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By Norma Jeanne Laurette  IntroductionBringing a new puppy, dog or baby home is an event that fills families with excitement and anticipation however, it can also lead to a unique set of challenges. Puppies are playful, energetic and curious, while babies are tiny and vulnerable. With careful preparation these new family members can form safe, loving and lasting bonds but without it, it can end in heartbreak. By approaching each step with patience and consistency, you can create a harmonious home where dogs and children thrive together. Your goal is to make this transition as happy and stress-free as possible for everyone involved! Before The Dog Or Baby Comes HomePreparing your dog for the arrival of a new baby and preparing children before bringing home a new puppy or dog, is essential for preventing behaviour issues, minimizing safety risks and avoiding failed transitions that the dog always ends up paying for. Without proper preparation, dogs can experience feelings of abandonment, frustration, fear, stress or anxiety, which can lead to behavioural challenges such as demanding behaviour, regression in training, increased sensitivity, reactivity, excitability and resource guarding (R12). Children who are not properly prepared can overwhelm a new dog through rough handling, yelling, squealing, chasing or not respecting its space. These interactions increase the risk of dog bites along with long-term fear, stress and anxiety for the dog (R13) (R14). Preparing children in advance, along with careful introductions and consistent supervision helps nurture positive associations as well as trust, respect and harmony between dogs and children. Family Paws – Dogs & StorksFor families with dogs expecting a baby, the Dogs & Storks® online class from Family Paws Parent Education is an invaluable resource. Led by founder Jennifer Shryock, this 1.5-hour self-paced program helps parents prepare their dogs for the transition to life with a new baby. The course covers key topics such as (R12):
Bonuses include handouts, the Dogs & Storks webinar, guidance on the 5 Types of Supervision to prevent accidents and promote safety, an online community for parents and other resources (R12). By addressing common questions and offering insight into dog behavior, this course helps prevent conflicts and supports a smoother, lasting transition (R15). Preparing The Children For A New DogWhen introducing a new puppy or dog to a home with children, preparation focuses on educating the children about respectful interactions to avoid overwhelming the dog or provoking defensive behaviors. Teaching children to refrain from running, yelling, squealing, teasing, pulling tails or ears, chasing, grabbing, hugging or bothering the dog while eating or sleeping, significantly reduces bite risks. The truth is that most bites involving family dogs are preventable through preparation, education and supervision (R13) (R14). Parents should teach their children how to recognize a dog’s body language that communicates when it wants to be left alone. They need to respect those cues and never follow the dog when it walks away. Parents should demonstrate calm approaches and how to gently stroke the dog on the chest, shoulders or under the chin instead of the back or head (R16). Role playing these rules using a stuffed dog will help the children prepare for the real thing. Have them practice offering treats calmly from an open palm, proper and gentle handling and giving the dog space when resting or eating. They also need practice recognizing signs of stress such as holding still, yawning, lip-licking or turning away. Theseexercises will help the children become observant, aware, thoughtful, respectful and responsible (R34). Involve the entire family in setting boundaries such as no running, chasing, yelling or picking the dog up without an adult’s help, which is especially important for younger children. Assign designated dog zones and quiet times, framing these as ways to show kindness and respect so the dog feels safe and secure (R35). Be aware that if the children are not willing or able to follow instructions, bringing a new puppy or dog into your home is not a good idea. Begin these conversations early, ideally weeks or months in advance explaining that a dog is a living being with needs and deserving of respect, and that it’s not a toy or stuffed animal. Use engaging resources such as children’s books and videos showing how to care for and handle dogs, as well as demonstrating canine communication and body language. Family visits to breeders or shelters can also help the children learn about canine communication and behavior (R33). To nurture a feeling of inclusion and anticipation in the children, assign them age-appropriate tasks to help with the process, such as selecting safe and suitable toys, dog beds and choosing a name. Once the dog comes home they can participate by filling the water bowl and joining short, supervised play and training sessions. Plan dedicated one-on-one time with each child, including calm activities