You don't need to teach your dog fifty tricks before the baby arrives. You don't need a perfectly obedient show dog. You don't need to hire a private trainer for six months of intensive sessions.
You need five commands. Rock-solid, reliable, practiced-until-they're-automatic commands. That's it. Five commands that cover the real situations you'll face every single day with a newborn and a dog sharing the same space.
I know this because I lived it. When we were preparing Chef, our border collie, for our baby's arrival, I went down the training rabbit hole. I bought three books, watched dozens of YouTube videos, and made a list of about twenty commands I thought we needed to master. It was overwhelming, and we were barely making progress on any of them because we were spreading our five-minute daily sessions across too many skills.
Then our trainer said something that changed everything: "Pick the five commands that will matter during the hardest moments. Train those until they're bulletproof. Forget the rest."
So that's what we did. And the one that ended up being the single most useful command when baby arrived? "Place." Chef going to his mat and settling there calmly while we fed the baby, changed diapers, did tummy time -- it was a game changer. It turned potential chaos into manageable calm, multiple times a day.
Here are the five commands that will do the same for you. Master these, and your dog is ready.
In This Guide
Command 1: Place / Go to Mat
If you only teach your dog one command before baby arrives, make it this one. "Place" means your dog goes to a designated mat or bed and stays there calmly until you release them. It's the Swiss Army knife of baby-safe dog commands.
Why It Matters
Think about how many times a day you'll need your dog to be calm and out of the way. Breastfeeding or bottle feeding -- that's 8 to 12 times a day in the newborn stage. Diaper changes. Tummy time on the floor. Putting the baby down for a nap. Getting the baby in and out of the car seat. Every single one of these moments is easier when your dog has a reliable default behavior: go to the mat and settle.
Without "place," your dog's default during these moments is whatever comes naturally -- which usually means hovering, sniffing the baby, trying to climb into your lap, or pacing anxiously. With "place," your dog knows exactly what to do, and that clarity actually reduces their stress. Dogs thrive on knowing what's expected of them.
Step-by-Step Training
- Choose your mat. Pick a portable bed or mat that's comfortable enough for your dog to want to lie on. Place it somewhere your dog can see the family action but isn't in the middle of it.
- Lure to the mat. With a treat in your hand, guide your dog onto the mat. The moment all four paws are on, mark with "yes" and reward. Repeat five times.
- Add the verbal cue. As your dog steps onto the mat, say "place" in a calm, clear tone. Mark and reward. Do this consistently until they start moving toward the mat when they hear the word.
- Build duration -- start small. Once your dog goes to the mat on cue, ask them to stay. Start with just 10 seconds. Mark, reward, release with "okay" or "free." If they break early, no punishment -- just reset and try a shorter duration.
- Extend gradually. Over the course of a week, build from 10 seconds to 30 seconds, then to 2 minutes. The following week, work up to 5 minutes. By week three, aim for 10 to 15 minutes of calm settling on the mat.
- Add distractions. Practice "place" while you fold laundry, while the TV is on, while someone walks through the room. Your dog needs to hold the command when real life is happening around them.
The Real-Life Scenario
Picture this: your baby is on the floor for tummy time. Instead of your dog hovering over the baby, sniffing, and accidentally stepping too close, you say "place." Your dog walks to their mat three feet away, lies down, and watches calmly. Baby does tummy time safely. Dog is relaxed and included. Everyone wins.
That's the power of this command. Chef does this multiple times a day now, and it's become so automatic that he sometimes goes to his mat on his own when he sees us putting the baby on the floor.
Command 2: Leave It
Once a baby enters your house, the floor becomes a minefield of temptation for your dog. Pacifiers, burp cloths, tiny socks, teething rings, stuffed animals, and eventually Cheerios -- everywhere. "Leave it" is the command that keeps your dog from turning every dropped baby item into a chew toy.
Why It Matters
Beyond the annoyance of replacing slobbered-on pacifiers, there's a real safety concern here. Small baby items can be choking hazards for dogs. Diaper cream is toxic if ingested. And once your baby starts eating solid food, your dog will be very interested in whatever ends up on the floor. A reliable "leave it" keeps your dog safe and your baby's belongings intact.
Step-by-Step Training
- Closed fist method. Hold a treat in your closed fist. Let your dog sniff, lick, and paw at your hand. Don't open it. Wait patiently.
- Mark the pullback. The moment your dog pulls their nose away from your fist -- even slightly -- mark with "yes" and reward with a different treat from your other hand. This is important: they learn that leaving something alone earns them something better.
- Add the cue. Once your dog is reliably pulling back from the closed fist, start saying "leave it" as you present the fist. Mark and reward when they turn away.
- Move to the floor. Place a treat on the floor and cover it with your foot. Say "leave it." When your dog looks away or sits back, reward from your hand. Gradually remove your foot so the treat is exposed.
