Bringing a newborn baby home is always an exciting and memorable experience. But for a dog, it can be quite overwhelming and stressful.

Your dog is used to being the center of attention, and bringing a new, tiny member into the pack can make them feel anxious, stressed, and even aggressive. Therefore, it’s essential to prepare your furry friend for the arrival of your newborn. Here are some steps to help you prepare your dog for the new addition to your family.

Start Training your Dog Early

Dogs are intelligent creatures and can learn new tricks at any age. Therefore, it’s necessary to start training your dog for the arrival of your newborn weeks or months in advance.

Start by teaching your dog basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, and heel. You can also consider enrolling your dog in a good obedience class or working with a professional dog trainer. This will help your dog learn how to behave appropriately when your newborn arrives.

Get your Dog used to Baby Equipment

Another way to prepare your dog for the arrival of your newborn is to get them used to baby equipment such as strollers, car seats, baby swings, and carriers. Start by placing a baby doll in a stroller and take your dog for a walk around the block.

This will help your dog understand what to expect when the baby arrives. You can also let your dog sniff around the new baby gear so they can get used to the new smells and texture.

Teach your Dog to Respect Boundaries

Your dog is used to having free reign over your home, but with a newborn around, it’s crucial to teach your dog boundaries. For instance, you can train your dog to stay off the baby’s play mat, crib, and other furnishings.

You should also teach your dog to give you some space when you’re holding the baby. You can use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and playtime to encourage your dog to obey these boundaries.

Introduce your Dog to your Baby’s Scent

After you bring your newborn home, the scent of the baby may be unfamiliar and scary to your dog. To help your dog get used to the new scent, start by taking home a blanket or piece of clothing that the baby has worn.

Let your dog sniff it and become familiar with the scent. You can also hold your baby near your dog and let them sniff your baby’s feet or hands while ensuring that your dog stays calm and gentle.

Monitor your Dog’s Behavior

Watch your dog carefully for any signs of anxiety, stress, or aggression. If you notice any negative behavior from your dog, consider seeking professional help immediately.

A professional dog trainer can help you modify your dog’s behavior and prevent any incidents, such as biting or lunging, that can cause harm to your infant. It’s important to never leave your dog and your newborn alone together, no matter how good your dog’s behavior is.

Give your Dog Plenty of Attention and Love

Introducing a newborn into your home can cause your dog to feel stressed, anxious, and jealous. Therefore, it’s crucial to give your dog plenty of attention and love during this time. Spend some quality time playing, cuddling, and walking your dog.

By doing so, you can prevent your dog from feeling neglected or unimportant. This will also help strengthen the bond between your dog and your family.

Provide your Dog with a Safe Space

Dogs need their own space to relax and unwind, especially when they feel stressed or overwhelmed. Therefore, it’s essential to provide your dog with a comfortable, safe, and quiet space to retreat to when they need some alone time.

It could be a crate, a mat, or a particular room in your house. Make sure your dog has access to this safe spot whenever they need it and let everyone in the household know that the dog should not be disturbed when they’re in their safe space.

Make Changes Gradually

Your dog has probably been the center of attention in your household for a long time. Bringing home a newborn can be a significant change for your furry companion. Therefore, it’s important to make changes gradually.

For instance, if your dog is used to sleeping in your bed, consider transitioning them to a new bed in the same room. Making changes gradually can help prevent your dog from feeling overwhelmed or stressed during this transition.

Get your Dog Enough Exercise and Playtime

Dogs need plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. A lack of exercise and playtime can cause your dog to act out and become destructive. Therefore, make sure you give your dog enough exercise and playtime each day.

Take your dog for daily walks, play fetch with them, and engage them in interactive games to keep them mentally stimulated.

Conclusion

Introducing a newborn to your furry companion can be a challenging and stressful experience for your dog. However, with proper preparation, training, and patience, you can help your dog adjust to the new addition to your family.

Remember to start training your dog early, get them used to baby equipment, teach them to respect boundaries, and give them plenty of attention and love. Lastly, monitor your dog’s behavior, and seek professional help if needed.