such as playing with or training the dog, or reading and colouring nearby while the dog rests or plays with its toys. This helps children understand that the dog adds to family fun without taking away your attention (R36). Register for puppy classes run by an educated, qualified and experienced 100% positive dog trainer who encourages the entire family to work as a team. Not only does this increase consistency, it also teaches the children how to properly train and handle a dog. This is when they learn to respect animals and develop the skills that will shape how they handle dogs for the rest of their lives – make it count. Always remember that close supervision is essential at all times. Never leave young children and dogs unsupervised, because they are not capable of the level of responsibility required to keep everyone safe. If you can’t watch them for any reason make sure they are separated by a secured barrier. Preparing children for the arrival of a new dog helps manage expectations, reduces the likelihood of dog bites and teaches the children empathy, compassion, respect and responsibility (R32). My sister Margaret Ann Frank, Greg Ceci and I published a book entitled Puppy Says Let’s Be Friends. This book is a heart-warming tale that teaches children the magic of kindness, patience and the joy of building a lifelong friendship with their new dog. Children who understand what is in this book know more than a lot of adults and have a much higher chance of preventing bites and building a loving relationship with their dog. Preparing The Dog For A New BabyPreparing a dog for the arrival of a new baby involves proactive training and routine adjustments that can significantly ease the transition for both the dog and family by reducing stress and helping prevent numerous issues. We start this process by reinforcing basic training cues such as ‘sit,’ ‘down,’ ‘stay,’ ‘leave it’ and ‘go to your bed’. This will ensure that the dog responds reliably to instructions and can control itself around the baby (R22). During pregnancy, gradually introduce any changes that will occur to the dog’s daily routine such as walking times and feeding schedule, to mimic disruptions that are unavoidable with a new baby. This will help the dog adapt before the baby comes home, as well as preventing unpleasant associations and the resulting behaviour problems (R23). It’s important to desensitize the dog to baby-related sounds by playing recordings of cries, coos, and any other new sounds at a low volume. Gradually increase the volume to realistic levels, rewarding calm behavior with treats and praise to create pleasant associations (R24). You can easily download baby sounds online and follow the desensitization steps. Another effective strategy is to introduce the dog to the baby’s scent before it arrives. Bring home a blanket, piece of clothing or towel the baby has used, and let the dog sniff it while offering praise, treats or playtime to build a positive association (R25). It can also be helpful to introduce the dog or puppy to other people’s calm and respectful children, and the children to suitable dogs or puppies before the big day. Use a doll to practice routines such as feeding, diapering and rocking, while teaching the dog to stay calm, keep its paws on the ground or settle on its bed with an appropriate chew (R26). This is also a good opportunity to teach the dog to walk politely beside the empty stroller during daily walks. Allow your dog to explore new baby items under supervision, both before and after the baby arrives, to satisfy curiosity and ease the transition (R28). Months before the baby comes home, it’s crucial to address any existing behavior issues that could be disruptive or dangerous for the baby, such as barking, jumping up or resource guarding. If necessary, contact an educated, qualified, experienced and positive dog behavior expert to guide you through the process (R31). To encourage quiet behaviour while the baby is sleeping, start by teaching your dog to engage in calm, independent activities for extended periods of time. Provide appropriate aromatic chew items and enrichment options that will keep the dog occupied. Teaching cues such as ‘settle’ and ‘shush’ and consistently rewarding calm, quiet behaviour can help prevent disturbances when the baby comes home (R27). Setting up baby gates or exercise pens several days in advance helps establish clear boundaries, such as limiting access to the nursery or keeping the dog out of the way while the baby is on the floor. Create a designated area where your dog can safely chew or enjoy enrichment activities, to provide both safety and peace of mind. Introduce this space weeks ahead so the dog forms a positive association, rather than linking it with isolation or the baby’s arrival. For a list of 50 enrichment ideas, see my article Canine Enrichment. To prevent the dog from feeling neglected after the baby comes home, provide plenty of attention through dedicated playtime, walks and cuddle sessions. Enlist help from family members or qualified, positive dog walkers or daycares if needed