The excitement of welcoming a new baby is often shared by the whole family—but what about your inquisitive canine? For your loyal companion, the change in environment and routines can be overwhelming. As you prepare for the arrival of your little one, it’s easy to forget that your dog will also be adjusting to big changes in the household. Dogs thrive on schedules and attention, and the addition of a baby can disrupt both. The good news is that with a little preparation, you can help your dog adapt to this new chapter with ease. From introducing baby sounds to establishing new routines, these tips will help guide you through the steps that will make this transition smoother for you, your family, and of course, your pup.
1. Assess your dog's skills and strengths - then practice!
What behaviors does your dog already know, or need to learn/refine/practice? Sit, down, ‘go to your place,’ “leave it,” targeting, settle, coming when called, walking nicely on leash are just the basics. Introducing a baby into the mix of distractions will likely be more of a challenge, so best to practice early and often. Taking a step further, set up mock scenarios by practicing with props such as a pretend baby, stroller, etc. You’ll also want to practice in different locations, such as the nursery or where baby’s designated location(s) will be.
2. Determine your dog’s sensitivities
Is your dog comfortable around strangers, more people coming in and out of the home, any changes at all? Or is your dog more resilient and a “go with the flow” type of pooch? Consider what resources your dog might need to help with all of the adjustments they’ll need to make.
3. Consider your schedule
What is your current schedule? How will it change once baby arrives? Will those early AM walks end up closer to mid-morning? Will baby be joining you on these walks? Your dog will still need their own needs met, so you’ll want to think about how you’re going to make that happen. If you’re unable to fulfill your dog’s needs, consider asking for outside help — family, friends, neighbors, professionals.
4. Gradually introduce new senses
Gradually introduce all the new equipment, toys, sounds, smells — stroller, nursery, changing table, diaper bin, lotions and all-things-baby that look, sound, smell different. Start familiarizing your dog with these items slowly to help prevent overwhelming your dog. Bring equipment out one piece at a time. Play baby sounds at a lower volume, increasing it based on your dog’s body language. Be observant of your dog’s body language, as this is how you can determine their comfort level. Should you think they are uncomfortable, lower the intensity to help them become desensitized. You can also add in giving them treats to counter-condition them; special treats can help your dog to associate the weird noise(s) with something great. Please note: Refusal to eat or lack of interest in food, especially if that’s unusual for your pet, can be common indicators of stress and anxiety. A Family Paws Parent Educator (FPPE) can be a resource who can provide specialty training in dog and baby dynamics.
5. Include “me time” in their new routine
If your dog has always been your sidekick, the likelihood of them having to spend time alone, even for short periods, might increase — even if all of the humans are in the bathroom or nursery and Fido is left on his own in another room of the house. Dress rehearsals that include some alone time, before baby arrives, can again help them adjust later.
6. Prepare for management and confinement
To help manage dogs and babies, tools and equipment such as crates, tethers (only use when adult supervision is available), and baby gates can all help. If your dog has never been crate/confinement trained, this will be a good preparation exercise to start now.
Bringing a new baby into your home is an exciting and life-changing event, not just for you, but for your dog as well. While your furry friend has been the center of your attention for some time, the arrival of a baby can shift the family dynamics. Preparing your dog for this transition can help ensure a smooth and harmonious adjustment for everyone involved. We encourage you to practice these exercises and use the information to help your dog get ready for the big change, making the introduction to the newest family member a pawsitive experience.
Inspired by Family Paws — for more information about dogs and baby, please see their website: familypaws.com