As a dog mom to a cuddly but curious American Bully mix, I knew early on that setting clear boundaries between her and the baby’s things would be key. She’s used to having full run of the house, cuddling in every room, and investigating every box that comes through the door. So when baby prep began—think: nursery furniture, crinkly toys, and all the adorable new smells—I wanted to gradually teach her what’s hers, what’s off-limits, and how to be calm around baby gear. Here’s exactly how we’re working on it together: 1. Introducing Baby Items Slowly We started small—bringing baby gear into the house one item at a time: She got to explore new items calmly and sniff them while I reinforced gentle behavior with treats and a soothing voice. 2. Using Invisible “Do Not Enter” Zones While I don’t want her to feel excluded, I also need her to understand baby-only spaces—like the crib, changing table, and playmat. Here’s what helped: Over time, she started to observe without rushing in — which is exactly the calm energy we want when the baby arrives. 3. Reinforcing Calm Curiosity, Not Excitement Dogs are curious! So when new toys, baby books, and fuzzy blankets arrive, I don’t scold her for sniffing — instead, I calmly redirect her attention if she gets too excited. This teaches her that: This sets the tone for what we’ll expect when the real baby is here — gentle curiosity and calm observation. 4. Practicing Boundaries with Baby Practice Dolls Yes, I pulled out a life-sized baby doll (no shame!) and used it to simulate what our future days might look like: At first, she was confused. Now, she’s learning that baby presence = chill mode. 5. Making Her Space Feel Just as Special As I create cozy corners for the baby, I’ve also focused on her space — so she doesn’t feel left out: Her safe space = her comfort zone, especially as the house shifts around her. Final Thoughts Setting boundaries between your dog and the baby’s space isn’t about exclusion — it’s about building trust, structure, and confidence. By starting early, staying consistent, and making sure your pup feels secure and included, you can create a calm home where baby and dog can both feel safe and loved. This transition is a big one for everyone — but you don’t have to wait until baby arrives to start shaping the behavior you want to see. You’ve got this, mama! 🐾👶