The Best Kind of Love: How To Properly Introduce Your Dog To Your New Baby

Make the change in where the dog sleeps or when he gets walked and fed before your baby comes, so that your dog will not associate the changes with the baby. Lessen the amount of play and attention you give them two to three weeks before the baby comes home. You do not want to “last minute” lavish your dog with affection, only to have it stop when the baby comes.

Take the time to polish up your dog’s basic obedience skills, and if you’ve never done any basic training - you better get to work right away. Your dog should be able to do a basic “sit”, understand a casual a “stay” cue and a “place” cue (which is a way to send your dog to a specific spot, like his bed). Each cue is very helpful, and if you practice enough, can really help with your dog’s impulse control.

See that all that baby shopping doesn't make you forget to make sure you have the appropriate equipment for your dog as well. For example, baby gates won’t be necessary for your child right away, but your dog might benefit from having boundaries during the transition. Invest in a quality bed if you don’t have one already. You want your dog’s bed to be a comfortable home base. Get a variety of rubber toys. They will become your dog’s “babysitter” when you can’t pay attention to them.

Yep, that's really a thing. One way to help maintain your dog’s walk schedule is to take the baby along with you! But it will take some adjustment for your dog to get used to walking behind the stroller. Practice in advance, so you’re both masters at it by the time the baby is there. Starting now!

Take the time to get your dog used to being handled all over by teaching them that every time you touch a different part of their body something good happens, such as you’ll give them a delicious treat. Taking this slowly and very gradually will prepare your dog better for when your baby starts to reach out to touch them.

Your dog will be very curious about his new family member, so it makes sense that he will try to get close to investigate the baby. Watch for and praise appropriate behaviors like backing off when you ask him to and sitting politely instead of jumping up.

Make sure that your dog’s flea and tick preventative is safe for close contact around newborns. Ask your vet if you're not sure. They will be able to provide advice if you have any concerns. 

When you arrive home with your newborn, first greet your dog alone so they don't get excited and jump on the baby. We know it's a lot to think about at a stressful time, but better safe than sorry!

Allow your dog to adjust to the smell, sight and sound of the baby for a few days before introducing them in closer proximity. After a few days, allow the dog to sniff the baby while controlled on a leash. Pet him and give him praise while he sniffs. Most dogs adapt easily, but always take precautions. When interacting with the dog and baby, keep the baby elevated and make sure an adult is between them at all times.

It’s important to always be actively engaged and never leave dogs and babies alone. If diving your attention becomes too hard, you could always give your dog a long-lasting tasty treat and leave them alone in their bed to enjoy it while you are spending time with your baby in the same room.

Give your dog plenty of love and attention when the baby is around. You don’t want them to decide that good things only happen for them when the baby isn’t there...

You don’t want the smell of the baby being associated with anything negative. So if your doggo picks up a the child’s toy, simply replace it with the dog’s toy.

When the baby is about 4 months old, sit them on your lap. Call the dog over and get them to sit at your feet. Pet the dog with long, soft strokes. This is how you teach a child to pet a dog and not hit them. Also, once your baby begins to crawl, make sure that they don't pull on the dog’s tail or ears.