🦴 Updated on December 9th, 2024
When a new baby joins a family with a dog, navigating the dynamics between the two becomes a difficult task. Here’s how one mother managed to maintain harmony at home and keep both of her babies happy!
A Tough Start
When we brought our daughter Lily home, I was so worried. After seeing a friend forced to rehome her dog after she had her baby, I was determined to prevent Toby, our first “baby,” from feeling neglected or jealous.
Learning from Others’ Mistakes
I looked into every piece of online advice I could find, desperate to avoid the problems my friend encountered. Keeping Toby’s daily walks and playtime consistent was a top recommendation that I followed religiously.
Expert Insight Sets the Tone
Dr. Lisa Radosta, a veterinary behaviourist, said, “Introducing a new family member can be stressful for pets. Owners should manage changes gradually and maintain as much of the old routine as possible.” Her guidance reinforced my approach from day one.
It’s Me or the Dog
I found myself addicted to Victoria Stilwell’s YouTube videos and blog for tips on handling Toby and Lily’s dynamic. Her advice was a lifesaver. As she puts it, “To keep things harmonious, make sure your dog still feels like a valued part of the family with steady training and patience.”
The First Meeting: High Stakes
Their first meeting was simple but charged with tension (mostly mine!). I kept Toby securely on a short lead and watched closely as he sniffed around Lily. Everything I had read had said it was crucial to manage this introduction carefully to set a positive tone for their future interactions.
New Routines
Balancing a newborn’s demanding schedule with Toby’s needs turned out to be more stressful than anticipated. I felt overwhelming guilt not being able to give Toby the same undivided attention as before Lily’s arrival. It was even harder when the baby blues set in; his little sad face would set me off crying every time.
More Necessary Than Ever
Reinforcing Toby’s training became a daily necessity. Using firm commands like “sit” and “stay” helped manage his movements around Lily, ensuring everyone’s safety. It was tough enforcing these rules, but it meant we could maintain some order.
Constant Worry
Toby’s jealousy became my constant worry. There were moments he’d sulk or whine when I was too occupied with Lily, and it tugged at my heartstrings. I strived to give him extra love and attention whenever possible to mitigate his feelings of being left out.
Safety First
I enforced strict safety measures relentlessly. Employing baby gates and maintaining close supervision during their interactions were essential strategies to ensure both Toby and Lily had their secure spaces.
Special Moments
The first time Toby gently licked Lily’s hand was incredibly sweet yet filled with relief. It was a significant sign that perhaps, just perhaps, our efforts to balance their relationship were paying off. And yes, I cleaned her face afterwards!
Emotional Rollercoaster
The challenging days were so hard. When exhaustion overwhelmed me, managing both Toby and Lily felt nearly impossible. Those moments filled me with dread, fearing I might not be able to keep everything in balance.
Mixed Feelings
When Toby began to respond to Lily’s cries before I even noticed, it was a proud yet worrying moment. I was always on edge, concerned whether his alertness was a sign of stress rather than protective instinct.
Bonding Efforts
I made sure we included Toby in all family outings and activities. I never wanted him to feel left out.
Online Support
Social media was actually so helpful. I joined some groups of other pet-owning parents, and they became a lifeline, offering some really helpful tips and experiences I wasn’t finding in the books by experts.
Clarifying the Reality
The general public often underestimates the difficulty of introducing a dog to a new baby. It’s not just about the cute photos; it’s a serious, ongoing challenge that requires constant attention and adaptation.
Adapting: Always On My Toes
As Lily became more active, my concerns actually grew. I had to continually adapt to ensure their interactions remained positive and that Toby felt secure, not threatened.
Their Unique Relationship
Each relationship between a dog and a baby is unique. Accepting that what works for one family may not work for ours was essential for my sanity.
Looking Ahead
I plan to keep learning and planning how to better manage their relationship as they both grow. But honestly, when they are both sitting on the sofa watching Peppa Pig, I do feel like I’ve cracked it.
Prepare Thoroughly
If you’re about to introduce a baby to your dog, start preparing now. Do not underestimate the complexities and the mixed emotions you’ll have. Make sure you arm yourself with every resource available.
All Worth It
It’s been tough but seeing Toby and Lily together, happy and safe, has been incredibly rewarding.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Regina Burganova.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
