Safe & Stress‑Free Ways to Introduce Your Dog to Your Newborn

So, you’re expecting a baby. Congratulations! You are probably very excited about everything that’s to come. However, you may also be nervous about several challenges, particularly if you’re already the parent of a loving pup.

New parents might feel nervous about introducing their baby to a dog that’s already in their lives. This nervousness is warranted, since a new baby presents many changes for a dog; maybe the dog is used to being the baby of the family and will be mad or sad about losing attention. Alternatively, you might feel nervous that your dog thinks the baby is a toy and plays too rough with her. Also, your dog may feel overwhelmed by all of the new sights and smells surrounding the baby, as well as the shift in schedule.

However, if you’re a new parent who worries that their fur baby and their real baby will never bond, you’re in luck. You can take some simple steps to introduce your baby to your dog in a way that helps them bond and is safe for the baby. There are also some great ways to ensure that the baby and dog do bond and love each other. Here are some of the best and most helpful for you to try.

Change the Routine Slowly

A dog’s routine (like yours) will change when you bring a newborn baby home. Slowly start shifting his routine to be like his new one. Maybe he’ll have to go out for walks much earlier in the morning and go to bed much earlier in the evening. Or maybe he’ll have to wait to be fed until the baby is nursed. Try to gradually shift your dog’s routine by a half-hour over the weeks and months before your baby arrives so the new arrival is not a shock to your dog’s system.

Get Your Dog Used to All the New Smells

Dogs get to know the world by scents. Introduce your dog to baby scents to get him ready for all the new smells that are going to be in the house. Have him smell baby powder, baby foods, lotions, shampoos and so on. Once your baby is born, bring an item of clothing or a soft toy home that has your baby’s scent on it. Get your dog used to the scent so that your baby smells familiar to him when they’re finally in the same room.

Let Your Dog See the Baby Before They Meet

For a few days after you bring home the new baby, keep the dog away from the baby. You may have to use baby gates or keep doors closed for this period. Just remember — this part is only temporary.

Introduce Your Dog on a Leash

Once the dog is used to hearing and seeing the baby, let him slowly approach her while using a leash. Your dog should get a chance to smell the baby, and you should praise him while he does. Make sure your dog is willing to approach the baby; don’t bring the baby to his face. Dogs that are excited to see what the baby is all about won’t feel imposed upon or threatened.

Let the Dog Off the Leash

Once your dog has gotten used to your baby’s smell while on the leash (after a few days), let him off the leash around the baby. Your dog might think he has a chance to play rough or interact differently with the baby. Make sure you stand close by to intervene, and keep the baby elevated and in your arms while the dog sniffs her out. Give your dog praise as he sniffs the baby and is gentle so he understands that’s the correct way to behave.

Continue to Give Your Dog Tons of Attention, Especially Around the Baby

Don’t make your dog feel left out around the baby or when the baby’s not around. This can lead to resentment on the part of the dog. Pet and talk to your dog while you’re spending time with the baby. Continue to get the dog new toys as well, so the dog feels included in this whole “new” process. Also, don’t get mad at your dog for picking up the baby’s toys. Instead, simply replace the toy with one of his own; your pup doesn’t yet understand that not all toys in the house are for him. Don’t forget to give your dog routine care, like taking him to his vet or grooming appointments and getting regular treatments such as Nexgard, which can keep ticks and fleas at bay.

Ultimately, having a human baby is exciting and fulfilling, and so is having a fur baby. Having both is definitely an option that’s feasible, and when done right, can bring extreme joy and contentment to all members of the family (furry and otherwise). Take some steps at the beginning of your newborn’s time at home to get your pup acquainted, and you’ll have a bond and relationship that lasts a lifetime.

Lannie, writer for Allivet. Allivet provides affordable pet supplies and pet medications, all of which can be purchased online. Listed below are some helpful resources that can provide some guidance for those looking for more information on pet supplies & medication referenced above:

http://www.allivet.com/p-5229-nexgard-for-dogs-and-puppies.aspx

https://www.walmart.com/browse/baby/baby-gates/5427_132943_132981

https://doggonesafe.com/baby_safety_around_dogs/