Before Introducing Your Dog and Baby
You know the saying “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”.
There are different opinions about who said it first; Will Rogers and Oscar Wilde are two possibilities. But whoever started that quote doesn’t matter for your dog. It might seem surprising, but the statement can be just as true for dogs as it is for people.
Dogs’ first reaction to a new experience can set the tone for far into the future, so when it’s your dog and your new baby you’re introducing, arranging that first meeting in the best possible way will pay off big time in the months and years to follow. A good plan will create a positive experience for your dog.
THINKING AHEAD
The best first meetings are those that take place when everyone is quiet and relaxed. You don’t have to introduce your dog and baby immediately when you first bring your baby home, so plan to wait until the baby’s calm or even asleep, and your dog is in a mellow mood.
Consider what you expect your dog’s reaction to be. You may already have a pretty good idea of how he will respond, but you can always learn more about your dog. An excellent way to do that is to download a free Checklist.
If you’re expecting a baby, Checklist No. 1 is the right one for you. Free and easily available, you can get it right now. Once you’ve gone through it, you’ll be even more clear about how your dog is likely to react to your baby.
4 QUESTIONS FOR THE FIRST DOG AND BABY MEETING
Based on your dog’s temperament, decide when and how to set up the first introduction. Answering the following questions will help you plan it
Is your dog comfortable with new situations? Is he confident and does he meet new people calmly, without stress or tension? Is he eager to approach new people? If so, he’ll probably be just as comfortable meeting your new baby when you first bring her home.
On the other hand, does your dog hang back and need time to size up new people before he greets them? Is he sometimes reluctant to meet people, perhaps children? If so, he may be more relaxed if you postpone introducing your baby until she’s been in your home for a short time, even if it takes several days. In this case, just go about caring for your baby, and let your dog keep a comfortable distance. When he seems more relaxed about the baby, offer him a chance to meet her.
Where will you be for the meeting? Think about the space: dogs can feel trapped in tight spaces, so make sure there’s enough space for your dog to move away if he wants to. Whatever part of your home you’re considering, there should be a comfortable sitting place for the person holding the baby.
Who will be there for that first meeting? Two or three people is ideal: one person, perhaps mom, to hold the baby; another person to handle the dog; and perhaps a third person to observe and act as another set of eyes and ears. Additional people can add energy and perhaps tension to the situation, so it’s best to limit the number of people. If there are children in the family, if they want to be there too they should be coached to be quiet and calm.
It’s a good idea for your dog to be on leash when he first meets your baby. If the dog gets very excited when the leash comes out, before the introduction, practice letting him move around the house with the leash on, so it’s less exciting for him. It’s especially helpful if you can do this before you bring your baby home.
THE INTRODUCTION!
Here are 5 helpful guidelines for that first meeting:
Remember, the best tone for the first meeting is calm and quiet, so if you’ve been gone for several days, or your dog has been away from home, give him time to greet you before meeting the baby, so that he’s over his initial excitement at seeing you.
If the baby is crying or agitated you can just postpone introducing them for another, better time. In this case, simply bring your baby into your home, do whatever’s needed to get her situated, and let your dog settle in. Then, when things have calmed down, before you introduce them, give your dog some special attention, perhaps a sniffing walk or some play.
Then pick a time when the baby is quiet and calm. Baby sleeping is good! Avoid having your dog meet the baby when she’s being fed, whether nursing or bottle fed; dogs are often very curious about baby feeding time, which can add a lot of extra energy to the meeting.
Keep your dog on leash for at least that first meeting, and possibly for several days after. The leash is there only as a safety measure, in case you need to move your dog away from the baby suddenly, so try to avoid pulling on the leash, which can communicate tension to your dog.
NEVER use treats to lure or coax your dog toward your baby. If your dog doesn’t approach on his own, it means he’s not ready to be close to the baby, and it’s important to respect that. If you want to give your dog treats around the baby, give them only to encourage the dog to move away from the baby. That begins to teach the dog to be calm and safe around the baby, and shows him that he can move away if he needs space.
There are lots of other helpful tips for introducing your dog and baby, so look for another article with more information. And don’t forget to download that FREE Checklist on the Home Page!