Preparing Your Dog and New Baby for Family Life - The Ultimate Guide

Welcoming a new baby into your family is a time of joy and excitement, but for dog owners in the UK, it also brings unique challenges. It's natural to have concerns about how your dog and a new baby. One of the most common things we hear is “I’m worried about my dog and new baby in the same room”, and that’s perfectly normal. This guide provides practical advice on preparing your dog for the arrival of your baby, ensuring a smooth introduction, and addressing common issues such as barking.

Preparing Your Dog for the Baby's Arrival

It’s one of the most exciting times in life. You’ve gone through all the hardship and are now finally ready to welcome a new baby into the home. But something that many people don’t even think about is how is life going to change for your dog. Will my dog bark at my new baby? How do I introduce my dog to a new baby? Will my dog and my new baby get along?

1. Gradual Adjustments

Start preparing your dog several months before the baby arrives. Introduce changes to their routine gradually to avoid sudden disruptions. If you plan to change your dog's walking schedule or sleeping area, do it bit by bit. Of course, if you already have a baby, this might be too late. But it depends on where you are on this journey. If you’ve just welcomed baby and are keeping the two separate for now, start introducing these changes as soon as you can.

2. Obedience Training

Ensure your dog is well-trained and responsive to commands like 'sit', 'stay', and 'leave it'. Consider enrolling in a refresher training course if necessary. Make sure your dog has got at least these three commands down properly because they’ll be the most important ones you need.

3. Desensitisation to Baby Noises

Babies come with a symphony of new sounds. Play recordings of baby noises to acclimate your dog to these new sounds. Start at a low volume and gradually increase it over time. If things are already in motion, your dog could come with you whenever you’re with the baby so they can hear the sound and know that everything is okay, and eventually, all will go back to normal.

4. Scent Familiarisation

Before bringing the baby home, introduce your dog to the baby's scent. Bring home a blanket or an item of clothing that the baby has worn, and allow your dog to sniff it under supervision. Do this multiple times if you can, and once you’re home with the baby, continue to do so.

Quick Tips for Familiarising Your Dog with a New Baby

• Before the baby arrives, bring home their blanket or clothing. This allows your dog to get used to the new scent in a familiar environment.

• Praise and reward your dog for calm and gentle behaviour around the baby. This reinforces positive interactions.

• Never leave your dog and baby alone together. Always supervise their interactions to ensure safety.

• Have a safe space for your dog to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed. This can be a crate, bed, or a separate room.

• As the baby grows, teach them how to interact safely and respectfully with the dog.

Introducing Your Dog to the New Baby

1. First Meeting

The first meeting is crucial. Have someone else hold the dog on a leash while you hold the baby. Allow the dog to sniff the baby from a safe distance. Praise and reward your dog for calm behaviour. Use some of the most exciting treats you have, and if you don’t know what to use, then take a look at our best dog-training treats.

2. Supervision

Never leave your dog and baby alone together, even if your dog has always been gentle. It’s crucial to supervise all interactions between your dog and your baby. It only takes one small interaction from the baby to ruin the relationship completely, so be vigilant in your supervision.

3. Positive Associations

Create positive associations for your dog with the presence of the baby. Offer treats, praise, and attention when they behave calmly around the baby. This will teach your dog that good things happen around the baby, and in time, the dog may see the baby as the best addition to the family ever!

Addressing Common Concerns

Of course, not every dog will be able to adapt well to a baby, but this is no reason to give them up or pay them less attention. Sometimes these things happen, but with a properly structured training regime, you’ll be able to nip this behaviour in the bud.

1. Barking at the Baby

If your dog barks at the baby, do not scold them. Instead, distract them with a command or a toy. Reward them for redirecting their attention. Consistency is key in teaching them that barking at the baby is not desirable. It may also frighten your baby which could initially put them off, but don’t give up the opportunity to train positive reinforcement.

2. Jealousy and Attention-Seeking

Some dogs might exhibit jealousy or attention-seeking behaviour. Make sure to spend quality time with your dog. Include them in baby-related activities when possible to help them feel a part of the new family dynamic. Remember, your dog is part of the family too, don’t exclude them now.

3. Monitoring Behaviour

Watch for signs of stress or anxiety in your dog. Excessive licking, pacing, or hiding can be signs they’re not coping well. Please understand your dog’s licking habits, because a lot of licking is not necessarily excessive. If these behaviours persist, consult a veterinarian or an animal behaviourist.

Remember, every dog and every family is unique. Patience, consistency, and understanding are key to a successful introduction and ongoing harmony in your expanded family.

• What should I do if my dog growls at the baby?

  If your dog growls, calmly remove them from the situation. Keep trying some of our methods suggested above, and address this behaviour seriously. Consider seeking professional advice from a behaviourist.

• Can I leave my baby on the floor with the dog?

  It’s not advisable to leave your baby on the floor with the dog, even under supervision. Always maintain a safe space for both your baby and dog.

• How can I help my dog adjust if they seem stressed?

  Provide a quiet space for your dog to retreat to, maintain their routine as much as possible, and give them plenty of exercise. If stress signs continue, consult a vet.

• Is it safe for my dog to lick my baby?

  While a dog’s lick is usually a sign of affection, it's best to avoid letting your dog lick your baby's face or hands. Babies have weaker immune systems and this could pose a health risk.

• How do I balance attention between my dog and my new baby?

  Set aside dedicated time each day for your dog. Engage in activities they enjoy, and involve them in baby-related activities safely, like walks with the pram.