How to Introduce Your Dog to a New Baby Safely

By Dr Duncan Houston.

Bringing a newborn home changes nearly every part of family life. Your dog suddenly encounters unfamiliar sounds, equipment, smells, visitors and routines, all surrounding a tiny human who behaves unlike anyone they have met before.

Preparation can help your dog adjust, but no amount of training makes unsupervised contact safe. The most important rule is simple: never leave a baby or young child alone with a dog, regardless of the dog’s breed, size, age or previous behaviour.

Quick Answer

To prepare your dog for a new baby:

Start several months before the baby arrives.
Arrange a veterinary health and behaviour assessment.
Introduce routine and household changes gradually.
Teach settling, recall, “leave it” and four paws on the floor.
Create dog-only and baby-only areas using secure barriers.
Introduce baby equipment, sounds and smells at low intensity.
Make the first meeting calm, brief and controlled.
Reward relaxed behaviour without forcing contact.
Closely supervise every interaction.
Reassess safety when the baby begins reaching, crawling and walking.

The AVMA’s dog-bite prevention guidance states that babies and small children should never be left alone with a dog.

Begin Preparing During Pregnancy

The earlier you begin, the more gradually your dog can adjust.

Waiting until the baby arrives means your dog experiences every change at once:

New furniture
Closed doors
Less attention
Different walking times
Crying
Night-time activity
Visitors
Prams and baby carriers
Unfamiliar smells

Introduce these changes one at a time while life is still relatively predictable.

Step 1: Arrange a Veterinary Check

Schedule a veterinary examination well before the due date.

Your veterinarian can assess:

Pain
Dental disease
Skin or ear problems
Mobility
Vision and hearing
Vaccination status
Parasite prevention
Current medications
Anxiety
Resource guarding
Previous aggression

Pain and illness can reduce a dog’s tolerance for touch, noise and disruption.

Tell your veterinarian about any history of:

Growling
Snapping
Biting
Guarding food or furniture
Fear of children
Chasing children
Sensitivity to noise
Distress behind barriers
Separation anxiety
Handling intolerance

Do not hide behaviour because you are worried about being judged. Accurate information allows a safer plan to be created before the baby arrives.

When to Seek Behaviour Help Before the Birth

Consult a qualified reward-based behaviour professional if your dog:

Has bitten or attempted to bite
Growls around children
Guards food, toys, beds or people
Becomes distressed by crying
Chases fast movement
Jumps forcefully at people
Cannot settle behind a gate
Panics when separated from you
Is highly sensitive to touch
Has unpredictable reactions
Shows intense predatory behaviour

Serious aggression or anxiety may require assessment by a veterinary behaviourist.

Do not use the baby as part of a behaviour experiment. Any necessary behaviour modification should begin with controlled substitutes and professional guidance.

Step 2: Create Safe Zones

Your home should have clearly separated areas before the baby arrives.

The Dog’s Safe Area

Provide your dog with:

Comfortable bedding
Fresh water
Familiar toys
Safe food puzzles
A quiet location
Protection from visitors
Freedom from children
A secure gate, pen or door

Teach your dog to enjoy this space. It must not be used as punishment.

The Baby’s Protected Area

Use barriers to prevent unsupervised access to:

The nursery
Changing areas
Play mats
Feeding chairs
The cot or bassinet
Baby toys
Nappy bins

Set up the barriers early so they do not suddenly appear when the baby comes home.

Teach Your Dog to Relax Behind a Barrier

Baby gates are useful only if the dog can remain comfortable behind them.

Begin with very short periods:

Place the dog behind the gate.
Remain nearby.
Provide a safe chew or food puzzle.
Reward calm behaviour.
Open the gate before distress begins.
Increase the duration gradually.

Watch for:

Barking
Whining
Scratching
Pacing
Jumping at the gate
Refusing food
Attempting to escape

If your dog becomes distressed, reduce the duration and ask your veterinarian or trainer for help.

Step 3: Change the Routine Gradually

Consider how the dog’s routine will change after the birth.

Possible changes include:

Different walking times
Shorter walks
Delayed meals
Reduced access to bedrooms
More time behind gates
More visitors
Less uninterrupted attention
A different sleeping location
Another person performing daily care

Introduce likely changes gradually during pregnancy.

Do not suddenly remove every privilege when the baby comes home. This can make the baby’s arrival predict the loss of attention, access and routine.

Maintain as much predictability as realistically possible.

Make a Dog-Care Plan

Decide who will provide:

Meals
Walks
Toileting
Medication
Training
Grooming
Enrichment
Veterinary care

Have a backup person in case plans change during labour, hospitalisation or the early weeks after birth.

