Oh boy, here comes baby

Bringing a new baby into the home can upset the normal pack order for your dog. By planning ahead, you can make the transition as stress free as possible for your “Good boy” and the rest of the family.

Review all basic obedience commands

Your dog should know to “leave it” and respond consistently to a “down stay” command to ensure your baby’s safety. If necessary, repeat an obedience class prior to your delivery. Also, make sure your dog is up-to-date on all his vaccinations and his nails are trimmed.

Familiarize your dog with baby’s scents and sounds

Desensitize your dog to the baby before it arrives by playing a tape of a baby crying, and gradually playing it louder and longer. Present your dog with the smells of baby lotion, powders, and yes, even a dirty diaper smell. Introduce your dog to the baby’s room and train your dog to the areas that are off limits to him, such as the baby’s crib and changing table. After a general introduction to baby’s room, you may want to use a baby gate to restrict entry except when the dog is directly supervised in the room. Begin walking your dog beside a stroller and having the dog sit next to you quietly as you hold a doll in your arms.

Plan a positive introduction

Your dog has probably missed mom while she has been at the hospital. Have another family member hold the baby while mom enters the house and greets the dog in the typical manner. Once the dog settles down, let mom hold the baby while allowing the dog to approach in a controlled manner, such as being leashed. Reward the dog with treats for a calm, controlled behavior. Your dog is going to be less stressed if you can maintain his routine as much as possible. Consider having a neighbor walk your dog on schedule if you are not able to, especially during the first few days baby is home.

Pick up you toys

Realize that your dog will likely resource guard his toys and food. Crawling babies should be kept away from the dog’s toys and food to prevent bites to the baby’s face and arms. The dog should also respond to “leave it” in the presence of the baby’s toys.

Supervise the baby and dog at all times

Never, ever leave a baby unsupervised in the presence of your dog. No matter how loving your dog is, accidents can happen very quickly and unexpectedly. If you are going out and leaving the baby with a sitter, don’t put an undue responsibility on the sitter to watch the baby and the dog. Instead, crate the dog while you are gone.

Proper planning is key to establishing a positive bond between your dog and the new baby. Consult a professional dog trainer if you have any concerns about how your dog is adapting to his new environment.