Once
baby’s “basic needs” are met as defined by Maslow, getting used to his
or her new world (a) takes time; and (b) is 100% about the five senses. 1. Taste. Make sure you help baby know the joy of taste that satisfies baby. Start by offering puppy your finger to taste, then perhaps some object safe for baby to put in his or her mouth. A type of chew toy.
Puppy mommy’s milk is baby’s first taste.
Later, food offers more opportunities to taste. Taste is huge with puppy. It’s a dog’s way to understand the world, especially you and home. Puppies taste by licking themselves, the floor, objects, you... Treats, kibble, sweet potato, apple slices. A good experience could avoid picky eaters.
2. Touch. I’d explain that touch is very very important, but all five senses are equally essential. Don’t think discipline at this time. That’s for later.
Hold baby in your arms, softly stroke baby’s head and face; Touch baby’s fingers and feet. Let baby touch you. Let baby find your hand’s gentle touch.
Puppy might also rub up against your knee or insist on sleeping next to you. Pup wants to know you, like you and be with you. So let him or her.
Don’t make the mistake of causing your puppy to feel rejected, unloved or a bother. Once that feeling is known, it’s extremely difficult to overcome.
3. Hear. Speak softly. Tell baby how much you want and love him or her. Speak about the joy of God, the country, the flowers, sunshine; sing; hum, be happy. Play soft music, such as lullabies. Do not let a puppy hear loud music or sounds. Keep baby’s environment calm.
4. See. Baby needs to see you or sense you. See basic life colors and images. Keep bright shades of color far from baby’s sight, such as on walls. Use soft shades of color closer to baby’s eyes.
Let baby see siblings and other pets. Show certain objects you hold to help familiarize puppy to things he or she will see with age, such as a stuffed animal, blanket or toy.
5. Smell. Dogs have a heightened sense of smell. My Honey likes to tease “he can smell the cotton field before his blanket was woven.”
Even a puppy can smell danger, an unfriendly or not nice person.
Puppy can determine just from smell that you are happy, feel sad or sick, are afraid or full of love in their heart. You cannot fool a dog.///