👶 Introducing the Dog to Your New Baby: Vet-Endorsed 2025 Transition Tips 🐶

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Welcoming a newborn into your family is exciting, but for your dog, this major life shift can feel confusing or even scary. Most family dogs have never encountered a crying infant or seen strollers or highchairs. Fortunately, you can prepare your dog for this joyful milestone using positive conditioning and smart planning. 🍼🐾

📋 Step 1: Prep Early—Before Baby Arrives

🏥 Schedule a Vet Check

• 🩺 Ensure your dog is healthy and up to date on vaccinations
• 💬 Discuss any history of anxiety or aggression with your vet

🧠 Begin Behavior Training

• Teach essential cues: “Sit,” “Stay,” “Leave it,” and “Drop it”
• Practice calmly handling ears, paws, tail, and toys
• 💡 Always reward with treats and praise to build positive associations

🏡 Introduce Routine & Environment Changes

• Start any schedule changes now—like later meals or shortened walks
• Adjust access to furniture or rooms gradually
• 💤 If your dog currently sleeps in your room but won’t after baby, make that change before the baby arrives

🔊 Introduce Baby Sounds & Scents

• Play baby noises (crying, cooing, white noise) softly during calm times
• Pair these sounds with treats or enrichment to reduce anxiety
• Introduce baby lotions and wipes to normalize new smells

🚼 Step 2: Practice with Baby Gear

• Set up cribs, strollers, carriers early and let your dog explore them calmly
• Take your dog on walks with an empty stroller or carrier to desensitize them
• Use treats to reward relaxed behavior around baby gear

🏡 Step 3: First Days with Baby at Home

👃 Introduce Baby’s Scent First

• Bring home a baby-worn blanket or onesie before the first meeting
• Let your dog sniff it calmly while offering treats and praise

🚪 Enter the Home Without the Baby First

• Have one parent enter first to greet the dog alone—your dog has missed you!
• This also lets your dog process your scent mixed with baby’s

🐾 The First Introduction

• Have one adult manage the baby, and another manage the dog
• Keep the dog leashed and allow them to observe from a distance
• Reward calm behavior—don’t force interactions
• If your dog shows anxiety, remove them calmly, play a fun game, and try again later

🔁 Ongoing Supervision & Support

• 👀 Supervise all interactions between your baby and your dog
• 📉 Don’t allow baby to grab, poke, or climb on your dog
• 🧠 Your dog may become uneasy as your baby begins to crawl or walk—adjust routines as needed

🚨 Red Flags & What to Do

If your dog displays signs of discomfort (lip licking, growling, avoidance), calmly separate them from the baby and give them space.

• ⚠️ Don’t punish your dog—this creates negative associations with the baby
• 📞 Contact your veterinarian or a certified behavior professional

💞 Maintain a Relationship with Your Dog

• 🎾 Continue daily enrichment—walks, games, and cuddles
• ⏳ Try short, quality interactions instead of long, infrequent ones
• 🧸 Rotate toys and food puzzles to keep your dog mentally stimulated

📝 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Adding a new baby changes life for everyone—including your dog. Preparing early, staying patient, and using positive reinforcement can help your dog feel secure and build a loving bond with their new sibling. Supervision, communication, and compassion are the cornerstones of a peaceful household. 🐶❤️👶

Need help preparing your dog for baby’s arrival? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱 to connect with behavior experts and get step-by-step help. 🐾🍼