How to Introduce Your Dog to a New Baby

The time when parents bring a new baby home is one of the great joys in a family’s life. But it may be tricky for the family dog. Babies aren’t just stressful for parents – they can be stressful for dogs too.

Parents can find themselves feeling caught between their dogs – often their “first babies” – and their human babies, creating even more stress in an inherently stressful situation.

There are 63.4 million households with dogs in the U.S., according to the Insurance Information Institute, so you most certainly are not alone. There are many other families experiencing the stress of bringing a new baby into an environment with a dog at any given time.

Here are six tips for keeping everyone safe and happy during the early days when you bring a new baby home.

1. Plan ahead

A family can start to make preparations during the time before the baby arrives.

• Get your dog dewormed and make sure stool tests come back negative. Certain parasites can be dangerous to humans.
• Make sure all vaccines are up-to-date
• Trim your dog’s nails before the baby comes home
• Address behavior issues, such as jumping or barking
• Learn to recognize the signs your dog is uncomfortable. Dogs might freeze, look stiff, look away, or other behaviors which indicate the dog is uncomfortable. This video offers an excellent guide to learning some of these cues.
• Prepare the environment and start teaching your dog any off-limit areas
• Let your dog see and even lick some of the new items, like the stroller, crib and other pieces of equipment.
• Here at Canine Campus we often have people pack a “boarding” bag for their dog complete with a few days food, bedding, toys, etc. or even drop items off a few days in advance before they have their baby, so they can drop their dog off quickly when headed to the hospital, or a neighbor, friend or family member can.
• When we have a dog boarding with us while having a baby, we encourage Dad to swing by with one of the baby blankets after the baby is born. We place it in the dog’s dorm so he or she can get used to the smell of the baby before meeting them.

2. Plan the first meeting

Allow your dog to greet the mother before meeting the baby. Introduce the baby and dog in neutral area, such as outside on the sidewalk if possible. Most importantly, make sure your dog is secure on a leash and the baby is safe in someone’s arms.

The first meeting must be supervised. Take it slow and easy. Watch for cues your dog is uncomfortable.

3. Always supervise

No matter how much you love and trust your dog, even if they’ve been around older children, you can’t leave your baby alone with him or her. Dogs especially like to cuddle and may inadvertently cover a baby’s face.

Parents should also discourage dogs from licking babies. Dogs have a lot of bacteria in their mouths and you don’t want them introduced into immune systems not fully developed yet.

4. Make time for your dog

Even though you might be exhausted, take time with your dog. Even if it’s only five minutes of your undivided attention. A dog who is ignored may become resentful and take his or her frustration out on the baby.

5. Use a crate

Especially if you have a pushy dog, a crate will become your best friend. Get your dog used to his or her crate and make it the best place in the world. Try giving your dog a special treat like a Kong toy filled with treats only when he or she gets in the crate. Your dog can still interact with the family through a wire crate. Or, if your dog doesn’t like crates, you can use a baby gate to separate the dog and baby.

Then, switch it up. Put the baby in a pack-and-play and spend quality time with your dog. Both baby and dog get the attention they need (and deserve). If you’re distracted, be sure to separate the two. Remember you can spend time with both your dog and your baby, but not always at the same time.

6. Your dog and baby may not be best friends at first

It may take some time for your dog and baby to form a strong bond. Teach your dog to respect your baby and teach your growing baby to respect your dog. For example, as soon as they are old enough start teaching your child to not pull your dog’s tail, not follow him or her into the crate or ride them like a pony.

There’s plenty of advice out there about how to introduce your dog to your baby, but what really works is preparation, proper training and treats – lots of treats!

Have you brought a new baby home while having a dog in the household? What advice would you give other families? Please share in the comments below…