Petland Logo
Login/Register

Please create a free account, or login by clicking here.

Menu

Download our Petland App today for information on your local Petland's Available Pets and Pet Supplies. All at the tips of your fingers!

Steps to Introducing Your Pet to a Newborn

May 1, 2020

Becoming a best friend and protector to your new bundle of joy is an exciting role that many canines are proud to take on. On the other hand, some dogs aren’t into the whole baby thing at first, and others just aren’t really sure how to respond to the little tyke.

Help your pup and your family ease into the process of getting to know each other with some pre-baby preparation.

Establishing New Boundaries

Before your newborn comes home, your dog needs time to adjust to the new environment. While you may not have taken notice or been bothered by it before, you’re not going to want your pup following you into every room of the house when rocking or feeding. 

Create off-limits spaces by using simple commands like “kennel up,” “out,” or “go lay down.” Once the requirement of the command has been met, reward your dog with a treat or affection. By offering a positive result for good behavior, your pup will understand that this isn’t a punishment. You’re just establishing a new routine.

The time for introductions and family inclusion will come, but the last thing you want is to be carrying your newborn across a room…only to trip and fall over a curious canine. 

Helpful Trick: Buy a babydoll from your local dollar store. If possible, pick one that cries or makes noise and carry it around the home the way you would your newborn and use it as practice. 

Setting the Mood

If possible, have a friend, family member, or pet sitter take your dog for a brisk run or walk to wear off excess energy. During this time, bring your newborn inside and allow other children in the home to express their excitement. Once everyone has calmed down a bit, have another adult help with initiating the first greeting between your pup and the new little person in their life.

Leash your dog as a precaution; it’s not necessary to pull or restrain. They’re going to be curious…

“This baby smells so different, so good! It’s so tiny! Can I lick it? Can we play together?”

Allow your dog to sniff the baby’s feet and tell them what your baby’s name is. Doing so will help them recognize that the newborn is a who, not an it. As long as they’re calmly following “sit” and “gentle” commands, your pet should be given permission to observe, sniff, and listen to the soft cooing of their two-legged sibling.

You know your dog best, if they growl, become tense, or appear to behave in a way that you recognize as aggression, stop the session immediately. Take a break, and revisit. 

Work As A Team

Once you feel that your newborn has reached a stage where they can safely go for stroller rides, bring your pup with! Walking together is by far one of the most primal ways for owners to bond with canines. Use this opportunity to help them get used to the presence of the baby and create the natural union of bringing them into The Pack!

Related Articles

View All Articles

  • Dogs That Enjoy a Couch and Movie More Than a Yard and A Ball

    Dogs That Enjoy a Couch and Movie More Than a Yard and A Ball

    All dogs enjoy the smell of fresh air, chasing a ball, and running in circles outside. After all, they are creatures who need exercise and sunlight, and the feeling of freedom. ...

    Read More

  • Best City Dogs

    Best City Dogs

    The excitement, culture, and nightlife of living in a major city is something many people enjoy. Normally a major city is a fast moving and lively place to live. Due to how many...

    Read More

  • Top Six Most Recently Registered Dog Breeds

    Top Six Most Recently Registered Dog Breeds

    For a dog breed to find itself on the American Kennel Club’s registry, certain specific requirements must be fulfilled. This process is not an easy one, as the American Ke...

    Read More

  • Dogs are Amazing!

    Dogs are Amazing!

    We all know that our pups are amazing and bring us a lot of enjoyment and love. There is a reason why they are referred to as “man’s best friend.”  WeR...

    Read More

  • Top Companion Dogs

    Top Companion Dogs

    Some dogs are bred for hunting, others for herding, and some for just being adorable and wanting to cuddle up! These pups are known as companion dogs and generally have extremel...

    Read More

  • High Energy Dogs

    High Energy Dogs

    Are you looking for a fast-paced high energy dog that will keep you active? If so, here is a list of the most energetic dog breeds that will keep you and your kids on the move! ...

    Read More

  • The Seven Oldest Breeds of Dogs

    The Seven Oldest Breeds of Dogs

    They are known as man’s best friend and recent research indicates that they may have been given this title longer than we first believed. Although many dog breeds date bac...

    Read More

  • They’ll Fight Like Cats and Dogs! Or will they?

    They’ll Fight Like Cats and Dogs! Or will they?

    As the saying goes, they’ll fight like cats and dogs… Not necessarily if you find the right dog. But what qualities does a dog need in order for it to get along well...

    Read More

  • Top Pups for First Time Dog Owners

    Top Pups for First Time Dog Owners

    Adding a dog to your family is a very fun and exciting part of life, however, does come with some challenges. Realistically, your pup is a part of your family and will be for ma...

    Read More

  • Tips for Keeping Your Pup Healthy in the Winter

    Tips for Keeping Your Pup Healthy in the Winter

    With winter here, we all know the challenges of staying warm and safe. We must also take into consideration the well-being of our pets as the temperature drops. Here are a few s...

    Read More

  • Top Five Dog Breeds Who Love to Play Outdoors

    Top Five Dog Breeds Who Love to Play Outdoors

    If you love spending time in the great outdoors and are considering adding a fur-legged friend to your family this blog is for you. Making sure you find a dog that enjoys spendi...

    Read More

  • Help! My Dog Ate Chocolate!

    Help! My Dog Ate Chocolate!

    We all know that the only time we should use the words chocolate and dog in the same sentence is when we use them to identify a “Chocolate Lab.” Chocolate, although ...

    Read More

Text Us
Help Need Help?