From Nervous Nellie to Best Friends: Introducing Our Baby to Our Dog
As a new mom, there are countless emotions swirling around when you bring your first baby home. Joy, excitement, and perhaps a little apprehension. But for me, there was an added layer of concern: how would our beloved 120-pound, gentle giant handle this monumental change?
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Before our baby arrived, our dog, Gunnar, was our world. We first laid eyes on him at an animal shelter when he was just a wee pup, and from that moment, we knew he would be a big part of our lives. Although his exact breed remained a mystery, the shelter workers estimated he might reach around 60 lbs based on a glance at his mom when the litter was picked up.
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Fast forward four years and 120 pounds later, Gunnar has become the gentle giant of our family. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Gunnar had a tendency to be a bit of a nerve knot, getting anxious about nearly everything—from kids loudly running around to the slightest noise at a campsite. Despite his size, he was as delicate as a lamb.
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With each passing day, Gunnar became more than just a pet; he was family. We spoiled him rotten, showering him with love and attention. So, as my due date approached, I couldn’t help but worry about how he would handle the arrival of our newest addition.
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Would he welcome the new addition? Or would he struggle to adapt to the changes? This uncertainty weighed heavily on my mind as I prepared for the next chapter in our lives.
Those first few days after bringing our baby home were nerve-wracking. Our dog, accustomed to being the center of attention, seemed unsure about this new addition to our family. He would whine and slink out of the room whenever the baby was present, as if trying to distance himself from the chaos.
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But we were determined to make it work. Slowly but surely, we began the process of acclimating our fur baby to our human one. We started with short, supervised interactions, always making sure our dog felt safe and secure. Treats and praise became our currency as we reinforced positive behavior around the baby.
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Over time, we witnessed a transformation in our dog. His whines turned into curious sniffs, and he tentatively approached the baby, as if trying to understand this new member of the pack. As our baby grew, so did their bond. Our dog went from avoiding the baby to actively seeking out her company, running to her rescue if the play was a little too rowdy for his liking and simply lying nearby as she played.
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It wasn’t always smooth sailing. There were moments of jealousy and adjustment for both Gunnar and our little one. To address any feelings of jealousy, we made a conscious effort to maintain Gunnar’s regular routine, including his feeding schedule and outdoor time, while also ensuring he received plenty of quality time and attention from us each day.
With patience and consistency, our efforts paid off as they gradually found their rhythm together. Before we knew it, our baby and Gunnar had formed an inseparable bond, enriching our family in ways we never imagined.
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Now, down the road, it warms my heart to see our baby and our dog together. They spend hours in the yard, lying in the grass, soaking up the sunshine. Our daughter collects sticks for our dog, giggling with delight as he gently takes them out of her hands. And he, in turn, showers her with kisses and unwavering loyalty.
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Watching their bond deepen and grow has been one of the greatest joys of motherhood. Our dog may have been our first “child,” but now, he’s not just a beloved pet—he’s a cherished member of our growing family. And seeing him and our baby become best friends? Well, that’s a love story for the ages.
