Last Updated: 17/12/2025
How to Introduce a Dog to a New Baby: A Vet's Guide for a Smooth Transition
Preparing your dog for a new baby is vital for a safe and happy home. Our Vet-guide features a step-by-step guide on introducing your dog to your newborn, including home adjustments, routine changes, and the all-important first meeting.
Author: Dr Elise Barry BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 7 minutes - short read
Expecting a new arrival is an incredibly exciting time, but it brings big changes to the household - especially for your dog. For some dogs, this adjustment is easy, but for others, the sounds, smells, and shifts in routine can be challenging. The good news is that with some early planning and consistent training, you can help your best friend become a happy, confident family member alongside your newborn.
This guide provides simple, actionable steps to prepare your dog for the day your baby comes home, ensuring a smooth and safe introduction for everyone.
Preparing your home for your new baby
It's important to start making changes to your home early so your dog can adjust gradually.
Introducing baby gear
- Show off the new stuff: Let your dog see and smell all the new baby purchases, from big items like cots and prams to the smaller things like clothes and toys.
- Keep it dog-free: Do not allow your dog to chew or mouth any of the baby's items. If they try to take a baby toy, immediately trade it for one of your dog's own favourite toys instead. This keeps the experience positive while enforcing boundaries.
Establishing boundaries and sleeping spots
If your dog currently sleeps on your bed or in your room and you don't want this to continue once the newborn arrives, you must start training them out of this habit during pregnancy.
- Create a new space: Start by placing a comfy cushion or bed for your dog at the foot of your own bed.
- Reward the behaviour: Use treats to reward your dog when they lie quietly on their new bed. Continue rewarding them the longer they remain there.
- Move slowly: Over many weeks, gradually move the bed further away until it reaches the final spot where you want them to sleep, whether that's in the bedroom or outside of it. Start this process early as it takes time and consistency.
- Apply to other areas: Use the same method for any rooms you want to make off-limits or for furniture (like couches) that you no longer want your dog to use.
Consider crate training
Crate training can be a great strategy, as it taps into your dog's natural instinct to have a safe, personal 'den' where they can rest and hide.
- This safe space can help your dog feel secure and calm during the significant changes that come with bringing home a new baby.
- There are many different crates and pens available to suit your preference.
- It's best to start crate training as early as possible - ideally when your dog is a puppy, or as soon as you find out you are expecting - to give them plenty of time to love their new sanctuary.
Find out more in our article all about Crate Training Your Dog.
Adjusting your dog's routine and time alone
Newborns are delightfully unpredictable, which can make sticking to a rigid dog routine impossible. Preparing your dog for a flexible schedule now is key to reducing their stress later.
Introducing a flexible schedule
- Mix it up: Start teaching your dog to be more flexible by gently changing their feeding and exercise times.
- Don't skip meals, just shift them: You should never skip a meal, but having your dog learn to be okay with feeding times that are a little haphazard will reduce their anxiety when your attention is focused on the baby.
- Practice alone time: Teaching your dog to spend more time happily by itself is essential, as your time will be divided once the baby arrives.
Prioritising vigorous exercise
Exercise is important for all pets, but physical activity is also a great way to manage behaviour.
- Tired dog, calmer behaviour: Ensure your dog is physically drained with vigorous play sessions. A tired dog is a calmer dog at home.
- High-energy options: Ball launchers, fetch toys, or play dates are all wonderful ways to wear your dog out efficiently.
- Back-up plans: Don't be afraid to rely on a dog walker or use doggy daycare, especially during the first few weeks when your new baby comes home.
Anxiety support
If your dog finds routine changes stressful, there are supportive products that can help them adjust and feel calmer:
- Pheromone products: Consider using a product like Adaptil (a dog appeasing pheromone) in the home.
- Calming gear: An anxiety wrap provides gentle, constant pressure that can have a calming effect.
- Natural support: You might also try a natural anxiety supplement or treat containing calming ingredients.
For more information, read through:
Preparing your dog for baby's sights and sounds
Babies introduce a whole new world of sensory experiences to your home - they cry, they squeal, they giggle, and they have noisy toys! Exposure and positive association are the key preparation steps here.
Familiarise them with noises
- Introduce noise early: Show your dog any toys or items that make noise prior to the baby's arrival.
- Create positive associations: Play a baby soundtrack (recordings of crying, squealing, and giggling) or visit friends who have babies.
- Reward calmness: While the sounds are playing, reward your dog with a tasty treat. The more your dog is exposed to these sounds and associates them with something positive, the less stress they will experience when the real thing happens.
Provide engaging distraction
It’s important to provide plenty of fun environmental stimulation, especially during quiet periods when you might be busy with the baby.
- Keep them preoccupied: Distraction is vital to keep your dog busy and preoccupied when your hands are full.
- Stimulation ideas: You can do this easily with a challenging puzzle toy, a long-lasting chew toy, or a long-lasting treat. These tools keep their minds and bodies healthy while you tend to your newborn.
For more information, read through our guide to Boredom Busters for Dogs.
Tips for the first meeting between your dog and baby
The moment your baby comes home is exciting, and proper preparation ensures it’s safe and positive for your dog.
The pre-meeting scent check
- Introduce the scent: Before the baby is physically introduced to the home, allow your dog to smell your baby's clothes or blanket. This is a great way for them to become familiar with the new scent beforehand.
The calm introduction
- Lead-in first: Have your partner (or another adult) enter the home first. Place your dog on a lead before they meet the baby.
- Wait for calm: If your dog is overly excited, jumping, or pulling, wait until they have calmed down completely before proceeding with the introduction.
- Slow and steady: Once your dog is calm, sit down near them and slowly let them approach your baby's feet to smell. This keeps the interaction low-key and non-threatening.
- Make it positive: If the interaction goes well and your dog acts calmly, ensure you reward them immediately with attention, praise, or a high-value treat. This creates a strong positive association with the baby.
Safety is key
- Go slowly: Remember, any changes or new interactions should be introduced slowly and patiently.
- Never leave them alone: You must never leave your baby and dog unattended - even for a moment.
- Further resources: Start planning early! Resources like Dr. Kirkham's 'Tell Your Dog You're Pregnant' can provide even more helpful preparation advice.
FAQs
Introducing a dog to a new baby is a process, not a single event. By starting your preparations early and introducing changes gradually, you are setting your dog up for success. Remember to be patient, always supervise interactions, and never leave your dog and baby together unattended. With the right planning and positive reinforcement, your dog will soon settle into their new role as a wonderful, furry member of your growing family.
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