One of the biggest concerns that pet owners have is how to introduce their dog to a newborn baby. Before the newborn infant came, your dog was probably considered the “baby” of the house and might not be too happy to have someone take his or her place. With all the horror stories you see in the news about dogs hurting infants, it’s understandable why many pet owners and new fathers or mothers are nervous about introducing the baby to their dog. But what you have to remember is that the statistics are few and far in between. Still, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Here are a few tips to ensure that your baby remains safe without making your pet dog feel left out in the process:

1. One of the most obvious precautions to take is to never leave your dog with your baby unattended especially if the baby is asleep. Even if your dog does not mean any harm, he will naturally be curious and poke or nuzzle the extremely delicate newborn. Set the baby’s nursery as a prohibited place for your dog.

2. While you establish boundaries (i.e. not letting your dog in the nursery), you should also make sure that you give your pet ample opportunity to familiarize himself with the baby. The more familiar he is with the baby, the less threatening it will seem to him and vice versa. You can have your pet go near the baby but with your supervision of course. You can also let your pet smell the baby’s belongings so that eventually he will also associate that smell with the house and with family.

3. Just as an added precaution, you should also take extra care to groom your pet. Make sure that their coat is brushed regularly so they’re shedding less frequently and thus not posing too big of a risk for allergies. Also make sure that their nails are clipped.

4. A helpful tip that many pet owners recommend is to have the mother come into the house first by herself and then spend a bit of time with the dog. Afterwards, she can then bring the baby in the house. This way the dog will know that he still has a personal relationship with his “mom”.

5. Finally, it might be a good idea to give your pet some new toys and treats on the same day that you are bringing the baby home. Not only will these keep him busy, it will also let him know that he is still loved. And that is really the bottom line- letting your pet feel that your love for your new baby does not, in any way, diminish your love for him. Once your dog realizes that the newborn baby is not a replacement for him, but rather a happy addition to the family, then you will find that he will actually begin to care for your new baby in the same way that he cares and looks out for you!