Dogs, Puppies & Babies: Best Practices for Building Relationships

Bringing a new baby home is a big change for everyone in the house—including your four-legged family members. Whether you’ve got a calm older dog or a bouncy new puppy, building a positive relationship between your pet and your baby takes time, patience, and the right strategies.

Let’s tackle some of the most common questions about this big transition.

How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Get Used to a Baby?

First things first—how long is this process going to take? The truth is, it depends on your dog’s temperament, past experiences, and how you handle the introduction.

For many dogs, the adjustment period ranges from a few days to a few months. During this time, your dog is learning new sights, sounds, and smells—like that crying at 2 a.m. that wasn’t there before.

"Usually, dogs will pick up on changes in the house as the humans in their home prepare for a baby’s arrival," says dog breeder Jenna Stone, founder of JennaLee Designer Doodles. "This sounds crazy, but sometimes dogs are aware of a pregnancy before the people!"

Stone also adds that,"It may be helpful to be aware of your first 'baby' (the dog) and make sure you pay adequate attention to them as they process the upcoming changes. There isn’t a specific timeline I’d recommend, but exposure to babies and children during your pregnancy will always be helpful."

To speed up the process, use socialization strategies: let your dog sniff baby blankets and clothes before the baby arrives, and keep your dog’s routine as consistent as possible.

Reward calm, relaxed behavior around the baby with treats or praise so your dog learns that good things happen when the baby is near.

How Do You Introduce a Puppy to a Baby?

Puppies can be extra energetic—and sometimes a bit too excited about a new little human. So how do you introduce a puppy to a baby without chaos?

Start by keeping your puppy on a leash during the first introductions, and have a second adult help manage either the puppy or the baby. Let your puppy observe the baby from a safe distance and reward calm behavior with treats.

Gradually shorten the distance over multiple sessions, always watching your puppy’s body language. If you see wagging tails, soft eyes, and relaxed posture—great! If you see stiff movements or hyperactivity, it’s time to slow down.

"We recommend letting the first introduction between your dog and baby be very similar to the first meeting between your current dog and a potential second dog," says Stone.

"Whichever human the dog is closest to emotionally should be with the dog when they first meet the baby. That person should encourage and positively reinforce the dogs interaction with the baby as they sniff and interact with them. As the baby becomes a regular part of the household, be sure to let the dog engage with them regularly and continue to encourage positive interaction."

Related articles:

Can you buy a pre-trained puppy? Yes, you can

Here are the first 3 things you should train your puppy to do

Which dog breed is the easiest to train?

How Do I Get My Dog to Calm Down Around My Baby?

A wiggly, hyper dog can stress you out when you’re trying to juggle feeding, diaper changes, and nap time. So how do I get my dog to calm down around my baby? It starts with training and exercise.

A tired dog is a calm dog—make sure your pup gets plenty of physical and mental stimulation through walks, puzzle toys, or even short training sessions.

Practice basic obedience like “sit,” “down,” and “place,” so you can redirect your dog’s excitement when the baby is around. If your dog jumps or barks excessively, use consistent commands and rewards to reinforce calm behavior. Over time, your dog will learn that calmness is the way to get your attention and treats.

How Do I Stop My Dog from Being Jealous of My Baby?

It’s natural to worry about your dog feeling left out, so how do I stop my dog from being jealous of my baby? Dogs thrive on routine and attention, so carve out one-on-one time with your pup every day—even if it’s just a walk around the block or a quick game of fetch.

When you’re feeding, holding, or playing with the baby, occasionally toss a treat to your dog or give a pat on the head to show that the baby’s presence is a positive thing. This technique, called counter-conditioning, helps your dog associate the baby with good things rather than competition.

More about dogs & kids:

Surprising your kid with a puppy - good or bad idea?

Which dog breeds like kids the best?

Mini Bernedoodles & kids - the role of early socialization

Bonus Tips: Socialization & Training Matter!

Don’t underestimate the power of socialization and consistent training. Socialize your dog or puppy early and often—expose them to different sounds, smells, and sights so they’re more adaptable. Training builds a reliable communication channel between you and your dog, making it easier to manage any situation, baby or not.

Remember, every dog is different, and some may need extra time or professional help to adjust. When in doubt, consult a certified dog trainer or behaviorist to guide you through the process.

How to Discipline a Dog When They Don’t Behave

Even the best-trained dogs can sometimes get overexcited or forget their manners around a baby. So, how do you discipline a dog when they don’t behave—without making things worse?

First off, remember that discipline isn’t about punishment; it’s about teaching your dog what’s expected.

Start by using positive reinforcement training to reward the behaviors you want to see. For example, if your dog jumps up when you’re holding the baby, turn away and ignore them.

Only give attention (or treats) when they’re calm and have all four paws on the ground.

For more persistent misbehavior—like barking or getting too close to the baby’s things—use redirection.

Ask for a known command like “sit” or “place” to get your dog to settle, then reward them with praise or a treat.

Avoid yelling or harsh punishment, as that can cause fear and confusion—especially around the baby. Instead, be consistent with your commands and make sure everyone in the family is on the same page about the rules.

If the behavior doesn’t improve or if your dog shows signs of aggression, it’s time to bring in a professional trainer or behaviorist who can provide a tailored plan for your dog’s needs. A little guidance goes a long way toward creating a safe and happy home for both your dog and your baby.

Jenna and the JLDD Team