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How to Introduce Your Dog to Your Newborn (Step by Step)

A calm, safe way to introduce your dog to your new baby on the first day home.

1. Before you're home: share a blanket with the baby's scent, with treats.
2. The arrival: the parent without the baby greets the dog first.
3. The meeting: once your dog is calm, sit with the baby. Dog on leash with another adult. A short look and sniff from a small distance, then reward and move away.
4. The rest of the day: normal routine and a long chew in the dog's retreat zone.

Short and boring is perfect.

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

How do I introduce my dog to my newborn?

After a calm greeting, let your leashed dog look and sniff briefly from a short distance while you sit with the baby, then reward and create distance.

Should I let my dog sniff my baby?

A brief, calm sniff from a short distance with an adult holding the leash is fine; keep it short and supervised.

What if my dog is too excited?

Wait until the dog is calm, use the leash, and try again later. Never force closeness.

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.