Bringing Your Newborn Baby To Your Home With A Dog

May 10, 2009 by Dog Service Network
Filed under Dog Ownership

Just because your dog has always shown the utmost kindness, love, and effection towards many, does not mean that you shouldn’t have any concerns about introducing your dog to your newborn baby. When you introduce your dog to your baby for the first time, there’s a possibility that rivalry or jealousy may develop. And without putting much thought and preparation into this, an injury can occur. Here are some steps to helping you with the preparation process:

Before Bringing Home Your Baby:

Have your dog sniff items your baby will be using, so that he/she will become familiar with the scent
Practicing with a doll, hold the doll as you would a baby and introduce it to your dog using the word “baby”. Practice introducing your dog in more than one area such as away from his/her territory, on his/her territoy, and in the house
When holding the doll, have your dog sit or lie down on the floor whenever he/she is near the baby
Train your dog to sit or heel if he/she has not been already
Have your dog get used to the sound of a baby’s cry

Bringing Your Baby Home:

Before coming in the house with the baby, have your dog sniff the baby’s items again and then the baby
Try not to let the baby take away the time you would spend with your dog on any normal day such as feeding, walking, playing, etc.
Never leave your dog and baby unattended