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5 Skills to Teach Your Dog Before the Baby Arrives

Go to your mat, leave it, gentle off, stroller walking and waiting at doors: why each matters and how to teach it.

1. Go to your mat: your dog relaxes nearby while you feed the baby.
2. Leave it: for dropped pacifiers, toys and socks.
3. Gentle off: four paws on the floor, especially when you hold the baby.
4. Walk next to a stroller: practice with it empty first.
5. Wait at doors: no bolting when your hands are full.

5 minutes a day, with rewards.

Calm Nursery: Dog Meets Baby

The trimester-by-trimester plan to prepare your dog for your baby, plus a homecoming plan. Reward-based, 6 printable tools.

See the plan →

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Quick answers

What should I teach my dog before having a baby?

Useful skills include going to a mat, leave it, not jumping, walking calmly next to a stroller and waiting at doors.

How long does it take to teach these skills?

A few weeks of short daily sessions for most dogs.

Is it too late if the baby is due soon?

No. Start with go to your mat and the supervision rules, and add others later.

Educational content from the CalmNursery team. Not veterinary or behavioral advice for your specific dog. If your dog has bitten, or behavior changed suddenly, see your veterinarian and a certified professional.