Introducing a Dog to a Baby with Patience and Care

Introducing a dog to a baby is one of the most important things you will do in your life. Your baby’s welfare may depend on it. Teaching your dog the proper way to act around your baby will pay off for many years to come.

I have always raised my pets with children. Most of the time the pet came after one of my children was born. But there were a couple times that my dog was there prior to one of my children being born.

Introducing a Dog to a Baby Slow and Easy

When introducing a dog to a baby it should be done in the right way. I always did it slowly. I, personally, brought my baby home and did not let the pet into the room for a day or so.  My dog Charlie could hear the baby cry so I took one of the blankets that the baby was wrapped in and let him smell it before I washed it. I, of course, was telling him that it’s the baby’s blanket. I know you think I’m silly but pets do understand. His ears perked up and his head twisted sideways.

I then brought the baby out but did not let the dog get in her face or anything. But I did let him smell the baby while wrapped in a blanket. As I held her I talked to the dog. After that when the baby cried it did not faze him so much. Introducing a dog to a baby takes time and there is no hurry. Done correctly your baby and your dog will grow to be best friends.

As Your Baby Grows so will the Bond Between your Baby and your Dog

Most people know their pet or at least think they do, while my baby was in the portable crib in the same room as myself the dog was there, when the baby stirred the dog would looked at me as if to say, “are you going to come?” I assured the dog I was coming and he lay down near the crib. I’m certain my dog genuinely cared about the well-being of my baby.

I was always in the same room with my baby and my dog. They were never ever left alone. Never. At the point of her crawling stage he would lick her and I was washing her face and hands constantly. They had a bond. He would follow her because he figured she had some food to share but also loved just being around her.

Never Leave your Baby alone with your Dog

To make a long story short never ever leave your baby with a pet unattended. I mean ever. Babies tend to grab to pull up on things, lose their balance and fall on them and sometimes dogs can get irritated. Introducing a dog to a baby the right way can make all the difference in the world.

Be responsible, I don’t care how well you think you know your pet. You don’t when it comes to your baby or young children at play with them.

Do you have any special tips that you did when introducing a dog to a baby? Let us know in the comments below.