Introducing Your Dog to Your Baby
It’s important to take things slowly when introducing your dog to your new baby. According to the AKC (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/introducing-dog-to-baby/), you’ll want to “start simple” by planning out encounters between your dog and baby, building up from brief, controlled meetings. For that first introduction, have your dog on a leash as you hold the baby, providing treats and praise for calm behavior. Continue supervised meetings like this, letting your dog sniff the baby briefly while giving affection separately. Increase the time together gradually as your dog adjusting. The key is managing the situation to set them both up for success.
Preparing Your Dog Before Baby Arrives
It’s important to start preparing your dog for the baby’s arrival during the pregnancy. Getting your dog accustomed to changes in routine and introducing baby-related sounds and smells in advance can make the transition smoother. Here are some tips:
– Start playing recordings of a baby crying, gurgling, and making other sounds so these noises don’t startle your dog later (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dogs-and-babies).
– Let your dog smell baby lotions, powders, and other items you plan to use so they become familiar scents.
– Dog proof your home by keeping medications, cleaners, and other dangerous items locked away out of reach. Install baby gates to block off rooms and prevent access to the baby’s nursery.
– Establish a daily walking and feeding routine so your dog’s needs continue to be met. Have your dog practice basic obedience commands regularly.
Gradually introducing changes and establishing rules in advance helps ease the transition process. And ensuring your dog gets plenty of exercise and stimulation keeps them calm and well-behaved.
Providing Your Dog With Plenty of Exercise & Stimulation
It’s important to maintain your dog’s exercise and enrichment routine as much as possible after your baby arrives. Dogs thrive on regular schedules, and disruptions can lead to behavioral issues. As the article states, “If your dog has unreleased energy, then raiding the garbage and other shenanigans can occur.” Make sure your dog continues to get adequate walks, playtime, and mental stimulation despite the demands a new baby puts on your time.
Go on walks with your dog using a stroller or baby carrier so you can exercise your dog while also taking care of your baby. If you don’t have time for longer walks, even short bathroom breaks outside can provide physical and mental stimulation. You can also engage your dog in interactive play and enrichment activities while your baby sleeps or is content in a bouncer or swing. Food-dispensing puzzle toys are a great option to keep your dog occupied and prevent boredom. Just commit to dedicating at least 20-30 focused minutes per day to tending to your dog’s needs.
Maintaining exercise prevents problem behaviors, strengthens your bond, and ensures a smooth adjustment period. Don’t let your new parenting duties completely disrupt your dog’s routine.
Managing Your Dog’s Behavior Around the Baby
Training your dog to behave calmly and gently around the baby is crucial for keeping both safe and setting clear behavioral expectations. Start by working on basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it” using positive reinforcement. Always reward your dog for calm or gentle behavior in the baby’s presence.
You may also need to manage situations where your dog could accidentally hurt the baby. For example, use baby gates to keep them separated when unsupervised. Place your dog’s bed and toys in a different room or enclosed area to allow them to relax. Crate training can give everyone a chance to have their own protected space as well.
Be alert for negative behaviors like jumping, licking the baby excessively, or nipping. Redirect your dog’s energy to chew toys and games. However, if the dog seems distressed, agitated, or shows aggression, contact an animal behaviorist for guidance right away.
With training, boundaries, and patience, you can teach your dog good manners around the newest member of your pack.
Establishing Rules & Boundaries
Setting clear rules and boundaries is important when introducing your dog to your new baby. Dogs thrive on consistency and routine, and rules help set expectations for appropriate behavior.
According to experts at VCA Animal Hospitals, you should set ground rules for dog-baby interactions like never leaving them alone together. It’s also a good idea to designate certain areas like the nursery as dog-free zones. Baby gates can help block off these areas.
Be consistent in your training with your dog. Continue reinforcing basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it.” Never allow jumping, nipping, or other unwanted behaviors around the baby. Reward calm, gentle behavior with praise and treats. Having clear rules and boundaries makes your home safer and less stressful as your dog adjusts.
Paying Attention to Your Dog’s Adjustment
When bringing your baby home, pay close attention to your dog’s adjustment and keep an eye out for signs of stress or anxiety. These may include changes like excessive panting, drooling, barking, licking, isolating themselves from the family and other odd behaviors (“Dogs and Babies”).
In some cases, such as severe anxiety or aggression, you may need to consult with your veterinarian about medications or supplements that can help calm your dog. There are also pheromone products like Adaptil that may help ease your dog’s transition.
