Introduction
Bringing home a new baby is an exciting and overwhelming time. But while parents are focused on caring for their newborn, they often wonder how their furry family members will adjust to the new arrival.
According to Dog Facts, over 80% of dog owners worry about their dog accepting a new baby. However, dogs are highly adaptable pack animals who can learn to live in harmony with children when given proper training, attention and adjustments at home.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the signs your dog is struggling with the new baby, why they may be upset, and provide actionable training and lifestyle tips to help them happily adapt.
Signs Your Dog is Stressed by the New Baby
When a new baby joins the family, some dogs may exhibit signs of stress and anxiety. According to Romper, common signals that your dog is feeling uneasy with the new addition include:
Aggression/protective behavior: Your dog may act defensive around the baby by growling or placing themselves between you and the baby. They may see the infant as a threat.
Excessive barking/whining: Your once quiet dog may suddenly become very vocal and bark or whine frequently.
Loss of appetite: A stressed dog may turn down food or treats they once loved or eat significantly less.
Hiding/shying away: You may notice your dog hiding under furniture or in another room to avoid the new baby.
Seeking more attention: In an attempt to reassure themselves, your dog may cling to you more or nudge your hand for pets.
Other possible signs according to Breakthrough Dog Training include yawning, blinking, lip licking, turning their head away, and turning their body away from the baby.
Why Dogs May Be Upset by a New Baby
Dogs thrive on routine and can find changes very stressful. The arrival of a new baby represents a huge change for your dog. Their schedule and amount of attention is likely to change dramatically with a new baby in the house.
Before the baby arrives, your dog was used to getting a certain amount of love, affection, play time, walks, and your undivided attention. Now that you have an infant who needs round-the-clock care, your dog is suddenly getting a lot less one-on-one time with you. They may feel neglected, sad, or even jealous of the new baby.
In addition to less attention, your dog must adjust to new sights, sounds, and smells in the home. The baby’s crying can be upsetting or alarming. The new baby supplies and furniture are unfamiliar. And the new baby smell can be very strong and intimidating for a dog.
All these changes occurring at once can be very difficult for a dog. Their stress may manifest as behavior problems, depression, or anxiety. Be patient with your dog and help them through this transition. With time and training, your dog can adapt to the new family member. (Source: PetPlace)
Bonding with Your Dog and Baby
Creating a strong bond between your dog and new baby is important for their relationship. Here are some tips to help them form a connection:
- Let your dog sniff items like the baby’s blanket or stuffed animals before you bring the baby home. This allows them to get used to the new scent in a calm environment (1).
- When you first arrive home with the baby, allow your dog to sniff the baby’s blanket again while you are holding it. Give your dog reassurance and petting during this introduction.
- Make sure to give your dog affection and attention while you hold the baby. This will help prevent jealousy and reinforce positive associations (2).
- Take your dog for walks or playtime without the baby, so they still get one-on-one time with you.
With patience and care, you can facilitate a loving friendship between your furry companion and new addition!
Creating a Routine for Dog and Baby
Establishing a predictable routine for your dog is one of the most important things you can do to help them adjust to having a new baby at home. Sticking to a schedule provides comfort and reduces stress for dogs. Try to feed and walk your dog before tending to the baby’s routine each day. Maintaining consistent times for your dog’s meals, walks, playtime and training is ideal. According to this source, changing your dog’s routine in advance of the baby’s arrival can help make the transition smoother.
Make sure your dog has their own space, like a crate or bed, where they can relax and retreat from the hubbub of baby activities. If you are unable to provide your dog with enough exercise and attention yourself, consider hiring a dog walker to take them out on a regular schedule. With some planning and adjustments, you can help your dog adapt to the new family member.
Exercising Your Dog
It’s important to maintain your dog’s exercise routine after having a baby. Dogs require physical activity and mental stimulation, so their needs don’t disappear when a new family member arrives. In fact, exercise can help relieve any stress or anxiety your dog may be feeling about the new situation.
Going on walks is one of the best forms of exercise for dogs. If possible, plan to walk your dog at least once per day. You can use a front baby carrier or stroller to bring your baby along on strolls. This allows you to bond with your newborn while also meeting your dog’s needs.
