How to Combine Nesting and Dog Training: Preparing Your Pup for Your New Baby’s Arrival

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most exciting transitions. Between decorating the nursery, washing tiny onesies, and stocking up on diapers, there’s an undeniable “nesting instinct” that kicks in, a deep desire to make your home feel safe, organized, and ready.

But there’s one family member who often senses the shift long before the due date: your dog.

Dogs are experts at picking up on environmental changes. new furniture, different schedules, shifting energy. Without proper preparation, this transition can leave your dog feeling anxious, confused, or reactive.

The good news? By blending your natural nesting process with targeted dog training, you can set everyone — baby and dog included — up for a smooth, safe, and harmonious adjustment.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your dog ready for baby, from early desensitization and boundary training to routine adjustments and post-baby introductions.

Step 1: Nest for Both Baby and Dog

What Is Nesting?

Nesting typically refers to the instinctive urge to prepare your home for your baby’s arrival — deep cleaning, organizing, and setting up spaces that will support your growing family.

Why Include Your Dog?

Dogs thrive on familiarity. Every new bassinet, baby swing, or diaper pail is a change in their environment. Integrating dog training into your nesting period:

• Helps reduce stress for your dog
• Creates predictability before routines shift
• Gives your pup time to adjust gradually, not overnight

Step 2: Introduce Baby Gear Early

Before baby arrives, your home is likely to fill with new sights, sounds, and smells. For dogs, these can be overwhelming if they appear all at once.

Tips:

• Set up the nursery early and allow your dog to explore the space under supervision.
• Turn on mechanical gear (like baby swings or white noise machines) periodically so your dog gets used to the sounds.
• Let your dog sniff baby items like lotions, blankets, and wipes. Associate these scents with calm, positive experiences.
• Pro tip: Pair new baby gear with treats, praise, or calm petting. This helps your dog form positive associations long before the baby comes home.

Step 3: Refresh Basic Training Commands

Bringing a newborn home will demand your attention in ways that can make training harder in the moment. That’s why pregnancy is the ideal window to brush up on obedience skills.

Key Commands to Reinforce:

• Sit & Stay: Useful for moments like entering the nursery, opening doors, or calming your dog around the baby.
• Place: Teaching your dog to go to a specific spot (like a mat or bed) allows you to manage space safely.
• Leave It: Essential for keeping curious noses away from baby gear, diapers, or bottles.
• Quiet: A lifesaver for nap times.

Consistency now ensures that when baby arrives, your dog already understands what’s expected — even if your hands are full.

Step 4: Adjust Routines Before the Baby Arrives

Your schedule is about to change — and your dog will feel it. Instead of switching everything overnight, ease your pup into the new rhythm during your nesting period.

Examples:

• Gradually shift walk times to match your anticipated postpartum routine.
• If you expect to feed baby at odd hours, introduce some unpredictability now to help your dog become more flexible.
• Start practicing independent downtime so your dog is comfortable when you’re occupied with the baby.

Routine rehearsal is like a dress rehearsal for your dog. The smoother these adjustments happen now, the less stressful those early weeks will be for everyone.

Step 5: Set New Boundaries in the Home

New spaces (like nurseries) often come with new rules. If your dog currently has free rein of the house, decide in advance which areas will be off-limits or require permission.

Common Boundary Adjustments:

• Baby nursery: Teach your dog to wait for permission before entering.
• Baby gates: Install early so your dog sees them as a normal part of the environment, not a sudden barrier.
• Furniture rules: If your dog currently lounges on couches or beds, consider whether that will change once baby arrives — and implement those rules early.

Boundaries take time to learn. Establishing them before the baby arrives prevents confusion during those hectic postpartum weeks.

Step 6: Desensitize to Baby Noises

Dogs can be startled or anxious about crying, squealing, or sudden baby sounds. You can prepare your dog using simple desensitization techniques during nesting.

How to Do It:

• Play recordings of baby cries or coos at a low volume while your dog is relaxed.
• Pair the sound with positive reinforcement — treats, calm praise, or play.
• Gradually increase the volume over time.
• Practice this in different rooms and contexts so the sound becomes a normal background noise.

Many trainers recommend doing this daily for short sessions. Over time, baby sounds will become familiar, not frightening.

Step 7: Prepare for Walking with a Stroller

One overlooked transition is stroller walking. If your dog pulls on leash or is reactive, this can be dangerous with a baby in tow. Start practicing now!

Introduce the stroller without the baby, letting your dog sniff it while stationary. Practice loose leash walking beside the stroller in quiet areas. And work up to short walks together so it feels routine by the time baby arrives.

This is especially important for larger or high-energy dogs who may need extra leash manners to keep everyone safe.

Step 8: Introduce “Baby Time” Simulation

To prepare your dog for what life will feel like, try simulated baby routines:

• Carry a doll wrapped in a blanket while walking around the house.
• Practice sitting with the “baby” while asking your dog for calm behaviors.
• Work through feeding, rocking, and changing routines with your dog in the room.

This may feel silly at first, but it gives your dog valuable practice in responding to your changed body language, movements, and divided attention.

Step 9: Plan for the First Introduction

The big day will come sooner than you think — and how you introduce your dog to your baby can set the tone for their future relationship.

A Calm Introduction Plan:

• Bring home a blanket or clothing item with baby’s scent before the baby arrives. Let your dog sniff it calmly.
• When the baby comes home, greet your dog first (if possible) to release their excitement.
• Introduce the baby in a calm, controlled setting. One adult holds the baby while the other manages the dog.
• Keep it short and positive. Don’t force interactions.

The goal is to create calm, curious associations — not overwhelm your dog with sensory overload.

Step 10: Maintain Your Dog’s Emotional Needs Postpartum

It’s easy for dogs to feel neglected once the baby arrives. While your capacity will shift, maintaining your dog’s emotional well-being is crucial for preventing jealousy, anxiety, or regression.

Ideas:

• Keep short training sessions to maintain mental stimulation.
• Schedule special one-on-one time with each parent.
• Use enrichment toys, puzzles, or chew items to keep your dog busy while you focus on the baby.
• Stick to established routines as much as possible.

Remember, your dog doesn’t need perfection — just predictability and inclusion.

Bonus: Know When to Seek Professional Help

Some dogs may struggle more than others with big changes. If you notice signs of aggression, intense anxiety, or reactivity, contact a qualified trainer or behaviorist early. Early intervention can prevent small concerns from becoming serious issues once the baby is home.

Final Thoughts: Nesting Together

Your nesting instinct isn’t just about the nursery — it’s an opportunity to create a stable, safe, and loving environment for your entire family, including your dog. By training intentionally before the baby arrives, you give your pup the tools they need to thrive during this exciting transition.

With time, patience, and consistency, your dog can become your baby’s greatest protector, companion, and friend.