If your dog continues to struggle despite your best efforts, consult a professional animal behaviorist. They can assess your dog’s specific issues and provide customized training protocols to address problem behaviors (“Helping Your Dog Adjust When Bringing Your Baby Home”). The earlier you intervene, the higher your chances of successfully acclimating your dog to your newest family member.
Involving the Whole Family
It’s important that everyone in the household, including older children, help prepare your dog for the new baby’s arrival. Having the whole family involved will help your dog adjust to the changes and reinforce key behaviors and rules. For example:
- Have older kids help feed, play with, and walk the dog. This provides your dog with much-needed attention during a time when it may feel neglected. The extra activity also helps tire out the dog so it’s less hyper around the baby (source).
- Have older kids participate in dog training. Teaching basic obedience commands like “sit” and “stay” builds trust and communication between the dog and kids. Kids can also help teach the dog to ignore distractions like crying and fussing (source).
- Remind kids never to approach the dog while it is eating or sleeping. Supervise all interactions between kids and dogs, and make sure kids respect the dog’s signals when it wants space.
With the whole family involved, your dog will learn to see the new baby as part of its “pack” and someone to be watched over rather than as a competitor for attention and resources.
Being Realistic
Carefully prepare for the challenges ahead. When your baby first arrives home, a dog may feel unsure and confused, and exhibit anxious or withdrawn behavior as they adjust. Keep realistic expectations during this transition. As the The Step by Step Guide to Introducing Your Dog to Your Baby explains, “It’s easy for us to fantasize about the moment our pets and baby will meet, and to imagine them becoming instant best friends.” However, the adjustment will take patience and time. See this period of uncertainty as temporary and be prepared to ride out your dog’s transition phases with love and understanding.
Give your dog grace during hiccups. There may be accidents or moments when your dog seems jealous or reactive around the baby. Respond gently and seek to understand where the behavior is coming from. Reinforce rules patiently and know that setbacks doesn’t mean failure; it’s all part of the learning process as your dog discovers how to navigate life with a new baby sibling.
Lean on community during difficult days. If challenges persist or you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for practical help or emotional support. Share duties with your partner so you both get a break. Seek advice from your vet or a professional trainer if your dog exhibits concerning behavior changes.
Keeping Baby Safe
One of the most important things when introducing your dog to your baby is to never leave them unattended together. Even the most gentle and trustworthy dog can act unpredictably around a new baby. Always closely supervise all interactions between your dog and baby.
As your baby grows and becomes more mobile, take the time to teach them proper behavior around dogs. Toddlers may inadvertently hurt a dog by pulling on fur or ears. Teach gentle touch and set boundaries like no crawling into the dog’s crate or bed. Model proper behavior by getting down on the floor with your dog and using calm voices and gentle pets.
Utilize baby gates to allow your dog to have safe spaces away from the baby when needed. Provide plenty of exercise, toys, and chewing items so your dog has positive outlets for stress. Pay close attention to your dog’s body language and never force interactions. At the first sign of irritation or anxiety, give your dog an opportunity to retreat.
While constant supervision helps keep baby safe, also make sure your dog has some alone time every day for their own mental health and adjustment during this transition. With preparation, rules, and care for your dog’s needs, you can introduce your new family member while keeping interactions happy and safe on both sides.
When to Rehome Your Dog
Rehoming your dog should always be seen as an absolute last resort. Sadly, there are times when it becomes necessary for a family’s safety and the dog’s well-being. If your dog becomes aggressive towards the baby or stressed in the new environment, rehoming may need to be considered. However, exhaust all other training and adjustment options first before reaching this decision.
Signs it may be time to rehome your dog include biting or nipping at the baby, excessive stress signals, developing obsessive behaviors around the baby’s items, or separation anxiety. If the dog is posing a physical danger to the infant that cannot be mitigated through training or physical barriers, rehoming might become essential for the whole family’s safety.
If you do need to rehome your dog after having a baby, make sure the dog goes to an adult home with no small children (https://diaryofasocalmama.com/rehoming-dog-after-baby/). Try to find a friend, relative, or responsible no-kill shelter to take your dog. Never give your dog away for free online or abandon them. Take time to find your dog the best possible new home.
Rehoming a beloved pet is devastating. Do everything possible to ensure your dog’s adjustment in your home before separation. However, sometimes what is best for the dog is no longer your home. Make sure their next home is safe, responsible, and child-free if aggression issues arise after your baby’s arrival.