Sarah-Jane White How to Prepare Your Dog for Your New Baby – Advice from a Mom & Pro Dog Trainer
Bringing a new baby home can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially if you have a dog already in your home who has been your ‘baby’ up until now. Dogs are often very protective of their owners and territory, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that everyone in the home is safe. I have two children who have grown up surrounded by animals, from cuddly guinea pigs and the family dogs, to squawking birds and neighing horses. Making sure that children understand how to behave around animals can set them up for life, so let’s start when you first bring home your newborn baby to meet your dog.
How do you introduce your dog and baby safely and make sure they get along?
I’ve written this guide to give you all the tips you need to make the introduction go as smoothly as possible. It covers what you need to know and do to introduce your dog to your newborn baby safely.
Steps to prepare your dog for the arrival of your baby
It’s important to start preparing your dog for the arrival of your baby well in advance. This will help them to become used to the idea of a new person in the house and reduce the chances of them feeling jealous or threatened. Here are some things you can do to prepare your dog:
Make preparations at least three months in advance of your due date
Training
Start with the basics and make sure your dog is well-trained in obedience commands such as sit, stay, come and down. A dog who is used to following commands will be easier to manage when a new baby arrives. You may also want to consider enrolling your dog in a training class to brush up on their skills.
Preparing your home
A few months before your baby is born, start making changes around the house to get your dog accustomed to the new arrival. This might include setting up a crib in the nursery, installing a baby gate ( like this one I used from Amazon) or moving your dog’s bed to another room. Creating a safe space for your baby is important.
Utilise stair gates and screen doors to make supervision easier, as you’ll be able to keep your baby and/or dog in the enclosed space you want to have them in, while still being able to see the other one through the gate or screen. These home modifications can make the world of difference to the baby’s safety and your own peace of mind.
Peter Boast, Managing Director of the kids’ safety equipment retailer Safetots
Set up a crib or bassinet in an area that is off-limits to your dog. This will be where your baby sleeps and spends most of their time. These changes will help your dog adjust to having a baby in the house and will make it less likely for them to feel jealous or threatened by the new arrival. It’s not just dogs though you need to be mindful of.
Cats can often become tempted by the cosiness of a baby’s cot or pushchair, so you can use a cat net to put them off climbing into a cot if this is an issue. A cat net is a net that can be placed over your baby’s cot in order to prevent the cat from snuggling in for a nap — without disrupting your baby’s sleep.
Peter Boast, Managing Director of the kids’ safety equipment retailer Safetots
Reward your dog for good behaviour around a baby by using a baby doll toy
When preparing your dog for a real baby, you’ll want to focus on rewarding calm behavior. This includes things like lying down calmly, not jumping up, and not getting too excited. If your dog is able to remain calm in the presence of a baby doll, they’re likely to be able to do so when there’s a real baby around too.
Introduce your dog to a baby doll gradually. Start by letting them sniff it and get used to its presence. Once they seem comfortable, you can hold the doll close to them and reward them with treats for remaining calm. As your dog becomes more comfortable, you can progress to holding the doll and moving it around, as well as making baby sounds. You can use an app on your phone for this.
How to teach your dog to be calm around a baby by using a baby doll
1. Show the doll to your dog and let them sniff it. Reward them with treats for being curious and calm around the doll.
2. Gradually start touching the baby doll in different ways around your dog (e.g., holding the doll close to your dog, moving the doll away from your dog, etc.). Reward them each time they remain calm around the doll.
3. Finally, start moving the baby doll in a way that simulates a real baby (e.g., rocking it back and forth). Reward your dog each time they remain calm while the baby moves around.
Create a new routine with your dog where they don’t get all your attention all the time.
It’s important to start creating a new routine for your dog before the baby arrives. This way, your dog can get used to having less attention from you and won’t be as upset when the baby comes.
To create a new routine, start by gradually reducing the amount of time you spend playing with or petting your dog. If you normally take them for a long walk every day, try walking them for a shorter time or skipping a day altogether. You can also reduce the number of treats you give them.
The goal of the new routine is to get your dog used to having less attention from you. So, it’s important that they still get some attention and love from you, just not as much as they’re used to. Try to set aside sometime each day (even just 10 minutes) where you can focus on them and give them your undivided attention.
