Expecting a Baby? Here's How to Prepare Your Dog for the Big Change
The Canine Perspective
Preparing to welcome a baby brings big changes, and expecting parents are usually focused on setting up the nursery and choosing names. But one important family member is sadly often overlooked: the dog.
According to Sarah Rutten, founder of The Canine Perspective and an expert in force-free dog training, helping a dog adjust to a new baby can make a world of difference in creating a calm and happy household.
“Bringing a baby home is a massive shift for the whole family, including your dog. For many people, the dog is their ‘first baby’ and they understandably don’t want their beloved companion to feel left out or blindsided when the new baby arrives,” Sarah says.
“With the right preparation, your dog can feel safe, secure, and included in this new chapter rather than overwhelmed or pushed aside.
“You’ve got months to help them adjust and if you use the time well, you’ll set the stage for something really special: a beautiful friendship between your baby and their first furry best friend.”
Sarah said many common behavioural issues like barking, jumping, or anxiety can be avoided with early training and by creating a safe and harmonious space for both your baby and your four-legged-friend. She shares four key ways to help dogs transition smoothly before the baby arrives:
1. Gradually Adjust Routines
If walks, feeding times, or attention will shift once the baby arrives, start making those changes early.
“Your dog shouldn’t associate the baby with a sudden loss of fun or freedom. That’s how stress and behavioural issues start,” Sarah says.
Make an effort to practice baby routines around your dog as well. Simulate rocking, changing, bathing and car rides with a realistic doll while reinforcing calm behaviours with treats. This will help your dog understand how to behave when these routines take place.
2. Introduce Baby Sounds & Smells Early
Babies bring an entirely new sensory experience into a home. Playing recordings of baby cries at a low volume and gradually increasing them can help dogs adjust.
Allowing calm exploration of baby-related items, such as prams, toys and clothes, will also get your dog used to the smell and presence of these in the home.
“Don’t forget the most important part! Give your dog treats throughout this process to build positive associations with the new sounds, sights and smells,” Sarah says.
3. Reinforce Calm Behaviour
Dogs don’t instinctively know how to behave around a newborn. Rewarding calm behaviour now, like lying quietly while their guardian relaxes, helps them learn that staying relaxed earns them praise and treats.
4. Set Up a Dog Safety Zone
Dogs need their own safe space to retreat and decompress. Whether it’s a crate or a comfy corner, teaching them to love this space before the baby arrives ensures they already see it as their go-to relaxation spot.
Sarah says this safety zone is even more important when your baby eventually becomes a toddler. “Baby gates and playpens will be your friend once your toddler starts crawling and walking,” she says. “Toddlers can unknowingly be rough with dogs, so a safe place for your pup to relax away from exploring hands is essential.”
Once Baby Arrives…
When bringing your baby home, let the dog greet you first before calmly introducing the baby at the dining table. Avoid sitting on the couch to prevent your dog from jumping into the lap of whoever is holding the baby. Let your dog sniff the baby’s feet and reward calm interaction with treats.
Many parents make the mistake of rushing their dog’s initial interactions with the baby, but Sarah warns against it.
“Keep the first encounters short and let the dog take the lead. A relationship built on trust, not forced encounters, will make for a much better bond in the long run,” she says. “And remember, it’s your role as the parent to be the protector and educator of both species. Under no circumstances should your child, of any age, be left unattended with your dog.”
With careful preparation and force-free training, Sarah says dogs can thrive in a growing family, proving that a baby’s arrival doesn’t have to mean stress for the four-legged members of the household.
Wanting to get prepared with expert dog behaviour and training advice for when your baby grows up? Sarah’s book, The Canine Perspective: Using Force-Free Methods to Unleash Your Dog’s Pawtential, is filled with tips for managing child-dog relationships.
About us:
The Canine Perspective founder Sarah Rutten is not just another dog trainer—she's a thought leader pushing for real change in how humans and dogs understand eachother. With a no-nonsense, science-backed approach, she's on a mission to educate dog owners, challenge outdated training myths, and advocate for ethical, force-free methods that strengthen the human-dog bond.
Follow Sarah Rutten and the Canine Perspective:
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Contact details:
Ellen Hill | 0424 791 904 [email protected]
