How do I stop my dog being jealous of the baby?

True jealousy as humans experience it is hard to prove in dogs, but the behavior that gets labeled jealous, like pawing for attention or pushing between you and the baby, usually reflects a dog that has learned attention has become scarce and unpredictable since the birth. Addressing the pattern, not the label, gets better results.

Set aside a short, genuinely undistracted block of time each day, a walk, a training session, or simple play, so your dog has a reliable source of connection that does not depend on the baby being asleep or elsewhere. Consistency here matters more than duration; 10 minutes daily beats an hour once a week.

Deliver your dog's favorite treats or a stuffed chew specifically during baby feeding or nappy changing times, so your dog starts to associate the baby's presence with good things rather than being sidelined. Avoid scolding your dog near the baby, since that pairs the baby with tension rather than calm.

Occasional pawing or standing between you and the baby is a normal attention bid and usually responds well to the steps above within two to three weeks. Persistent guarding behavior, such as stiffening, growling, or blocking access whenever the baby is near you specifically, is different and worth discussing with a qualified trainer, since it points to a resource guarding pattern rather than simple attention seeking.