Get your dog used to the sound of a crying baby by using a baby doll or an app on your phone.
You can start by playing recordings of crying babies at a low volume. Gradually increase the volume over time. You can also try using the baby doll to get your dog used to the sound and sight of a crying baby.
Get your dog used to baby smells like lotion, powder, wipes, laundry detergent and diapers.
You can try using baby lotion or powder on yourself, or even just putting some in a diffuser.
You can also ask friends or family members who have babies if you can borrow some of their clothes so that your dog can get used to the smell.
Gently rub the item with the baby’s scent on your dog’s body. Start with their head and work your way down their back. Do this once a day for a week or two. This will help your dog become accustomed to the new smells they will encounter when the baby arrives. It will also help to create a positive association with the baby’s scent for your dog.
How to get your dog used to the sight of a baby
If you have friends or family members who have babies, you can ask them if you can bring your dog over to meet the baby. This will help your dog get used to both the sight and smell of a baby. You can also try showing your dog pictures or videos of babies.
Practice walking with your dog whilst pushing your pushchair, pram or baby stroller. It’s an important skill for you both.
Start with short walks around the block, gradually increasing the distance to your normal walking route. If your dog is used to walking off-leash, you will need to keep them on a leash during these walks. Keep off leash time for when you walk with your dog alone.
Walking with your dog and baby can be a great bonding experience for the whole family so it’s important to prepare your dog for this adjustment to their lifestyle.
The Right Way To Introduce Your Dog To A Newborn Baby
So now you’re ready to come home from the hospital and your baby will meet your dog for the first time in-person. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure this first meeting goes well…
1. Keep your dog on a leash at first and let them approach the baby when they’re ready.
2. Let your dog sniff the baby’s head and feet before you allow them to get too close.
3. If your dog seems nervous or scared, give them some space and let them approach the baby at their own pace.
4. Reward your dog with treats and praise when they act calm around the baby.
5. Never leave your baby unattended with your dog, even if they seem to be getting along well.
Let’s go over these in more detail, so you know exactly what I mean.
Steps to take to introduce your dog to your newborn baby when you first come home
1. Introduce your dog to the smells of your baby before you bring your newborn home by using a blanket that you have kept your baby in at the hospital.
Allow your dog to sniff a blanket that you have kept your baby in at the hospital. This will help them become familiar with the new scent. Do this the day before you come home if possible.
Let someone else carry your baby into the house so you can greet your dog first
When you come home with your newborn baby, take a moment to greet your dog first. This will help them feel comfortable and let them know that you’re okay and still their number one fan.
Have someone else carry the baby into the house so that your dog doesn’t get overwhelmed. This will give them time to adjust to the new scent and sight of the baby.
Be prepared for your dog’s reaction too. No matter how well you prepare, there’s always a chance that your dog will be scared or unsure of the new addition to the family. Be prepared for this by having someone hold on to your dog’s leash while you introduce them, and have treats handy in case they need some extra encouragement.
Let your dog approach your baby when you are sitting down
It is important to let your dog approach your baby on its own terms, and not force the interaction. This will help your dog feel more comfortable around the baby and less likely to become defensive or aggressive.
How to do it:
Sit down with your baby in your lap, and keep your dog on a leash. Let your dog sniff your baby’s feet first, and then gradually allow them to sniff other parts of the body. Avoid face-to-face contact between the dog and baby at first, as this can be overwhelming for both of them.
If your dog gets excited do not punish your dog.
Take the baby away into another room so your dog can calm down.
How can you make sure that your baby and your dog are safe together?
Supervise your baby and dog or cat when they are together to avoid accidents.
Supervising your baby and dog when they are together is important to avoid accidents. Dogs can be unpredictable, even if they are friendly, and may accidentally knock over a baby or step on them. Babies are also curious and may try to pull the dog’s tail or ears, which can startle or hurt the dog.
How to do it:
When your baby and dog are together, make sure you are close by so you can intervene if necessary. If you need to leave the room for a short time, put your dog in a crate or another safe area first. Be sure to give your dog plenty of attention and exercise so he doesn’t get bored and start looking for trouble!
What to look for:
Watch for signs that your baby is getting too rough with the dog, such as pulling fur or ears. Also be on the lookout for signs that the dog is getting agitated, such as growling or showing his teeth. If either of these things happens, separate them immediately and provide a toy or chew bone for the dog to keep him occupied.
