Tips for Introducing Dog to Baby

Four Month Home Shoot

Congrats. You must be having a new baby. I’m going to give you simple tips for introducing your dog to baby. Who doesn’t love a furry Goldendoodle? When we were bringing our daughter home from the hospital for the first time, we knew this would set the tone for our dog’s relationship with our newborn. It is important to be gentle and deliberate when introducing your dog to your new baby. I want to give you easy tips for introducing your dog to baby.

They say, bring a blanket with the babies scent to your dog ahead of time. We gave Brody a blanket. They say, let your dog sniff the baby when you get home, we let Brody sniff her. But what I really think set the tone for Brody and Harper was the introduction walking into our home together.

Who doesn't love a furry Goldendoodle? When we were bringing our daughter home from the hospital for the first time, we knew this would set the tone for our dog's relationship with our newborn. It is important to be gentle and deliberate when introducing your dog to your new baby

Introducing Dog to Baby

We had no doubts that Brody would be anything but wonderful with Harper but we wanted to make sure we introduced them properly.

Simple Tips for Introducing Dog to Baby

Training

It is important to teach your dog basic commands prior to the arrival of your new baby. Easy commands that work well for baby and dog interactions are “Come”, “Sit”, “Down”, and “Stay”.

Scent

They say, bring a blanket with the babies scent to your dog ahead of time. We gave Brody a blanket. They say, let your dog sniff the baby when you get home, we let Brody sniff her. But what I really think set the tone for Brody and Harper was the introduction walking into our home together.

Sound

Taylor and I calmly greeted Brody as he was wagging his tail and spinning in circles to greet us. I had been away from him for almost three days. We talked to him in almost a whisper, directing him over to the car seat and sitting down to the floor.

Meeting

Once Brody was calm, we allowed him to smelled her. He stared at her. And he has stayed next to her ever since. Harper is his baby. And he is her best friend. Everyone day when we get home, she sees Brody and gets the biggest smile on her face. Brody is a family member and was our first born.

“Dog” was her second word after dada. When we are laying in the bed she grabs onto his fur with a grip of steel and a huge grin. Because of her relationship with Brody. She says “hi”to any dog she spots.

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Benefits of Dog to Baby Relationships

There are many reasons why having a dog will benefit your baby.

1.Brody is a stress-buster. Whenever Harper is having a tantrum, I encourage her to say hi to Brody or pet him and she snaps right out of her bad mood. Read more about tips for understanding your one-year-old.

2. Dogs are not judgey and are always happy to see you

3. They teach your child empathy and nurturing skills

4. Dogs can make your child feel safe

Taylor and I calmly greeted Brody as he was wagging his tail and spinning in circles to greet us. I had been away from him for almost three days. We talked to him in almost a whisper, directing him over to the car seat and sitting down to the floor.

Harper is wearing a mauve cable knit bow from Baby Bling Bows.

These bows fit our baby girl perfectly. They are soft and stretchy and she wears them all day. These bows are great quality, beautiful colors, and stretchy so Harper can wear them from newborn to toddler. You can see more baby bling bows in my post here.