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Introducing Baby to the Family Dog

Your dog may not have blinked an eye when you brought your baby home from the hospital, but now that she’s crawling all over him, it could be a different story. Here’s how to keep them both safe.

by: Colleen Pelar

ou’ve read all the books about introducing your new baby to the family dog. You even played a CD of baby cries and brought home a blanket from the hospital for Spot to smell. But if your pet is going to have problems with your baby, the crawling stage is probably where you’ll see the first signs.

The sudden mobility of your newborn can be confusing and upsetting to a dog. Baby might begin investigating areas Spot once thought were his. And she is now approaching Spot, rather than waiting for him to come to her. Fortunately, there are ways to make the adjustment easier–and help make your puppy and baby best friends.

Give them space

Keep an eye on your dog: does he happily approach you when you’re sitting on the couch, holding the baby? Does he stay just out of arms’ reach, or snuggle in close? Does he seem interested in her activity, or a bit nervous about it?

Now’s a good time to use baby gates to give both dog and baby some individual space. When your baby is exploring, let her do it without Spot’s supervision until you feel he is comfortable with her on the move. Spot may be protective of things he considers his – from dog toys to the corner where his bed is.

See Spot run

Many dogs are fine as long as the baby isn’t pursuing them. Always make sure Spot has a way to escape from baby when he’s had enough. And make sure your little one can’t pin puppy into a corner; you never want your dog to choose the “fight” half of the “fight-or-flight” stress response.

Be gentle

Your infant is not old enough to know how to be gentle. If Spot is happy to sit beside you and the baby, take her hand and gently stroke his fur. Be careful to avoid his eyes and ears – it’s usually best for children to pet dogs on their sides and backs.
 

Don’t Force Contact

You know your baby is trying to be friendly when she’s approaching Spot and, in most cases, he’ll know that too. Dogs are remarkably perceptive and accommodating of human behavior. But the worst thing you can do is hold Spot still and allow the baby to pet him. Many parents feel that by holding the dog, they are conveying to him that he is safe, but the dog is learning the exact opposite. Instead, he’s learning that he is sometimes caught and forced to endure contact he considers scary.

Set up a play date

The easiest way to help a dog like kids is to have good things happen when kids are around. Stuff a few chew toys (such as Kongs) with treats and keep them handy to give to Spot when you’re playing with the baby. He’ll be nearby enjoying a special treat and associating it with her presence.

And, as your baby learns to fling food from her highchair tray, Spot will be as enchanted with her newfound skill as you are–dogs make a great cleanup crew.
 
Kids and dogs can be wonderful friends, but it’s important for parents to orchestrate their interactions so they always see each other in the best light. Keep a careful eye on them and look for ways to help them enjoy spending time together. You’ll be glad you did.
 
 

Meet our expert:

Colleen Pelar, CPDT, CDBC, is the author of Living with Kids and Dogs…Without Losing Your Mind, and is America’s Kids and Canines Coach. Colleen has more than 15 years experience helping parents navigate kid-and-dog issues. Because every interaction between a child and a dog can be improved by a knowledgeable adult, Colleen is committed to educating parents, children, and dog owners on kid-and-dog relationships. For more information visit www.livingwithkidsanddogs.com