Bringing Baby Home

Introducing your dog to your baby

So, picture this: you've got your furry best friend, your loyal companion, and then comes the moment you've been waiting for - introducing your dog to your brand new, teeny-tiny human bundle of joy. Exciting, right? But also, maybe a little nerve-wracking. Don't worry, at Rascal Training, we've got your back, and we're here to spill the beans on making this meet-up a heartwarming success.

Getting Your Pooch Prepared:

Before the baby buzz kicks in, make sure your dog's got the basics down. A quick refresher course on the "sit," "go to bed," and "ah ah" commands can be a real lifesaver when baby chaos descends.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race:

When the big day finally arrives, remember, no need for a red carpet event. Find a cozy, non-threatening spot in your home where everyone can chill. It's all about keeping the vibes low-key and stress-free.

Timing Matters:

Choose a moment when your dog is relaxed and well-exercised. A tired pup is a happy pup and less likely to pull a "wild and crazy" move during the introduction. We highly recommend a pre-meet walk, playtime, or training session (or better yet an off leash adventure!) to help take the edge off.

Leash It Up:

For safety's sake, keep your dog on a leash during the first meetup. It helps you stay in control while allowing your pup to get to know the newbie at their own pace.

Baby Steps, Literally:

Keep those initial visits short and sweet. As your dog gets more comfortable around the baby, you can extend the hangout time. Remember, patience along with your calm vibes are your secret weapons here.

High-Five for Good Behavior:

Anytime your dog behaves like a champ around the baby, give 'em a round of applause – or at least a treat and some lovin'. This helps your pup associate the tiny human (and good behavior around the tiny human) with all things wonderful.

Setting Boundaries:

As much as we adore our furballs, it's essential to set boundaries for everyone's safety. Make sure your dog knows which areas are off-limits when it comes to baby adventures.

Reading Doggy Body Language:

Keep an eye out for your dog's body language. Stress, anxiety, or discomfort need your attention. If something seems off, don't hesitate to reach out to a dog trainer for some expert guidance. If you are a current Rascal client, I welcome helping out with first introductions OR feel free to send me videos and I would be happy to help guide you on what behaviors are good and what are not-so-great in the moment.

Stay Zen:

As corny as it might sound, remember, your dog can totally pick up on your vibes. So, try to stay cool, calm, and collected. If you're chill, your pup is more likely to stay cool too.

Time's the Real MVP:

Lastly, remember that the first meeting is just the beginning of this beautiful journey. As your baby grows and becomes more interactive and as you learn how to manage having a human puppy and your pup, you will settle into a new routine that benefits everyone.

At Rascal Training, we're here to make sure this friendship kicks off on the right paw. Do not hesitate to reach out for help!

Breathe easy, use the training, and soak in every second of this exciting and new experience.