How to Introduce a Baby and a Dog

Dogs cope better with change when it is introduced gradually. Start a few months before the due date. If your dog is used to sleeping in your room, or getting attention whenever they ask, begin to shift those habits now. Establish new routines for feeding, walks, and sleeping that will work with a baby, so that the changes do not come all at once, or appear to be linked to the baby.

Book a veterinary check-up, and make sure your dog's vaccinations and parasite prevention are up to date. If your dog has any behavior problems, such as jumping, guarding, fear, or aggression, seek help from a qualified trainer or behaviorist well before the birth.

A few simple behaviors make life with a baby much easier. Practice them daily, with rewards.

• Settle on a mat, so your dog can relax while you are busy.
• Leave it and drop it, to protect baby items and toys.
• Wait at doors and gates, and stay out of the nursery unless invited.
• Polite greetings: sit for attention, with no jumping.
• Walking on a loose leash, since you will walk with a stroller.
• Go to your bed or crate on cue, and stay there.

Play recordings of a baby crying and cooing, at low volume at first, while your dog eats or plays. Increase the volume gradually. Set up the crib, stroller, and other equipment well before the birth, and let your dog investigate, but teach them not to climb on, chew, or enter the nursery without permission. Use baby lotion and powder around the house, so that your dog learns the smells.

Practice with a doll, carrying it, rocking it, and walking with the stroller. Reward your dog for calm behavior around these things. If your dog is fearful, go slowly, and ask a trainer for help.

When you return from the hospital, let someone else carry the baby inside, and greet your dog first, calmly, without the baby. Dogs may be very excited to see you after a few days away. Once your dog has settled, bring them into a room with the baby, on a leash, with a calm adult in charge. Let them sniff the baby's feet or blanket from a distance, and reward calm behavior.

1. Greet your dog without the baby, and give them time to settle.
2. Bring the baby in, held by a calm adult, while another handles the dog on a leash.
3. Let your dog sniff from a respectful distance, and reward calm.
4. Keep the first meeting short, and end it before your dog gets overexcited.
5. Repeat in short sessions through the day.
6. Give your dog a break, with a chew or a walk, after each session.

Note: Never force an interaction. If your dog growls, stiffens, or tries to snatch, move the baby away calmly, and seek advice from a professional.

Dogs and babies must never be left alone together, even for a moment, however gentle the dog. Use baby gates, closed doors, and a playpen to separate them when you cannot supervise. Keep baby items such as bottles, diapers, and toys out of the dog's reach. Teach any visitors, and later the child, how to behave around the dog.

As the baby grows and begins to crawl, the risk changes: they can grab fur, pull ears, and reach the dog's food and toys. Make sure your dog has a safe place that the child cannot reach, and never allow a child to approach a dog who is eating, sleeping, or resting in their bed.

Dogs can feel left out after a baby arrives. Try to keep their routine as steady as possible. Walk them, play with them, and give them attention every day, even if it is short. Include them in baby activities, such as walks with the stroller, and reward calm behavior near the baby. Arrange help from a friend or a dog walker, if you are short on time.

Watch your dog for signs of stress or jealousy, such as hiding, destructive behavior, toilet accidents, or growling. If you notice them, seek advice early. Most issues can be resolved with patience, training, and support.