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Tica says this is good 

stuff

Preparing your dog 

for a new baby 

Preparations for introducing your dog 

to a new baby should begin several weeks before the baby00 actual 

arrival. It is important that your dog be well trained. She should at 

least know how to sit, stay, keep paws on the floor while greeting people, 

and come when called.  Basic training helps keep your dog safe, 

makes her easier for others to be around and care for, and creates a 

bond between you and your canine companion.  Training should always 

be a positive experience, for humans and dogs.  For more information 

about positive training, see the links below.  

Be prepared for a change of attitude 

towards your pets after your baby is born. Your dog is no longer your 

baby. Also, you and your partner are not going to have the same amount 

of time to devote to your dog.  The important thing to remember 

is to try and give her as much attention, playtime, and exercise as 

before.  

One idea to prepare your dog for sharing 

your attention is to get a doll, and set up baby furniture around the 

house. Let the dog smell the 00aby00and observe you giving attention 

to the doll. Give praise and food treats while your dog is calmly observing 

your interaction with this new addition to the home.  

Train the dog early that the baby furniture 

and toys are not for her.  Observe your dog00 interaction with 

baby toys and gear and guide the dog toward appropriate toys and beds.  If 

you feel safe and have the opportunity, invite a friend with a baby 

to your house. Reinforce good behavior with praise while the baby is 

visiting.  If you are nervous about your dog00 behavior for any 

reason, you should hire a professional trainer skilled in positive training 

methods.  

If your baby is born at home, your dog 

may be present for the birth.  On the day of arrival, if you can 

trust your dog00 behavior around babies at this time, let him see, 

smell, and touch the baby.  You may choose to have a friend take 

your dog for the first day after the birth, so you and your partner 

can rest.  Your dog is more likely to react to this as a happy vacation 

(as opposed to abandonment) if you00e sent him on 00acations00

before the birth.

If you act happy and relaxed while your 

dog is in the presence of the new baby, it should not take more than 

a few weeks for her to accept this new littermate. Some dogs are unnerved 

by loud crying and flailing arms and legs. Some dogs (especially younger 

or more exuberant dogs) may accidentally jump on or knock over the baby 

in a cradle or carrier.  Never 

leave your dog and baby unattended together.  You 

should also keep dog and baby separate until you are completely confident 

with her ability to stay calm.  Safety 

first! 

I recommend against bringing babies and 

toddlers into off leash areas.  Even friendly dogs can cause a 

problem around babies.  Just because your dog is trained not to 

jump up doesn00 mean someone else00 dog won00 knock you over while 

you00e carrying the baby in a sling or backpack.  Strollers are 

not a good idea in off leash areas.  Many dogs, especially herding 

breeds, naturally pursue anything with wheels.  Toddlers and young 

children who run and make noise can arouse the prey drive in some dogs.  

Just as you wouldn00 want a dog in your child00 playground, it is 

not appropriate to bring a child into your dog00.

Consider trading dog park visits with 

a friend00eave the babies with one mom, while the other takes the 

dogs out.  Or trade with your partner; one parent takes baby, the 

other the dog(s).  You may consider hiring a dog walker, arranging 

play dates with a friend, or bringing your dog to doggy daycare during 

your postpartum recovery time.  Adapt your baby shower wish list 

to include dog care activities.  Recruit friends to help, or ask 

for donations towards doggy daycare or a professional dog walker. 



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