How to introduce Your Dog to Your Newborn

Hello new friend!

Fur and family:

Navigating the Pawsitive Introduction of Your Dog to Your Newborn

Welcoming a new baby into your family is a fun time of new, exciting changes. Seeing the growing partnership between your baby and pets are heartwarming.

Here are 10 tips on introducing your dog to the baby

Before baby arrives

Just like you prepare for baby’s arrival, prepare your pets for what’s to come.

Gradually expose your dog to baby-related sounds, smells, and items. This could include playing recordings of baby noises and allowing your dog to explore baby blankets and clothing.
Ensure your dog has basic obedience training and responds well to basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it.” This will help you manage your dog’s behavior around the baby and let everyone feel calm.

When baby comes home

After the baby is born, bring home a blanket or clothing that carries the baby’s scent. Allow your dog to sniff and get accustomed to the new scent. This will help your dog associate the smell with a positive experience.
When you bring the baby home, have someone else hold the baby while you greet your dog. Maintain a calm and reassuring demeanor, and gradually allow your dog to approach and sniff the baby from a safe distance.
Reward your dog with treats and praise whenever they exhibit calm and positive behavior around the baby. This will help your dog associate the baby’s presence with positive experiences.

After initial introductions, settle in to your new routine

Supervise initial interactions between your dog and baby. You may want to allow your dog to sniff the baby under your close watch. If your dog remains calm, reward them.
Maintain a routine. Dogs thrive on routines. Try to maintain your dog’s feeding, walking, and playtime routines as much as possible, even with the new baby in the picture. This will help your dog feel secure.
Spend quality time with your dog. Dogs can feel jealous of the attention given to the baby. Continue to spend quality time with your dog, involving them in baby-related activities to mitigate any feelings of neglect.
Use baby gates to create dog-free zones, especially during nap times and feedings. Also, create a safe space for your dog where they can retreat to when they need a break.

Remember, this is a big change for your dog (and you!). Be patient and give them time to adjust. As your dog gets used to the baby’s presence and routine, their bond can grow.