Bringing a new baby into your home is going to lead to a lot of changes, not only for you but also for your pets. To them, this little human might represent a curious new addition, and they might not know how to react. Naturally there will be several safety concerns to keep in mind at this time, for the sake of both dog and baby. While every situation is unique, there are a few core guidelines to keep in mind when introducing your dog to your baby. Doing so can not only help everyone adapt, but also ensure that doggo and kiddo build a safe, positive, trusting relationship. Consider the following tips:
1. Plan Ahead and Set the Stage Gradually
Don’t wait until the baby arrives to start thinking about how your dog might react to them. Instead, begin to prepare by taking small steps to adjust your dog’s behavior and routine. For example, let them explore all of the different baby equipment — strollers, cribs, monitors, etc. — but also gently teach them appropriate ways to react to these items (and reward them when they follow instructions). Also, if you plan to make certain areas of the home (such as the nursery) dog-free, the pre-arrival period is the time to help your dog begin to learn that they should not go into that room. Additionally, make sure the dog still has a proper place (e.g., their crate, bed, or favorite chair) where they can go if they need some space from baby, too. You can also use baby-proofing materials, such as baby gates, to help begin to establish these boundaries.
2. Take Things Slowly
When the baby comes home, slowly introduce them to the dog. Be sure to let the dog get used to the baby’s scent, and then build up face-to-face interactions. Always supervise these introductions, and carefully watch your dog for signs of excitement or reactivity. Your dog will need a little time to adjust to the changes, but giving them this space may help set the stage for a positive relationship.
3. Always Supervise All Interactions (Always)
Never leave your dog and your baby alone together. Ever. Babies are incredibly fragile and vulnerable, and a dog is still a dog. When they hear a baby crying, or see sudden movements, they might not know how to respond to it. Even the calmest, most well-trained, most loving dog might still react unpredictably. This might lead your dog to display anxiety, reactivity, or even aggression. Even a small misunderstanding could lead to an overreaction by the dog, which could lead to serious accidents. The best thing to do is to keep both dog and baby separate when either shows signs of stress. For example, if the baby is crying excessively, consider taking the dog outside or putting them in another room for the time being. Or, if the dog begins to show signs of stress — excessive barking, lip licking, yawning — consider separating the two.
4. Establish Clear Boundaries from the Start
Dogs actually thrive on structure, predictability and boundaries. The earlier you establish these rules as they relate to a new baby, the better. For example, determine whether you want your dog to be allowed in the nursery, on the baby furniture, or in the play area. If you don’t, begin to introduce redirection techniques (e.g., toys and treats) to help the dog focus on other things. By beginning to redirect your dog, you can help them understand and avoid instances of unwanted behavior.
5. Reward Positive Behavior
One of the best ways to train your dog is to use positive reinforcement. By rewarding them when they do something good, you’ll help them learn that good things come from good behavior. When your dog is lying calmly near the baby or responding gently to the baby’s cries, show them that you recognize their good behavior. Praise them and give them plenty of treats, so they’ll understand that being gentle around the baby can lead to positive outcomes.
6. Give Your Dog Plenty of Attention
Naturally, a new baby means you’ll have to find a new way of dividing your attention among your family members, including your dog. Much like with an older sibling, it’s still vital to make sure your dog feels safe, secure, and loved, even with the new addition to the family. Set aside some time each day to still focus on your dog. You might take them on a walk, give them some extra cuddles, or even attend a training session together. Also, don’t be afraid to include your dog in family activities. You might let them sit with you and the baby during feeding time. Or, they might come with you when you take the baby out for a walk in the stroller. This extra attention can help reassure your dog that they’re still a valuable part of the family, and it may help cut down on feelings of anxiety.
Final Thoughts: Patience and Safety Build Strong Futures
Introducing your dog to a new baby is going to require plenty of care, concern, and vigilance. Safety has to come first, and you must focus on building a secure, positive, trusting relationship between dog and baby. Although this is a gradual process, with a little time and patience, you’ll soon watch a beautiful connection blossom between your baby and their four-legged companion.
If you want to ensure your dog is ready to meet your baby, Sit Means Sit Philadelphia may be able to help. We offer comprehensive dog training programs that can improve dogs’ sociability, build confidence, increase obedience, and improve behavior overall. Scheduling a free consultation with one of our certified trainers is easy, and it’s a great way to get your dog started on the path toward good behavior. Why wait? Get started today.
The content of this blog is created by the Sit Means Sit Philadelphia marketing team. The marketing team are not certified dog trainers, and the information provided here is for general purposes only. Every dog is unique, and the tips and advice shared may not be suitable for all dogs. For personalized guidance regarding your dog’s training and behavior, we recommend consulting with a certified Sit Means Sit professional dog trainer. If you’re interested in scheduling a free dog training consultation, please contact us or call (215) 593-0539 today.
