How to Get a Dog Accustomed to a New Baby

There is no way to gauge how your dog will react when you bring your new baby home from the hospital. He may be jealous, especially if he was your first "baby," and this could result in a dangerous situation to your newborn. A crying baby that demands your constant attention could stress your dog out, and a stressed-out dog may react by lashing out. Training your dog prior to bringing the baby home from the hospital will help your dog adjust, making it easier for him to get accustomed to the baby once it arrives.

Things You'll Need

  • Baby doll
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Instructions

    • 1

      Enroll your dog in obedience training while you're still pregnant. Dogs crave structure, and while you may not feel comfortable taking on the alpha role with your dog, being the dominant pack member is an essential part of training.

    • 2

      Set up a special place just for your dog with a soft bed, her food dish and water and a couple of her favorite toys, and begin familiarizing her with it a couple of months before your due date. Then she can retreat and relax when things get hairy.

    • 3

      Wrap up a baby doll in a blanket and start carrying it around. Referring to the doll as "the baby" and laying it in familiar places like your upcoming baby's crib, playpen and bassinet, while deterring the dog from bothering those places, will establish a boundary before the baby arrives.

    • 4

      Invite friends with babies and small children over to visit so your dog can interact with them. This will give you an idea of what to expect when you bring your own baby home.

    • 5

      Familiarize your dog with baby sounds during your pregnancy so the noise isn't a surprise once you do bring the baby home.

    • 6

      Allow your dog to check out the baby when you come home from the hospital. Monitor his behavior, but don't scold him if he licks a little and don't make a big fuss unless he starts to jump up. In the event that he does jump, deter him and reward him with a treat when he listens. Make his interaction with the baby a positive experience, to avoid future tension.

    • 7

      Make time for your dog. While this may seem impossible on a new baby's schedule, taking a few minutes every day to play fetch or go for a quick walk around the block will keep your dog from feeling left out.

    • 8

      Get your dog spayed or neutered. In many cases, spaying or neutering will mellow out a hyperactive dog, decreasing chances of an accident.

    • 9

      Supervise your dog during all interaction with the baby. You should not leave your baby alone in the middle of the floor with your dog. Not because your dog might purposely hurt the baby, but he might get excited and try to play, which could endanger your newborn.