Introducing Your Dog to a New Baby

With Spring upon us and newborn babies of all species arriving I though this would be a great time to talk about Introducing Your Dog to a New Baby.

Always a popular topic of conversation so that new parents can feel confident that dog and baby will get along is how to introduce a new baby to the dog. Through education and proper supervision the new baby and the dog can become best friends. If you plan on bringing a new baby home, you will want to adjust your dog ahead of time. This will help your dog feel more relaxed, confident, and at ease. Adjusting your dog does not have to be difficult, it just takes a little time and preparation.

1. Introduce the smell.
Bring articles of clothing home that the baby has worn, that way the dog can investigate and become familiar with the smell. A simple onesie or hat is perfect. Or you can bring home a blanket your baby has been wrapped int hat your dog can rest on to see that the smell doesn’t mean anything bad is going to happen. Also allow the dog to smell you after you have been holding the baby.

2. Introduce the sound.
The sound of a baby crying can startle a dog. Have him around other babies or listen to baby sounds on TV or the internet so he can become familiar with them. Baby sit for a baby a few times so that your dog gets used to all of the sounds a baby makes.

3. Give him a tour of the baby’s room.
Closing off the door to baby’s room will only have him more curious about what is inside. Give him a tour instead and allow him to sniff everything over and examine it. Don’t lock the dog out of the room if you are in it. This will only cause anxiety and stress in your dog. Introducing your dog to a new baby can be stressful for parents but they need to relax or they will transfer that stress to their dog who will not know why everyone is so upset. Staying calm and remaining vigilant will prove to be the best method to ensure everyone stays happy and safe.

4. Give lots of love to your dog.
Keep giving your dog the same kind of attention as before and letting him know you appreciate him. Give lots of warm hugs, treats, and personal attention. Spend quality time together. When you are ready to take the baby on walks talk the dog with you. The dog will quickly learn that walking with the baby means a different kind of walk more calm and careful. But with time your dog will learn and get excited when it sees that the baby stroller is coming out and will learn to value the time with you and baby. Especially if you bring along treats!

If one parent is with the baby the other parent can play ball in the yard with the dog for a little bit or take the dog in the car to pick up a bag of diapers or even that fast food you are craving from sleepless nights. Baby not sleeping and you decide it is time for a car trip? Take the dog along if

5. Ask others to do the same.
When visitors come by, have them say hello to the dog as they normally would even before they visit with the baby. It might mean your guest has to wash their hands but most first time parents demand it anyway. Ask that they be sure to give him a little attention to, since that is what he is use to. Ask them not to reprimand the dog for barking around the baby being able to sleep through noise is important for babies anyway. Don’t let others get upset if the dog comes over to check out the baby as long as the dog is calm and happy. The dog even if the baby has only been home a day or two will likely feel the need to protect the baby. As long as it doesn’t turn into a possession thing and the dog just wants to ensure the baby is safe and happy allow the interaction to occur.

As long as your dog has the chance to investigate the new sights, smells, and sounds, and continues to get lots of love and attention, he is sure to adjust well. Give these tips a try when you bring your new baby home and see what a difference they can make.