A Paw-fect Introduction! Top Tips to Prepare Your Dog For Your New Arrival

Bringing a new baby into your home is an exciting and transformative time. However, it's important to remember that this major life change can also impact your furry family members too – your beloved dog. Preparing your dog for the arrival of your baby is crucial to ensure a smooth transition and peaceful coexistence. In this blog post, I'll provide you with some of my top tips from my experience to help you prepare your dog for the upcoming changes, and ensure a positive introduction between your pup and new bundle of joy.

Gradual Changes: Dogs thrive on routine, and sudden changes can be unsettling. In the months leading up to your baby's arrival, introduce gradual changes to your dog's routine. Adjust feeding times, walking schedules, and playtime to align with the anticipated baby's schedule. Pre-baby, our dog was walked as soon as we got up in the morning, but after Rupert arrived this just was not always possible, meaning Bertie would feel out of sync, and would occasionally follow us around anxiously, as though saying "Erm HELLO! When will I get my walk?!" He was so used to his early morning routine! On these days, he would only settle down once he had been walked. If you can adjust this expectation and routine with ample time before babies arrival, this will help your dog adapt more easily to the upcoming changes. It made a HUGE difference for us when we did this with our second baby.

Basic Obedience Training: Solid basic obedience training is essential for a well-behaved dog around a baby. Commands like "sit," "stay," "down," and "leave it" will come in handy when managing interactions between your dog and the baby (especially further on down the line when you start weaning!). A well-trained dog is more likely to follow instructions and exhibit good behaviour in your new family dynamic.

Desensitisation: Introduce your dog to baby-related sounds, scents, and items gradually. Play recordings of baby noises - there are some great playlists available on Spotify for just this. Allow your dog to sniff baby products, and set up baby furniture before the arrival. This will help your dog become familiar with the new environment and reduce anxiety when the baby arrives. A top tip of mine would be to get your dog used to your pram and practice some walking with them. Not only will this get your dog used to walking alongside the pram when out and about together, but from a safety perspective, you can get any nervous walks out of the way without an actual baby in the pram. There may be a few initial tugs and pulls, so it's a really valuable exercise to do and ensures you are giving your dog the time and focus they may need to adjust, without any distractions.

Socialisation: Expose your dog to children and infants in controlled environments. Arrange playdates with friends who have well-behaved kids or take your dog to family-friendly places. Positive interactions will help your dog associate babies with pleasant experiences, reducing any potential fear or anxiety.

Positive Associations: Create positive associations between your dog and the baby by rewarding your dog for calm behaviour around baby-related items and situations. Use treats, praise, and gentle petting to reinforce positive behaviour. This will help your dog view the baby as a source of positive experiences.

Establish Boundaries: Set boundaries for your dog's interactions with the baby. Designate baby-free zones and teach your dog to respect these areas. Use baby gates or closed doors to help your dog understand where it is and isn't allowed. I would suggest doing this before the baby arrives if possible, or at least in one area to start off with.

Gradual Introduction: When the baby arrives, introduce your dog to the new family member gradually. Have someone else hold the baby while you greet your dog and offer treats and praise. Slowly allow your dog to sniff the baby from a safe distance. Supervise all interactions closely and ensure your dog remains calm and relaxed.

Maintain Attention Where Possible: While a new baby demands a lot of attention, it's crucial to continue giving your dog the love and attention they're accustomed to. Designate quality one-on-one time with your dog to prevent feelings of neglect. This can feel like an impossible task in some instances. On those "impossible days" I would try and make some time for a sofa cuddle with our pup once our kids were in bed. Bertie absolutely loves a cuddle, and it always made me feel better too after a hard day! You are still able to relax and unwind too.

Enlist Help: During the early days with your baby, consider enlisting the help of a friend, family member, or professional dog walker to ensure your dog's needs are met. This will also prevent your dog from feeling overwhelmed or anxious due to sudden changes.

Be Patient and Understanding: Remember that your dog's world is changing too, and it may take time for them to adjust. Be patient, understanding, and observant of your dog's behaviour. If you notice signs of stress or anxiety, consult with a professional for guidance.

Preparing your dog for the arrival of your baby requires careful planning, patience, and positive reinforcement. By gradually introducing your dog to the changes and maintaining a supportive environment, you can help your furry friend embrace the new addition to your family with enthusiasm and love. I want to note that I am no expert here, but from my own research at the time, these were tips that were helpful for my family. I will always remember a conversation I had years ago with a lady who said that having a dog is not like having a child, and although on some levels I can see her point, I really just don't agree, especially in this particular scenario. Dogs love their families unconditionally, and it's our responsibility to make sure they feel as comfortable as possible with change. We are their only people at the end of the day. I agree it is so tough, but so is raising children, right? And how rewarding is that when we start seeing the result of all our hard work? For us, every day feels easier. Our children are becoming more and more aware of how to act and treat our pup, and the love they all have for each other is honestly the best :)

I really hope this helps :)

Charlotte x