Introducing Your Dog to Your New Baby

Tips and Tricks for Preparing Dogs for the Arrival of an Infant

Jul 10, 2009

Many pregnant women worry about how their dog will behave around a new baby; however, there are methods that can be used to ensure a smooth introduction and little worry.

There are many ways owners can prepare their dogs for the arrival of a baby and minimize the chance of the dog becoming jealous. The biggest problem is that pets are often the surrogate children before the human children come along, and are often very spoilt. When the baby arrives, it is a very busy time for a new mother and dogs can be neglected. Most dogs adapt well to a new arrival, but they need to be prepared in advance.

Things to Do With Your Dog in the Lead Up to the Birth

It is important for owners to prepare their dogs well in advance of the baby’s arrival home. Preparing the dog will then mean he or she won't associate the baby with a lot of changes and less attention. For example, it is cruel to dump an inside dog outside when the baby arrives. This will make the dog associate the baby with a negative, and this can cause problems. If however, the dog will no longer be allowed to sleep in the bedroom, then these changes need to be implemented months in advance of the baby’s arrival home.

Owners need to ensure that their dog isn’t in the habit of jumping on people or leaping onto laps without permission, as this could mean that the mother and baby could be bowled over, or the dog tries to sit on the mother’s lap while she is nursing the baby.

Allowing the dog to familiarize itself with the nursery is advisable. Barriers can be purchased for doorways to prevent dogs from entering certain rooms, without the okay from the owner.

It may also be helpful for owners to purchase a recording of a baby crying, or have a friend with a baby make a recording, and then play it for the dog. The dog may not have heard a baby cry or scream before, so it is helpful to try and get the dog used to the noise. This should prevent it from barking or howling, or simply stressing out, when the real baby cries.

Owners should begin walking their dogs alongside an empty pram, prior to the birth, as this will have the dog get used to the pram, and also the speed at which he or she will be walking in future.

After the baby is born, a blanket that has the baby’s scent can be brought home and shown to the dog for a smell. Never allow the dog to play with this blanket.

Make sure the dog is up to date with worming and flea treatment.

Things to Do With Your Dog When the Baby Comes Home

Have a friend or relative exercise the dog before the arrival of the baby and mother, so that it isn’t too excited when they arrive home. This may be difficult, as the dog may not have seen the mother for a couple of days.

It may also be wise to have a friend or relative, or hire a dog walker, to walk the dog regularly, particularly in the first few days of the baby’s arrival home.

When introducing the dog and baby for the first time, owners should avoid making a fuss and make sure that the dog remains calm. They should ensure that the dog associates the baby with positive time, so giving praise and treats will help.

Owners should never leave their baby and pets unsupervised and should seek veterinary advice if they have concerns. You may also like to read Introducing Your Cat to Your New Baby.