- Proof with baby items. This is the critical step. Practice "leave it" with the specific items your dog will encounter: stuffed animals, pacifiers, baby socks, a blanket on the floor. The more you practice with real baby items, the more reliable the command will be when it counts.
The Key Insight
Your dog needs to learn that leaving something alone is always more rewarding than grabbing it. That's the fundamental equation. If you're consistent with rewarding the "leave it" response, your dog will start choosing to leave things alone on their own -- even before you give the cue. That's when you know the command is truly solid.
Command 3: Gentle
This command prepares your dog for the most important moments: the interactions between your dog and your baby. "Gentle" teaches your dog to use a soft mouth, move slowly, and approach calmly -- skills that are essential for safe coexistence.
Why It Matters
Dogs don't naturally understand that babies are fragile. A dog that enthusiastically grabs treats from your hand with their teeth, or that bumps into you at full speed to say hello, will do the same near a baby unless you teach them otherwise. "Gentle" creates a mode of interaction that's calm, soft, and controlled.
This command also prepares your dog for the moment they first meet the baby. You want that introduction to be calm and careful, not excited and clumsy. A dog that understands "gentle" can sniff the baby, investigate calmly, and back off when asked -- exactly what a safe first meeting looks like.
Step-by-Step Training
- Start with treats. Hold a treat in your open, flat palm. If your dog takes it roughly -- snapping, grabbing, or using teeth -- close your hand and say "gentle." Wait a moment, then try again.
- Reward soft mouth. When your dog takes the treat softly from your open palm -- using their lips rather than their teeth -- mark with "yes" and let them have it. Repeat until soft taking is consistent.
- Add the cue proactively. Start saying "gentle" before you offer the treat. Your dog begins to associate the word with the behavior of being soft and careful.
- Practice with toys. Hold a toy and say "gentle." If your dog grabs roughly, remove the toy. Offer it again. When they take it softly or simply sniff it, reward heavily. This teaches impulse control beyond just food.
- Apply to interactions. When your dog approaches you, say "gentle" and reward calm, slow approaches. Over time, this becomes a general "slow down and be careful" cue that you can use in any context -- including when your dog is near the baby.
Preparing for the First Meeting
When your baby comes home for the first time, "gentle" will be one of the first words out of your mouth. Your dog will be curious -- that's natural and healthy. But curiosity needs to be channeled through calm behavior, not excited lunging. A dog that responds to "gentle" will sniff softly, keep a respectful distance, and look to you for guidance. That's a safe introduction.
For more on preparing your dog for the full scope of life with a newborn, see our complete 12-week preparation guide.
Command 4: Go to Bed
You might be thinking: "Wait, isn't this the same as 'place'?" Not quite. While "place" is a short-to-medium duration settle in the room where the action is happening, "go to bed" is a retreat command. It sends your dog to their safe space -- their crate, their bed in another room, their cozy corner -- for longer periods when they need a break.
Why It Matters
Babies are overwhelming. The crying, the smell, the disrupted routines, the visitors, the general chaos of the first few weeks -- even the calmest dog can get overstimulated. "Go to bed" gives your dog permission to leave the situation and decompress somewhere quiet and comfortable.
This isn't a punishment. It's the opposite. You're teaching your dog that they have a safe retreat where good things happen -- a stuffed Kong, a favorite chew, maybe some calming music. It's their sanctuary. And having that option available prevents the kind of stress buildup that leads to reactive behavior.
The Difference Between "Place" and "Go to Bed"
- "Place" = Short stays (2-15 minutes), in the same room, dog can see the family, used during specific activities like feeding or tummy time.
- "Go to bed" = Longer duration (30 minutes to a few hours), often in a separate or quieter area, used when your dog needs genuine downtime or when the household is particularly hectic.
Having both commands gives you flexibility. Most of the day, "place" handles things beautifully. But when the in-laws are visiting and the baby is crying and the doorbell keeps ringing? That's when "go to bed" saves everyone's sanity -- including your dog's.
Making the Bed a Positive Retreat
The key to "go to bed" working well is making the destination irresistible. Your dog should want to go there. Here's how:
- Stock it with high-value chews. Every time your dog goes to their bed, they find a stuffed Kong, a bully stick, or their favorite chew toy waiting.
- Keep it comfortable. A plush, orthopedic bed or a well-padded crate with a blanket makes the space inviting.
- Add calming elements. Some dogs respond well to calming music or white noise near their bed. This also helps mask baby sounds during the early adjustment period.
- Never use it as punishment. If you send your dog to bed as a consequence for bad behavior, they'll associate the space with negative experiences. "Go to bed" should always feel like a reward, not a time-out.
Pair this command with your nursery boundary training to create clear zones throughout your home where your dog knows exactly what's expected.
Command 5: Wait
The fifth essential command is one that prevents the scariest near-misses in a dog-and-baby household. "Wait" is an impulse control command that means: pause where you are and don't move forward until I release you.
