Having a baby is very exciting and is a time and something you have to prepare for in many ways. A lot of clients come to me, anxious about how their dog will do once they bring the baby home. A few have been worried that the dog may physically harm the baby. It is impossible to know how your dog will react to the change. Dogs vary tremendously in how they will respond to a new member of the household, especially a baby. You can help him accept the new baby by taking a few steps.
To minimize your dog's stress when the baby comes, try to start making any anticipated changes to his routine ahead of time. Since the baby isn't due for a month, you still have time.
If his daily exercise is about to change from long walks to being let out in the yard, start making this transition now. Have you thought about which rooms he will not have access to once the baby is here? If you plan to limit his ability to roam the house, start using baby gates and other barriers now so he is gets used to them. This is also a great time to give him a short refresher course on basic commands such as "come," "sit,'' "down" and "stay."
After your baby is born and mom and baby are still at the hospital, have someone bring home a few objects such as a blanket and used diaper. This will help him get used to the baby's scent. If you are concerned your dog may jump on you when you first come home, have someone else hold the baby when you walk in the door. This will allow your dog to happily greet you while keeping the baby safe.
Once the baby is home and everyone is settling in, set absolute rules that they are not together unsupervised. Give him lots of attention and praise for being calm with the baby. If he is too aroused and you are afraid he will try to jump or bite, use a leash and/or muzzle to help control his actions. Avoid interactions when the baby is crying or waving arms and legs as these actions could elicit a playful or predatory response. Try your best to still give him quality time away from the baby.
With some careful planning now and patience once the baby is home, your dog should and child will become best friends.
