Tips on preparing your dog for new baby

Dogs are not naturally accustomed to being around babies, even the dogs who are usually very friendly to older kids. So it is an absolute must to take time to prepare your dog before you bring a baby home, and also plan a proper introduction.

Preparation will include many different aspects, for example:

• Your dog sleeps in your bed and hangs out on the couch. You may need to reorganize your house while you are still pregnant, and retrain your dog to stay off the couch and sleep in a dog bed
• Dogs freak out when babies cry, so you may need to do desensitization training to baby sounds
• Jumpy and rambunctious dogs will need to learn a few new skills like “go to you place”, “stay”, etc
• Anxious and nervous dogs should be introduced to strollers and cribs in advance
• Dogs who are strong pullers need immediate training + better walking equipment so you can walk them while you are pushing a stroller.

Book a consultation with a dog trainer & behavioristto get all your baby-dog relateed quedtiosn answered
Get expert guidance: Book a consultation with a dog trainer & behaviorist (in person in San Francisco or online) to get all your baby-and-dog questions answered!

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Quick prep guide for you and your dog

pregnancy months 1–3

• Refresh your dog’s basic obedience and manners
• Compile a list of any behavior issues and contact a behavior specialist to figure out a treatment plan
• Schedule a complete vet checkup and update vaccines/deworming of your dog

pregnancy months 3–5

• Install baby gates and teach your dog to calmly stay behind them
• Set up a quiet confinement area (room or crate), start separation training for your dog
• If your dog has a set routine, start adding random schedule changes to prep your dog
• Introduce your dog to dog walkers and dog sitters; try out day care

months 5–7

• Practice a daily short confinement time with a stuffed Kong or long-lasting treat
• Play recordings of baby cries at low volume to get your dog used to them; gradually increase volume.
• Refresh or teach all the basic cues & commands: “go to your place”, “stay/wait”, “sit”, “leave it”
• Let your dog explore the baby’s room and furniture and teach them to settle there on a mat
• Practice walking your dog with a stroller, if needed; polish leash skills

months 7–9

• Set up a safe riding spot in the car (crate or barrier).
• Practice “leave it” around baby items
• Practice feeding-time setups: dog rests on their bed or in their crate with a puzzle toy.
• Arrange dog care for your hospital stay.
• Order toys, extra dog food, chews etc (or put them on autoship)
• Prepare frozen kongs and other things before going to the hospital
• Ask friends and family to help with midday dog walking (or hire a walker)

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after baby arrives

months 1–3

• bring home a blanket or clothing with the baby’s scent before discharge
• keep the dog’s exercise routine steady (more exercise if possible or hire dog walkers / use daycare for your dog).
• keep the dog on a leash / behind baby gates during initial meetings; have someone else hold the baby.
• let your dog stay in the same area behind a gate, so they get used to seeing the baby
• use tight-lid containers for diapers.

months 4–7

• baby is louder and more active now. supervise closely and never leave dog alone with baby
• give treats, praise, and attention when the baby is present (e.g., feed dog during baby feeding).
• start short, calm family outings with dog and baby together.

months 7–12

• crawling and early walking are the highest-risk stages;
• never leave them unsupervised; use gates or leashes to manage space.
• do not allow climbing, grabbing, or startling the dog.
• use gates or a dog-only area when you can’t supervise.
• model gentle petting. keep baby away from dog beds, crates, and food areas.
• never leave baby and dog alone, even if baby is “contained.”
• when using a babysitter, keep the dog safely separated.

If your dog is reactive, anxious, or high-energy, consider working with a Dog Trainer and behaviorist to resolve issues before baby arrives: hire me in person in San Francisco/San Mateo or book a remote consultation – worldwide.