Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby: Top Things to Teach Before Baby Comes Home

When I picked up my current board and train dog, his parents had just welcomed a brand-new baby, literally that same day. As I was reviewing their intake forms and wishlist of what they hoped their dog would learn during his stay, I found myself thinking: are these the right priorities for a dog who’s about to live with a newborn? Or are there other skills that might serve the whole family even better in this next chapter? That line of thought led me to write this post: a guide to the most important things to teach your dog when you're bringing a baby into the home.

1. Place Command

The "place" command is a lifesaver for parents. It teaches your dog to go to a specific spot and stay there until released. This gives your dog a job to do and keeps them calm and out of the way during feedings, diaper changes, or tummy time. Practice this regularly so your dog sees their place as a safe, relaxing space.

2. Impulse Control

From stroller wheels to fallen pacifiers, your dog is about to be surrounded by exciting (and off-limits) new objects. Teaching impulse control through exercises like waiting at thresholds, waiting for food, or calmly accepting petting helps your dog learn patience. This makes them less likely to snatch baby toys, jump up, or get underfoot when you’re juggling bottles and burp cloths.

3. Leave It

Whether it’s a teething toy, a used diaper, or a tiny sock, your dog will find all kinds of baby items that are tempting to chew on. "Leave it" is a must-know command that teaches your dog to disengage from something as soon as you ask. It can prevent everything from ruined baby gear to costly vet visits.

4. Desensitization to Baby Sounds

Babies are loud. They cry, coo, and squeal—often without warning. Start exposing your dog to baby sounds early by playing recordings at a low volume and rewarding calm behavior. Gradually increase the volume over time. The goal is for your dog to stay relaxed, not reactive, when your baby starts vocalizing.

5. Structured Walks

A structured walk isn't just good exercise; it teaches your dog to follow your lead. Practicing calm, focused leash walking before the baby arrives will make stroller walks much easier later. If your dog pulls or reacts to other dogs, now’s the time to work on it. If you don't have time for structured walks, consider finding a good on-leash Dog Walker to help you out.

6. Respecting Boundaries

Even the sweetest dogs can get overwhelmed by a crawling baby who doesn’t know boundaries. Teach your dog that certain spaces (like the nursery or baby play mat) are off-limits unless invited. Use baby gates, thresholds, and consistent routines to help them understand where they are and aren’t allowed.

7. Relaxation on Cue

Sometimes, the best thing your dog can do is nothing at all. Teaching your dog how to settle on command or offering calming activities like chew time in their crate helps them learn to self-soothe. This is especially useful when your attention is focused on the baby.

Final Thoughts

Dogs thrive on structure, leadership, and clear communication, things that can get lost in the shuffle when you bring a newborn home. By teaching these key skills in advance, you’re helping your dog feel confident and secure during a big life change.

Start small, stay consistent, and remember: preparation now leads to peace later.

If you’d like help preparing your dog for life with a baby, reach out - I would love to help with your Dog Training goals!