Preparing Your Dog for Baby: 5 Thoughtful Steps Every Expecting Parent Should Take
Bringing a baby into your life is one of the most exciting—and let’s be honest, overwhelming—things you’ll ever do. And if you already have a dog, there’s probably one big question on your mind:
“How is our dog going to react to the baby?”
Here’s the thing: with a little planning and intention, your dog doesn’t have to feel left out or stressed. They can actually thrive during this transition and become a calm, confident part of your growing family.
But let’s talk about one of the most common issues I see when it comes to dogs and babies: unrealistic expectations.
A lot of people assume their dog will just know how to be gentle and calm around a baby. But here’s the reality—babies look, move, sound, and smell totally different from anything your dog has experienced before. To your dog, this tiny human is a complete mystery.
Even if your dog is generally sweet and well-behaved, that doesn’t mean they’ll automatically know how to act around a baby. And when we expect them to figure it out on their own, it can lead to stress, confusion, and sometimes unsafe situations.
Like anything new, dogs need time, support, and a chance to learn. When they don’t get that, things can get frustrating—not just for them, but for you, too.
The good news? There’s a lot you can do right now—before your baby even arrives—to help your dog feel safe, confident, included, and set up for success.
Here are five foundational steps you can take today to support both your dog and yourself in this next big chapter.
1. Truly Understand Your Dog’s World
The key to preparing your dog for baby is understanding how they process stress, change, and stimulation.
Ask yourself:
What makes my dog nervous, jumpy, or reactive?
Are there certain noises, sudden movements, or types of touch that they avoid?
Do they resource guard, startle easily, or have separation anxiety?
How does my dog act around other people, and animals inside the house and outside?
Understanding your dog’s sensitivities allows you to build a custom plan that honors their emotional needs. Every dog is different, and the more you understand now, the better you’ll be able to support them through the transition.
2. Look Deeper at Attention-Seeking Behaviors
That sweet paw on your leg or nose nudge while you sip coffee? Adorable. But these attention-seeking behaviors can become stressful and even a safety concern when you're cradling a newborn or trying to settle them to sleep.
Many dogs rely on our presence and affection to self-regulate. If they’ve never been asked to wait or spend time alone, the sudden shift when the baby comes can feel like emotional whiplash.
Start gently preparing now by rewarding independent, calm behavior. Create quiet moments during the day where your dog is nearby but not actively engaged. This helps reduce anxiety and builds their confidence to self-soothe.
3. Gain Clarity on What Will Change - Then Practice
One of the biggest stressors for dogs during the baby transition isn’t the baby—it’s the sudden rule changes.
Take time now to answer:
Will your dog still sleep in the same space?
Will access to furniture or certain rooms change?
Will their walk, play, or feeding schedule shift?
Once you’ve clarified what life will actually look like, you can begin practicing those changes—gradually, compassionately, and without rushing.
This prevents your dog from associating “baby = restrictions” and instead allows them to ease into their new normal before your baby even arrives.
4. Create Smart Safety Systems That Support Everyone
Safety doesn’t have to feel cold or clinical. Done thoughtfully, it can actually create more comfort and confidence for your dog.
Baby gates help you set boundaries while maintaining visibility and connection.
Kennels or cozy quiet zones offer retreat when the house gets loud or overstimulating.
Dog-only spaces can give your dog a sense of stability and peace.
Use these spaces positively. Never send your dog away as punishment—instead, associate these areas with calm, rest, and high-value chews or enrichment toys.
5. Start Training Now—and Build a Circle of Support
Consistency and calm start with you—and it’s so much easier to lead with presence and confidence when you have support.
Focus training time on:
Calm settling cues like “go to mat” or “place”
Leash manners (especially if you’ll be walking with a stroller soon!)
Staying relaxed around movement, new sounds, and being ignored
This is also the time to build your village. Who will help with walks postpartum? Can you lean on a trusted trainer, sitter, or neighbor? Can you outsource things like vet check-ups, or schedule dog food deliveries? Building these systems now means you won’t have to scramble later - and neither will your dog.
Final Thoughts:
You don’t have to choose between your dog and your baby. Your dog isn’t losing their place in your heart—they’re simply learning how to be part of a growing family. And when you guide them with confidence, they’ll meet the change with grace.
If you’re expecting a baby and want personalized and expert support to prepare your dog, I’m here to help. My work is rooted in science-backed training and compassion for both ends of the leash.
Bianca Barlow helps families build calm, confident relationships with their dogs - especially during big life transitions like parenthood. As the founder of Dogfulness Holistic Dog Training, she specializes in herding breeds and sensitive dogs, using positive, evidence-based methods rooted in empathy and connection. A Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator, certified life coach, and yoga instructor, Bianca takes a holistic approach that supports the entire household. Her work is practical, personalized, and focused on reducing stress, preventing conflict, and creating lasting harmony between dogs and their people. She’s coached hundreds of families across the U.S. and Europe, led workshops on canine behavior and mindful dog parenting.
www.dogfulnesscoaching.com | @dogfulness_