Data Driven Dogs
Family & Multi-Pet
Preparing Your Dog New Baby
Welcoming a new baby into your home is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming for your dog. Preparing your dog for this change in advance can help make the transition smoother for everyone involved.
Essential Training Skills
Teaching your dog essential obedience skills is crucial for a smooth interaction between your dog and the new baby. Focus on commands such as sit, stay, and leave it. These skills will help you manage your dog's behavior when the baby demands your attention.
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Teach 'Go Away'
To help your dog understand when to give you and the baby space, teach a 'go away' command. Show a treat, say "Go away," and toss the treat a few feet away. Gradually increase the distance and wait for your dog to initiate movement before rewarding.
Adjusting Your Dog's Routine
Begin altering your dog’s daily schedule to align with what it will be after the baby arrives. Introduce changes gradually—shift walking and feeding times, and minimize attention changes to avoid a significant drop-off when the baby demands more of your time.
Introducing Baby-Related Experiences
Familiarize your dog with the types of sights, sounds, and smells they will encounter with a new baby. Use recordings of baby noises and expose them to baby powders and lotions. Praise your dog for calm behavior when exposed to these new stimuli.
Consistency Is Key
Maintain a consistent routine during training sessions and offer plenty of encouragement to help your dog adapt effectively to changes in the household.
Setting New Household Rules
Plan new household rules regarding spaces your dog can access and behaviors they need to avoid, like jumping on furniture. Introduce these changes preemptively so your dog can adjust before the baby arrives.
Every Dog Is Different
The right approach depends on why your dog does this — and that varies by temperament, history, and environment. The Synchrony coach can tailor these principles to your dog's specific behavior profile.
Based on ASPCA Virtual Pet Behaviorist content, adapted for the Data Driven Dogs training framework.