Jack, still snuggled up in his baby blanket at the North Island Hospital, Comox Valley.

The Magic Baby Blanket.

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been asked if the “Baby Blanket thing” really works, and I have to admit, until I was pregnant with my fist Little One I hadn’t really given it much thought.

Of course it works - that’s what every dog trainer recommends. Right?

When Georgia was born, a dear friend of mine was looking after Jasper (my overly sensitive Rat Terrier). My girlfriend visited me at St Paul’s Hospital, and asked if I wanted her to take one of the baby blankets home for Jasper to sniff.

Later that day she sent me a photo of Jasper curled up on her couch, with the baby blanket draped over him…he couldn’t have looked more pissed!

So the blanket thing, does it work?

A better question would be, “Is it necessary?” and the answer would be “No”.

Not only is it not necessary to bring home the baby’s blanket for your dog to sniff, it actually creates an extra level of stress/excitement for your dog - which is the last thing you want when brining a Little One home.

Okay, so “No” to the baby blanket. What should you be doing instead?

The good news is there are lots of things you can do to help your dog adjust to having a new born baby in the family. While all of these recommendations should be practiced during pregnancy, it’s never too late to start.

10 things you should do before you bring your baby home:

#1. Teach your dog how to greet visitors

This should include keeping all four paws on the ground, and not barking at people in the house. If you’re not sure how to do this let me know and I will happily find you a referral for an awesome trainer in your area who can assist you.

#2. Help your dog feel comfortable when left alone

You and your Little One are going to need some space over the next few months, especially when your baby starts to become mobile. The best thing you can do for your dog during this time is to help them feel safe when left on their own.

If you’re dealing with Separation Anxiety please reach out to me. I have a number of great resources to help you with this.

#3. Create a safe place for your dog to sleep at bedtime.

If your Little One is going to sleep in your bedroom, either cosleeping or in a bassinet, your dog needs to be safely contained during the night. This could include setting up a crate or puppy pen in your bedroom, or getting your dog to sleep in a different room.

#4. Set up a Mat & Tether

A Mat & Tether allows your dog to stay close, while preventing them from getting in the way while you’re busy caring for your Little One.

You’ll need a dog mat/blanket, a leash and harness, and some treats. Set the dog mat up close to you, and tether the leash to something heavy (table leg, couch). Your dog must be wearing a harness when tethered, do not attached the leash to your dog’s collar. Practice having your dog settle quietly on their mat, and reward with the occasional treat.

Note: A tether should never be used if your Little One is starting to move/crawl. If your baby is mobile you’ll want to use a Baby-Free Zone instead.

#5. Set up a Baby-Free Zone

This will become your dog’s sanctuary, especially once you Little One becomes mobile. No children are allowed in this space, and it should be an area where your dog already feels comfortable.

My Baby-Free Zone is the guest bedroom, with a baby-gate set up in the doorway. My dog can sleep on the guest bed (his favourite place to be) , has access to food and water, and can see everything that’s going on it the main area of the house.

If you’re limited for space a Baby-Free Zone could be as simple as your dog’s crate or puppy pen in a quiet area of the house, just make sure your baby can’t get access to it.

#6. Hire a dog walker

It doesn’t have to be every day, but this will go a long way to reducing the guilt you’ll feel when you realize your dog is no longer your #1 baby. Try and find someone who offers adventure hikes - your dog will really look forward to it.

#7. Set aside time for just you and your dog

Be it quiet snuggles on the couch once your Little One’s asleep, or getting grandparent’s to look after your baby while you go for a much need play date - just you, your dog, and a hot coffee.

#8. Teach your dog to walk with you, without pulling

If you’re not comfortable walking your dog, for any reason, you do not need to do it. Let me repeat that. You DO NOT need to walk your dog if you are worried that they will pull, bark at or lunge at other dogs/people - especially if you’re pushing a stroller, or have your baby in a carrier.

Saying that, I would highly recommend getting some professional help, and the sooner you start, the better.

For now, short trip outside to pee are enough. Leave the dog walking to someone else.

#9. Introduce your dog to the wonderful world of food puzzles

Not only are interactive food puzzles an awesome way to feed your dog, it’s also a great way to burn off some of the excess energy they may have.

I’m a big fan of snuffle mats, and anything by Nina Ottosson.

#10. Book a health check-up with your veterinarian

Let’s be honest, when was the last time your dog went in for a check-up? With a baby on the way now is the perfect time to get your dog in for a health check - because believe me, you wont have the time later.

Your dog should get check by their vet every year, but this is especially important for older dogs as they age. Joint pain, arthritis, hearing loss, all of these things can make living with a young child challenging, especially if undiagnosed.

Introducing your dog to your baby:

After a couple of exciting days at the hospital you’re now brining your Little One home…now what? How should you go about introducing your new born baby to your really excited dog?

The short answer is: you don’t.

That’s right, you do not need to introduce your dog to your baby.

Your dog is really excited to see you, so pass your Little One off someone else and take a few minutes to reconnect with your dog. You smell different, look different, move differently, it’s all very exciting - and all your dog really wants is you.

Once everything has calmed down, your dog will have plenty of opportunities to “check-out” the new family member from a distance, ideally from the safety of their Mat & Tether.

Wait until the excitement is over, and you and your Little One have settled in, then, when the time is right you may want to invite your dog in for a closer look. When you do, I recommend letting your dog sniff the feet, and not the face. A big dog nose up close can be scary, even for a new born, and any sudden movements could upset everyone.

Let me know if you have any questions, I’m always here to help.

The Magic Baby Blanket: Fact or Fiction?