Bringing Home Baby to a Home with Dogs: A SurvivalGuide from One Mama to Another
Hi, I’m Kristen Taylor, owner of Auroraw, a holistic pet wellness retreat in Kent County, NB. I’m
beyond excited to team up with Tiny Tribe to help you navigate one of the most exciting and
let’s be real, sometimes nerve-wracking moments of your life: bringing home your newborn to
meet your dog.
Today, I’m writing not just as a certified professional canine nutritionist, holistic pet wellness
specialist and dog professional, but as a first-time mom who’s been exactly where you are.
When I brought my first daughter home, I had all the knowledge of a dog professional and the
same big feelings and worries that so many new moms experience when introducing their baby
to their beloved dog.
Your pup has been your first, and now you’re adding a human baby to the home. How do you
make sure everyone feels safe, loved, and calm? Let’s dive into practical, positive, and
research-backed tips to make this transition smooth for everyone (yes, including you, mama!).
This isn’t just pro advice, it’s what I lived through with my own dog, Aurora, during one of the
biggest transitions of our lives.
Before Baby Arrives: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
When I was pregnant, I leaned on trainers I trusted to help me plan for my baby’s arrival, it
made all the difference.
Introduce baby sights, sounds, and smells early.
We started by letting Aurora sniff baby creams, diaper balms, anything we would be using. Bring
home a baby blanket or onesie from the hospital so your dog can get familiar with your baby’s
scent. Research shows dogs rely on scent first when meeting new family members, and pre-
introducing your baby’s smell reduces anxiety later.
We let Aurora check out the stroller, hear baby cries (hello, YouTube baby sounds!) before our
daughter arrived. Dogs take comfort in familiarity.
Adjust routines ahead of time.
Babies bring unpredictable schedules and dogs love routine, it helps them feel secure. I
gradually started shifting walk times, bedtime, and feeding schedules a little at a time so that
Aurora’s world didn’t flip upside down overnight. A consistent routine helps dogs feel secure,
which is key to preventing jealousy or anxiety.
Brush up on obedience with positive reinforcement.
We refreshed basics like “leave it”, “sit,” “stay,” and “place/ go to bed” with praise, no harsh
corrections! Studies show positive reinforcement leads to better learning and lower stress for
dogs. Refreshing these cues helped us ensure we’d have tools ready when needed. Rewarding
calm, polite behaviour helped Aurora feel confident (and not left out).
Bringing Baby Home: The Big Introduction
Greet your dog first.
When you arrive home, have a partner hold the baby outside or in the car while you
greet your dog solo. This helps your pup burn off excited energy without jumping on the
baby.
Keep it calm and positive.
Bring your dog inside on a leash. Let them sniff the baby’s feet or blanket at a distance. Praise
and reward calm behaviour immediately. If your dog gets too excited, gently redirect them to
their bed, then try again.
Watch your dog’s body language.
Signs like yawning, lip licking, or turning away mean your dog is stressed. Give them space and
try shorter introductions next time. Never force your dog to remain.
Here’s where I get real: even with all the prep, it was hard.
Aurora was my first child in so many ways, my fur child, my heart. When we brought our
daughter home, Aurora was emotional. She started “mothering” her toys, carrying them around
and placing them carefully in a little den she made in our closet. When the baby cried, Aurora
would pace, whine, and bring her toys to me as if trying to help. It was heartbreaking to see her
so confused.
What helped?
Dedicated one-on-one time: We made it a priority that every night, Aurora got snuggle time
with me and her dad, just for her. Even 10-15 minutes of undivided attention reassured her that
she was still deeply loved.
Sticking to her routine: Despite the sleepless nights, we kept Aurora’s walks, meals, and
bedtime consistent. That predictability gave her the security she craved.
Slow, positive introductions: We let Aurora approach on her terms. We praised and treated
for calm interest. She learned that the baby wasn’t a threat, just a new, noisy family member!
Keep your dog’s mind and body busy: We increased her enrichment; puzzle toys, sniff
mats, kongs, training sessions, lick mats, agility games.. she needed more than just walks and
cuddle time. By engaging with her mind and body we strengthened our human-animal bond. A
staple in the Holistic Animal Wellness Paradigm. It also helps burn energy and reduce stress,
which decreases the risk of unwanted behaviours like barking or chewing.
Building a Happy, Safe Home for Both Your Baby and Dog
Here’s what worked for us and what I recommend to all the moms I work with:
Include your dog in baby time.
Let them be part of feedings, stroller walks, and cuddle time,
always rewarding calm, gentle behaviour.
Create safe spaces.
We used baby gates to create dog-free zones and made sure Aurora had
her own cozy baby-free retreat when she needed a break.
Teach respect.
As soon as our daughter was mobile, we focused on teaching petting with
gentle open hands, no tail or ear pulling, no jumping or climbing on the dog and always
supervised baby-dog interactions.
Ask for help when you need it.
Whether it’s a trainer, or pet professional - like myself, having
support is key, because no one does this alone. I've got you.
Final Words From a Fellow Mama
Bringing home your baby to your dog is emotional and sometimes messy, but also beautiful.
The bond that grows between them will fill your heart.
Be patient, be kind to yourself, and remember: your dog isn’t “acting out”, they’re adjusting, just
like you are. Celebrate small wins: First sniff, first calm walk with baby = huge milestones. With
a little planning, a lot of love, and some nightly snuggles, you can help both your babies feel
secure and cherished. Remember: you’re not alone, reach out if you need guidance, and
celebrate every little success along the way.
