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Y’all! I’m about to be a first-time grandmother to a little two-legged human! In fact, by the time I finish this post, she will probably have made her debut. I’m already a dog grandmother to her two furry siblings, Titus and Odi. Hence why I am writing a post on preparing a dog for a new baby.
Do you know that a dog can sense hormonal and mood changes in their humans? Well, they can! And, your dog almost certainly knows something is going on if you’re pregnant.
Not to mention, the house is being cleaned and a nursery is coming together. Therefore, your dog has picked up on all of it! So, priority should also be placed on preparing a dog for a new baby.
Titus, my kid’s German Sheperdor, developed high anxiety halfway into their pregnancy. He has been working with a trainer for the past five months. In addition, the kids are practicing with him at home with the techniques they are learning.
Titus is definitely in protection mode of my daughter. He will be a great fur brother, but preparing him for his human sister is important.
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Preparing a dog for a new baby needs to be done in three phases. Firstly, you can start preparing your dog during your pregnancy. Secondly, you can even prepare your dog while you are still in the hospital after giving birth. Thirdly, you can prepare your dog when you arrive home with your new bundle of joy.
You might have missed the first two phases of preparation. But don’t worry, there’s lots you can do to help your dog adjust. Furthermore, you can still help your dog feel very positive about their new family member.
Phase 1 – Preparing a Dog for a New Baby During Pregnancy
There are several things you can do to prepare your dog during the nine months of your pregnancy. With the exception of the first one, these are relatively easy preparations. I’ve compiled three tips for you in this first phase of preparation.
1. Prepare Your Dog for a New Schedule
A new tiny human in the house will have your family scrambling to adjust to a new schedule. So, the first step to preparing a dog for a new baby is adjusting to that new schedule.
For instance, this can happen before your baby is born. The main preparation is simply getting your dog used to not having as much “you” time. Yep. This is going to be hard. Especially if you normally give your dog a lot of attention.
However, it is important to get your dog adapted before, because some dogs react negatively to this change. You probably will feel sad and even guilty during this preparation.
Nevertheless, your new baby will take much of your time and energy. Therefore, you’ll have less time for your dog. So, start now gradually decreasing the attention you give your dog in preparation for the baby.
2. Your Dog Needs One or Two Safe Spaces
The second step to preparing a dog for a new baby is getting them used to safe spaces. You can create a few different safe or comfort spaces. Furthermore, this is a great tool for helping with separation anxiety.
Your dog’s first safe space should be where you and your family spend most of your time. For example, put a dog bed or blanket near where you will mostly be holding the baby. However, make sure that this space is not right next to you.
Most importantly, make your dog feel that being in their space is a reward. Good things happen in their safe space, such as their favorite bed, toys, or treats are waiting for them.
Your dog’s second safe space should be more calm and relaxing. In addition, it needs to be a place for your dog to escape the hustle and bustle.
For instance, your dog may feel overwhelmed by the baby crying, or perhaps visitors. Therefore, they can take refuge in their second safe space.
3. Counter Condition Your Dog With Noise Sensitivity
Do you have a dog that is sensitive to sounds? If so, then the sudden shriek from your baby could create some major anxiety. The third step in preparing a dog for a new baby is getting them used to baby noises.
For instance, babies cry and sometimes a whole lot. In addition, they make other noises that can be sensory overload for some dogs. So, you can occasionally play a recording of a baby crying or making other sounds.
During the recording, teach your dog to be okay with the noises by associating it with something good. For example, favorite kibble, a scratch behind the ears, or a favorite stuffy.
Firstly, coin a little phrase that lets your dog know that something they love is about to happen. For instance, use the phrase, “Oops, it’s ok!” Then, your dog will know that he is about to get an ear rub, or his favorite kibble.
Okay, I’m going out on a limb here, although my daughter thought this to be a bit creepy. Haha! In addition, to counter conditioning with recorded baby sounds, you can try adding a baby doll.
Furthermore, apply the baby lotion you plan to use onto the baby doll, along with a blanket. Teach your dog to sniff gently and practice quiet time.
Phase 2 – Preparing a Dog for a New Baby While Your in the Hospital
There are two important things to do during this second phase of preparing a dog for a new baby.
1. Have Someone Spend Time With Your Dog
Firstly, while you’re in the hospital recovering from childbirth, have someone spend time with your dog at home. Of course, you’ve previously made arrangements for someone to feed and water your dog. Furthermore, that same someone or someone else may be stopping by to take your dog for a walk.
However, I’m talking about having someone to spend quality time loving on your dog. Your dog is aware that something major is going on with his or her humans. Therefore, some good loving will help with anxiety building up.
My son, Skylar and I were the lucky ones who got to spend quality time loving on Odi and Titus. We just chilled with them on the couches and let them come to us for hugs. Odi was all about the loving. Titus, on the other hand, had a little harder time relaxing.
2. Send Home a Baby Item For Your Dog to Sniff
Secondly, while you’re in the hospital recovering from childbirth, send home an item with your baby’s scent on it.
For example, a onesie, a blanket, or a beanie that has been on your baby after birth will work great. You can have a family member pick it up from the hospital and take it to your house.
You will need to instruct the family member to let your dog do some sniffing of the item. However, your dog should only be allowed to sniff. As a result, they will get used to your baby’s smell. Sniffing is how a dog learns about surroundings and new things.
