Understanding Dog Excitement Around Babies
Dogs often get very excited around babies due to their instincts as pack animals. When a new member joins the family, dogs see the baby as a new part of their pack that needs to be protected and cared for (https://www.thesprucepets.com/dogs-and-babies-1117486). This protective instinct can manifest as excited behaviors as the dog tries to get close to the baby.
Common excited behaviors dogs exhibit around babies include barking, whining, panting, jumping, licking, nudging with their nose, and even nipping. These behaviors stem from the dog’s eagerness to investigate the new pack member. However, excitement is very different from aggression. An excited dog still has a soft mouth and loose body language, while an aggressive dog will bare teeth, growl, and have a tense posture (https://pethelpful.com/dogs/dog-obsessed-with-newborn-baby).
It’s important for dog owners to be able to recognize the difference between excitement and aggression. Excitement can seem scary, especially around a vulnerable baby, but it does not necessarily pose a serious risk. However, uncontrolled excitement and arousal in dogs can lead to accidental injuries, so it still needs to be managed.
Risks of an Excited Dog Around a Baby
An excited dog that isn’t trained to be calm and gentle around a baby can potentially cause harm, even if unintentionally. According to the ASPCA, some risks include:
– Potential for scratches or scrapes from jumping or pawing – Dogs may jump up or paw at a baby when excited. Their nails could accidentally scratch or scrape the baby’s delicate skin (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dogs-and-babies).
– Accidental knockdowns – An energetic, jumpy dog could accidentally bump or knock over a baby who is not steady on their feet yet.
– Unintentional bites in the excitement – Grabbing a baby’s clothing or body part while playing could lead to an accidental nip or bite. This is especially concerning with babies who cannot yet walk or run away if needed.
While these incidents are usually unintentional on the dog’s part, they can still potentially cause injury to the baby. Proper training and supervision are key to keeping babies safe from an overly exuberant dog.
Training Your Dog to Be Calm Around Baby
It’s important to start training your dog to be calm and gentle around babies before your baby arrives home. The ASPCA recommends beginning training at least 6 months before your due date so your dog has time to learn good behaviors (ASPCA). Focus training on rewarding calm, gentle behaviors using positive reinforcement.
Work on basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and “leave it.” Practice these commands in distracting environments so your dog learns to listen even when excited. Give your dog treats and praise for obeying commands and remaining calm around baby items. Also get your dog used to baby sounds by playing recordings of crying and cooing. Let your dog investigate baby toys and reward calm interest (Chewy).
With training, your dog can learn to behave gently around your baby. Be consistent, be patient, and set your dog up for success by rewarding calmness.
Managing the Environment
When bringing your new baby home, it’s important to create safe dog-free zones where your dog does not have access. This ensures your baby has a secure area for sleeping, changing, and playing without the risk of your dog getting too close or excited.
Using baby gates to block off rooms like the nursery or your bedroom is an effective way to create dog-free zones. Make sure any baby gates are high enough that your dog cannot jump over them. You may need to use extra tall gates or even install doors on rooms you want to designate as dog-free.
If your dog is crate trained, keeping their crate in an area like the living room or kitchen can give your baby space in the nursery or your bedroom. Place the crate far enough away from high traffic areas that your dog can relax and get used to the new sights and sounds of having a baby at home.
Teaching a strong “place” command can also help create safe zones for your baby. Reward your dog for calmly laying on their bed or mat. Practice having them stay for longer periods of time so they learn to settle in their designated spot.
Proper management of your home environment helps set both your dog and baby up for safe, successful interactions. Taking the time to dog-proof rooms and teachyour dog to relax in their own space makes balancing both new baby and dog care easier on the whole family.
Supervise All Interactions
It is crucial that you actively supervise all interactions between your dog and baby. As the ASPCA advises, “Always supervise interactions so that you can guide your child as he learns to communicate and play with your dog appropriately” (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dogs-and-babies). Never leave your dog and baby alone together, even for a moment.
While supervising, pay close attention to your dog’s mood and level of engagement. Look for signs of anxiety, excitement, or overstimulation such as heavy panting, pacing, whining, or intense focus on the baby. If you notice these signs, calmly separate your dog from the situation.
As Family Paws advises, active supervision means being ready to intervene at all times: “Every dog and parent professional says Supervise dogs and kids, especially babies” (https://www.familypaws.com/dog-and-baby-on-the-scene-parent-in-between/). Keep your full attention on your dog and baby during all interactions.
Exercise and Stimulation for Your Dog
It’s important to ensure your dog gets adequate exercise and stimulation before your baby arrives and in the early days of adjusting to the new family member. A tired, well-exercised dog will be less likely to act out due to frustration or jealousy.
