Regardless of effective jack russell training, it’s expected for new parents to feel apprehensive in taking home and introducing their new baby to the resident pet. Dogs who have been the family’s baby for quite some time are more prone to feel jealous to the attention and affection the new baby receives.
There is however really no need to be worried about this because there are various simple and effective ways to train your pet to get accustomed to the child:
- A few months before the arrival of your baby, make some necessary change in lifestyle. Permit your pet to explore your baby’s sleeping area and get him accustomed to the presence of toys, diapers, blankets and other baby stuff. Your pet must also know that your lap isn’t his anymore and he can’t just sit on it anytime.
- A dog that is reliably trained with basic obedience such as sit, stay and down is less troublesome. However, if your pet has not yet perfected those commands, it’s best to take the dog training seriously long before the baby comes home. Those commands are crucial in handling your pet in several instances.
- Before bringing home the baby (if delivered at the hospital), bring home the blankets first, garments or other stuff the baby has donned or used. This is to acquaint your jack russell with the baby’s scent.
- If it’s time for the mother and the baby to come home, it is best if another member of the family is the one carrying the baby. This prevents creating undesirable experience on the first meeting should you need to ignore him or tell him “off” or “go away”.
- The pet’s first meeting with the baby should be a positive encounter.
A dog breed as energetic as jack russell terrier can make a family busy, much more with the new family member. Efficient time and task management can help make things easy.
