As you get ready to bring home your new baby, you might wonder if your dog will be their best bud from day one — or have a hard time sharing the spotlight.
“Pet parents know the anticipation, excitement and preparation that comes with welcoming a new puppy into the home. When the time comes to welcome a new baby into the mix, all of these factors are amplified. Everyone is excited and nervous about the new arrival,” says Dr. Sam Meisler, veterinarian and founder and CEO of PetWellClinic.
“By taking some time to plan and prepare with care, new parents can rest assured everyone will have a greater chance at being happy and comfortable, including their four-legged babies.”
To help you start their relationship off on the right paw, we asked dog behavior experts for insights on how to prepare your dog for meeting baby for the first time.
How to prepare your dog for the new baby
Dogs are creatures of habit and they’re likely to pick up on subtle changes leading up to the baby’s homecoming, whether it’s the smell of fresh paint in the nursery or sudden shifts in their routine. Though it may be a while before your newborn can throw a ball or share their snacks, you can start teaching your dog to associate the baby with good things in the months leading to the big day.
Dr. Liza Cahn, veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, recommends helping your dog connect the presence of the new baby with positive feelings with a technique known as desensitization and counterconditioning. By gradually exposing your dog to baby gear — strollers, bouncers and high chairs — while offering your dog their favorite treats and toys, you’ll build positive associations that will help quell feelings of anxiety when baby comes.
“It may be helpful to play recordings of crying babies,” adds Cahn. “Start at a low volume and gradually increase, while rewarding your dog and watching for any signs of anxiety.”
How to introduce a newborn to dogs
When the big day finally arrives, enlist an extra set of hands to help you manage both dog and baby. Remember, your dog is as excited as ever to greet you when you come home; they don’t realize they must be careful around your delicate newborn.
“When both dog and baby are calm and settled, you can allow your dog to approach and sniff the baby at their own pace. Have one adult in charge of the baby and another in charge of the dog.”
— Dr. Liza Cahn, veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance
Greet your dog solo, then bring in the baby
“Before entering the house with the baby for the first time, greet your dog. When both dog and baby are calm and settled, you can allow your dog to approach and sniff the baby at their own pace. Have one adult in charge of the baby and another in charge of the dog,” says Cahn.
“If your dog appears uncomfortable or overexuberant with the baby, move them away and distract them by asking for some commands and rewarding them. That may be plenty for a first interaction. Take your time and try again later,” Cahn explains.
Make sure you have friends or family on deck to help
Helping with your dog is one of the most important ways your friends and family can provide support after the baby arrives. Not only will you likely need help managing your dog’s first introduction to the baby, but you may also need assistance as you do your best to maintain your dog’s usual walk, meal and playtime routine.
Hire help to manage those busy first weeks
Juggling your dog’s needs on top of caring for your newborn can be overwhelming. It’s OK to ask for help and hire a pet sitter to give your pup extra attention while you tend to your baby.
Will my dog be jealous of the new baby?
Though dogs may act out in unexpected ways as they adjust to the new baby, behavior experts stress that they won’t experience jealousy towards their new family member in the way a human sibling might.
In dogs, anxiety can manifest as unwanted behaviors or seeming to regress in their training, including:
- Destructive chewing.
- Inappropriate urination.
- Excessive vocalizing.
Susan Nilson, professionally accredited training and behavior specialist and founder of The Cat and Dog House, gently reminds parents that “misbehavior” is usually a sign that your dog is trying to tell you something. “Behavior doesn’t happen in a vacuum, it happens for a reason. Dogs do what they do to get something they want or need, or to express an emotion,” explains Nilson.
It’s important to avoid punishments, opting to instead redirect or manage behaviors, as negative feedback can exacerbate anxiety-related behavior. Cahn adds that you can encourage desirable behaviors, like relaxing quietly in the same room, by offering your dog a long-lasting treat like a puzzle toy or a frozen, food-stuffed Kong.
“Some dogs are highly adaptable, others may require more time. Only pet parents know the needs and personality of their particular dog and need to consider those and plan accordingly.”
— Dr. Sam Meisler, veterinarian and founder and CEO of PetWellClinic
How long will it take my dog to adjust to a new baby?
As you adjust to changing diapers and making bottles, your dog will be getting used to sharing a living space with a tiny, screaming human. If your dog has had previous experience with children, they might not take long to adapt, but others may need more time.
“Dogs will take somewhere between a few days to several months to adjust to a new baby,” says Miesler. “Variables include temperament, previous experiences and how the introduction is made. Some dogs are highly adaptable, others may require more time. Only pet parents know the needs and personality of their particular dog and need to consider those and plan accordingly.”
“It’s worth bearing in mind that some dogs are scared of babies and children due to past negative experiences, their unfamiliar behavior (sudden movements, loud cries), sensory overload or just a complete lack of experience,” Nilson adds.
How to monitor your dog and baby’s interactions
Your dog should never be left unattended with baby, even if they take to being a big sibling right away. Any dog can have a bad day, where they might feel tired, overstimulated or in pain. Any dog can bite, especially if their warning signs are ignored.
When your baby and your dog spend time together, experts say to monitor closely and calmly separate them if you notice any of the following signs of stress:
- Yawning.
- Lip licking.
- Turning their head away.
- “Whale eyes”, when the whites of their eyes are showing.
- Trembling.
- Growling.
- Raised hackles.
- Ears pulled back.
- Tension in face.
After the initial adjustment period, your little one will be growing and changing before your dog’s eyes. They’ll start to notice their furry big sibling, and fur-grabbing and tail-pulling may ensue. While some dogs are more patient than others, it’s crucial to set and keep boundaries with crates and baby gates, ensuring your dog can always find a safe retreat if they’re feeling overwhelmed.
How babies benefit from growing up with a dog
Experts agree that raising your baby with a dog can be beneficial to their mental, physical and emotional development, as evidenced by research studies. Babies who grow up with dogs from 3 months old may be 90% less likely to develop a food allergy, a 2019 study conducted on behalf of the EAT Study Team suggests.
Meanwhile, a 2021 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that growing up with a dog can help children reach motor development milestones and may even lower their risk of developmental delays.
“Babies raised with pets can develop stronger immune systems, better social skills and higher emotional intelligence. Dogs offer babies companionship and emotional support… A strong bond between baby and dog can foster joy and peace as well as further strengthen family ties,” Meisler adds.
The bottom line
Whether your dog loves being around kids or has never met a child, they can experience stress and anxiety when their pet parent brings home a new baby. By helping your dog acclimate to the sights and smells of a new baby and establishing boundaries early on, you can set your kids up for a lifelong friendship.
“Our fur babies hold a special place in our hearts, but as new parents, the health and safety of your human baby have to take priority,” says Cahn. “A new baby is a huge transition for the whole family. They come with many changes in routine, as well as new smells and sounds, which can be scary and overwhelming for a dog.”
“The best thing you can do is thoroughly prepare your pets beforehand,” Cahn concludes. “If challenges arise, it’s critical to seek help from your vet or a veterinary behaviorist as soon as possible.”
