Congratulations! You are bringing home a brand new bundle of joy. You’ve waited nine long months (quite possibly longer) for this joyous occasion. You’ve gotten a crib and a car seat, newborn clothes and diapers, and you are all set! But wait…what about your dog? Do they know what’s happening?
It’s important to remember that not only is your life changing, but your pup’s life is about to change in more ways than one. They need to know they haven’t been pushed aside, but rather that this is a wonderful and joyous occasion that they get to be part of. That’s why early introductions between your baby and your dog are necessary to help your dog feel included and understand the baby’s role in their “pack.”
Wondering how you can help your pup feel prepared for this transition? Keep reading to learn more about setting expectations for you and your dog, and how professional dog training, as well as at-home training, can help you both feel prepared!
Understanding Your Dog’s Perspective When Bringing Home a New Baby
Chances are, your dog knew you were expecting before you did. They can sense changes in heartbeat and smell hormonal changes. In fact, many women report seeing a doctor or testing simply because of how their dog was behaving around them. Your dog may know what’s happening because they sense a change, but they don’t really understand.
From their perspective, their mom is changing physically, everyone is carrying an air of excitement and nervousness, and all of a sudden, a small, wiggly, crying creature is in their house. For some dogs, this is terrifying. They may hide, shake, or even react in more negative ways.
At Impawsible Pups in Richmond, VA, we know bringing home a new baby is a big adjustment for you and your dog. Our team of professional dog trainers is here to help you ease your pet into the changes and support you both as you settle into this new chapter together.
How to Prepare Your Dog for a New Baby (Before They Arrive Home)
If you’re able, starting your dog’s training early can make a big difference. The sooner you start, the more time your dog has to adjust before your baby arrives. Instead of waiting until the final weeks or after your baby is home, consider reaching out to a professional dog trainer as part of your preparation.
Establishing that professional relationship will help you navigate all the very early stages of parenthood. Trust us – it takes a village to raise a child, and your dog trainer should be part of your village.
As the baby’s arrival gets closer, get your dog used to different sights and smells. Many dogs are overwhelmed by the sight of a stroller, but they’ll still want their daily walks. Get your pup used to the smell of wipes and creams. Take time to desensitize them to the sound of a crying baby. Essentially, get them used to having a baby around before the baby is home.
It’s also important that you have an action plan for when the baby is born. Where will the dog go when their owners are in the hospital?
At Impawsible Pups, we recommend parents pack a go-bag with everything the pup will need for a week-long boarding stay, along with directions for care. Make plans with your dog boarding facility (we always have space set aside for families with last-minute emergencies) and arrange who will drop your pup off. This will make life so much easier!
Once the baby is born, prep your pup for their homecoming. Have someone bring home a blanket from the hospital with the baby’s smell. Let the dog sniff it and get lots of positive interaction. Even better, give extra praise or treats if your dog sits or lies down with the blanket.
How to Safely Introduce Your Dog to Your New Baby
Remember, there will be a lot of emotions at this moment, and this can be overwhelming for your dog. The first greeting when arriving home should be just with mom (without the baby present). Your dog has missed you. They’ll want to see you and sniff you. Some may even be confused or nervous because you smell different now!
After this initial hello, take a moment to leash your dog. You want full control of this situation. Once that greeting is done, bring the baby in, but keep them in their carrier. This provides a little extra barrier and helps prevent any accidents. Have your dog sit, set the baby down, and at this point (if your dog is remaining calm and well-behaved), trust your pup a little bit.
Still holding the leash, let them sniff. If you’re nervous, just let them sniff the toes, and gradually allow more interaction as comfort increases. Once they’ve had this calm interaction, tell your pup to lie down or go to “place” and simply observe some interactions with the family. Ideally, your dog is already used to doing this because you’ve established this as part of their regular routine.
After this, everything really depends on your comfort level and your dog. You can move as quickly or as slowly as you like, but remember that your dog is usually thrilled to have this addition and wants to be included. Sometimes, however, they just don’t know what that should look like.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Introducing Your Dog to a Baby
There’s a lot to think about during this transition, but there are two especially important things to avoid.
Never leave your dog alone with:
- The baby
- The dirty diaper bin
Don’t force your baby on your dog. If your pup looks stiff or uncomfortable, give them space and/or time. That said, mistakes are common. There is a lot of advice when it comes to parenting and dogs, and it can be hard to figure out what’s right. A lot of the “mistakes” come from tired and frustrated parents who are really trying to do the right thing.
In this case, the biggest mistake is not having a trusted resource to turn to. At Impawsible Pups, our professional dog trainers help new and anxious parents on a regular basis navigate the trials and tribulations of puppy parenthood.
Helping Your Dog Adjust to Life With a New Baby at Home
The best thing you can do for your dog is establish a regular routine and stick to it as best you can. Notice the keyword here is “routine” and not “schedule.” Babies don’t stick to a schedule, and we can’t expect to stick to one with a new baby around either, but we can stick to a routine.
Do you feed your dog twice a day? Stick with that. Are there walks in the evening? Do those with the baby! Don’t exclude your dog. Let them observe, let them sniff, and let them stay involved. While you should always remember that dogs are animals and can have a level of unpredictability, they are also part of the family. Just like any sibling or firstborn, they want to be included. Oh, and try to set aside some time just for them as well, sometimes we all like to feel a little special!
Professional Dog Training in Richmond, VA
A professional trainer is simply part of your village. Consider them as part of your birth team, just like your doctor, midwife, or doula. The dog trainers and team at Impawsible Pups have been through this before, both with our own children and with clients we’ve supported. Let us guide you through this process before, during, and after.
Contact us at Impawsible Pups to learn more about our professional dog training and daycare services in Richmond, Virginia.
