Bringing a new baby home is stressful enough all by itself.  Factor in an excited jumping dog who counter surfs, steals baby toys, and is accustomed to sleeping on anything they choose, and you have a recipe for seriously stressful situation.  But it doesn’t have to be this way.

First things first: consider and prepare your dog.  They are a part of your family too, and while they will understandably take second place to the attention your new baby needs, expecting them to understand this without any preparation wouldn’t be fair at all and would only make things more difficult for you and them.  Take the time to do the following before your baby arrives, and set you and your dog up to succeed.

1. Set up a consistent walk/meal/play schedule that you (or someone in your home) can manage with a new baby. Now is a good time to start delegating, so don’t hesitate to ask other people in your home for help.  Dogs find stability and happiness on a daily schedule and will struggle less with other changes in the home if the factors that impact them the most don’t change.

2. Refresh that obedience.  We all let the rules slide from time to time, especially as our dogs get older and more relaxed.  But a new baby means a lot of change and you need to be able to communicate what you want from your dog in order to get it.  If your dog doesn’t know a lot of obedience, now is a good time to teach them.  It’s never too late to learn and challenging their mind gives the added benefit of a sleepy pooch.  We all know that a tired dog is a good dog – and every pregnant woman can appreciate that!

3. Teach new useful cues for optimal baby/puppy management.  “Back up” is an infinitely useful tool, especially if you have an excitable dog who likes to invade your space.  This helps you establish a personal boundary for you and your baby and can be used by visitors and in numerous other settings as well.   Teaching “avoid” using a blanket on the floor also helps teach your dog that some blankets are not for them – a very useful command for when you want to lay baby on their blanket without worrying about the dogs taking over.  A strong “leave it” and some practice with a few baby toys is also a good idea.  Other useful cues that speak for themselves include: Out, In, Go, and Settle.

4. Create baby and dog zones.  Teach your dog that controlled play time happens in a certain place of your home completely separate from where the baby will be.  The dog’s area should contain their toy box full of entertaining things and maybe even a bed or their kennel where they can go to get some peace if needed.  Every dog needs a safe zone where little hair-pulling hands can’t reach.

5. Set boundaries.  It’s easy to replace old pushy behaviors like jumping up for attention or helping themselves to your lap by teaching your dog what to do instead.  Enforce the earning system by requiring your dog to sit politely before receiving, food, attention, toys, play, or special privileges like access to your lap.  Also, all rough play and dog-to-dog romping belongs outside. Your dog may try to show off for you, competing with baby for your attention by displaying all of their athletic play moves.  This is normal, but will be a lot less dangerous if your dog already knows that those smooth moves belong outside.

6. Prepare yourself mentally.  Decide now that you will use these cues to communicate with your dog.  Practice the scenarios with a baby doll or rolled up blanket to get a feel for how they will play out.    Create a plan for caring for your pets while you’re at the hospital.  Delegate the responsibilities within your home to make sure your loyal friend continues getting what they need, even if it can’t come from you.  And most importantly, promise to yourself that you will be kind and calm with your dog when they are naturally curious about the new baby.  You are the role model on how to behave around the baby and your dog will pick up on your calm and soft energy.  Yelling or angry tones only create stress and negative associations.  Staying calm and relying on what you have taught your dog to control the situation will help foster a positive association between your dog and baby while keeping you in control and baby safe.

7. Introduce your baby.  First have someone bring home a blanket or piece of  clothing that smells like the baby and allow your dog to smell it gently.  Say your baby’s name repeatedly and give soft praise to create a positive association and identifier with the smell.  Then place the blanket in/near the crib and out of reach.

Have more questions or need help?  Just call or email us to set up a free consult: 512-814-PAWS    / Crystal@leapsnhounds.com

This post is dedicated to our new friend Abigail.  Welcome home Abby, and congratulations to your proud parents, handsome brothers, and loyal dogs: Jet & Tank.  You could not have picked a nicer family.