For some dogs, a baby’s cries can be overwhelming or prompt a fear response. Follow these steps for safe and effective solutions.
Just as the cries of a new baby can make a new parent anxious, they may often have the same effect on dogs. Dogs who have never been around babies might be overwhelmed by or afraid of a baby's cries, which can lead to anxiety-related behaviors such as chewing, toileting accidents, and sometimes aggressive behavior. There are things you can do, however, to minimize the stress your dog feels when your baby cries.
Safety between dogs and babies
Your baby’s safety is the top priority as you work to desensitize your dog to your baby's cries.
It is vital to set up fail-safe, physical barriers between your baby and your dog while your dog gets used to and acclimates to the baby being in the home, even if your dog isn’t afraid of the baby’s cries. Put safety measures in place well before the baby comes home, so you can avoid any situation where your dog becomes overwhelmed. This can happen with even highly social dogs if they are frightened or stressed, and it is especially important for dogs who are fearful or sensitive to the sounds your baby makes.
Provide your dog a safe space away from baby noises
Long before you bring your baby home, or have a baby stay with you, set up a safe space for your dog that she can freely escape to if she becomes overwhelmed. This could be a separate room or area of your home, a crate if she is comfortable in one, or a gated area. Make the space comfortable and inviting for her. Your dog should be able to get further away from the sound of crying whenever she feels nervous.
Create a positive association with the sound of baby cries
If your dog is generally sensitive to new or unusual noises, she might become agitated or frightened when she hears a baby crying. You will likely need to spend more time preparing a sound-sensitive dog than a dog who isn’t as sensitive to new sounds.
To help your dog get used to a crying baby in advance, purchase a recording of realistic baby noises and play it frequently. Even though it will not be the unique cries of your baby it will help your dog get used to the sounds a baby makes.
- Play the recording at a low volume, and at a distance away from your dog. When your dog hears the sounds, give her a high-value treat or play with her. This way, she can make an association that the sound of a crying baby means good things happen.
- Vary the times when you play the recording so that your teaching pattern is not on a schedule.
- Play the recording in short increments at first, so that you don’t overwhelm your dog.
- If your dog is afraid of the recorded baby noises, start with the volume even lower and gradually play it louder as your dog becomes more comfortable. Your dog’s comfort level should dictate the speed you go at — if she’s uncomfortable, lower the volume and proceed in smaller increments. This could take days for some dogs, or weeks for others.
Create a positive association with you holding a baby
Because you will often be holding or comforting a baby when he cries, create a positive association with the sight of you holding something by holding and carrying a doll before the real baby is in the home. Purchase a baby sized doll, wrap the doll in a blanket, and carry it around with you like you will do when your real baby arrives. This will get your dog used to the sight of you carrying something in your arms. Play your dog calming music and help her relax around the bundle you are holding.
You can then add the sound of a baby crying as you walk around holding the doll. If you download sounds of babies crying onto your phone, put the phone into the blanket, and carry around a “crying baby” for short periods of time. Remember to continue the positive association by giving your dog treats, attention, or having someone play with her as you do this. Repeat this exercise in different rooms and at different times of the day.
- Never leave your infant, baby or young child alone with your dog at any time, even for a few seconds, no matter how friendly your dog is.
Help your dog overcome fear of crying babies
By following the above techniques, your dog can learn that good things happen to her when the baby cries, so instead of being overwhelmed, the crying actually predicts positive things.
