I am a dog trainer – this is what I want all dog parents to do before bringing a puppy home

As a certified dog trainer, I was shocked to see my yellow Labrador, Lola, have a terrible, rare fear when I brought my newborn twins home: Her animal drive had kicked in, and she was hunting my children.

As a trainer, I knew what to do to help my dog ​​feel comfortable and safe around my children. After about three months of working with Lola, I was able to trust her in our home again. I now work primarily with expectant parents as the founder of Dog Meets BabyIt will open a new window helping them prepare their children for the birth of a child.

Where do you start when you find out you’re pregnant and you have a dog at home? I will walk you through the steps I teach to all my clients in my online trainingIt will open a new window.

1. Check your dog’s history

It’s a good idea to understand your dog’s experiences with children. First, ask yourself two important questions:

• Has your dog ever been around small children?
• If yes, has this interaction been negative or positive?

If the interaction isn’t interactive or inspiring, keep it that way! Throughout your pregnancy, avoid bringing your dog to high-stress events such as house parties or gatherings with small children running, screaming, and trying to hug your dog.

What if your dog is stressed by children?

It’s normal for dogs to not bond right away with a small child, but there are ways to increase their sensitivity when children enter the picture. One method is called “counter-conditioning.”

Start by finding a safe distance where your dog can see the child but is comfortable. You can do this around a fenced playground or outside with a child you know, as long as you can stay away. When your dog looks at the child quietly from a distance, give him a valuable treat. By starting at a distance and putting on a calm expression, you are teaching your dog that seeing small children is a good thing that is happening.

Also, do not force your dog to accept pets or food from the child. If your dog seems uncomfortable, it’s best to give him space.

What if your dog has never met children?

If your dog is nervous and afraid of many new things, he may be afraid of a new baby. If your dog is easy-going and reliable, he may accept it quickly.

One thing I’ve learned from working with thousands of families is that you never know how your dog is doing until you bring your pup home. You may have an idea, but you’ll never know – that’s why planning and training are so important.

2. Prioritize the lessons that will take most of your time

Get started by checking out my free list of Dog Meets Baby GroomingIt will open a new window – will give you an idea of ​​what your dog already knows, what you need to think about, and what you need to train or introduce.

If your dog is well trained, you can wait until you are around 20 to 24 weeks to start training. I recommend starting with courses that take more time to master, such as:

Change of bed

Kicking your dog out of bed or into your bedroom the day you bring your baby home can be very difficult for your dog and frustrating for you. This is one of the reasons new parents come to me, and there are always many complaints and heartbreaks.

If you want to train your dog to sleep somewhereIt will open a new windowfocus on what naturally works best for your dog. If you want your dog to stay in the bedroom but out of reach, you can make a good place in the entrance hall by adding a baby gate to the door. If your dog already likes to sleep on the bed in the living room, make it there.

Receiving more time alone

If your dog is uncomfortable with your newborn and needs time (and distance!) prepare your dog for that now.

Start with baby steps, such as not letting your dog follow you to every room (including the bathroom). When your dog is tired after a walk or a game, give them a chew or toy filled with food.It will open a new windowand leave them while you sleep, shower, or do childcare. You can lock the door, use a baby gate, or make your own dog – whatever suits your preferences.

3. Identify safety red flags early

If your dog has severe behavior problems, work with a non-violence trainer or veterinarian. I made a complete guideIt will open a new window help you find a teacher. Many trainers, including myself, offer reviewsIt will open a new window if you can’t find the right one near you.

Some important things to keep in mind are:

• Anger. Some dogs become active when walking when you are pregnant. They start barking at other dogs or strangers (usually men) approaching you. Walk your dog in a low-stimulus environment or have someone else walk your dog so that the behavior does not become a habit.
• Protecting things. Protecting property, people, land, or space is a good dog trait, but one that becomes difficult when you have small children (who don’t get the idea of ​​your place). If your dog is protective of food, take care of it by keeping your child away from your dog’s food. You will want to teach your puppy proper food behavior when he grows up.

4. Learn about these signs before the baby arrives

It’s better for your dog to follow 5 directions every time than to know 10 that he only listens to when you get a treat. Here are my top five rules to consider:

1. “Go to (bed/crate).” Useful to give you space when you sit down with your child, or you want your dog to give you space. A common sign that I like to teach is “awayIt will open a new window.” Watch a video showing how to teach this ruleIt will open a new window.
2. “Leave it alone.” Essentials of many baby foods with new flavors. Watch a video on how to teach this ruleIt will open a new window.
3. “To fall.” Because when your dog quietly leaves the room with a pacifier or baby sock in their mouth. Watch a video on how to teach this ruleIt will open a new window.
4. “Shut down.” To get out of bed when you need to sit and feed your baby.
5. “Stay.” Great for mealtimes, and goes well with “go to bed.”

I like to teach using hand signals and oral signs. The better your dog communicates, the easier his life will be with the baby.

5. Let your dog know all about the new baby equipment and its sounds

Don’t skip this part: You want your dog to see the swing before the baby is in it. Activate the baby equipment and all its functions so that you can help your dog if he is scared or too excited.

If you want to do stroller walks, train your dog to the stroller at home and practice walking in the strollerIt will open a new window before the baby comes.

Also, introduce sounds for children – variety! – in a planned way. Crying is what comes to mind when you think of a baby’s vocalizations, but it’s important to mention all kinds of vocalizations, such as grunting, trying to grow or grow, sucking, shaking, and babbling. I have a free library of baby soundsIt will open a new window photographed by women from the Dog Meets Child group.

Finally, consider vehicle safety. It’s not good for your dog to be loose in the car, so get a crash-tested crate, harness, or carrier – that way, your dog won’t be uncomfortable in the back seat with a child. You can learn more about car safety hereIt will open a new window.

6. Write down where you live

When you don’t need kid-only or dog-only areas, I find that having a dedicated area is very helpful, especially if your dog sheds a lot or your curious child starts working.

Some tips for designing a dog and kid friendly environment:

• Do not leave an infant alone with a dog, even briefly, if the dog can find the child.
• Use baby gates to keep your dog out of children’s areas (and vice versa).
• Playpens are wonderful areas for children only that dogs tolerate well, since their freedom does not change.
• Decide if your dog is allowed on the couch and make sure you have a solid understanding of asking them to move.

7. Prepare for the first meeting

If there’s one thing I don’t recommend winging, it’s the first meeting between your dog and baby. Have a plan and go through the steps before bringing your child home.

Here are some things you can do to make the first meeting go well:

• Choose your location. Use open spaces instead of narrow walkways or driveways.
• Keep it under control. Leave your baby in your arms, in the basement, or in a car seat that is removed from the floor.
• Play well. Do not put the car seat down for the dog to explore.
• Divide and conquer. If you have multiple dogs, introduce them one by one.

Myth: You shouldn’t bring a baby item home from the hospitalIt will open a new window for your dog to smell. While it doesn’t hurt, it won’t magically change how your dog reacts to a moving, whining person.

The goal of planning isn’t to create the perfect dog – it’s to create a safe, familiar environment for your new puppy. My experience with Lola taught me that even experts can be blinded, but having a plan is what makes the difference between a scary moment and a disaster.

Don’t wait until you’re tired and sleepy in the fourth trimester to start training. See Preschool Dog TrainingIt will open a new window to dive deep into each step listed above (and more!), and let’s make sure your first meeting goes smoothly.