

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known to be gentle and nurturing, making them a great breed for families with children. Most Berners interact well with kids, but it's essential to spend time teaching children and the dog how to behave around each other.

Young children, puppies, and adult dogs should be closely supervised to avoid behaviors that could lead to injury. This includes the dog accidentally knocking over a child or the child teasing the dog, causing it to become upset.

Glad ethnic couple with Bernese Mountain Dog on leash sitting on grass while spending time together on weekend
Credit: pexels.com, Glad ethnic couple with Bernese Mountain Dog on leash sitting on grass while spending time together on weekend

It's not uncommon to see a Bernese Mountain Dog become excited when seeing their "baby", whether it's a new baby in the family or a young child. They may bark to get the baby's attention, but the baby often doesn't mind the noise and may even seem to enjoy the interaction.

This special bond between a Bernese Mountain Dog and their "baby" is a heartwarming sight to behold.

Preparing for a New Baby

Dogs can have a difficult time adapting to new babies at home, so it's essential to build the relationship between the pair carefully.

Dogs are creatures of habit and gain confidence from having a stable routine. Newborn-caused disruptions to their routine can appear to dogs as if they are receiving less attention than usual.

The U.K.-based charity DogsTrust recommends that owners expecting a new child begin preparing their pup for the change as soon as possible. This can be done by leaving the dog alone for longer periods.

For more insights, see: Bernese Mountain Dogs Swim

Close-Up Photograph of a Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Photograph of a Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy

Preparing early allows the owner to move at their dog's anxious and hesitant pace. The best time for a pup and a newborn to get acquainted is after the dog is tired from walking or playing.

Animal welfare charity Blue Cross advises owners to greet their dogs first and without the baby present. This helps prevent the pets from unleashing their usual excitement at the newborn.

For a smooth introduction, Blue Cross suggests introducing the baby to the dog in a quiet and neutral room. This helps prevent territorial behavior.

Associating the newborn's presence with positivity is key. Owners should praise their dogs for displaying good behavior after they meet.

The first interaction should be under control, with the baby being held in a parent's arms and the dog allowed to sniff the child. When the dog backs away, owners should praise them and give them a treat.

Take a look at this: Dogs like Bernese Mountain Dog

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a dog to adjust to a new baby?

Dogs typically adjust to a new baby within a few days to several weeks, with some taking longer than others. With patience and proper training, your dog can learn to coexist peacefully with the new addition to your family.

Kellie Hagenes

Junior Copy Editor

Kellie Hagenes is a detail-driven Copy Editor with a passion for refining written content. With a keen eye for grammar, syntax, and style, she ensures that every article meets the highest standards of clarity and coherence. Her portfolio showcases a diverse range of topics, including the fascinating realm of "Canine Strength and Ability," where she helped shape engaging stories that captivated readers of all ages.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.