How to Introduce a Baby to Your Dog

By Juliet Myfanwy Johnson

Instructions

Step 1:
You can start before you bring the baby home from the hospital. Some people like to have their husband bring the baby blanket home that has been wrapped around your new baby and let the dog get a good smell of the future friend coming home. Then the dog will already know the smell when he greets the baby for the first time. You can also spend time in the baby's room, lying on the floor and scratching the dog's tummy so he'll associate the room where you'll be spending most of your time with the baby as a happy place.
Step 2:
When you bring the baby in the door, have someone else holding the dog if the dog is young or a jumper, to protect the baby. If your dog is a trustworthy, older and friendly family member, you don't have to do anything special. Just act like yourself and bend down so the dog can see and smell the baby.
Step 3:
Talk to your dog in an upbeat tone, and introduce the new baby. Pet your dog if you have a free hand. The dog will probably be very interested. If you have a somewhat rambunctious dog, place him in a "sit" and give him a treat every time you lean down a bit to let him see the baby. Then he will associate the baby with treats and look forward to seeing the baby.
Step 4:
When you're feeding the baby, call the dog over and pet him whenever you can, to reassure him that he is still loved. An older dog will probably accept the baby in just from the way you are treating the baby with loving care. They will naturally assume the new wriggly thing is a new member of the pack, and they won't change their behavior. If you have a dog that has always been protective of you or who is an alpha dog, you'll need to maintain gentle discipline when the baby is around to continue establishing yourself as pack leader. The dog will learn to mind and relax when the baby is around after some time has passed. If you are relaxed, your dog will be relaxed.
Step 5:
It would be unusual for a dog to continue to show aggressive behavior toward a baby if you are the established leader of the pack. If weeks have gone by and the dog hasn't accepted the baby as a member of the family, you need to look for professional trainer to help. Of course never leave the baby alone with any dog, just in case.

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