to ensure that the dog’s needs are met and reinforcing that the baby is an addition to the family, not a replacement (R29). Involve the dog in baby-related activities when appropriate, such as calm stroller walks, supervised greetings or lying nearby while you feed or spend time with the baby. Always supervise interactions and reward good behavior to help the dog feel included and prevent jealousy (R30). IntroductionsThe first introduction between a new dog or puppy and children is a key step in shaping their lifelong relationships. Focus on calm, controlled and positive experiences to help prevent overwhelming the dog or encouraging behaviors that could lead to nipping or fear (R38). Arrange the initial greeting in a neutral, open space such as a yard, quiet park or spacious indoor area so the dog doesn’t feel cornered and everyone can move comfortably. Keep the dog on a loose leash to allow for gentle redirection if necessary and have the children sit quietly on the ground or a low surface so they appear smaller and less intimidating. Standing, running or loud squealing can frighten or over-stimulate a dog and trigger jumping or mouthing behaviours (R39). Just before the introduction, remind the children of the key rules and demonstrate them clearly; speak softly, avoid sudden movements and allow the dog to approach at its own pace rather than forcing interactions. As the dog shows interest by sniffing feet, hands or legs, guide the children to offer an open, flat palm with a treat or let the dog sniff a closed fist. This encourages gentle, safe contact and reduces the risk of fingers being nipped. Once the dog is comfortable, allow gentle stroking on the chest, under the chin or along the sides. Avoid hugging or touching the head, face, ears, tail and paws, which can be intrusive or frightening for the dog (R40). Use calm verbal praise and small, healthy treats to reward the dog for relaxed behavior and praise the children for following the rules, to create pleasant associations for everyone. Keep the first session brief, about 5 to 10 minutes to prevent fatigue or overstimulation. Then guide the dog to a quiet rest area for a nap or chew break while the family decompresses and discusses their first interaction. If at any time the dog shows signs of hesitation or fear such as avoidance, stiff body, lowered posture, tucked tail, avoiding eye contact, lip licking or yawning, or if it displays overly excited behaviour or hard mouthing, calmly end the greeting and start again after a break. Ongoing supervision is essential! Never leave any young child unsupervised with a dog as playful nips or rough handling can quickly escalate to serious problems. Build their time together gradually with short, frequent, supervised sessions. Always monitor the dog’s body language for signs of stress and immediately intervene by redirecting the dog or providing a brief separation when necessary. Over time, when you learn to trust both the dog and children and depending on the age of the children, you can begin to gradually relax the 100% supervision rule. SummaryBy planning ahead and preparing your home, dogs and children for the changes to come, you can minimize stress, ensure safety and nurture strong relationships from the start. With patience and consistency, these steps can set you up for success and a lifetime of happy memories for the entire family. ResourcesPreparing Your Dog For A New Baby Dogs & Storks® Online Class (Family Paws Parent Education): A 1.5-hour self-paced course. https://www.familypaws.com/courses/dogs-storks Dogs & Toddlers Online Class (Family Paws): A shorter follow-up course for families with crawling babies/toddlers, focusing on ongoing safety and interactions. https://www.familypaws.com/courses/dogs-toddlers/ Family Paws Online Community & Support Line For Parents & Other Resources https://www.familypaws.com/resources Preparing Children For A New Puppy Family Paws Body Language PDFs and Video https://www.familypaws.com/family-paws-body-language-pdf/ Family Paws Body Language Colouring Sheets & Other Resources https://www.familypaws.com/resources Doggone Crazy Board Game, Video, Flash Cards & EBooks For Kids (Joan Orr & Teresa Bessette Lewin – The original dog body language disseminators): The Doggone Crazy Board Game is an interactive educational game for kids and families to learn about dog body language, recognizing safe and unsafe situations and practicing decision-making. https://doggonecrazy.ca/ References(R1) Honest Paws – Overstimulated Dogs: Signs, Causes and Supportive Strategies (R2) Woodgreen Pets Charity / Various expert sources on puppy overstimulation signs (R3) Oh My Dog Blog – Dogs and Toddlers: A realistic guide (R4) Animal Humane Society – Expert advice on raising young kids with canines (R5) Animal Humane Society / Augusta Dog Training – Environmental management tips (R6) ASPCA / Humane Society resources on supervision (R7) The Spruce Pets / NASC – Positive reinforcement training for puppies around kids (R8) Beyond the Dog / Various positive trainers on socialization (R9) Animal Humane Society – Dog body language basics (R10) Pooch Parenting – Reward Chart for Good Behavior – Kids and Dogs (R11) Doggone Safe / Family Paws – BE A TREE! Don’t FLEE! (R12) Humane Broward / Pet Professional Guild – Be a Tree program details (R13) IAABC Journal / Various expert sources on common challenges and professional help (R12) Family Paws Parent Education. (n.d.). Dogs & Storks Online Class. https://www.familypaws.com/courses/dogs-storks/ (R13) Nemours KidsHealth. (n.d.). Preventing Dog Bites. