Top Tips For Introducing Baby To Your Dog

Being a dog-owner for most of my adult life, I’ve been well aware of the importance of training and socialisation for a long time.

Even so, I was a little worried about how my fur-babies would react to the new addition to our family.  If you’re wondering how best to handle the situation, here’s a round-up of my top tips which I hope you’ll find helpful!

Before the baby arrives

1. Make sure your dog is well trained
He/she should know to not jump up and should respond to basic commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and ‘come’  – they should also know and understand the word ‘no’.  If you need help with this there are plenty of obedience classes around – check the Kennel Club or the Dogs Trust websites to find one near you. If you dog has more serious behaviour problems, you should definitely seek advice from a professional.

2.New baby, new routine
Get your dog used to the routine you’ll have when the baby arrives – that might include getting them used to being alone for short periods of time while you’re in another room or out of the house.

3. Familiarisation
Get your dog used to unfamiliar objects that will come with the baby’s arrival – this might include getting used to walking well next to a pram, and seeing the cot, playpen and baby toys indoors – and learning that they’re not theirs!

4. Boundaries
If there are areas of the house that will be out of bounds when baby arrives, put this in place long before you bring baby home – you don’t want your dog associating the baby’s arrival with the removal of privileges that they used to enjoy.

5. Vaccinations
Ensure that your dog’s worming, vaccinations and flea treatments are all up to date.

When baby arrives

1. Welcome home!
When bringing the baby home from hospital, mum should greet the dog first as they will be delighted to see her after she’s been away – while dad brings in the baby calmly afterwards.

2. Include, don’t exclude!
Reward your dog for approaching the baby calmly and gently. Don’t shout at them for getting it wrong or for trying to get your attention, gently show them the right way to behave.

3. Maintain those boundaries!
Teach your dog to stay behind a baby gate or in a crate, encouraging them with treats and praise. This will keep them away from the baby but they will still be able to see what is going on. If you can teach this before the baby arrives that will make the transition so much easier.

4. Distraction with interaction!
Keep your dog busy with interactive toys while you are busy with the baby.  As the owner of Staffordshire Bull Terriors and now Jack Russells, I can highly recommend a stuffed Kong for this.  It’s the only toy they’ve never been able to destroy in less than 10 minutes!

5. Walkies!
Make sure you give your dog plenty of exercise and interaction to stop them getting bored and frustrated. It’s good for you and baby too, to get out in the fresh air!

6. Don’t forget!
Never, ever leave dog and baby alone together. Ever.

7. Train your child too!
As your baby grows, it’s important to show them how to behave around dogs.

There you have it! My eldest is 13 years old now, and we’ve never had an incident. The bond between our dogs and our children is so precious and innocent, and it’s been amazing watching our kids and pups grow up together.  With a bit of common sense, preparation and understanding of dog behaviour, you and your family can enjoy the same!