Our dogs are part of the family, and whether you’ve had a baby or are expecting one soon, you may be wondering how to introduce a puppy to a baby in the best way to ensure they grow up to be lifelong friends.
While growing up with puppies and dogs can have fantastic benefits for children, such as a reduced risk of allergies, the initial introduction can be tricky. With the change in routine, unusual sights, sounds, smells and a bit less attention than usual, it can be an anxiety-inducing time.
Luckily, we’re here to help and have put together this useful guide on how to introduce a puppy to a baby, ensuring everyone is safe and happy.
When it comes to introducing a puppy to a baby, safety is key. Your puppy may not have been around children before and may see the baby as something to fear. Dogs also thrive on routine, and the sudden big change of a baby in the household may make your pup feel very unsettled.
Our steps below will help to prepare both you and your puppy for the new arrival and create a solid foundation for a beautiful relationship.
The earlier you start preparing your puppy, the better. By planning ahead, you’ll ensure that new routines, new furniture and even some of the new sounds and smells are familiar to your puppy, taking away the initial excitement and curiosity. No matter if you got your puppy at the start of the pregnancy or toward the end, the time you put into preparing your pup will pay off when the baby arrives home.
It’s important to always put the safety of your baby first. Bringing home a newborn is a big adjustment period for everyone in the household, including your puppy. And while you may envision the baby and puppy being best friends right away, it may not go as planned. It can sometimes take puppies a little while to warm up to a baby, especially if that baby is noisy and taking up all the attention from parents and visitors.
Always remember that even the most good-natured, loving dogs can snap if they’re feeling frustrated, anxious or overwhelmed, so never leave your dog and baby alone together. If you are still bonding with your puppy, you may still be getting to know their personalities and temperament, so take the process slowly. You should also never leave your baby on a rug on the floor or a playmat where your dog can have easy access to them.
If you, your puppy and your baby are all in the same room together, give your puppy something to distract them with, like a long-lasting chew. This way, your puppy is having fun with their attention on something far more interesting to them while allowing you to focus on and play with your new baby.
When you arrive home with your newborn, your puppy will, understandably, be very excited to see you. Even though it is a momentous occasion, try to remain calm and don’t make a big deal of what’s in your arms. You want your puppy to understand that the baby is now a normal part of daily life, and staying calm will help your dog to also remain calm. Make sure to reward their calm behaviour as a way to associate positivity with the baby.
You may wish to introduce the baby and puppy right away or wait a few days before making the proper introductions. If you decide to wait a few days, give the dog a blanket or item of clothing with the baby’s scent on it to allow them to familiarise themselves with the newborn.
When it comes to making the all-important introduction, make sure you are in a safe and calm environment and everyone is comfortable. Hold your baby and sit down on the edge of a chair, so you can safely stand up quickly if needed. Allow your dog to gently sniff your baby, but don’t force any interactions, as this could cause some fear or a negative association. Generally, puppies will go to sniff the baby’s head, but sometimes they may prefer to sniff at their feet first.
Your puppy will likely sniff the baby for a few minutes before losing interest and walking away. Ensure you praise and reward them with treats when they back away and if they remain calm. If at any point you sense that your puppy is feeling uncomfortable or agitated, calmly stop the interaction and try again another time.
After a successful introduction, it’s important to keep the peace you’ve built between your baby and puppy to foster a growing relationship and bond. This can include keeping your puppy busy with a puzzle treat toy or lick mat while you give your baby attention.
We also recommend sticking to your puppy’s routine as closely as possible, such as feeding them their puppy dog food and going out for a walk at the same time each day.
Make sure your puppy also always has a way to remove themselves from any unwanted interactions and retreat to their safe space. This is especially important when the baby starts crawling and showing more interest in the dog.
With a little preparation, keeping up with your puppy’s training and routines and taking introductions slow and steady, you’ll be well on your way to your baby and puppy being best friends for life. However, if your puppy’s behaviour isn’t improving and they seem to be struggling with the new adjustment, always reach out to a behavioural expert or your vet to look for things that may be affecting their behaviour
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