Aim to exercise your dog thoroughly in the morning or when your baby is napping. Going for longer walks, playing fetch, or engaging in training sessions can help your dog burn off excess energy. Consider enrolling in an obedience class so you have a structured way to tire out and engage your dog’s mind.
You can also provide mental stimulation at home through food puzzle toys, chews, or hiding treats for your dog to sniff out while your baby sleeps. Providing activities that occupy your dog’s mind and time will help prevent boredom or acting out (ASPCA).
It’s important not to inadvertently reward your dog for negative attention-seeking behaviors. Make sure to dedicate one-on-one time for just you and your dog daily. Take your dog in the yard to play, go on walks together, or provide affection without the baby present so your dog doesn’t associate the baby with loss of attention.
When to Get Professional Help
In most cases, dogs can be successfully trained to behave calmly around babies through consistent training and management. However, in some situations professional help may be needed.
If your dog continues to act overly excited, reactive, or aggressive towards the baby despite your best training efforts, consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can help. They can assess your dog’s behavior and create a customized training plan (source).
In rare severe cases, rehoming the dog may be the safest option. This should only be considered if the dog remains a danger to the baby after extensive training attempts. Rehoming to a child-free home with experienced owners may be the kindest choice for both dog and baby (source).
Medical issues like hypothyroidism, pain, or anxiety can also cause or contribute to unwanted excitement and reactivity. Consulting a veterinarian to rule out underlying health problems is advised. Medication may help in some cases where training alone is insufficient (source).
The earlier professional help is sought, the better the outcome. With patience and the right guidance, most dogs can adapt to a new baby.
Teaching Children Safe Behavior
It’s extremely important to educate your children early about safe behavior around dogs. Children should be taught gentle manners and how to properly interact with dogs to avoid issues.
Teach children to be gentle and use a light touch when petting dogs. Pulling on a dog’s fur or ears can provoke a negative reaction. Children should pet on a dog’s back or chest, not near the face. Additionally, they should avoid disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping, as the dog may react defensively if startled awake or while guarding its food (Source).
Children should ask the owner before approaching a dog and allow the dog to sniff them first. If the dog growls or moves away, the child should not pursue contact. Running away from an unfamiliar dog is also not advised, as this can trigger a dog’s prey drive. Instead, children should be taught to be calm and move slowly if approached by a strange dog.
With training and education, children and dogs can safely coexist and enjoy each other’s company. Establishing rules and boundaries from a young age is key to preventing issues.
Signs Your Dog Is Adjusting Well
There are several positive signs that indicate your dog is adapting well to having a new baby around. These include:
Remaining calm most of the time – If your dog is staying relaxed and not reacting strongly to the baby’s sounds or movements, this shows they are getting more comfortable. A calm dog is less likely to jump, bark, or behave dangerously around an infant.
Leaving baby space – A dog that respects the baby’s space and doesn’t try to approach, sniff, or lick constantly is showing self-control. Let your dog know when they are keeping an appropriate distance.
Taking treats gently – You can test how focused and gentle your dog is around your baby by offering treats. A dog who takes treats carefully from your hand without nipping shows restraint.
Loose body language – Signs like a loose wagging tail, relaxed facial muscles, and soft eyes indicate your dog feels at ease near your baby. Tense muscles, staring, and a stiff tail can mean anxiety.
If you notice these behaviors in your dog, it suggests they are learning to adjust to the major life change of welcoming a new family member. Continue reinforcing calmness and gentle manners around the baby.
Enjoying Your Dog and Baby
With some training and management, you can find ways for your dog and baby to positively interact. This will help them form a bond and allow you to enjoy time together as a family.
There are many fun games and activities you can do together to help your dog and baby get comfortable with each other:
- Play music and have your baby clap along while your dog dances (source)
- Give your dog a massage while your baby watches and learns gentle touch
- Include your dog in bath time by letting him play with a floating bath toy
- Play hide and seek by having your dog sit-stay while you and your baby hide. Then call him to come find you!
- Celebrate training successes with praise and treats for your dog
The key is constant supervision during all interactions. But by engaging in fun activities together, your baby and dog can form a loving friendship.
Make time to do the things your dog enjoys with the whole family. Go on walks, play fetch, or let him join in outdoor playtime. This will help your dog feel included.
As you notice positive interactions between your baby and dog, be sure to reward the behavior with treats and praise. Celebrating small wins will motivate ongoing bonding.
With time and positive reinforcement, your dog and baby can become the best of friends.