How to Introduce Your Dog to the New Baby
Prepping your pooch for a new baby in the house is a three-step process. You'll do some work before the baby is born, when you bring your child home and also during at least the first few months when you’re all together under one roof. Here at Pottery Barn Kids, we have important tips to encourage gentle interactions and acceptance when bringing dogs and babies together for the first time.
Before Baby Is Born
Preparing your dog for a new baby starts before your newborn makes its entrance into the world. Weeks, if not months, before the big day you bring your baby home, start keeping a stroller set up in the home. Take your dog for walks with the empty stroller to get your pup slowly ready for new routines. Never loop the leash around the stroller; dogs are known to lurch forward when they see something to chase. Slowly introduce baby fragrances into the home, such as baby powders, creams and lotions. Leave a diaper or two out. Make sure your dog doesn’t eat it or think it’s a toy. If your dog goes in the car for drives, install the car seat so it becomes a permanent fixture next to your furry friend. Use your phone or tablet to play recordings of various infant sounds while your dog is near. As you’re doing all of this, slowly lessen the amount of attention you give your dog so it’s not a huge difference once the baby comes home.
Before Baby Comes Home
Right before the birth, stock up on dog play toys. You might not have time to do that once you’re parenting. Your dog will need more playthings than usual during the first few months after the baby comes home. During all the hubbub right after the baby is born, have someone drop off at your home a piece of clothing or a baby blanket that you used with your newborn. They can bring it home from the hospital before you arrive back. Your dog can get used to the baby’s new scent before they’re even through the door.
When the Baby Comes Home
Regardless of how small or large your dog is, there’s a way to handle this momentous introduction and frame-worthy moment between baby and dog. Ideally, enlist a friend or family member to arrive at your home beforehand. They can tire out your dog with play time and a walk to lessen the probability of hyper behavior. Once you arrive, greet your dog alone before bringing the baby inside. This prevents the possibility of having a pooch who’s overjoyed to see you and tries to jump up on the infant. Your baby’s scent will now also most likely be mingled with yours. This also helps your dog begin adjusting to the new sights and sounds at home.
Your baby’s bassinet may look appealing to a dog, especially if it wants to curl up next to the comfortable, cozy sleeping infant inside. Give your pet the message that this space is off-limits. When you see your dog investigating the bassinet, or crib, for more than a few seconds, gently lead it away by the collar. Softly redirect your pet to a toy or to a doggie bed that’s already set up.
After the Baby is Home
Dogs and newborns can live harmoniously together when you set a few boundaries as soon as the baby is home. Take advantage of setting up gates to keep your dog out of your baby’s nursery. Whenever your dog does want to jump up when you’re holding your baby, redirect it to a new toy. If your dog is a bit nippy or grabs at the baby’s toys, never reprimand, even if you’re tired. Simply redirect or block your pup and the message will get through.
Because life with a new baby can be unpredictable, you might want to treat your dog to doggie daycare for a day or two a week. That little break can give you and your baby time to bond while you’re feeding or rocking together in your nursery chair. Start doggie daycare before your baby comes home. It’ll already be part of your dog’s routine. If you prefer to have your dog around at all times after the baby is home, encourage your pooch to behave by offering treats while you’re nursing, pumping milk or rocking your infant. Treats will help your dog find it enjoyable to be around the baby.
Finally, never, ever leave your baby and dog together alone in a room, regardless of how well behaved your pet may be. Animal instincts may kick in at the oddest times. Keep your home safe, happy and have fun parenting both your baby and your dog.