Prepare written instructions covering feeding, medication, behaviour and emergency contacts.

Step 4: Teach Useful Foundation Behaviours

Begin in a quiet environment and use reward-based training.

Helpful behaviours include:

Settle on a Mat

Teach your dog to relax on a designated mat while adults sit, feed or care for the baby.

Four Paws on the Floor

Reward your dog for keeping all four paws down when people enter, carry objects or sit with a doll.

Recall

Teach the dog to move away from an area and return to you when called.

“Leave It”

This helps prevent interaction with dropped food, nappies, baby toys and other inappropriate objects.

“Drop It”

Teach your dog to release objects in exchange for a reward. Do not chase or forcibly remove items from their mouth.

Hand Target

A nose touch to your hand can help move the dog without pulling or physically pushing them.

Wait at Barriers

Teach your dog to pause at doors and baby gates rather than rushing through.

These behaviours are management tools, not guarantees of safety.

Step 5: Introduce Baby Equipment Early

Set up baby equipment before the due date, including:

Pram
Cot
Bassinet
Highchair
Baby carrier
Play mat
Rocking chair
Mobile
Baby gate
Toys

Allow your dog to investigate at their own pace. Reward calm behaviour around each item.

Dogs Trust recommends introducing baby equipment gradually and pairing new objects with treats, play or other positive experiences.

Do not allow the dog to:

Climb into the cot
Take baby toys
Chew equipment
Jump onto a moving pram
Rest beneath unstable furniture

Establish the boundaries before the baby uses the equipment.

Practise Walking With the Pram

Begin with the empty pram indoors or in the garden.

Progress gradually:

Reward calm behaviour near the stationary pram.
Move it a short distance.
Practise walking beside it in a quiet area.
Teach the dog to remain clear of the wheels.
Add turns and stops.
Progress to short outdoor walks.

Use a secure harness and fixed-length lead. Do not attach the lead directly to the pram because sudden pulling can overturn it.

If walking the dog and pushing the pram is unsafe, arrange separate dog walks.

Step 6: Introduce Baby Sounds

Baby crying can be startling, particularly when it begins suddenly or continues for long periods.

Play recordings at a very low volume while your dog enjoys:

Food
A chew
A game
Gentle attention
Relaxation on their mat

Increase the volume gradually only while your dog remains comfortable.

Stop or reduce the sound if your dog:

Freezes
Leaves
Barks
Pants
Paces
Refuses food
Becomes hypervigilant
Tries to locate or attack the speaker

The goal is calm familiarity, not forcing your dog to endure distress.

Introduce Baby Smells

Allow your dog to investigate baby-related scents before the birth.

These may include:

Baby lotion
Wipes
Shampoo
Nappy products
Clean clothing
Blankets

Present one item at a time and reward calm investigation.

Avoid applying products directly to the dog. Strong fragrances may be unpleasant or irritating.

Practise With a Doll

A lifelike doll cannot perfectly reproduce a baby, but it can help rehearse household routines.

Practise:

Carrying the doll
Sitting while holding it
Feeding it
Moving between rooms
Using the pram
Changing a nappy
Picking up dropped objects
Asking the dog to settle on a mat

Reward your dog for:

Remaining on the floor
Moving away when asked
Settling behind a barrier
Ignoring the doll
Relaxing while you carry it

Dogs Trust suggests using a doll to practise rewarding calm behaviour and four paws on the floor.

Do not deliberately tease, scare or test the dog with the doll.

Before Returning Home With the Baby

While the family is in hospital:

Maintain the dog’s normal routine
Use a familiar caregiver
Provide appropriate walks and enrichment
Avoid introducing additional major changes
Prepare gates and quiet spaces
Confirm the dog has food, medication and veterinary contacts

A blanket or item of clothing carrying the baby’s scent may be brought home for calm investigation. Pairing the scent with treats can help create familiarity.

However, sniffing a blanket calmly does not prove that direct contact will be safe.

Step 7: Returning Home

Your dog may be highly excited because family members have been away.

If possible:

Have one adult remain with the baby.
Let the returning parent greet the dog without holding the baby.
Keep the greeting calm.
Allow the dog time to settle.
Provide a toilet break or short walk if appropriate.
Introduce the baby later, once everyone is calmer.

There is no requirement for the dog to meet the baby immediately. Waiting several hours or a day may be appropriate.

Step 8: The First Meeting

Choose a quiet room with plenty of space.

Use two capable adults:

One adult securely holds the baby
One adult manages the dog

Begin with the dog behind a barrier or at a comfortable distance on a well-fitted harness and relaxed lead.

