Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Hey there, puppy lover! If you’re expecting a little one soon or you are bringing home a new puppy to your household and you have an infant, you might be wondering how to prepare. Babies or puppies can be a big change for everyone in the household. But don’t worry, with a few simple steps, you can help your puppy adjust to the changes and create a safe environment for everyone.
This handy guide is here to help you with everything, from what to do before the baby arrives to how to handle things once the little one is home.
Helping Your Four-Legged Friend Adjust Before the Baby Arrives
- Management and prevention are key: Always supervise any interactions between puppies and children. Puppies and Babies do not mix – management is going to be your first priority.
- Manners matter: It’s a great time to brush up on your dog’s manners training.
- Generalize your cues: Make sure you can give commands comfortably from any position, whether you’re lounging on the couch, laying in bed, or sitting on the floor. It’s important that your dog understands commands like “sit” and “down”, no matter where you’re positioned.
- Practice makes perfect: Consistency is key when it comes to cues!
- Teach your dog social expectations: Introduce your dog to children in a positive and controlled setting. A little exposure can go a long way. Remember, introductions does not mean interaction – we can do exposure without having to interact.
- Know your puppy: Take note of how your puppy seeks your attention.
- Plan ahead: Try to understand your puppy’s sensitivities. Every breed is different and some may be more sensitive to noise and fast movements.
- New sounds: Begin desensitizing your puppy to sounds a baby will make such as crying, laughing, screaming, etc.
Welcoming a New Puppy into a Home with a Little One
- Let’s start with a friendly introduction: Before your cute puppy sets a paw in your home, let it take a whiff of a blanket or a piece of clothing that your baby has worn. This simple step can help your puppy become a buddy with your baby’s unique smell.
- Making the first meet-and-greet a breeze: When it’s time for the first hello, make sure your baby is in a snug and controlled environment, perhaps in a high chair or cuddled in your arms. Let your puppy observe your little one from a safe distance.
- Keep an eye on their bonding time: It’s important not to leave the baby and the puppy unsupervised. Always be there to watch their interactions and step in if your puppy starts to show signs of stress or aggression.
- Puppies love to learn: Kickstart training your puppy with basic commands like “sit”, “stay”, and “leave it”. This will help manage your puppy’s behavior around your baby.
- A cozy corner for the puppy: Just like your baby, your puppy needs a comfy zone of its own. Choose a spot in the house where your puppy can unwind when it needs some downtime or feels a bit too much going on.
- Keep your puppy on the move: Puppies are little bundles of energy and they need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored and potentially mischievous. Regular walks, playtime, and training sessions can help keep your puppy cheerful and content.
- Little lessons for your little one: As your baby grows, teach them the ABCs of interacting safely with the puppy. This includes not yanking the puppy’s ears or tail, not disturbing the puppy while it’s eating or snoozing, and treating the puppy gently and respectfully.
- Don’t shy away from professional help: If you’re feeling a little unsure about how to handle certain situations or if your puppy seems stressed or shows any aggression towards the baby, remember it’s perfectly okay to seek help. Book your consultation with Ready, Pup, Go!
Creating a Baby-Friendly Schedule for Your Dog
- Mix up feeding times.
- Schedule “dog zone” times.
- Shake up their exercise routines.
- Ignore attention-seeking behavior.
A Few More Tips
- Get your dog familiar with the baby equipment.
- Show your dog the right way to behave around the baby gear. Trust us, this can make a world of difference!
- Try using a teddy bear in the baby carrier to mimic the feeling of carrying a real baby. This way, your dog can get used to it.
- Practice walking your dog while pushing an empty stroller. This can help identify any potential issues.
- Apply baby lotion to the baby carrier and the teddy bear to get your dog used to the baby’s scent.
- Have Dad bring home a blanket with the baby’s scent on it.
- Make sure to schedule your vet visit well in advance.
- Introduce your dog to the person who will be caring for them.
- Find a safe place to keep diapers.
- Never leave the baby alone with the dog. Dogs can sometimes be confused by a baby’s sounds and movements.
- Always supervise when the baby is on the floor with the dog.
- Try to avoid face-to-face contact between the dog and baby.
- Keep your dog well-exercised. If you’re busy, consider hiring help.
- Make sure you spend at least 10-15 minutes a day training your dog.
- Give your dog a safe and cozy space where they can relax.
- Always use positive reinforcement when training your dog. Make sure all interactions with the baby are positive.
- Be careful with moving baby items, like swings. Some dogs can get overly excited.
- If you’re ever worried about your dog’s behavior around the baby, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. You’ve got this!
Looking for a preparation checklist? Dog Meets Baby has a stellar one!