Teach your dog how to interact with babies
You should always introduce your dog to a baby under supervision. Start by having your dog sit or lie down, then bring the baby close to your dog and let them sniff each other. If your dog is calm and shows no signs of aggression, you can allow them to interact further. If your dog is not calm around the baby, it’s best to keep them separated.
How to teach your dog basic manners around babies
It’s important that your dog knows how to behave around babies. Teach them not to jump up on the baby, not to put their paws on the baby and not to mouth or nip at the baby. Also, teach them to be gentle when taking food or toys from the baby.
How to stop your dog from jumping on a baby
If your dog jumps up on the baby, tell them “no” firmly and redirect their attention elsewhere with a toy or treat. Consistency is key – if you allow your dog to jump up on the baby sometimes, they will continue trying to do so.
Have a plan for what to do if your baby and dog are not getting along
There are a few signs that may indicate your baby and dog are not getting along. If your dog is showing any of the following behaviors, it may be time to take some action to help them get along better:
• Growling or snapping at the baby
• Trying to get away from the baby when they approach
• Showing signs of stress or anxiety around the baby (panting, pacing, trembling, lip licking)
What to do if your baby and dog are not getting along
If you notice that your baby and dog are not getting along, there are a few things you can do to help them get along better. First, try to give your dog some extra attention and affection. This will help them feel more comfortable around the baby. You can also try training your dog with positive reinforcement techniques so they associate the baby with something good (treats, praise). Finally, make sure that you supervise interactions between the two closely so that you can intervene if necessary.
When your baby can crawl teach them to stay away from your dog’s toys, food bowls and cat litter boxes
You should teach your baby to stay away from your dog’s toys, food bowls and cat litter boxes because they can be dangerous. Your dog may not mean to hurt your baby, but if they are playing and the baby gets in the way, they could get injured.
How to:
To keep your baby safe around dogs, you should:
- Keep dogs away from areas where babies are crawling or playing.
- Never leave a baby alone with a dog.
- Teach your child how to pet a dog gently.
Use child safety gates to keep dogs and babies separate
A child safety gate is the best way to keep dogs and babies safe together. By using a child safety gate, you can make sure that your baby is never in the same room as your dog without supervision.
How to choose the right one: There are many different types of child safety gates on the market. When choosing a child safety gate, you need to consider the size of your dog and the layout of your home. If you have a small dog, you may be able to get away with a smaller gate. However, if you have a large dog or an open floor plan, you will need a larger gate.
How to install: Child safety gates are easy to install. Most gates come with instructions on how to install them. If you are not sure how to install the gate, you can always ask a friend or family member for help.
How can you help your dog adjust to a newborn baby?
Create a safe space for your dog so they can get away from the baby
It’s important to create a safe space for your dog because a newborn baby can be overwhelming for them. A safe space will give your dog a place to go to get away from the baby if they need some time to adjust.
How to do it:
There are a few things you can do to create a safe space for your dog. First, make sure the area is away from the hustle and bustle of the house. You might want to set up their bed or crate in a quiet room where they can go to relax. You should also make sure the area is well-ventilated and has plenty of light so your dog feels comfortable. Finally, fill the space with their favorite toys and treats so they feel at home. You should do this before the arrival of your newborn baby.
Make positive associations between your baby and your dog to reassure them
Make sure you spend time along with your dog when your baby is sleeping so that the dog is still getting your attention
Your dog is likely used to being the center of your attention, so it’s important to continue spending time with them once your baby arrives. Even if it’s just a few minutes here and there, make sure you’re still giving them the love and attention they’re used to.
While you can’t spend as much time with your dog as you used to, it’s important that when you are around them you’re giving them your full attention. This means no more letting them lay on the couch next to you while you’re on your phone or working on the computer. Instead, take a few minutes to really play with them or just sit and pet them.
What are some signs that your dog is not comfortable around the baby?
- Panting
- Shaking
- Whimpering
- Ears back
- Tail between legs
- Hiding
Your dog is not comfortable around the baby if they are showing signs of stress such as panting or shaking
If your dog is growling or baring their teeth around the baby, it’s a sign that they are not comfortable and may be feeling threatened. This is a serious situation that needs to be addressed immediately.
