🐶👶 6 Tips for Dogs and Babies

👉 Personally compiled by the editor・A must-read for new dog owners and parents in Hong Kong

For many Hong Kong dog owners who become parents, the biggest concern is: How can they maintain a safe and harmonious relationship with their beloved dog and newborn baby? I've personally experienced this myself, and my friends' dogs initially became anxious and even eager to compete for attention, not understanding the addition of a tiny new person. Just like babies, dogs need time to adjust. With the right approach, they can become the ultimate guardians. Below are six tips I've compiled to help you.

🏡 1. Prepare the environment in advance

🔧 Lay a solid foundation to avoid sudden changes

• Before the baby is born, arrange the dog's living area, such as a sleeping area and an activity area.
• Gradually restrict your dog from using the bed and sofa to avoid suddenly prohibiting them when the baby arrives and making them feel neglected.
• You can play a recording of a baby crying in advance and wait for the dog to slowly get used to the sound.

Editor's reminder: Dogs are most afraid of "sudden changes", so there will be no emotional problems if you transition slowly.

👃 2. Let your dog get familiar with the baby's scent

🍼 Smell is the most important signal for dogs

• Before returning the baby home, you can bring diapers and towels for the dog to sniff.
• Once the dog knows there will be a new member in the house, he won’t suddenly feel like a complete stranger.
• When the baby returns home, the dog can sniff from a safe distance to create positive associations.

Editor’s Note: I once accompanied a friend and let his dog sniff a small towel used by the baby. The dog immediately calmed down, as if it knew there was a new friend at home.

🐕 3. Keep your dog’s attention on a daily basis

💖 Don’t make your dog feel replaced

• Even if you have a baby, you should still take your dog for a walk and interact with it every day.
• You can arrange for your partner or family members to help ensure your dog gets enough exercise.
• Give your dog treats as rewards at the right time to let him know that he is still an important member of the family.

The editor emphasizes: If a dog feels neglected, it may have negative emotions towards the baby.

👶 4. Establish safe distance and rules

🚧 Safety always comes first

• In the early stages, do not let the dog have direct contact with the baby. You can use a fence or crib rails to separate them.
• Train the dog to learn basic commands, such as "sit down", "don't be depressed", and "wait for the line".
• When the dog calms down, slowly shorten the distance and gradually build trust.

The editor recommends: There must be adult supervision, and babies and dogs should never be left alone.

🎁 5. Associate the baby's appearance with "good things"

🍖 Positive training to create a happy impression

• When the baby is around, give the dog his favorite treat or toy.
• Gradually make the dog feel that baby = good things, and it will not resist.
• Avoid restricting only the dog when the baby is present; otherwise, it will equate to "baby = trouble."

I have seen a friend do this, and the effect is very good. After that, when the dog heard the baby crying, it would walk over and wait for the reward.

🕰️ 6. Give time and be patient

⏳ Adaptation needs process

• Both dogs and babies need time to get familiar with each other, so owners should not be impatient.
• Some dogs may get used to it in a few days, while others may take several months.
• The owner should remain calm and not scold the dog because of its anxiety. Instead, he should guide the dog slowly.

Editor’s take: Dogs will quickly understand that babies are “family members” and as long as you patiently accompany them, most of them will eventually become their most loyal guardians.

📌 Editor's Summary

The key to a dog and baby's relationship isn't isolation, but gradual integration. Through environmental preparation, scent guidance, behavioral training, and positive encouragement , a dog can go from being initially confused to becoming a reliable older sibling. Most importantly, the owner must be fair in providing love so the dog doesn't feel out of favor. This creates true harmony and happiness in the home.