Note: This is a guest post by Heather Green. Heather is a freelance writer, pet lover and the resident blogger for a free informational website offering tips and advice on online nursing schools.
I recently had a baby and realized weeks before I gave birth that it wasn’t just going to change my life, but my two dogs’ lives as well! In a panic, I started researching websites and calling vets to find out what the best techniques for introducing a baby into the family were.
I know my dogs pretty well since I raised them from puppies. At a young age, we started walking these little pups around the neighborhood. We would take them to pet friendly stores to socialize them with strangers and meet kids at the bus stop, but babies were another story. Fortunately, I received some great advice that actually worked!
Tips for introducing your dog to a baby
1. Leave baby items out for the dogs to get used to.
The further along you are, the more “baby stuff” you’ll have around the house. Leave items such as diapers, baby powder, toys and the car seat out for the dogs to sniff and get used to. The earlier you set up the crib, changing table, baby swing, playpen, etc., the better. Start setting boundaries for what the dogs can and can’t approach. Be consistent and reward them for calm behavior.
2. Buy a baby doll.
Preferably, find a doll that cries. Wipe it down with a little baby powder to get the dogs used to the smell. Do all the same things with the baby doll that you will do with your newborn. Carry the doll around. Place it in the baby swing. Place it on a blanket on the floor. Allow the dogs to gently sniff the doll after you’ve given them permission. No dogs should be allowed to charge up to you and the baby. Teach them to remain calm and give you and the baby space.
Once the dogs are familiar with the smell and look of the doll, see what happens when the baby doll cries. It may take some time, but this is the most reassuring test you can give the dogs.
3. Give your dogs enough exercise.
Make time for your first babies. You will be irritable and tired and sleeping any chance you get, so even if you only walk your pups for 5-10 minutes a day, do it!
Plan ahead about which family member will provide the dogs with longer walks when you can’t. Hire a professional dog runner or dog walker if necessary. If you can walk the dogs while you stroll with the baby (I advise to get someone to help you do this at first), it’s a great way to get all your “babies” used to each other. Make sure the dogs walk safely and calmly at your side and not in front of your baby. It’s a great idea to practice walking the dogs and the stroller together before the baby arrives!
4. Introduce the dogs to the baby calmly.
When you finally arrive with the baby, have someone else take the baby into another room as you greet your pets calmly. Have treats ready to reward them for good behavior, and slowly bring the baby out to meet your mutts. Make the dogs sit or lie down and respect your space. Don’t get the dogs extra excited by talking in a high-pitched voice. Stay calm in order to help the dogs stay calm.
5. Seek help from a professional if your dogs have aggression issues.
If your dogs have displayed aggressive behaviors in the past, there are classes specifically designed for this type of situation, so check with your vet, a local trainer or local rescue if you have concerns.
6. Establish clear rules and a routine with your dogs before the baby arrives.
A new baby in the house will be enough of a change for your dogs, so maintain as much of their usual routine as possible. Get the dogs used to changes before the baby arrives. Maybe you want the dogs to be in their kennels more often. Start doing that a few months before the baby is born. Maybe you want the dogs to stay out of the baby’s room or out of your room or off the furniture. Establish these rules ahead of time so there are fewer adjustments once the baby arrives.
Do you have any advice for introducing a dog to a new baby?
For more info, see my post on how to get my dog used to children.
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I like these tips, they totally make sense. I won’t be having this issue though. I’m good with my 4-legged children.
Yeah I am good sticking to four-legged children as well
These are good tips! My dog wasn’t really around kids when I first had him because no one I knew had kids. Then my sisters had babies and it took Eli quite awhile to feel comfortable around them. He loves them now though! It’s so amusing to me how much dogs and kids enjoy the same activities!
Ace is very good around toddlers. He hasn’t been around babies as far as I know. The only thing I don’t like is how he licks little kids in the face – they are right at his level, after all. Not all parents want a mutt drooling all over their kid. Actually, no one wants to be drooled on.