What to do:
If your dog is growling or baring their teeth at the baby, it’s important to take action right away. Try to remove the baby from the situation and put them in a safe place. Then, calmly but firmly tell your dog “no” and have them leave the room. If they continue to show aggression, you may need to seek professional help from a trainer or behaviorist.
Your dog is not comfortable around the baby if they are growling or baring their teeth
What should you do if you think your dog is going to hurt the baby?
If you think your dog is going to hurt the baby, you should remove the baby immediately from the situation and put them in a safe place. If possible, put the dog in another room or outside.
If you see your dog getting agitated or aggressive around the baby, remove the baby from the situation immediately.
Dogs are usually very protective of their young, but sometimes they can become too rough. If you think your dog is going to hurt the baby, it’s best to err on the side of caution and remove them from the situation.
What should you do if your baby hurts the dog?
Do not ever leave your baby and dog or cat together unsupervised.
Your baby is at risk for being bitten or scratched by your dog or cat. Even the best-behaved pet can become agitated and aggressive if they feel threatened by a small child.
Supervision: If you have a pet, it’s important to never leave your baby alone with them, even for a minute. Always supervise interactions between your child and pet, and make sure both are calm and happy before leaving them together.
Remove your baby from the situation
If your baby hurts the dog, it is important to remove the baby from the situation as quickly as possible. This will help to prevent further injury to the baby and also help to calm the dog down.
To remove the baby from the situation, you will need to pick them up and move them away from the dog. It is important to do this carefully and slowly so that you do not startle or scare the dog. Once you have moved the baby away from the dog, you can then assess any injuries that may have occurred.
Teach your baby not to hurt animals
It’s important to teach your baby not to hurt animals, as this can lead to serious injuries for both the baby and the animal. There are a few things you can do to stop your baby from hurting animals:
1. Supervise your baby closely when they are around animals.
2. Teach your baby gentle touch and how to pet animals properly.
3. Explain to your baby that animals can be hurt if they are hit or pulled too hard.
4. If your baby does hurt an animal, provide comfort to both the animal and the child, and explain why it is important not to hurt animals again.
Can dogs tell babies are babies?
It’s no secret that dogs and babies share a special bond. Dogs have long been considered man’s best friend, and for good reason. They’re loyal, loving, and protective companions. But did you know that dogs can also sense when a baby is present?
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, which allows them to detect all sorts of things that we can’t. This includes the specific scent of a baby. When a dog smells a baby, they may become excited or curious because they know there’s something different about this person.
This ability to sniff out babies can be helpful in many situations. For example, if you’re expecting a child and want your dog to be prepared, you can introduce them to the scent of your newborn before they meet in person. This will help your dog become familiar with the new smell and prevent any potential aggression when they finally meet face-to-face.
If you already have a baby and are introducing a new dog into the home, it’s important to take things slowly at first. Allow your dog to sniff the baby from afar before letting them get too close. And always supervise interactions between children and dogs, no matter how well-behaved your pet may be.
Dogs have a special place in our hearts, and it’s clear they feel the same way about us. So the next time you’re around a baby, take a moment to appreciate the amazing bond that these two species share.
Dogs have a special place in our hearts, and it’s clear they feel the same way about us. So the next time you’re around a baby, take a moment to appreciate the amazing bond that these two species share.
Why do some dogs have difficulty with a new baby?
Some dogs can be overprotective of their owners and often see a new baby as a threat to the relationship they have with their paw-rents. Additionally, dogs may feel overwhelmed by all the changes in the home and may become more anxious or stressed. It’s important to introduce the dog to the baby slowly and make sure they have plenty of space to retreat if they need it.
3 Reasons dogs don’t like babies
1. Dogs may be jealous of the attention the baby is receiving from their guardians.
2. Dogs may be afraid of the new noise and smells associated with a baby.
3. Dogs may be confused by the changes in routine that a new baby can bring (e.g., less time for walks, less attention from their guardians).
How to help:
Give your dog plenty of attention and love before and after the baby arrives to help them feel secure. If possible, have someone spend time with your dog while you’re in the hospital so they don’t feel abandoned during this time of transition.
Help your dog get used to the new smells and sounds gradually by exposing them to things like diapers, lotions, and crying in small doses ahead of time if possible. This can help lessen any shock or fear they may experience when these things are suddenly introduced into their lives later on.
