Is Your 'Good Dog' Actually Safe Around Your Newborn Baby?

Quiz Questions

• 1.
  How does your dog react when a baby starts crying?

  Image Source

  • A.
    Moves away or looks concerned
  • B.
    Approaches to investigate or gently nuzzles the baby
  • C.
    Barks, growls, or becomes visibly agitated
• 2.
  What does your dog do when a child crawls or moves towards them?

  Image Source

  • A.
    Moves away or tries to avoid the child
  • B.
    Remains calm and allows the child to approach
  • C.
    Shows signs of discomfort, such as growling or snapping
• 3.
  How does your dog behave when a child reaches out to touch them?

  Image Source

  • A.
    Moves away or turns their head
  • B.
    Accepts the touch and remains relaxed
  • C.
    Reacts with a growl, snap, or attempts to bite
• 4.
  How does your dog respond to sudden, loud noises made by children?

  Image Source

  • A.
    Freezes or looks around nervously
  • B.
    Remains unfazed or only briefly acknowledges the noise
  • C.
    Barks, growls, or becomes visibly anxious
• 5.
  When a child runs or plays energetically near your dog, how does your dog react?

  Image Source

  • A.
    Watches carefully but doesn’t engage
  • B.
    Remains calm or tries to join in the play
  • C.
    Becomes tense, barks, or chases after the child
• 6.
  How does your dog behave when a child tries to take their toy or food?

  Image Source

  • A.
    Moves away or lets the child take it
  • B.
    Waits patiently or ignores the child
  • C.
    Growls, snaps, or attempts to guard the item
• 7.
  What does your dog do when they see a baby crawling towards their bed or crate?

  Image Source

  • A.
    Moves away or exits the area
  • B.
    Stays relaxed and watches the baby
  • C.
    Becomes protective of the space, growling or showing teeth
• 8.
  How does your dog behave when a baby accidentally pulls on their fur or tail?

  Image Source

  • A.
    Moves away or tries to avoid further contact
  • B.
    Tolerates it or gently moves away without reacting
  • C.
    Snaps, growls, or bites
• 9.
  How does your dog respond to the presence of multiple children in the room?

  Image Source

  • A.
    Observes from a distance, avoiding close contact
  • B.
    Remains calm and relaxed, even if approached by multiple children
  • C.
    Becomes visibly stressed, barks, or tries to escape

Quiz Outcomes

• 1.
  Your dog's temperament is... Calm 

  Image Source

  Hooray, friend! By completing this quiz, you've shown your commitment to better understanding your dog and their unique personality. According to your responses, your dog's temperament is calm 🎉So what does that actually mean? Your baby is likely to be in a safer environment around your dog, as a calm temperament often indicates that your dog is less prone to sudden reactions or unpredictable behavior. Dogs with calm dispositions tend to be more patient and tolerant, making them better suited for interactions with babies and young children. However, it's still important to supervise all interactions and continue reinforcing positive behaviors to ensure everyone remains comfortable and safe.While your dog’s calm nature is a great foundation, it’s essential to remember that even the most relaxed dogs can become stressed in certain situations. Pay attention to your dog’s body language and ensure they always have a safe space to retreat to if they need a break. Consistent training and positive reinforcement will help maintain this calm behavior, allowing your dog and your child to build a strong and healthy bond over time.3 Tips to Help Your Calm Dog1. Positive ReinforcementContinue to reward your dog for calm and gentle behaviour around children, reinforcing this positive association.2. Maintain RoutineKeep your dog’s routine consistent, ensuring they have plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and relaxation time.3. Educate ChildrenTeach children how to interact with your dog appropriately, ensuring they understand boundaries and respect your dog’s space.Who Am I to Tell You How to Raise Your Dog? Let Me Introduce Myself...Hey there — I'm Fraser Noble, Dog Behaviour Specialist and courageous father of 4: 3 dogs, 1 daughter! My purpose in life is helping dog owners build strong, trusting relationships with their pets while ensuring a safe and harmonious home environment for their entire family. I’m passionate about providing practical solutions that empower you to understand and manage your dog's behavior, especially when it comes to the unique challenges of integrating dogs and babies.With years of experience and a deep understanding of canine psychology, I’ve guided countless families in creating safer spaces where both children and dogs can thrive together. Whether you’re dealing with a new puppy or an older dog adjusting to life with a baby, my goal is to equip you with the tools and knowledge to foster a peaceful, loving home for everyone involved.Thought I Was Going to Leave You High and Dry? Not a Chance! Check Out These Resources...1. Read this post on my blog Noble Canine. It's all about safe ways to introduce your dog to your newborn baby: https://www.noble-canine.com/post/introducing-your-dog-to-your-baby2. Subscribe to our Podcast. I share new podcasts every week on topics ranging from family integration with dogs and kids to de-escalating reactive behaviour.3. Join Our New Safe Start Course For New & Expectant Parents. Ready to gain the confidence and skills you need to ensure a smooth, safe, and happy introduction between your baby and your dog? This live course covers everything from preparing your dog for the baby’s arrival to managing interactions safely as your child grows. Don't leave your family's harmony to chance - equip yourself with expert insights and practical strategies that will set both your dog and your baby up for safety from day one.P.S. You Can See Full Details On Our Safe Start Course By Clicking The Link Below!
• 2.
  Your dog's temperament is... Cautious 