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/dog-bites.html (R14) Best Friends Animal Society. (n.d.). Prevent a Dog From Biting Children. https://bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/how-prevent-dog-biting-children (R15) Family Paws Parent Education. (n.d.). How We Support Families. https://www.familypaws.com/how-we-support-families (R16) Preventive Vet. (2024). Prevent Dog Bites: Dog and Child Safety Tips. https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/prevent-dog-bites-with-children (R17) Purina. (2025). Introducing Puppies and Children: The Essential Guide. https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/puppy/behaviour/introducing-puppies-and-children (R18) Animal Humane Society. “Expert advice on raising young kids with canines.” https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/expert-advice-raising-young-kids-canines (R19) Facebook. “Including kids in dog training for a closer bond.” https://www.facebook.com/groups/CampbellK9University/posts/3011858312372551 (R20) River Landings Animal Clinic. “4 Ways to Involve Kids in Dog Training.” http://www.riverlandingsanimalclinic.com/news/2021/1/19/4-ways-to-involve-kids-in-dog-training (R21) Beyond the Dog Training. “How to include children in raising a puppy.” https://beyondthedogtraining.com/puppy-training/how-to-include-children-in-raising-a-puppy (R22) Babylist. “What to Know About Preparing Your Dog for Baby.” https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/how-to-prepare-dog-for-baby (R23) Hilton Butler. “How to Prepare Your Dog for a New Baby.” https://www.hiltonbutler.com/blog/prepare-dog-for-new-baby (R24) Dog Meets Baby. “How To Prepare Your Dog For Baby Coming Home.” https://www.dogmeetsbaby.expert/post/how-to-prepare-your-dog-for-baby-coming-home-2 (R25) Facebook. “Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby with 7 Essential Steps.” https://www.facebook.com/groups/thelibary/posts/8557966134234989 (R26) ASPCA. “Dogs and Babies.” https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dogs-and-babies R27 Animal Humane Society. “Preparing your pet for a new baby.” https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/preparing-your-pet-new-baby (R28) Oregon Humane Society. “Preparing Your Pet for Baby’s Arrival.” https://www.oregonhumane.org/portland-training/preparing-your-pet-for-babys-arrival (R29) Toronto Humane Society. “Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby.” https://www.torontohumanesociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Dog-and-Baby-Prep-Info-Sheet.pdf (R30) Dog Gone Problems. “Free Tips for Newborns and Dogs: Preparing Dogs for a New Baby.” https://www.doggoneproblems.com/jerry-morty-prep-for-new-baby (R31) Twin Cities Birth Center. “Preparing Your Pooch for Baby’s Arrival.” https://www.twincitiesbc.com/blog/preparing-your-pooch-for-babys-arrival (R32) Whole Dog Journal. “Puppies and Kids: How to Set Up for Success.” https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/puppies/puppies-kids-how-to-set-up-for-success (R33) The Puppy Academy. “Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners: The Dos and Don’ts of Puppies & Kids!” https://www.thepuppyacademy.com/blog/2021/7/12/puppyhood-made-easy-for-new-owners-the-dos-and-donts-of-puppies-amp-kids (R34) Lupa K9. “How to Prepare Kids for a New Puppy.” (adapted from similar sources; cross-referenced with Humane Society guidelines) (R35) Humane Society of Sonoma County. “Preparing Kids for a New Dog.” https://humanesocietysoco.org/dog-training/preparing-kids-for-a-new-dog (R36) The Everymom. “How to Prep Your Family for a Puppy.” https://theeverymom.com/how-to-prep-your-family-for-a-puppy (R37) Eastern Sierra Dog Rescue. “How to prepare children to welcome a new pet.” https://www.easternsierradogrescue.com/blog/how-to-prepare-children-to-welcome-new-pet (R38) Purina UK. “Easy Guide to Introducing Puppies and Children.” https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/puppy/behaviour/introducing-puppies-and-children (R39) RSPCA Knowledgebase. “How do I introduce a new dog or puppy to children?” https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/how-do-i-introduce-a-new-dog-or-puppy-to-children (R40) Preventive Vet. “How to Introduce a Puppy or Adult Dog to Your Children.” https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/how-to-introduce-a-puppy-or-adult-dog-to-your-children R41) Jinx. “How to Introduce a New Puppy to Children.” https://www.thinkjinx.com/blogs/news/how-to-introduce-a-new-puppy-to-children Photo By Sandra Monaco
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