Introducing a New Baby to Your Dog

Before your baby arrives, imagine what your dog’s behavior might
be around an infant.

Plan your schedule. Dogs like routine. Establish a schedule for
your dog before the baby arrives and stick to it.

Schedule should include:

1. Walking times. 2. Play periods. 3. Mealtimes 4. Anything else
you can think of.

You might be too tired to walk the dog early in the morning
after being up and down all night with the new baby. You might
want to change the walk time with your dog before the baby
arrives. You may need to arrange with a friend to help with the
dog just after the baby’s arrival. Maybe a teenager would like a
few extra dollars for walking your dog. You might not ever need
the help, but it is wise to plan ahead in case you do. The
planning, of course, is great for your dog, but it is more for
your own personal comfort.

A dog on a routine and well exercised is less likely to be
competitive of the new baby. The dog on a routine may also be
less demanding of your attention.

Your baby is going to be napping on the couch or lying on the
bed. Teach your dog to stay on the floor unless invited up with
a clear command.

Watch your words! For your dog’s whole life before the baby he
has probably heard things like: “what a good little boy.” You
have taught him certain words are just for him. Now the baby
arrives. You say something like: “mommy’s good little boy.” The
dog suddenly runs up for you to pet him. You push him away. The
dog becomes confused. Avoid the confusion by developing some new
key phrases for your dog and only the dog. Make this change as
soon as possible.

Games in the house: If you have played ball with your dog in the
house he will most likely jump over about anything to get to the
ball you threw out. With a baby or a toddler in the house as
well, these types of games are best outdoors. An unpredictable
bounce of a ball can lead to an unanticipated pounce on baby by
the dog.

Be careful about giving your dog extra attention because you
know that soon a baby will be in the house and you might not
have as much time to spend with your dog. Dogs get use to the
extra attention really quick. When the attention has to be
suddenly shifted to the new baby, it is unfair to the dog and
sets a stage for competition between the dog and the baby. A
good rule to begin to follow before the baby arrives is no more
than ten minutes of attention per hour when you are home.

You want your baby’s arrival to be a welcome event. Speak kindly
to the dog as you to into the baby’s room. Include the dog in
what you are doing whenever possible. Be extra warm and kind to
the dog when he is around the baby or toddler, and the rest of
the time, in the beginning sort of ignores the dog. He will
associate time around the baby as being an enjoyable time for
everyone.