In this Ace Dog Academy Answers were going to learn how to prepare your dog for a baby. Bringing a newborn baby into a home with a dog is a significant transition, but with the right approach, you can create a safe and harmonious environment for both your baby and your canine family member.
1. How to prepare your dog for a new baby
Preparation is key to a smooth adjustment. Begin months before the baby’s arrival:
Introduce New Sounds and Smells: Play recordings of baby sounds like crying or cooing at a low volume. Gradually increase the volume as your dog gets comfortable. Bring in baby items like lotion, diapers, and clothing, and let your dog sniff them while maintaining calm behavior. Click here for an example of introducing sounds. Role playing is a HUGE factor in how to prepare your dog for a new baby. This is where your training really shines.
Practice New Routines: Introduce your dog to baby-related routines before the baby arrives. Carry a baby doll, mimic baby-related activities, and ensure your dog remains calm and respectful. Do not allow jumping or crowding during these role-play sessions.
Establish Boundaries and Routines: If your dog currently has free rein in the house, start introducing boundaries, such as keeping them out of the nursery. Maintain or create a consistent feeding and walking schedule to ensure your dog feels secure amidst upcoming changes.
Practice Calm Behavior with Place Command: Work on commands like “place" to encourage self-control. The place command will be critical in keeping your dog calm and supervised, especially before introductions or during moments of high excitement. Click this link for a blog post regarding Place.
2. Introducing the Baby to Your Dog
The first meeting sets the tone for the relationship. Take it slow:
Controlled Introduction: Use the place command to ensure your dog is calm and stationary before any interaction. Keep your dog on a leash and allow them to observe the baby from a distance. Gradually decrease the distance as your dog remains calm. Never force interaction.
Remember: The baby’s safety is your top priority—not your dog’s freedom. Dogs can adapt to new boundaries and expectations, even if it takes time. It’s natural to feel guilty about limiting your dog’s access or changing their routine, but focusing on safety during this transitional period is essential. No interaction between the baby and the dog is better than a bad, dangerous, or harmful interaction.
3. Keeping Baby and Dog Separate
Safety should always be your top priority. Use these strategies to manage interactions:
Physical Barriers: Use baby gates, playpens, or closed doors to keep your dog and baby apart when you can’t supervise. Crates are another tool to be used for your dog to keep your baby and dog separate. Click here for a blog post about the benefits of crate training.
Supervised Interactions Only: Always be present during any interaction between your dog and baby, even if your dog has a history of being gentle.
Dog’s State of Mind: Watch for signs of stress or over stimulation, such as pacing, whining, or excessive panting. Redirect your dog to a “place” command or another calming activity if needed.
4. Claiming Space: Setting Boundaries Around the Baby
Teach your dog to respect the baby’s space:
Claiming Baby’s Area: If the baby is on the floor or in a designated area (like a play mat or crib), calmly block your dog from entering that space. Use your body language and a firm “no” to communicate the boundary. Reward your dog for staying out of the area.
Establish Neutral Zones: Allow your dog to observe from a safe distance while reinforcing their calm state of mind. Use the “place” command to direct your dog to a specific spot like their bed or crate.
Gradual Exposure: Over time, you can allow your dog closer proximity, but only if they remain calm and respectful of the baby’s space.
5. Fostering a Calm State of Mind
A calm dog is a safe dog. Prioritize techniques that help your dog stay relaxed:
Daily Exercise: A well-exercised dog is less likely to be anxious or overexcited. Incorporate physical activity, such as walks or playtime, into your daily routine.
Calming Techniques: Practice structured exercises like “place” training to teach your dog how to relax in high-stimulus situations.
Consistent Rules: Dogs thrive on consistency. Reinforce boundaries and rules daily to reduce confusion and stress.
6. Long-Term Harmony
Maintaining a safe and peaceful environment requires ongoing effort:
Regular Training: Continue reinforcing basic obedience and boundary training. Use the place command regularly to help your dog remain calm and focused.
Monitor Behavior Changes: Be alert to any shifts in your dog’s behavior as the baby grows and becomes more mobile.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog for calm and appropriate behavior around the baby.
Seek Professional Help: If you notice signs of aggression, fear, or extreme anxiety in your dog, contact me, Avery, at Ace Dog Academy. You can call or text 1-540-616-BARK (2275) for guidance and support.
Conclusion
Preparing your dog for a newborn is a crucial step in ensuring a safe and stress-free home environment. How you train your dog before baby arrives is all about consistency, patience, and proactive planning. Introducing your dog to a newborn should always be done in a controlled, safe manner, prioritizing the baby's safety above all else. Remember, dog training for a new baby starts well before birth—establishing routines early helps set your dog up for success. By following these steps, you can create a positive and loving relationship between your baby and your dog while maintaining a calm, structured household.
Happy Training!
J.Avery Gibbs
Ace Dog Academy