Introducing the Family Dog to a New Baby

If you’re bringing a new baby into the family, one thing you should spend a little bit of time thinking about is how to introduce your dog to your baby. Because the scent is new, your dog may unintentionally act aggressive towards the baby if you don’t introduce them properly. Here’s how to make the proper introductions.

Get Your Dog Used to the Baby’s Scent

Before you bring the baby home, have a blanket that the baby slept in at the hospital brought home so the dog can get used to the scent.

The few months before the baby arrives, help your dog get ready by letting the dog smell the baby’s future clothes, toys and crib so your dog gradually gets used to the scents that come with the new baby.

The Arrival

When your baby first arrives, let the dog and the baby meet one another, but make sure the dog keeps a safe distance. Make sure the dog understands that he/she needs to be careful with the baby.

If you allow the dog and baby contact but respectfully help your dog keep some distance, your dog will get the message – The new baby is fragile.

Dogs Mirror Their Owners

Remember that if you’re coming home stressed and worried, your dog will also be agitated. If you’re coming home elated, calm and loving, your dog will be in a similar state of mind.

When you’re first introducing your dog to your new baby, you should be calm and loving towards your dog, but also very firm when it comes to what the dog is and isn’t allowed to do around the baby.

Basic Commands

Before you bring your baby home, you should train your dog in at least basic commands.

Two commands that are very useful for having in a house with both babies and dogs are “Sit” and “Hush.”

If you dog is acting wild, it’s incredibly useful to be able to just tell your dog to sit. Also, if your dog is barking at the baby or waking up the baby with loud barking, being able to restore peace and quiet with hush can be a real life saver.

Tire Your Dog Out First

Before bringing your baby through the door for the first time, it’s a good idea to have someone take your dog for a long, long walk. That way, when your baby comes home, your dog simply won’t have the energy to go wild.

These are some important tips to keep in mind when you’re bringing your baby home for the first time. If you special care in helping