Your dog may own the spotlight now, but the arrival of a new baby requires adjustments, reassurance, and strategies to ensure a happy, safe interaction. Consider these tips whether you are preparing for a new child in your home or a new grandchild who will visit often.

Assess the norm

Determine a baseline for your dog’s typical behavior, including whether it has previous experience with children. Look for potential challenges, like tugging, jumping, being overly food or toy protective, or anxiousness from sudden movements. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they do provide opportunities to train and redirect behaviors.

Set the tone

Familiarize your dog with what life with a baby might look like. If you’re welcoming the child, this will look different than welcoming a grandchild, niece, or nephew. Prepare your home with baby’s supplies early so your dog can get used to rearranged furniture and new off-limits playthings.

Get into the groove

Practice your new routine, especially if your pet is your shadow. You may be prepared for sleepless nights, but your dog could become startled or agitated by hourly wakeups. Give them a mini boot camp to help them get used to regular disruptions. Avoid providing bathroom breaks unless they’re seniors, lest you create an unsustainable expectation.

Make the introduction

Make sure your dog has its basic needs met, like food, water, exercise, and attention. Put the dog on its harness and leash and keep the baby secure before approaching slowly, pausing if the dog becomes overstimulated. Keep the first visit short, reward desired behavior, and repeat this routine to normalize the baby’s presence. Monitor every visit between dog and baby and watch for stress signals, like pacing, yawning, and lip-smacking. If you see any of these, end the visit with a gentle redirection without punishment and try again another time.

Future best friends

Prioritize consistency and keep your dog’s usual routine going, maintaining walks and playtime to prevent jealousy and anxiety. Provide a safe, baby-free zone for your dog to relax in, especially as the baby grows and becomes more curious. Be consistent, teach gentle interactions, monitor visits, and work with a dog trainer if you need help.

Natalie Derrickson is a writer based in Indianapolis