Why It Matters
Picture yourself carrying a newborn through a doorway. Your dog, excited to go outside or greet someone at the door, rushes past you at full speed. You stumble. You lose your balance while holding the baby. This is not a hypothetical -- it's one of the most common near-accidents in homes with dogs and babies.
"Wait" stops this from happening. It teaches your dog to pause at doorways, at the top of stairs, at transitions between rooms -- any point where rushing forward could create a dangerous situation. It's not a long stay; it's a brief pause that gives you time to pass through safely.
Step-by-Step Training
- Start at a doorway. With your dog on one side of an open doorway and you on the other, say "wait" and hold your palm up like a stop sign. If your dog stays, even for one second, mark with "yes" and reward.
- Build the pause. Gradually increase the duration of the wait from 1 second to 3, then 5, then 10. Your dog doesn't need to wait for minutes -- just long enough for you to move through safely.
- Add movement. Start stepping through the doorway yourself while your dog waits. Release with "okay" and let them follow. The lesson: you go first, then they can come.
- Practice at stairs. This is critical if you have a multi-story home. Your dog should wait at the top or bottom of stairs while you go up or down -- especially when you'll be carrying a baby.
- Proof in real scenarios. Practice with the front door (someone knocking or ringing the bell), the back door (going out to the yard), and interior doorways. The more contexts your dog practices "wait" in, the more automatic it becomes.
Real-Life Scenarios Where "Wait" Prevents Problems
- Carrying baby through a doorway. Your hands are full, your center of gravity is shifted, and you cannot afford a 60-pound dog barreling past your legs. "Wait" keeps the path clear.
- Picking baby up from the floor. You're bending down to scoop up the baby after tummy time. Your dog, excited by the movement, rushes over. "Wait" gives you space to lift safely.
- Guests arriving. The doorbell rings. Instead of your dog charging toward the door while you're holding the baby, they hold their "wait" while you open the door calmly.
- Car seat transitions. Getting a baby in and out of a car with a dog nearby requires your dog to stay put. "Wait" at the car door means you can manage the car seat without dodging an excited dog.
Pair "wait" with sound exposure training so your dog can hold the command even when they hear baby cries or other startling sounds.
Training Schedule: Fitting 5 Minutes Into Your Day
Five commands sounds like a lot when you're already managing pregnancy, work, and life in general. Here's the good news: you only need five minutes a day, and you focus on one command at a time.
The One-Command-Per-Week Approach
Don't try to train all five commands simultaneously. That's the mistake I made initially, and it slows everything down. Instead:
- Week 1: Focus entirely on "place." Five minutes a day, every day, just this one command.
- Week 2: Continue "place" practice (2 minutes) and introduce "leave it" (3 minutes).
- Week 3: Quick "place" and "leave it" reps (2 minutes combined) plus introduce "gentle" (3 minutes).
- Week 4: Rotate through the first three commands and introduce "go to bed."
- Week 5: Add "wait" while maintaining the others with brief daily practice.
Building Complexity
Once each command is introduced, the training shifts from learning to proofing. Proofing means practicing the command in different environments, with different distractions, and at increasing difficulty levels. A "leave it" that works in a quiet living room also needs to work when there's a pacifier on the floor and the baby is babbling nearby.
This is where the real work happens, and it's also where most people give up. Don't. The difference between a command your dog "knows" and a command your dog will actually follow when it matters is proofing. Keep adding real-world distractions throughout weeks 6 through 12.
The 12-Week Pregnancy Timeline
This command training schedule maps perfectly to a broader 12-week preparation program:
- Weeks 1-4: Sound exposure training runs alongside initial command introduction. Your dog is getting used to baby sounds while learning their first commands.
- Weeks 5-8: All five commands are introduced and being proofed. Boundary training for the nursery is also established during this period.
- Weeks 9-12: Commands are practiced in realistic scenarios. Handling desensitization and routine adjustments round out the preparation.
Starting 12 weeks before your due date means your dog has each command rock-solid well before the baby arrives. And if your dog takes longer on certain commands? You still have buffer time to work through it without rushing.
Start Training Today
These five commands -- place, leave it, gentle, go to bed, and wait -- cover the situations you'll face every day with a newborn and a dog. You don't need more than this. You just need these five to be reliable.
The hardest part isn't the training itself. It's showing up for five minutes every day. But if you can commit to that -- five minutes while your coffee brews, five minutes during a commercial break, five minutes before your evening walk -- your dog will be ready. And you'll feel that confidence when you walk through the door with your baby for the first time.
Chef and I are proof that this works. He went from a high-energy border collie who demanded constant attention to a calm, confident dog who knows exactly what to do when the baby needs the spotlight. Not because he's a different dog, but because he has clear commands that give him structure and security.
Your dog can get there too. Five commands. Five minutes a day. Start today.
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