The excitement and anticipation of finally getting to meet the new baby is about to pay off, but is your dog ready for the change?

Despite what social media may try and tell you, dogs and babies are not natural BFFs, and that’s okay!

With a little planning, you can help your dog and new baby meet calmly, safely, and without fuss. That is the REAL first step to a lifelong friendship between your dog and your child.

Why prepare your dog to meet the new baby?

Most dogs have never seen a baby. Think about it, in public, adults hold babies high above a dog’s eye level. Babies in strollers might as well be invisible to dogs.

Your dog hasn’t seen the way babies move. She doesn’t know that they cry (loudly) when they are upset. She doesn’t know whether babies are toys, squirrels, or new human family members.

Your dog probably won’t know what to expect out of your new baby unless you show him.

What to do before the baby

1. Dog training and obedience skills

Start training as early as possible, and enlist the help of a certified dog trainer!

Now is the time to re-train any of your dog’s bad habits. Some normal doggy behaviors make life harder once the baby is born. You can’t have your dog jumping on people who are carrying the baby or barking during nap time.

2. Desensitization to the new baby

A baby is a new multi-sensory experience for your dog. Here are some quick and easy ways you can help get them ready for it.

• Help your dog adjust to baby noises.
  • Play noises first quietly, then loudly on your phone.
  • Put your phone inside the crib or car seat and play baby sounds.
  • Use my baby-prep playlist on Spotify!
• Help your dog adjust to baby smells.
  • Put baby lotion on yourself (so when baby comes home, it smells like you).
• Help your dog get a picture of what the baby is like.
  • Carry a doll (or a wrapped up towel) as if it’s a baby.

3. Adjust your space for the baby and dog

House rules are probably going to change when the baby is born. Make sure the change goes smoothly by preparing your dog for that change ahead of time.

• Put up X-pens and baby gates.
• Decide whether the dog is allowed in the baby’s room and on furniture where the baby will be. (See my dog friendly nursery recommendations).
• Practice leaving your dog in a separate room for a few minutes.
• Practice confining your dog while you are still in the house.
  • Prepare your dog for when you need to be taking care of the baby.
  • Leave your dog behind a gate with a stuffed Kong or chew bone.

• Come into the house with a doll (or towel) in the baby’s car seat.
• Ask your dog to “leave” the car seat alone
• Give your dog tons of treats for staying calm, following cues, or going to their place.
• Ask your dog to go to their place while you walk around, take the doll out of the car seat, and practice baby routines.

5. Your dog gets to meet the new baby!

The big day is finally here! Now you can see whether all your hard work has paid off. Here’s how you can introduce your dog to the baby for the very first time.

• If possible, have someone (without the baby) go in first, let the dog out, and get some of the excitement out of the way.
• Keep the dog on leash, so you can separate them quickly if necessary.
• Give them a meal or snack on their bed.
• Hold the baby, but leave the car seat on the floor for your dog to notice.
• Let your dog investigate the baby if he wants to. Make sure baby is well swaddled and protected.
• Give your dog treats on his bed whether or not he interacts with the baby.

The important thing is to follow your dog’s lead. If your dog doesn’t want to interact with the baby, don’t force it. Have lots of calming, reinforcing activities available so your dog feels happy and confident.

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