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How To Introduce Your Dog to a New Baby
For many of us, our dogs are more than pets, they’re family and our first babies. They’ve been there with us through everything, providing comfort, love, and an endless supply of sofa cuddles. If you’re doing it right, you’ve probably been treating your dog just like a baby all along. They get all the kisses, the treats, and your undivided attention.
But now, your family is growing. You’re about to welcome a new (and hopefully less hairy) little one into the mix. It’s an exciting time, but it’s also a big change, not just for you but for your four-legged companion too. That’s why it’s so important to plan ahead and prepare to introduce your dog to a new baby.
Every dog is unique, so their response to a baby’s arrival will vary. Some may be thrilled to have a new little human to love, while others may need more time and reassurance to adjust. The good news is that with a little preparation and planning, you can make this transition smoother for everyone involved.
Planning Ahead is Important
Bringing a baby into your home is such an exciting occasion, especially when you think about introducing your new baby to your furry one. But it’s important to keep in mind that while it is exciting, it’s also a significant change for your dog and preparing your pup before the baby arrives will make the introduction much easier. Here’s how you can plan ahead and introduce your dog to a new baby with success:
Brush Up on Training
Before your baby arrives, ensure your dog is well-versed in basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and “leave it.” These commands will help you manage your dog’s behaviour around the baby. For example, if your dog gets too excited, you can ask them to “go to their bed” or “stay” to create a safe and calm environment.
Many of your baby’s toys may also be easily confused for one of their own, so commands like “leave it” are essential. We highly recommend refreshing their training through positive reinforcement using treats and toys or even enrolling in a basic obedience class if needed.
Introduce New Furniture Gradually
If you’re planning on adding baby furniture to your dog’s environment like a bassinet, changing table, or highchair, we suggest setting it up a few weeks before the baby’s arrival. This allows your dog to get used to the items before you introduce your dog to a new baby. Let them sniff and explore these items at their own pace, rewarding calm behaviour with treats or praise. This familiarity will reduce their curiosity when the baby comes home.
Stock Up on Enrichment Toys
Once the baby arrives, you’ll have less time to devote exclusively to your dog. To keep them entertained and happy, invest in dog enrichment toys like lick mats, treat dispensers, and puzzle feeders. These toys are not only great distractions but also help calm dogs down when they’re feeling overexcited. Plus, they give your pup a positive way to channel their energy while you’re busy feeding and fussing over your new little one.
Gradually Adjust Their Routine
Babies bring unpredictability, and your dog will likely notice changes in their daily schedule. Start adjusting your dog’s routine a few weeks in advance if you think their walks or feeding times will shift. A gradual transition will make it all the easier to introduce your dog to a new baby and help them adapt without feeling stressed or confused.
Introduce Baby Sounds and Scents
Our dogs are super sensitive to new sounds and smells. Their nose and ears are much more powerful than ours, so its good to get your dog accustomed to the sounds and smells of a baby before the big day. Play recordings of babies crying, cooing, and giggling at a low volume, gradually increasing it as your dog becomes comfortable.
You can also introduce scents like baby powder, lotion, or formula by using them around the house. Pair these experiences with treats and enrichment toys to create positive associations.
What to Expect When You Introduce Your Dog to a New Baby
The moment you introduce your dog to a new baby is exciting, but it’s important to have realistic expectations. Every dog reacts differently and understanding what’s normal can help you navigate this big change.
It’s normal for your dog to be curious, cautious, or even a little nervous when they first meet the baby. They may sniff the baby or look to you for guidance. On the other hand, some dogs might ignore the baby altogether at first. Both reactions are perfectly fine, it just means your dog is trying to process this new situation.
When the Baby Arrives
Welcoming your baby home is one of life’s most magical moments but be prepared for it to be a blend of overwhelming joy, a touch of exhaustion, and a sprinkle of chaos. Your furry best friend will no doubt love your latest addition, but there are certain steps to keep in mind to make sure it goes smoothly and safely.
Greet Your Dog First
Your dog has probably been missing you, especially if you’ve had to spend several days in the hospital, so expect their excitement to reach Olympic levels when you walk through the door. Before introducing them to the baby, take a moment just for them. Put the baby down in a safe spot and greet your pup with a warm hug and some gentle pets. You can be excited too but try and keep things as calm as possible.
The goal here is to manage their energy. If your dog’s bouncing around like a popcorn kernel, take them for a walk or toss their favourite ball in the garden. This helps them burn off some of that energy and makes the upcoming baby introduction much smoother.
Introduce Gradually
Now for the moment everyone’s been waiting for! Once your dog has calmed down, it’s time for the grand introduction. Keep your dog on a lead, not because you don’t trust them, but because it’s easier to manage their excitement (or hesitation) this way. Then, slowly introduce your dog and let them approach at their own pace. Give them plenty of time to sniff and check things out.
Stay close and keep the vibe positive. It’s a good idea to have plenty of treats on hand and praise any gentle, calming behaviour. This is your dog’s first impression of their tiny new roommate, so it’s a good idea to make it a rewarding and positive experience!
Create Positive Associations
Babies bring a whole new soundtrack to your home: cries, giggles, and those adorable little coos. For your dog, these new noises can be confusing. Help them see the baby as a source of joy, not stress by giving lots and lots of praise.