Reward:

Calm glances
Looking away
Sniffing the floor
Responding to their handler
Settling
Choosing to move away

If the dog remains relaxed, you may gradually reduce the distance.

The RSPCA recommends first introducing the baby’s scent, followed by a carefully supervised face-to-face introduction with the dog under effective control.

Should the Dog Sniff the Baby?

There is no need to force a close greeting.

If the dog is calm and the supervising adults are confident, brief investigation of the baby’s covered feet may be allowed. Keep the baby securely held and the dog controlled.

Do not encourage the dog to place their face near the baby’s:

Face
Head
Hands
Cot
Feeding area

Do not allow licking of the baby’s face or hands.

End the interaction while the dog remains calm.

Signs the Dog Is Comfortable

Encouraging signs include:

Loose body posture
Soft eyes
Relaxed facial muscles
Normal breathing
Taking treats gently
Brief interest followed by disengagement
Responding to familiar cues
Choosing to rest
Moving away calmly

Indifference is perfectly acceptable. Your dog does not need to become immediately fascinated by the baby.

Signs the Dog Needs More Distance

Stop the interaction if you notice:

Stiff posture
Freezing
Hard staring
Closed mouth
Raised hackles
Lip licking
Yawning
Turning away repeatedly
Whale eye
Pacing
Panting
Trembling
Avoidance
Growling
Barking
Snapping
Lunging
Intense fixation

Calmly increase the distance or place a secure barrier between the dog and baby.

Do not punish the dog. Warnings provide valuable information that the dog is uncomfortable.

Active Supervision Is Essential

Active supervision means an adult is:

Awake
Present
Watching both dog and baby
Close enough to intervene
Not distracted by a phone, cooking or television

Being in the same house is not supervision. Being in the same room while asleep is not supervision.

If the supervising adult needs to leave, answer the door or use the bathroom, either the dog or baby must go behind a secure physical barrier.

Never rely solely on verbal cues.

Safe Sleeping Arrangements

A dog should never have unsupervised access to:

A cot
Bassinet
Bedside sleeper
Pram
Baby carrier
Floor bed
Sleeping baby

Do not place the baby on the floor beside the dog.

Even a gentle dog can accidentally injure a baby by stepping, lying or jumping on them.

Keep sleeping areas physically separated.

Managing Feeding and Nappy Changes

Teach the dog to settle on a mat or rest behind a gate during:

Breastfeeding
Bottle feeding
Nappy changes
Bathing
Floor play
Tummy time

Provide enrichment before the activity begins.

Store securely:

Nappies
Wipes
Creams
Formula
Bottles
Medication
Breast pump components
Small baby items

Used nappies and milk-soaked items can be particularly attractive to dogs. Use a secure, lidded bin.

Maintain Your Relationship With Your Dog

The dog still needs:

Predictable meals
Daily exercise
Toileting opportunities
Mental enrichment
Quiet sleep
Positive attention
Individual time
Veterinary care

Short, focused interactions may be more realistic than long outings during the newborn period.

Useful activities include:

Sniffing walks
Treat searches
Food puzzles
Mat training
Gentle grooming
Short reward-based sessions
Quiet time beside you

The baby’s presence should not always predict exclusion.

For example, provide your dog with a food puzzle while the baby is fed. This can help the dog associate baby-care routines with calm, positive experiences.

The Crawling Stage Changes Everything

Many dogs cope well with a newborn who remains still but become uncomfortable when the child begins crawling, reaching and making unpredictable movements.

Before the baby becomes mobile:

Reassess barriers
Create dog-only resting areas
Move food and water out of the child’s reach
Protect toys and chews
Prevent the child from approaching the dog
Teach adults to recognise stress signals
Review resource guarding
Increase separation during floor play

Never allow a child to:

Crawl towards a resting dog
Enter the dog’s bed
Touch the dog while eating
Take toys or chews
Pull ears, fur or tail
Sit on the dog
Hug or corner the dog
Place their face near the dog’s face

The dog should always have a child-free escape route.

What if the Dog Growls at the Baby?

Do not punish the growl.

Immediately:

Increase distance.
Place a secure barrier between dog and baby.
Identify what happened immediately beforehand.
Prevent the situation from recurring.
Contact your veterinarian or qualified behaviour professional.

Punishing a growl may stop the warning while leaving the underlying discomfort unchanged.

A growl does not mean the dog is evil or jealous. It means the current situation is unsafe and requires adjustment.

What if the Dog Seems Jealous?

Dogs may seek attention, push between people, bark or become unsettled when routines change. These behaviours are better understood in terms of learning, stress, frustration and access to valued resources rather than human-style jealousy alone.