If walking your dog daily with the baby is not feasible, consider hiring a dog walker or taking your dog to doggy daycare a few times a week. Dog walkers can come to your home and take your dog out for 30-60 minute walks. At doggy daycare, your dog will have the chance to play and socialize with other dogs under supervision. Both options provide your dog with physical and mental enrichment.
You can also do short training sessions, play fetch in the yard, or provide chew toys for your dog to help burn off energy. But walks and vigorous play remain essential to keeping your dog happy and adjusted through the transition of bringing home a new baby. Don’t neglect your dog’s exercise requirements just because you have your hands full with an infant.
Training Tips
When it comes to training your dog once the baby arrives, focus on positive reinforcement, redirection, desensitization, and practicing basic commands. The ASPCA recommends using treats and praise to reward calm behavior around the baby. If your dog gets too excited or jumps, redirect them to a calm settle or down stay. Desensitize your dog to common baby sounds and gear like cries, rattles, and swings, by gradually exposing them while providing praise and treats for a relaxed response. Maintain their basic training too – work on sit, stay, wait, down, and no jumping up so they learn impulse control. The more practice your dog gets, the better behaved they’ll be once baby is part of your everyday life.
When to Seek Help
While many dogs will adjust to a new baby with time and training, it’s important to watch out for signs that your dog is experiencing serious distress. According to ASPCA, you should seek professional help right away if your dog shows aggression or attempts to bite the baby. This includes growling, baring teeth, snapping, or staring intently at the baby. Even subtle signs like raised hackles or a stiff body posture indicate your dog is feeling highly threatened and intervention is needed.
You should also contact your vet if your dog becomes extremely lethargic or loses interest in food after the baby’s arrival, as this can signal depression or anxiety. Appetite changes are normal at first, but if they persist or worsen, it’s time to get help. The Dog Meets Baby experts say other red flags include nonstop barking, whining, or panting, as well as pacing and shaking – all signs of severely increased anxiety.
The bottom line is any extreme change in your dog’s typical relaxed demeanor after interacting with the baby must be addressed. Left untreated, these behaviors often escalate over time. Consulting a vet, trainer, or behaviorist can help identify the causes of your dog’s stress and equip you with solutions to help everyone in the family adjust.
Adapting Your Home
Your home environment will need some adjustments to make it safe and comfortable for both your dog and new baby. Here are some tips on adapting your home:
Install baby gates to restrict your dog’s access to certain rooms like the nursery. This allows your dog to still have access to most of the house while keeping the baby’s space separate. Make sure the gates are tall enough that your dog can’t jump over them.
Consider crate training your dog if they aren’t already crate trained, so they have a safe space of their own. Place the crate in an area like the living room where your dog can still see the family activities while remaining comfortable in their own bed.
When designing your nursery, look for dog-friendly items like cushy beds where your dog can relax and watch the baby. Just be sure to supervise all interactions between your dog and baby.
Dog-proof the nursery by keeping items out of reach that your dog could damage or that could harm your baby. Look for baby toys made of nontoxic materials in case your dog tries to play with them.
Keep a stock of chew toys on hand to occupy your dog so they don’t resort to chewing on inappropriate objects.
Consider calming aids like pheromone diffusers or treats to help ease your dog’s transition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while many dogs may initially struggle with the new arrival of a baby, with proper preparation, patience and time, most can make the adjustment. It’s important to keep reassuring your dog through positive reinforcement, maintaining exercise and routines, adapting your home and schedule where necessary, and monitoring closely for signs of stress or jealousy. Having realistic expectations, making gradual introductions between baby and dog, and involving the whole family will facilitate the transition. With a little work, soon your dog will be accepting your newest family member.
The key is not to get frustrated, and understand that your dog is not acting out of spite, aggression or jealousy, but simply finding change difficult and communicating the only way they know how. Recognize the signs that your dog is stressed, and take proactive steps to help them feel secure. Be sure to give them the attention, affection and reassurance they need. If problems persist, seek help from your vet or animal behaviorist. But in most cases, with time, patience and care, you can forge just as strong a relationship between your children and your loyal companion.