When is the right time to bring a baby and a dog together, and what are some tips for getting them to get along?

When considering bringing a baby and a dog together, we'll explain when is the best time to do so.

Timing is key to getting your baby and dog to get along

If you're bringing a dog into a household with a baby

We recommend bringing a dog into your home after the baby's first 100 days.

Immediately after giving birth, the owner's health may not be at its best, and newborn babies have weak immune systems, so they can't go outside for about a month after birth.

Therefore, if you bring a dog into your home at this time, you may neglect walks and necessary training, which could lead to your dog becoming underexercised and becoming stressed.

For the health and development of both your baby and your dog, it's best to time your arrival accordingly.

When a baby moves into a household with a dog

If you already have a dog and are expecting a baby, it's not a good idea to send your dog to another facility.

After being taken away from home, you'll finally come home to a new baby.

This can be very stressful for your dog.

Instead of sending your dog to another facility, keep him at home and introduce him to your puppy once things have settled down after the birth. Gradually increase the amount of time they spend together.

What training should I do before giving birth?

If you already have a dog and are expecting a baby, there are some good ways to train your dog beforehand.

・Teach your baby to wait!

They may become interested in the baby and want to play, or they may become interested in the baby's toys or food and snatch them away.

To curb these instinctive behaviors, it's a good idea to teach your baby to wait.

・Teach your dog to walk behind you

When carrying a baby in narrow spaces like stairs or hallways, if your dog slips under your feet or runs around, it could cause an accident.

It's always a good idea to teach your dog to walk behind you.

・Take it on for walks! Teach your dog to follow the lead

If your dog runs into the stroller or into other places, the leash may get caught in the stroller, or in the worst case, it may tip over.

If your dog tries to go too far, pulling on the leash immediately and giving a treat when your dog stops is a good way to teach your dog to follow the lead.

・Get your dog used to daily checks

Maintaining your dog's health is important to reduce the risk of illness and infection.

To make daily health checks easier, it's a good idea to get your dog used to having its mouth, eyes, ears, and other parts touched at any time.

・Don't forget vaccinations and regular checkups

Regularly administer heartworm prevention, parasite (flea and tick) prevention, and rabies and various combination vaccinations. Regular seasonal health checkups can minimize adverse effects on your baby.

Daily grooming can also help prevent skin diseases.

What preparations should I make before giving birth?

In addition to the dog training tips mentioned above, there are other things you should prepare. We'll cover each item separately.

・Prepare a playpen or crib

Make sure the dog is tall enough that it can't climb over it.

Even if you don't allow your dog in the bedroom, it's a good idea to prepare a bed with railings just for your baby in the living room where they spend the day, so you can do housework and feel safe.

Dog playpens and crates

The opposite of the previous point, these are designed to protect your dog from babies. They provide an escape route for your dog if a curious baby tries to force their way over it.

The ideal height is one that your dog can easily jump over but your baby can't.

・Practice using a stroller

If you plan to walk your dog in a stroller, it's a good idea to get one and practice using it beforehand.

Strollers can be trickier to use than you might think, and some dogs may become frightened or excited.

When doing so, be sure to take extra care to ensure that not only your baby but also your dog doesn't get caught in the stroller.

・Divide Care Duties

Postpartum mothers may find caring for a dog a burden due to hormonal changes.

For example, dogs need to be walked every day, but finding the time can sometimes be difficult.

Not being able to go for walks can cause stress, which can lead to behavioral problems.

Consider using a dog boarding service or pet sitter, and ideally, live a stress-free life for the owner, baby, and dog.

The day your baby and dog meet

1. Keep your dog on a secure leash to prevent it from jumping on the baby.
2. Then, one spouse holds the baby, while the other holds the dog.
3. Gradually introduce the two together, observing their reaction.

It's also effective to give your dog a treat at this time, making him feel like good things will happen when he's around your dog!  

※Don't use a leash that's too tight. This will make your dog even more nervous.  

Treat your dog, not just your baby, with love!

This is a difficult time for you, with postpartum fatigue, baby care, and housework, but please show your love to your beloved dog.

Your dog may exhibit problematic behavior due to confusion or loneliness. However, that's simply because he wants you to play with him or pay him attention.

When your baby is sleeping, or other times, set aside some time to give your dog some alone time. Give him lots of physical contact and show him your love.  

When the Baby Grows Up

Once your baby starts walking, they may chase your dog around or fight over toys out of curiosity. This can suddenly cause stress.

The stress can cause your dog to growl at your baby or, in the worst case, bite them.  

However, your dog is simply trying to protect itself.  

If your dog shows signs of stress, rather than getting angry, try to separate them from the baby.  

Both your baby and your beloved dog are important family members. If you don't give up and let them get used to each other, even if it doesn't work out at first, they'll surely get along.

Finally

While there are some things to be careful about when living with a baby and your beloved dog, such as infectious diseases and accidents, there are also many benefits.

It would be great if you could make thorough preparations so that your baby and your beloved dog can live together happily and comfortably, and create a new family style!