Quick Answer: Prepare before the baby arrives — practice all the changes (stroller walks, baby sounds, no more furniture access) before the baby comes home. Bring a blanket with the baby's scent home from the hospital before the baby arrives. Maintain the dog's routine as much as possible — disrupted routine amplifies anxiety. Never leave dog and baby unsupervised regardless of how gentle your dog is. Always.
Before Baby Arrives
- Practice the new rules — if the dog won't be allowed in the nursery, establish that boundary now
- Practice stroller walks so the dog is used to the stroller before the baby is in it
- Play baby sound recordings at low volume to desensitize
- Decrease gradually if you anticipate having less time — sudden attention drop is hard on dogs
When Baby Comes Home
- Bring a blanket or item with baby's scent home the day before
- Let the dog investigate calmly — reward calm behavior around baby's items
- First greeting: let the dog sniff baby's feet while someone keeps the dog calm
- Frozen lick mat during early introductions reduces anxiety
The Non-Negotiable
No dog, no matter how gentle, is ever left alone with a baby or young child. Not for a second. This is not negotiable regardless of breed, size, or history.
Related Questions
Built with love, in memory of JJ. 🐾💛
