The arrival of a baby in the house can be traumatic and very confusing for your dog.
While you're overjoyed, excited (and tired), your pooch will be jealous, upset and probably a little insecure.
Dogs love routine and the fact that will all go out the window with the arrival of your little one makes it a hard transition for everyone.
Preparing for change
A new baby in the family might mean your dog receives less attention or shorter walks than they’re used to.
They might also need to be left alone for a little longer than before, or be banned from certain rooms.
Babies also mean new things in the house, loud and unusual sounds, unfamiliar smells and potentially a lot of visitors too, so it’s easy to see why some dogs might become overwhelmed.
Helping your dog adjust
But don’t worry, there’s lots you can do to help your dog adjust and feel very positive about their new family member.
The earlier you start preparing your dog, the better.
They'll feel more comfortable going at a slower pace and the new arrival will be less unsettling as they'll have had plenty of time to prepare.
Top tips for preparing your dog
- Setting up the baby's things: Gradually set up equipment such as the stroller, highchair, and changing table, as well as any toys that move, make noise or flash, over the months before your baby’s birth. This allows your dog plenty of time to get used to them. Let your dog approach and smell these things and build a positive association by giving them treats whenever you introduce something new.
- Don’t forget about noises: Start off introducing new sounds associated with babies at a very low volume while your dog is doing something they enjoy, such as playing or eating. Then gradually increase the volume as long as they remain calm and relaxed.
- Change up the routine: Think about how your dog’s routine might change once your baby arrives, and gradually introduce those changes. This could mean less attention, shorter walks and different routes,
restricted access around the house, and more visitors to the house. - Reward good behaviour: Teach your dog that they’ll receive attention for being calm and relaxed.
- Practice with a doll: This might seem bonkers but carrying and interacting with a baby doll means your dog can see you holding and talking to a ‘baby’. Teach them not to jump up, and not to lick the baby. Always give your dog something to enjoy by themselves and provide them with their own den to relax in where they are never disturbed. This means you can bathe or feed the baby in peace. Also practice walking with your stroller as you'll need the dog to be well behaved on the leash.
- Organise a minder: This detail is often overlooked until the very last minute but you need to organise who'll look after your dog when you're in hospital and make sure the dog is comfortable with them.
- The first baby grow: After baby is born, get daddy to bring home one of their first items of clothing to give to the dog so it can get used to the new scent.
- The introduction: Make sure your partner holds the baby when you first arrive home so that your dog can greet you unhindered. Then sit down with the little one and let the dog sniff and see you together. And make sure you have plenty of treats!
Safety advice
No matter how well you think you know your dog, never EVER leave it unattended with your baby.
The baby's unexpected movements or crying could irritate or frighten the dog.
It's important to watch out for pacing or unusual eye contact, which could indicate your pooch isn't comfortable with the baby.