Introducing Your Baby to the Family Dog

Introducing Your Baby to the Family Dog:

As a new parent it is natural to be concerned about how your dog is going to react to your new infant. Many families that bring home a new baby have successfully introduced their dog to the new baby, and so can you. Below are some helpful suggestions for making the introduction between pet and newborn as seamless as possible, keeping safety, health, and comfort in mind:

Preparing your Dog for Baby:

It is crucial that you prepare your pet before your newborn’s arrival. In fact, what you do to prepare your pet for baby, might prove to be more critical that the introduction itself. It is wise to start the preparation process as soon as you find out that you are pregnant.

Accustom your pet to baby-related noises months before the baby is expected. For example, play recordings of a baby crying, turn on the mechanical baby swing, and use the rocking chair. Make these positive experiences for your pet by giving them a treat or playtime.

Be sure your dog is spayed or neutered. Sterilized pets typically have fewer health risks associated with their reproductive systems, and they are usually calmer and less likely get agitated and bite.

Take your pet to the veterinarian for a routine health exam and necessary vaccinations a few months before the baby arrives. Worms and parasites can be harmful to your infant. Also get your dog’s nails trimmed.

Consider enrolling in a training class with your dog, and practice training techniques. Obedience lessons allow you to safely and humanely control your dog's behavior and enhances the bond between you and your pet.

Use a baby doll to help your pet get used to the real thing. Swaddle the doll, and take it

in the stroller when you and your dog go for walks. Also use the doll to get your pet used to routine baby activities, such as bathing, feeding, and diaper changing.

Lightly sprinkle baby powder or baby oil on your skin so your pet becomes familiar with the new smells.

Before you bring your baby home from the hospital, have either your partner or a friend take home something with the baby's scent (such as a blanket or clothing) for your pet to investigate.

Encourage friends with infants to visit your home to accustom your pet to babies. Supervise all pet and infant interactions.

Introducing Your Dog to Your Baby

When the baby comes home, it is wise to have another person hold the baby while you greet your dog. Your dog has missed you a lot, and it is important to pay attention to him when you first arrive home. Have someone else take the baby into a different room while you give your pet a warm, calm, welcome. Keep some treats handy  as an overdue reward.

Wait until after your dog’s excitement about your homecoming has abated before introducing your baby to the dog.

After the initial greeting, you may bring your pet with you to sit next to the baby; reward your pet with treats for appropriate behavior. Remember that you want your pet to view associating with the baby as a positive experience.

Never force your pet to get close to the baby, and always supervise any interaction. The actions of a baby may frighten your dog and cause him to bite in self-defense. If you are unsure of you dog’s reaction, leash him during the introduction. Talk to your dog, pet him and encourage him to get a good look and sniff the baby’s feet and hands.

Do not allow your dog to sleep on the baby’s furniture or play with the baby’s toys. You don’t want your dog to get territorial over objects and areas that aren’t his.

If the baby's room will be off-limits to your pet, install a sturdy barrier such as a removable gate (available at any pet or baby supply store). Barriers like these still allow your pet to see and hear what's going on in the room, he'll feel less isolated from the family and more comfortable with the new baby’s sight and sounds.

Never leave your dog alone with your baby without your active supervision. This might sound like common sense, but many of us consider out pet family, and don’t realize that even a small-bread dog can harm your infant. Even if your dog doesn’t display aggressive behavior, an infant does not have the capability to move the animal away, and your dog (even your small dog) has the capacity to accidentally smother the child.

Note: The information on this page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional information, please refer to your veterinarian as appropriate.