Whenever your dog behaves well around the baby, whether it’s sitting calmly nearby or simply ignoring them, reward that good behaviour. Keep plenty of tasty dog treats on hand for these moments and when you have a hand free, speak lots of praise and give them plenty of belly rubs. Over time, your dog will simply associate having a baby and being calm with all these good things, meaning they’ll be more likely to behave that way moving forward.
Maintain Attention
One of the hardest parts when you introduce your dog to a new baby is juggling attention, as you’ll want and need to give attention to both. No doubt your dog is very used to being at the centre of the household, especially if this is your first child. So ,while you’re busy with late-night feedings and endless nappy changes, it’s important not to let your dog feel like they’ve been pushed to the sidelines. Dogs thrive on routine, so keep up with regular walks, playtime, and cuddle sessions.
For example, if you’re rocking the baby, use your free hand to pet your dog or if you’re taking the baby for a walk in their pushchair, bring your dog along. Using hands-free dog leads like those by ZeeDog are perfect for this, as you can keep your hands free for the baby while your dog still gets to join in with the exercise. Little gestures like these go a long way in helping them feel included.
Establish Clear Boundaries
Boundaries aren’t just for toddlers, but for dogs. Start by deciding which areas of the house are baby-free zones. The nursery, for instance, might be a no-go. Baby gates or closed doors are your best friends here.
Be consistent and patient as your dog learns the new rules after you introduce your dog to a new baby. With clear boundaries in place, your pup will know what’s expected of them, which reduces confusion and keeps everyone feeling secure.
What Not to Do
Don’t Force Interactions
Just like humans, dogs need time to adjust to new relationships. If your pup seems unsure about the baby, that’s okay! Let them approach at their own pace. Forcing a meet-and-greet can backfire, leading to anxiety or even resentment in the future.
Don’t Neglect Supervision
No matter how gentle and loving your dog is, accidents can happen so you should always supervise interactions between your dog and baby. This isn’t just about safety, it’s about setting everyone up for success.
Avoid Punishment
If your dog barks, gets overly excited, or shows nervousness around the baby, keep your cool. Redirect their behaviour with a chew toy, some tasty treats or a command they know, and reward them when they respond appropriately. Punishment can create fear and negative associations, which is the last thing you want.
Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
Dogs have their own language, and it’s up to us to pay attention. If your pup starts yawning excessively, licking their lips, or avoiding eye contact, they might be feeling stressed. Give them space to decompress and try again later.
A great activity for a dog feeling a little stressed after you introduce your dog to a new baby is providing enrichment toys, like a lick mat. Simply layer on your pup’s favourite treats like dog-friendly peanut butter, banana, berries, chicken, carrot and food toppers and watch as they lick all the goodies from the lick mat’s tiny crevices. Licking is an incredibly calming motion for dogs, helping them release stress and focus their energy on something positive. Plus, it's a fun and engaging way to keep them occupied while you focus on settling in with your new baby!
Conclusion
Introducing your dog to a new baby is an exciting, yet delicate process that requires patience, planning, and all the right tools. It’s a big change for everyone, and taking the time to carefully introduce your dog to a new baby can set the stage for a positive relationship between them. By keeping things calm and structured, you can help your dog adjust to the new family dynamic and ensure both your baby and pup feel secure and loved.
At WOOOF, we’re here to help you every step of the way as you prepare to introduce your dog to a new baby. From enrichment toys like lick mats, treat dispensers, and slow feeder bowls to hands-free leads and harnesses, we’ve got everything you need to make this transition easier.
Our hands-free leads are perfect for walking your dog alongside the pushchair, allowing you to manage the walk while keeping both your dog and baby safe and happy. Meanwhile, our chew toys and enrichment toys are perfect for keeping your dog happy, distracted and satisfied while you need to focus on feeding and nappy changes. When you introduce your dog to a new baby, rewarding good behaviour is key to reinforcing positive associations.
We’re so excited for you and your pup to welcome a new bundle of joy into your life. The process of introducing your dog to a new baby is the beginning of a beautiful new chapter for you and your family, and we wish you all the best in what’s to come!
The Author: Charlotte Harris
Charlotte has been a writer and dog owner her whole life, so combining these two things together is a dream come true. Her greatest love is her oversized Golden Retriever, Milo, who has a love of tough chews and anything filled with peanut butter!
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Is it safe to leave my dog alone with my baby?
It’s never safe to leave your dog alone with your baby, no matter how well-behaved your dog is. While many dogs are gentle and loving, accidents can happen in a split second. When you introduce your dog to a new baby, you should always supervise their interactions. Even if your dog seems calm and affectionate, they may become startled or nervous around the baby’s new sounds and movements. Constant supervision ensures the safety of both your baby and your dog and allows you to step in if needed.
What are some signs that my dog is stressed after meeting the baby?
Dogs can show signs of stress in various ways, such as yawning, lip-licking, avoiding eye contact, or acting more clingy. When you introduce your dog to a new baby, be sure to watch for these signs, as they may indicate that your dog is feeling overwhelmed or unsure. If your dog shows these stress signals, give them space and allow them to retreat to a quiet area to decompress. It’s important to be patient and provide reassurance, helping your dog adjust at their own pace.
What are some ways to calm my dog when they seem overwhelmed by the baby?
If your dog seems overwhelmed after you introduce your dog to a new baby, offering enrichment toys can be a great way to help calm them down. These toys provide a positive outlet for your dog’s energy, and the soothing act of licking can help reduce stress. Giving your dog a quiet space to retreat to when they need it is also essential for their mental well-being. Always be patient and give your dog the time they need to adjust.
