Bringing Baby Home

Prepare enrichment: Include in your nesting; making frozen treats for your pup. (see my enrichment handouts for more ideas)

Associate baby with good thing: Playing novel sounds provides expectant parents with a chance to practice their responses in those moments (i.e. “Yes, that’s the baby. You go lie down. I’ve got this.”)

Using your dog’s nose: If they get excited that you are approaching, wait for your dog to calm down. Then calmly talk, pet, and treat your dog while they are near the item. Do not leave this item with your dog, this item represents your baby.

Doggy enrichment land: No kids in crate, never allow your kid to taunt your dog. This is a safe place not a cage!
Your dog has the power to hurt: Always be actively supervising any time your dog and kid are together.

Body language: Always be watching your dog’s body language around your kids. When in doubt space it out!
Postpartum: it takes a village to raise a dog, even if your village includes a dog walker!