Introducing Your Labrador To The New Baby

Bringing a new baby home is an amazing experience. It is also a daunting and exhausting one.

A Labrador in the house can complicate things somewhat.

People often ask:  “How should I introduce my dog to the baby”  when perhaps the question should be:

“Should I introduce my dog to the baby”

There is actually no need to make a big deal out of contrived introductions.

If no fuss is made your dog will probably just accept this small person as a rather boring member of the family that doesn’t run around or do anything interesting yet.

The fact is, your baby and your dog will need to be either closely supervised or separated at all times for many months to come.

Being playmates together is quite a distant aim right now.

Occasionally however, a dog will take a particular interest in a baby and you will become aware that he is intent on getting up close and personal to the small person in the cradle.

At this point it is important to remind you of what I am sure you are already aware.

Baby and dog safety

No dog should ever be left alone with a baby.  Failing to observe this simple rule may result in a terrible tragedy

We can all understand why a dog might snap at a toddler that has him cornered and is poking things in his eyes.

But why do perfectly nice dogs occasionally attack babies?

We don’t know for sure,  but it is possible that the cries of the baby may occasionally trigger a primitive predatory response in a dog.

For this reason, no matter how friendly and well intentioned he may seem, it is vital that you never leave your dog alone with your baby.

Separating baby and dog with barriers

If you were not planning on installing baby gates (paid link)until your baby became mobile, now might be a good time to rethink that policy.  It might also be a good time to fetch the dog crate out of the garage or buying a new one to use for a while(paid link). Make sure to get the dog used to being in there occasionally before baby arrives if you can.

That way you can have a safe place for your dog to sleep and chew his kong,  whilst you pay attention to the baby or whilst you leave the baby in his moses basket in the same room.

Preparing before the baby arrives

In addition to arranging a few barriers(paid link), the weeks and months before the baby’s arrival are good times to brush up on your dog’s obedience.

It is especially important to teach him not to poke you or jump up on you.

If your dog is going to be in the same room as you and the baby,  he needs to be capable of lying down on command and staying there until you release him.

If he doesn’t have one already, get him a mat, basket, or cushion in  your family room and teach him to lie in it whilst you are sitting in a chair or on the sofa.

In the evening whilst you watch TV is a good time to teach these skills.

That way,  when you sit down on the sofa with the baby in your arms,  the baby  won’t end up with dog slobber all over his face.

See: Train your Labrador to relax

Teaching your dog to walk nicely on a lead is another priority, as managing a buggy with a dog that pulls, is no joke. If you are short on time for training then invest in a good quality harness (paid link)to help you out.

Teaching a ‘leave it’ command is another strategy you will find useful with a small baby and baby paraphenalia around the house.

Baby and Dog Hygiene

Don’t forget to worm your dog thoroughly(paid link) before the baby arrives.  Even then, it isn’t a great idea to let your dog sniff and lick your new arrival.

He doesn’t need to do it, he has probably just licked his own bottom,  and your baby doesn’t need to be on the receiving end.

It is also worth pointing out,  that many dogs really love to eat  soiled nappies so make sure you have a sturdy diaper bin(paid link) for those ready and waiting.

Babies and bouncy dogs!

If your dog is very boisterous and you just can’t get to grips with training him at the moment,  you will need to keep the dog and the baby very much apart to begin with.

Again,  the crate or baby gates will confine the dog away from where you want to sit and feed or cuddle the baby.

This is very important if your dog becomes excited when you handle the baby, or when the baby cries.

Avoiding problems with the dog and the baby

Making time for your dog may be hard during the early weeks,  but if you can try not to disrupt his normal walking routine as much as possible,  this will help avoid any frustration, hyperactivity or jealousy on his part.

Get a family member to reward the dog with treats when he lying quietly watching you feed the baby.

Use your ‘leave it’  command if the dog goes to sniff or lick the baby and reward him generously when he complies.

Focus on rewarding him for ignoring the baby,  and he will soon be relaxed and happy around your new arrival.

More help and information

This article was written by Pippa Mattinson.  Pippa happily raised her four babies in a household with several dogs.

(paid link)For a complete guide to raising a healthy and happy puppy don’t miss The Happy Puppy Handbook.

The Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy.

The book will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialisation and early obedience.

The Happy Puppy Handbook is available(paid link) worldwide.