  Image Source

  Hooray, friend! By completing this quiz, you've shown your commitment to better understanding your dog and their unique personality. According to your responses, your dog's temperament is cautious 🎉So what does that mean? Your dog is a little nervous in new situations or around unfamiliar people, which is completely normal. This cautious nature suggests that your dog may need extra time and gentle encouragement to feel comfortable, especially around babies or young children. It's important to create a safe and predictable environment where your dog can gradually build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.With patience and the right training, you can help your dog feel more at ease in these situations. Focus on positive reinforcement, create positive associations with new experiences, and give your dog plenty of space to adjust at their own pace. By respecting their boundaries and providing consistent support, you'll strengthen the bond with your dog and ensure a peaceful and happy relationship between your dog and your baby.3 Tips to Help Your Cautious Dog1. Create Safe SpacesEnsure your dog has a safe place to retreat, such as a bed or crate, where they won't be disturbed by children.2. Gradual DesensitisationSlowly introduce your dog to children in a controlled manner, rewarding calm behaviour and allowing them to adjust at their own pace.3. Supervised InteractionsAlways supervise interactions between your dog and children to prevent any unwanted stress or reactions.Who Am I to Tell You How to Raise Your Dog? Let Me Introduce Myself...Hey there — I'm Fraser Noble, Dog Behaviour Specialist and courageous father of 4: 3 dogs, 1 daughter! My purpose in life is helping dog owners build strong, trusting relationships with their pets while ensuring a safe and harmonious home environment for their entire family. I’m passionate about providing practical solutions that empower you to understand and manage your dog's behavior, especially when it comes to the unique challenges of integrating dogs and babies.With years of experience and a deep understanding of canine psychology, I’ve guided countless families in creating safer spaces where both children and dogs can thrive together. Whether you’re dealing with a new puppy or an older dog adjusting to life with a baby, my goal is to equip you with the tools and knowledge to foster a peaceful, loving home for everyone involved.Thought I Was Going to Leave You High and Dry? Not a Chance! Check Out These Resources...1. Read this post on my blog Noble Canine. It's all about safe ways to introduce your dog to your newborn baby: https://www.noble-canine.com/post/introducing-your-dog-to-your-baby2. Subscribe to our Podcast. I share new podcasts every week on topics ranging from family integration with dogs and kids to de-escalating reactive behaviour.3. Join Our Safe Start Course For New & Expectant Parents. Ready to gain the confidence and skills you need to ensure a smooth, safe, and happy introduction between your baby and your dog? This live course covers everything from preparing your dog for the baby’s arrival to managing interactions safely as your child grows. Don't leave your family's harmony to chance - equip yourself with expert insights and practical strategies that will set both your dog and your baby up for safety from day one.P.S. You Can See Full Details on Our Safe Start Course By Clicking The Link Below!
• 3.
  Your dog's temperament is... Reactive

  Image Source

  Hooray, friend! By completing this quiz, you've shown your commitment to better understanding your dog and their unique personality. According to your responses, your dog's temperament is reactive.So what does that mean? Your dog is strong-willed and may respond intensely to certain triggers, whether it's unfamiliar people, loud noises, or new environments. This reactivity often stems from a mix of heightened sensitivity and a desire to protect, which means your dog might be quick to bark, lunge, or show other signs of stress when they feel threatened or overwhelmed.Given this reactivity, it's important to recognize that your baby might not be entirely safe around your dog just yet. Their unpredictable responses to new stimuli could pose risks, especially as your baby starts to move around more. With focused training and careful supervision, you can work towards creating a safer environment for both your dog and your child. By addressing these behaviors now, you’re taking crucial steps toward ensuring the safety and harmony of your growing family.3 Tips to Help Your Reactive Dog1. Seek Professional HelpConsult with a canine behaviourist to address your dog’s reactivity towards children and develop a tailored behaviour modification plan.2. Management Tools Use management tools, such as leashes or baby gates, to prevent your dog from being overwhelmed or reacting negatively to children.3. Focus On Desensitisation & CounterconditioningGradually expose your dog to children at a distance they’re comfortable with, rewarding calm behaviour and slowly decreasing the distance over time.Who Am I to Tell You How to Raise Your Dog? Let Me Introduce Myself...Hey there — I'm Fraser Noble, Dog Behaviour Specialist and courageous father of 4: 3 dogs, 1 daughter! My purpose in life is helping dog owners build strong, trusting relationships with their pets while ensuring a safe and harmonious home environment for their entire family. I’m passionate about providing practical solutions that empower you to understand and manage your dog's behavior, especially when it comes to the unique challenges of integrating dogs and babies.With years of experience and a deep understanding of canine psychology, I’ve guided countless families in creating safer spaces where both children and dogs can thrive together. Whether you’re dealing with a new puppy or an older dog adjusting to life with a baby, my goal is to equip you with the tools and knowledge to foster a peaceful, loving home for everyone involved.Thought I Was Going to Leave You High and Dry? Not a Chance! Check Out These Resources...1. Read this post on my blog Noble Canine. It's all about safe ways to introduce your dog to your newborn baby: https://www.noble-canine.com/post/introducing-your-dog-to-your-baby2. Subscribe to our Podcast. I share new podcasts every week on topics ranging from family integration with dogs and kids to de-escalating reactive behaviour.3. Join Our New Safe Start Course For New & Expectant Parents. Ready to gain the confidence and skills you need to ensure a smooth, safe, and happy introduction between your baby and your dog? This live course covers everything from preparing your dog for the baby’s arrival to managing interactions safely as your child grows. Don't leave your family's harmony to chance - equip yourself with expert insights and practical strategies that will set both your dog and your baby up for safety from day one.P.S. You Can See Full Details of Our Safe Start Course By Clicking The Link Below!