Help by:

Maintaining predictable individual attention
Rewarding calm behaviour near the baby
Teaching mat relaxation
Preventing competition for space
Avoiding punishment
Meeting exercise and enrichment needs
Providing regular breaks from the baby

Common Mistakes

Assuming a Friendly Dog Cannot Bite

Any dog may bite when frightened, painful, trapped or overwhelmed.

Forcing the Dog to Sniff the Baby

The dog should be allowed to approach or move away.

Allowing Face-to-Face Contact

Babies cannot recognise or respond to warning signals.

Punishing Growling

This can remove an important warning without changing the emotional response.

Making Every Change After the Birth

Introduce gates, routines and restricted areas during pregnancy.

Leaving the Dog and Baby Together “For a Second”

Serious incidents can happen extremely quickly.

Using the Lead to Hold an Overexcited Dog Close

If the dog must be restrained from reaching the baby, increase the distance and end the session.

Neglecting the Dog’s Routine

Sudden loss of exercise, sleep and attention can increase stress.

Assuming the Newborn Stage Predicts Future Safety

Reassess when the baby begins reaching, crawling, standing and walking.

Expecting the Dog to Act Like a Babysitter

Dogs should never be given responsibility for supervising or protecting a baby.

When to Seek Urgent Professional Help

Contact your veterinarian promptly if your dog:

Growls, snaps or lunges towards the baby
Guards the baby or a parent
Blocks access to the baby
Becomes intensely fixated
Cannot settle
Refuses food
Shows escalating anxiety
Redirects aggression
Has a history of biting
Reacts strongly to crying
Attempts to enter the cot or play area
Becomes increasingly distressed behind barriers

Use complete physical separation until professional assessment occurs.

What to Do if a Bite or Scratch Occurs

Move the baby and dog apart immediately without placing your hands near the dog’s mouth.

Seek medical care for any bite or scratch involving a baby. Even small wounds require professional assessment because infants are vulnerable to infection and deeper injury.

The dog should also be assessed by a veterinarian, particularly if the behaviour was unexpected or may have been influenced by pain.

Do not attempt another introduction until a safety and behaviour plan has been developed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I bring home the baby’s blanket first?

It may help familiarise the dog with the baby’s scent, but it is optional and does not predict whether direct interaction will be safe.

Should my dog be leashed for the first meeting?

A relaxed lead attached to a comfortable harness can provide additional safety. If the dog pulls continuously towards the baby, increase the distance rather than restraining them nearby.

Can my dog lick the baby?

Avoid licking of the baby’s face and hands. Redirect calmly and maintain appropriate hygiene.

Can my dog sleep in the same room as the baby?

Only while an awake adult is actively supervising. Otherwise, use secure physical separation.

What if my dog ignores the baby?

That is often an excellent response. Continue rewarding calm neutrality.

Should I let my dog investigate when the baby cries?

The dog may observe from a safe distance. Reward calm behaviour and allow them to leave. Do not encourage close access to a crying baby.

When can my baby and dog interact freely?

Babies and young children should never have unrestricted, unsupervised access to a dog. Management must evolve as the child becomes mobile.

Will neutering prevent aggression towards the baby?

Neutering does not guarantee prevention or treatment of fear, guarding or aggression. Behavioural concerns require individual assessment.

Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Preparing your dog for a baby is not about creating an instant friendship. It is about building safe routines, positive associations and reliable physical boundaries.

Start early, move slowly and reward calm behaviour. Give your dog private space, maintain their routine and never punish warnings.

Most importantly, remember that supervision and separation are lifelong safety tools, particularly as the baby grows into a fast-moving toddler with grabby hands and absolutely no respect for personal space.

Need a Personalised Baby-and-Dog Plan? ASK A VET™

Every household is different. Your dog’s age, health, temperament, training history and previous experience with children all affect the safest approach.

With ASK A VET™, you can:

Discuss your dog’s behaviour before the baby arrives
Share videos of body language and household setups
Build a personalised preparation plan
Identify warning signs that need professional attention
Review safe routines, barriers and first introductions
Find out when veterinary or specialist behavioural care is required

Visit AskAVet.com or download the ASK A VET™ app for professional support while preparing your dog for the newest member of the family.

Know how they are, wherever they are

The ASK A VET™ Tracker logs live location and activity trends, so a change in routine never goes unnoticed.

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About the author

Dr Duncan Houston

Veterinarian · Founder of ASK A VET

Every ASK A VET article is written and reviewed by qualified veterinarians.

About Dr. Duncan →drduncanthevet

How to Introduce Your Dog to a New Baby Safely