Dogs and Babies: Building Bonds Safely from the Start
Bringing a baby home is a huge life change—not just for parents, but for the family dog too. With the right preparation and understanding, dogs and babies can live together safely and peacefully. Organizations like Family Paws Parent Education and Kids Around Dogs (KAD) have long emphasized the importance of proactive planning, supervision, and empathy when it comes to integrating dogs and young children.
👶🐕 Why Planning Ahead Matters
It’s a common myth that dogs will naturally "know" how to behave around babies. In reality, dogs don’t generalize across different human behaviors, sizes, or sounds. Babies cry, move erratically, and sometimes pull tails. This can be overwhelming or even frightening for a dog.
According to Family Paws, “Even the most tolerant dog can become stressed or overwhelmed by the significant changes a baby brings into their environment” (Family Paws, 2023). Preparation helps dogs feel safe and gives caregivers the tools to manage interactions wisely.
🧠 Understanding Canine Body Language
A crucial part of creating a safe dog-and-baby relationship is learning canine body language. Family Paws teaches the concept of “Dog Aware”—a mindset that keeps caregivers attuned to subtle signs of stress, such as:
Lip licking
Yawning
Turning away
Freezing
Whale eye (seeing the whites of the eyes)
These signals often go unnoticed, but recognizing them can help prevent bites or conflict before they escalate. As KAD founder Debby Lucken says, "Dog body language is their way to speak to us... we must become fluent" (Kids Around Dogs, 2022).
👣 Managing Space and Supervision
Both Family Paws and KAD emphasize the importance of supervised and managed space:
Use baby gates or pens to create safe zones for both baby and dog.
Offer your dog peaceful retreat areas where children are not allowed to follow.
Avoid putting pressure on the dog to interact.
Family Paws introduces the “5 Types of Supervision” model, where only “Active and Awake” supervision is considered safe for dog and baby interactions. Anything else—distracted, multitasking, or asleep—is a risk.
KAD also teaches children the importance of boundaries using programs like the “Blue Dog”, which helps kids understand when to interact with dogs and when to give them space.
💡 Tips for Before Baby Arrives
Here are a few Family Paws- and KAD-endorsed tips to prepare:
Adjust routines early so changes don’t get associated with the baby.
Introduce baby sounds, smells, and objects gradually (e.g., play recordings of baby cries at low volume).
Reinforce calm behavior around baby gear like cribs and swings.
Practice stationing or teaching your dog to go to a mat during feedings or diaper changes.
As Family Paws puts it: “Preparation is not about teaching your dog to love your baby—it’s about building trust in the new dynamic” (Family Paws, 2021).
🧒 When the Baby Becomes a Toddler
Toddlers are even more unpredictable than infants. They move quickly, make sudden noises, and often lack impulse control. This stage is when most bites happen, and it’s why KAD runs child-centered educational programs that teach empathy, respect, and safe behavior around dogs.
Simple rules like:
No hugging or sitting on the dog
Never disturb a sleeping or eating dog
Ask an adult before interacting
...can dramatically reduce risk.
❤️ Building a Lifelong Bond
With patience, preparation, and ongoing education, dogs and children can form meaningful, lifelong relationships. Both Family Paws and Kids Around Dogs show that it’s not about forcing interactions, but about creating an environment where mutual trust and respect can grow.
Whether you’re expecting a baby or navigating toddlerhood, you don’t have to go it alone. Look into certified Family Paws Parent Educators or KAD-approved trainers for support tailored to your family’s needs.
🔗 References & Resources
Family Paws Parent Education: https://www.familypaws.com
Kids Around Dogs: https://www.kidsarounddogs.co.uk
Lucken, D. (2022). Creating Safe Bonds Between Kids and Dogs. KAD UK.
Stillwell, V. (Contributor). (2023). Family Paws Webinar Series.
Family Paws Parent Education. (2021–2023). Dog and Baby Safety Webinars and Handouts.
