How to Introduce a Baby to Your Dog

When you bring your new baby home from the hospital, you will need to introduce your new baby to your other baby.

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When you bring your new baby home from the hospital, you will need to introduce your new baby to your other "baby"--your dog. Some new parents worry about the dog harming the baby, while other new parents are more concerned about the dog feeling displaced. With a little effort on your part, the baby can join the family without displacing the family dog. Here is how to introduce a baby to your dog.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Another adult to help
Patience
Watchful eye

Step1

Put your dog on a leash. Before you bring the baby into the house, ask your spouse or a friend to put your dog on a leash. Your dog might become very excited about the new arrival, and you do not want the dog jumping up on the baby. Having the dog on a leash enables you to restrain or remove the dog quickly, if needed.

Step2

Invite your dog to sniff the baby. Sit down in a chair while holding the baby. Use a soft tone in your voice as you invite the dog to meet the baby. Introduce the two of them, using both the baby's name and the dog's name. Have your spouse or friend watch the dog closely to make sure he is very gentle with the baby.

Step3

Allow your dog to sniff for a while. As long as the sniffing is not bothering the baby, allow the dog to sniff the baby for several minutes. Dogs say hello by sniffing. Also, you want the dog to become familiar with the baby's scent.

Step4

Praise your dog for being gentle. Give your dog lots of positive reinforcement for being gentle around the baby.

Step5

Pet your dog. After your dog has finished sniffing the baby, ask your spouse or friend to hold the baby while you give your dog lots of attention. Your dog needs to know that she has not been replaced by this little bundle.

Step6

Supervise future interactions between the baby and the dog. Even if your dog has always been very gentle, his behavior can be unpredictable as he adjusts to his newest family member.

Step7

Set aside time for your dog. Taking care of a new baby is time-consuming, and your dog is likely to miss the time that you used to spend together. Make time to give your dog some attention each day, and he will be much less likely to become jealous of the baby.