Then, when you arrive home with your baby, your dog will recognize and accept the scent. Your dog’s curiosity will be to recheck and not give an initial sniff-down.
Again, Skylar and I were the lucky ones who practiced with Odi and Titus. We only allowed them to sniff and when they tried to lick, we said no, removing the item. In addition, a dog should not be allowed to play with the item like a toy.
Phase 3 – Preparing a Dog for a New Baby at Home After Birth
There are several things you can do to prepare your dog after you and your baby arrive home. I’ve compiled three tips for you in this third phase of preparation.
1. When Your Dog Meets Your Baby for the First Time
Preparing a dog for a new baby is setting up the initial dog and baby meeting for success. This scenario can happen several ways and should be what you are comfortable with. Plus, you know your dog best.
Certified dog trainer and founder of Pawsitive Transformation, Jennifer Anderson, recommends the following scenario:
- Firstly, the parent who gave birth to the baby should stay in the car with the baby. If adopting, either parent can take this role.
- Secondly, the other parent goes in to greet the dog. The dog is let outside to relieve itself like a normal routine. Back inside, the parent has the dog go to the family room safety space.
- Then, the parent goes out to stay with the baby while the other parent goes in. This parent will give the dog some quality attention and possibly a stuffed Kong.
“This way, the initial major excitement of being back home together will have passed before the baby is brought into the home.”
– Jennifer Anderson, certified dog trainer and founder of Pawsitive Transformation
Jennifer suggests letting the dog choose when to meet the baby. To clarify, she does not recommend bringing the baby over to the dog. As a result, your dog is allowed to consent to being in the same space as the baby.
Jennifer’s website has fantastic resources about child and dog safety.
Another scenario could look like the following:
- Firstly, allow your dog to adjust to the smell, sight and sound of your baby for a few days. Then, they can be introduced in closer proximity.
- After a few days, control your dog on a leash and allow sniffing of your baby. Pet your dog and give praise while he or she sniffs.
- Take precautions even though most dogs adapt easily. Always allow your dog to approach you and the baby. Furthermore, allow your dog to choose to interact with your baby.
- Once your dog is used to the baby’s smell, allow sniffing your baby off leash.
So, whether you allow your dog close proximity right away or you wait until later, plan it carefully. You want your dog to associate meeting and interacting with your baby as fun, not stressful.
2. Exercise Your Dog
Exercise is important in preparing a dog for a new baby. You don’t want to forget about it, because it is your dog’s happy pill. Furthermore, if your dog doesn’t get enough exercise, they will find a way to burn off energy.
As a result, this could mean a lot of extra cleaning for you. So, get your dog out of the house for a nice long walk each day. If you can’t take your dog, then have another family member do it. Or, you can hire a professional dog walker.
In addition, your dog will be much happier and more relaxed. And, probably much more accepting of the new family member.
3. Divide Your Attention the Right Way
Part of preparing a dog for a new baby is learning to divide your attention the right way. Furthermore, divide your attention the right way from the moment you bring your baby home.
You will want to find that balance quickly so your dog isn’t jealous whenever your baby is around. You can accomplish this by giving both your fur baby and human baby attention at the same time. Therefore, your dog has the sense of feeling included.
“One of the biggest mistakes we make as parents is only paying attention to the dog when the baby is sleeping or otherwise occupied.”
Dr. Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, chief of the behavior medicine division of the Veterinary Referral Center of Northern Virginia
Only paying attention to your dog when the baby isn’t around might give your dog the wrong impression. In other words, your dog may perceive the baby as the reason your attention is being taken away.
So, give your dog plenty of attention when your baby is around
Then, your dog will associate that good things happen when everybody is together. In addition, teach your dog that things are boring when your baby isn’t around. Furthermore, your dog will anticipate your baby’s active time which can help with bonding between them.
Of course, giving attention to your babies at the same time is easier when two adults are home. But in reality, that’s not always possible.
Yet, you can still hold your baby and talk to and pat your dog at the same time. Plus, you can hand out treats, and even toss a ball, all while holding your baby.
Above all, when possible, include your dog in baby -related activities. That is to say, let your dog sit nearby when you change a diaper or feed your baby.
Furthermore, have your husband give your dog treats when you first nurse or give your baby a bottle. Your dog will be able to sense that nursing is intimate. However, if they get a treat for being calm, they will relate the intimate times as positive.
And, don’t forget to talk to both your fur baby and human baby during these activities. Consequently, your dog will get the attention needed and your baby will gain language skills.
To Sum Up…
Preparing a dog for a new baby takes some patience and extra work. But, your baby will quickly not be the stranger your dog is uncertain of. Furthermore, your baby will become your dog’s favorite playmate and lifelong buddy.
So, the bottom line is that your babies (furry and not) can live happily ever after. I want this for Lyla James and her furry siblings, Titus and Odi.
Y’all she arrived and she is absolutely beautiful. This JuJi is one proud grandmother.
Do you have any tips on preparing a dog for a new baby? We would love to hear about them in the comments below.
Do you have a new grandbaby or granddogs that you want to brag about? Please share with us in the comments below.
We have some great recipes for treating your dog to help with preparation. Check them out in our Dog Chef section of our blog.
My dog’s favorites are:
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