Are you expecting a baby and wondering how to prepare your dog for the new arrival?
Many expecting parents ask how to properly introduce their dog to a new baby once the baby comes home. In my opinion, it is not as simple as one perfect introduction. There are several important things you should begin working on long before the baby arrives.
When it comes to dogs and babies, preparation matters. The more structure, training, and boundaries your dog has before the baby comes home, the easier the transition will usually be for everyone.
Preparing Your Dog Before the Baby Arrives
Many people plan to bring home a baby blanket for the dog to smell before the baby arrives. Others play baby crying sounds to help the dog get used to the noise.
I do not think either of those things will hurt, but I also do not believe they guarantee that the transition will go smoothly. Of course, when working with animals, there is never a guarantee with anything.
Instead, I recommend focusing on practical training skills and clear household expectations before the baby comes home.
5 Things to Teach Your Dog Before Bringing Home a Baby
The following skills are useful for all dogs, whether or not there is a baby on the way. However, they become even more important when children are going to be involved.
Start as early as possible. The sooner you begin, the easier it will be to enforce these rules once the baby arrives.
1. Teach Your Dog to Walk Nicely on Leash
Even with a new baby at home, your dog will still need exercise, structure, and mental stimulation.
If your dog is dragging you down the street, you will be much less likely to walk them, especially when you also have a stroller. Many behaviour problems can become worse when dogs do not get enough exercise or mental engagement.
A proper loose leash walk can make a huge difference, especially for dogs with high energy. It is also a good idea to practice walking with the stroller before the baby arrives so your dog is already familiar with the setup.
2. Stop Jumping Immediately
If your dog jumps on people, this behaviour needs to be addressed immediately.
It does not matter if your dog is big or small, friendly or not. There should be zero jumping on people, especially when a baby will be in the home.
This also includes jumping on people when they are sitting on the couch. I am not opposed to dogs being on furniture if they are polite and respectful. However, dogs still need boundaries and should respect personal space.
If your dog jumps all over you, jumps on guests, or jumps on people when they sit down, now is the time to stop that behaviour.
3. Address Resource Guarding With a Professional Trainer
If your dog guards any resources, you should work with a trainer who has experience with this issue.
The most common type of resource guarding is guarding food. Your dog should learn not to stress when people are near the food bowl.
If your dog guards furniture, such as growling or biting when you go near them on the couch or ask them to get off, then furniture privileges should be removed.
For safety, high-value bones or treats should only be given in a safe space, such as a crate or separate room.
4. Set and Enforce Rules and Boundaries
Before the baby arrives, decide what household rules you want your dog to follow.
For example, if you do not want your dog upstairs or in the baby’s room, set that rule now and enforce it consistently.
Whatever rules you choose, consistency is very important. Dogs do best when expectations are clear and predictable.
5. Teach the Place Command
The place command is one of the most powerful commands you can teach your dog.
Place means your dog goes to a specific object, usually a dog bed, and keeps all four feet on it. But place is more than just a position. It is also a state of mind.
Your dog should learn that place means calm, settled, and out of the way.
This command can be incredibly helpful when you are feeding the baby, welcoming guests, cleaning, or simply needing your dog to relax. It may feel frustrating before it becomes easy, but it is absolutely worth it in the long run.
Introducing Your Dog to the Baby
Once it is time for the baby to come home, the introduction should be calm, quiet, and controlled.
I suggest having your dog on leash and on place when the baby arrives home. Keep your dog there until everyone is settled and the initial excitement of coming home has passed.
Only once things are calm should you release your dog from place.
Do Not Force the Introduction
Try your best not to be nervous or anxious, as your dog can feed off your emotions.
Do not force your dog to sniff the baby. Do not bend down and push the baby toward the dog, and do not place the car seat on the floor for the dog to investigate.
The first introduction should be calm and low-pressure. You can sit down with the baby while your dog remains on the floor. The less of a big deal you make it, the better.
If your dog tries to jump up or becomes too excited, the leash allows you to guide them into a better decision. You can also send your dog back to place if needed.
Allow Short and Calm Sniffing Over Time
As your dog shows that they can remain calm around the baby, you can allow brief sniffing.
Keep it short and sweet. If your dog becomes overly excited, stop the interaction and put them back on place to calm down.
This process may take some time. That is okay. Going slowly is usually the best way to help your dog adjust successfully.
Do Not Forget Your Dog’s Needs After the Baby Arrives
After the baby comes home, it is important to continue meeting your dog’s needs.
A new baby can be overwhelming, but it is not a reason to ignore your dog. Simply putting your dog outside in the yard is not enough exercise or stimulation.
If your dog does not receive enough attention, structure, exercise, or mental stimulation, you may begin to see unwanted behaviours appear.
In most cases, dogs still need two walks per day and some playtime, even when life gets busy. There are very few exceptions to this rule.
Always Supervise Dogs and Babies
Once your dog and baby have been introduced and everything seems to be going well, supervision is still required.
Even the gentlest dog has the ability to make a bad decision. For that reason, you should never leave a dog and baby alone together.
There are no exceptions to this rule.
Need Help Before Your Baby Comes Home?
If you need help with training before your baby arrives, please contact us as soon as possible.
Giving yourself enough time to train will help set both you and your dog up for success. Whether your dog needs help with leash manners, jumping, boundaries, place command, or general behaviour, training before the baby comes home can make the transition much easier.
Our private dog training programs can help you prepare your dog for this important life change.
Happy Training!
Katherine
FAQ:
How should I prepare my dog before bringing home a baby?
Start by teaching important skills such as loose leash walking, no jumping, clear boundaries, and the place command. It is also important to address resource guarding with a qualified trainer before the baby arrives.
Should I let my dog smell a baby blanket before the baby comes home?
You can let your dog smell a baby blanket, but it should not be the only preparation you do. Practical training, structure, and boundaries are much more important for long-term success.
How should I introduce my dog to my newborn baby?
Keep the introduction calm and quiet. Have your dog on leash and on place when the baby comes home. Do not force sniffing or interaction. Allow short, calm introductions over time.
Can I leave my dog alone with my baby?
No. Dogs and babies should always be supervised. Even a gentle dog can make a poor decision, so a dog and baby should never be left alone together.
Why is the place command helpful with a new baby?
The place command gives your dog a clear job and a calm space to settle. It is especially helpful during feeding, visitors, busy moments, or times when your dog needs to be out of the way.
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