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Introducing Pets to a New Baby

The first rule of introducing your dog or cat to a new baby is that it must be a gradual process. When you learn a child is on the way, review basic obedience skills daily with your dog so that he/she will consistently obey you. Remember that this is a way to interact with your dog in a positive way, do not punish, but reward good behavior. 

Preexisting behavior problems are often magnified with time, especially as seen through the eyes of a sleep-deprived parent! Please call us for a behavioral consult and for additional information sources before your baby is due. We will be more than happy to provide more ideas and happy ways to interact with your pet once baby comes.

Before your baby arrives home:

• Present a blanket with the baby’s scent to your pet. Let the pet explore this new odor under positive circumstances, rewarding and reinforcing good behavior.
• It may help to carry a doll as an imaginary baby and pretend to do chores associated with baby care. This mimics the changes that will be part of your lives.
• Make a tape of your crying infant at the hospital and have someone play the tape, gradually increasing the volume, while practicing basic commands.

• It is probably best to isolate him/her from your pet for the first few days.
• Make an effort to spend “quality” time with your faithful pet.
• Reserve positive interaction between you and your pet to times when the baby is present.

No matter how well you trust your pet, an infant should not be left alone with any animal.

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