Introducing Dogs and Babies

If you own a dog and are about to have a new baby, the thought of how the two of them will get along has probably run through your mind. In fact many people surrender their pets to shelters because of worries of their infant being harmed. But you can have both, your new baby and your dog if you prepare your dog ahead of time and introduce them properly.

How to Prepare and Introduce the Family Dog to Your New Baby

Several months before the actual joyous arrival of your new baby, you will want to get your dog familiar with all the new changes that are about to take place in your home.

5 Tips to Prepare Your Dog

1. Have your dog examined by your vet to ensure he is in good health and not carry any kind of worms or parasites that could be harmful to the baby.
2. Have friends with babies or small children come over to accustom your dog being around them. Just be sure to supervise them at all times.
3. Let your dog sniff around and explore the baby’s room and all baby-related items including toys, lotions, diapers, etc.
4. Get your dog used to the new noises like the mechanical swing, rocking chair, and even recordings of a baby crying. This will help desensitize your dog to these sounds and prevent a reaction made out of fear.
5. Teach your dog the basic obedience commands: come, sit, stay, down, and heel. Also, if your dog has behavioral problems like jumping or nipping, now is the time to correct it.
6. Keep your dog’s nails trimmed.

Well, Congratulations. You delivered your baby and after being in the hospital a few days you are finally on your way home. Guess who has been missing you terribly?

5 Tips on Introducing Dog to Baby

1. Let someone else bring the baby inside the house, while you spend time greeting your dog. Only once the excitement of your return home has waned should you try introducing your dog to the baby.
2. Let your dog sniff your baby’s feet and praise your pet when he is behaving appropriately around the baby. Verbal praises and some yummy treats will quickly have your dog associating the baby as a positive influence.
3. Continue spending quality one-on-one time with your dog when your baby is napping.
4. Try to keep your dog’s routine as normal as possible, so he can adjust. He still needs his walks, play time, belly rubs, etc…
5. Never leave your baby unsupervised with your pet no matter how well-trained your pet may be.

With proper training, supervision, and some adjustments, your dog and your new baby will form a strong bond and a lifelong relationship.

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