Be patient with your dog as they adjust to having a new family member around – it may take some time but eventually things will settle into a new normal for everyone involved!
Should I keep my pet away from my newborn?
Whether or not to allow your pet near your newborn is a decision that ultimately comes down to you and what you feel comfortable with. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, it’s important to make sure that your pet is up-to-date on all their vaccinations. This will help to protect your baby from any diseases that your pet may be carrying. Secondly, it’s important to introduce your pet to your baby slowly and carefully. Allow them to get used to each other’s smell and presence before letting them interact too much.
And finally, make sure you’re vigilant about supervising their interactions. Even the most well-behaved pet can get excited or frustrated around a new baby, so it’s important to be there in case things get too rough.
Ultimately, whether or not to allow your pet near your newborn is a decision that only you can make. But by keeping these things in mind, you can help ensure that everyone stays safe and happy.
How do you introduce a newborn to a pet?
Before you introduce your newborn to your pet, it’s important to allow the pet to greet the mother first. This will help the pet feel comfortable and make sure that the baby is properly introduced. Once the pet has had a chance to meet the mother, you can then introduce the baby. It’s important to take your time with this process and not rush it, as you want both the baby and the pet to feel comfortable with each other. Permit lots of sniffs from your dog—a proper greeting includes much sniffing!
Do pets affect newborns?
Pets may lower the baby’s risk of having allergies or asthma. A recent study in JAMA Pediatrics found that exposing babies to dogs and cats in the first year of life may reduce their risk of developing asthma by 33% and allergies by 30% by the age of 6. And a study published in the Journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy found that babies exposed to cats and dogs during their first year of life had a 50% reduced risk of developing hay fever by age 7.
Pets can also teach children how to behave around animals and how to be respectful of them. They can also provide companionship and love, which is especially important for children who have special needs, or may not have any siblings.
So it seems that there are definitely benefits to having a pet around your new baby–both in terms of lowered risks for respiratory problems, and also in providing some extra love and cuddles! Growing up together is a life changing. I grew up with dogs, cats, horses, parrots, fish, guinea pigs, rabbits and we still have them all! Now I’m not suggesting you get yourself a mini farm, but pets and family life go hand in hand in my world.
Can a newborn and a dog sleep in the same room?
It is generally not recommended that a newborn and a dog sleep in the same room. Pets should be kept out of the room where the baby sleeps, and never allowed to share a bed with the baby. This is for safety reasons, as there is always a risk of the pet becoming agitated, excited and accidentally injuring the baby. There is also a risk of suffocation. Keep your babies and pets apart and always supervised.
Why does my dog growl at my newborn?
Many dogs will growl at a newborn because they are uncomfortable with the baby’s actions or proximity. As your guardian, it’s possible that your dog is growling because he’s feeling territorial and sees the baby as a threat to his territory and to you. It’s important to always supervise any interaction between your dog and your newborn to ensure everyone stays safe.
Why does my dog nudge my newborn baby?
Dogs have an instinctual need to investigate new things that come into their environment. They may want to sniff the baby and may nudge your baby with their nose or even lick your baby’s face as a way of getting to know this new human. Some people interpret this as the dog being protective of the baby, but in most cases it’s simply a case of the dog being curious and wanting to get to know this new addition to the family.
How do I know if my dog doesn’t like my baby?
It can be difficult to tell whether or not your dog likes your baby, since they may not show their true feelings around the child. However, there are a few things you can look for that may indicate that your dog is uncomfortable or unhappy around the baby.
One clue that your dog may not be fond of your infant is if they avoid eye contact with the child. If your dog won’t make eye contact with the baby, it could be a sign that they’re feeling nervous or uneasy about being near them. Additionally, if your dog starts exhibiting signs of stress when the baby is around – such as panting, pacing, or licking their lips – this could also mean that they’re not comfortable in the situation
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it! Some things to consider when introducing your dog to your newborn baby. Quite a few things to think about I know, but well, I want you to have all the information you need in one place. Hopefully, you found that useful. If you have any other questions, please contact me.
While it’s important to take precautions and supervise any interactions between them, in most cases it’s actually beneficial for the baby to be around pets – so don’t hesitate to let them get to know each together. Just be sure to keep an eye on things and make sure everyone stays safe and happy!
