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10 Proven Dog Training Tips to Prepare Your Dog for Your New Baby

Writer's picture: Alexandria KnappAlexandria Knapp

Welcoming a new baby into your family is a thrilling experience, but it can be a bit overwhelming—especially for your dog. Canines are sensitive creatures, and preparing them for this major life change is crucial for everyone’s well-being. These ten tips will help you ensure a smooth transition for you and your furry friend as you bring your little one home.


Learn how to safely manage a home with dog(s) and baby ahead of time so you can ensure baby's safety.
Learn how to safely manage a home with dog(s) and baby ahead of time so you can ensure baby's safety.

1. Start with the Basics: Refresh Training Concepts


Before your baby arrives, review essential concepts like relaxing on "place,” and giving you space (“Go”). Understanding these concepts can help you manage your dog's behavior and energy around the baby. Associating calmness and respecting the baby’s space will set the stage for good behavior.”


2. Introduce Baby Sounds Gradually


Newborns can be noisy with various sounds, from coos to screams. To help your dog acclimate, play recordings of baby noises at a low volume. I recommend using various types of recordings on Youtube. Increase the volume gradually over a few weeks, allowing your dog to adjust to the sounds that will soon become part of your daily routine. Studies show that exposure to different sounds during a dog's early years can help create a calm attitude toward unfamiliar noises. Pro tip: play the recordings during calm activities for your dog such as relaxing on their bed or a relaxing, structured walk around your neighborhood. I have even practice walking my dogs with the stroller playing sounds from the stroller seat.


3. Set Boundaries with Baby Items


As you gather baby essentials like cribs and strollers, let your dog explore these items to get comfortable with novel items, but set clear boundaries. For instance, train your dog to stay out of the nursery or not to chew on toys. Setting clear boundaries before the baby’s arrival strengthens your relationship with your dog and ensures safety.

Once your dog is crate trained, the crate starts to feel like an extra set of hands helping you!
Once your dog is crate trained, the crate starts to feel like an extra set of hands helping you!

4. Create a Safe Space for Your Dog


Your dog may feel anxious with all the changes happening in the household. Designate a safe space for your dog where they can retreat when things get overwhelming. Crate training is an excellent way to create a safe, familiar retreat for your dog. This space serves as a comforting retreat, helping reduce anxiety during the busy transition to parenthood. Check out our blog on other benefits of crate training!


5. Change Up the Routine


In the months leading to your baby's arrival, adjust your dog’s everyday routine to prepare them for changes. This could mean varying daily walks, meal times, and play sessions. By introducing these shifts gradually, your dog will adapt more smoothly when the baby joins the family. For example, if your dog is used to walks at 10 AM, try varying the schedule by practicing ‘place’ at 10 AM and moving the walk to 10:30 or 11 AM.

6. Use Baby-Scented Items


Familiarizing your dog with your baby's scent can create positive associations. Consider bringing home a baby blanket or a piece of clothing before your little one arrives. Let your dog calmly sniff these items. Research indicates that scent contributes significantly to how dogs perceive their environment, easing their adjustment to the new family member. Do not let them play with any baby items.


7. Practice Parenting Techniques


While it might sound unusual, you can practice parenting behaviors by holding a similarly weighted object to mimic a newborn. This helps your dog adjust to you moving differently around the house while respecting your space. Carry a doll wrapped in your baby's blanket and practice walking, stopping, sitting and rocking movements while your dog calmly coexists with you on their place bed. This way, your dog will understand that they need to be calm around the baby.


Inside view of a cozy dog bed in a quiet nook
This retreat allows your dog to decompress during busy times with baby.

8. Exposure around Children


Safely expose your dog around well-behaved children from a distance before the baby arrives can make a huge difference. For example, you can have your dog practicing relaxing and waiting close to a park. This keeps a safe distance while letting your dog get used to the abrupt and varying movements and noises children make while playing.


9. Keep Calm and Neutral on Baby's Arrival


On the day you bring your baby home, foster a calm atmosphere. Have a family member or friend supervise your dog while you care for the baby. If no extra hands are available, use your crate as your assistant. Have the dog practice calm coexistence with the baby in the same house or room. From here they will safely become accustomed to the smells and sounds of baby. This will create a calm and neutral association with baby and avoid any negative or stressful interactions.


10. Never Leave Your Baby and Dog Alone Together


Safety should always be your top priority. Never leave them alone together. Always supervise, as this will reinforce your dog’s understanding of respecting the baby. The bond between your dog and baby can be incredibly strong when nurtured correctly.


Close-up view of dog toys and baby items side by side
Practicing calmly co-existing next to the stroller close to a playground setting.

Embrace the Journey Ahead


Preparing your dog for a new baby can seem challenging. However, with early action and thoughtful approaches, you can create a stress-free transition. Focus on training, making gradual changes, and fostering a positive environment. By investing time and love into this process, you will help lay the foundation for a beautiful relationship between your dog and your new bundle of joy.


With patience and care, you can ensure harmony in your home. Happy parenting and happy dog ownership!


Having dogs around babies and children is a serious responsibility and should never be taken lightly, no matter what the breed, age or temperament of the dog is.


Please put safety as a number one priority and seek quality, professional help if you are ever unsure of how to safely arrange your environment.


If you have a dog who demonstrates behavioral concerns such as aggressive, fearfulness, anxiety, instability, or unpredictable behavior please, seek quality, professional help right away.


Fill out our contact form to schedule a virtual consultation with Alexandria (owner and lead trainer) if you have any concerns with your dog's behavior.


Use coupon code "BABY25" for $10 off! (exp. 2/14/25)

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