7 TIPS TO REMEMBER WHEN INTRODUCING YOUR DOG TO A NEW BABY

Hey, it’s me, Harvey! I hear a tiny human is about to join the family—how exciting! But let’s be real, us four-legged pals might need a little help adjusting to this big change. Don’t worry, though—I’ve got your back with seven awesome tips to make sure the introduction between your dog and the new baby is smoother than peanut butter. Trust me, as an explorer and the captain of my pack, I know a thing or two about welcoming new faces!

1. Prep Us Pups Before the Baby Even Shows Up
Before that bundle of joy rolls in, get us dogs ready! Start by tweaking our daily routine to what it’ll be like once the baby is home. Changing our walk or feeding schedule beforehand will help us not blame the baby for any shifts in our life. Oh, and introduce us to some baby sounds and smells early—play recordings of baby cries (don’t worry, we’ll get used to it!) and let us sniff those baby lotions. We like to know what’s coming, and this will give us a head start.

2. Set Up Our Chill Zones
Boundaries are key, folks. Us dogs need to know where we’re allowed and where we need to keep our paws off. If the baby’s room is off-limits, make that clear before they arrive. But hey, don’t forget we need our own safe space too! Set up a cozy corner or a crate where we can retreat when things get too wild. Everyone needs a breather now and then, especially with a new baby in the mix.

3. Introduce Us Slowly, Please!
First impressions matter, even for dogs! When it’s time for us to meet the new little human, take it slow. Stay calm, and let us approach at our own pace (we pick up on your energy, so no stressing out!). Keep the vibes positive with plenty of praise and treats for good behavior. You might even want to keep us on a leash during those first meetings just to keep things under control. Oh, and please, please, never leave us alone with the baby—gotta keep everyone safe!

4. Treats, Treats, and More Treats
Let’s be honest, dogs are foodies! Want us to think the baby is the best thing ever? Treats are the way to our hearts. Every time we act calm or behave around the baby, toss us some goodies like it’s Christmas morning. Pretty soon, we’ll be wagging our tails whenever the baby is nearby—because hey, baby equals treats!

5. Practice Makes Perfect
Before the real deal, why not give us a little practice? Carry a baby doll around, sit with it, and let us get used to seeing you holding something that’s not us (we can get a little jealous, you know). Reward us for staying chill when you’ve got the “baby” in your lap. This will help us understand that it’s not a big deal when the real baby comes along. Calm is cool, right?

6. Stick to Our Routine, Please!
We might be flexible, but we thrive on routine. So, even with a new baby, don’t forget to keep our walks, meals, and playtime on track. If things stay somewhat familiar, we’ll feel less anxious. Plus, we love attention too, so make sure we still get plenty of snuggle time—it’ll stop us from feeling left out.

7. Supervise, Supervise, Supervise!
This one’s important, folks. No matter how calm and cool we seem, never leave us alone with the baby. We might get startled or overexcited, and it’s just better to be safe. Keep an eye on our interactions at all times—after all, you’re the captain, and we look to you for guidance.

Conclusion
So there you have it—follow these tips, and you’ll help your dog (like me!) feel more comfortable around the new baby. It might take a little patience and time, but before long, we’ll be best buddies with the newest pack member. With a little love and understanding, everyone in the family will adjust just fine. And hey, remember—calm vibes, plenty of treats, and lots of supervision, and you’re golden!