Dog Training Prep for a New Baby
Updated: Feb 14, 2022
Dog Training Prep for a New Baby
We have a program to help you and your dog before your baby arrives.
PLEASE MAKE THESE CHANGES NOW. Don’t wait until just before the baby arrives because if you wait, you will be stressed because you are adjusting to a new routine, and your dog needs time to adjust to his new routine.
Here are some topics to think about and exercises to do *before* your baby arrives.
Preliminaries before You Start Training
Learn about dog body language search to help you anticipate how your dog is feeling
Reduce or eliminate his current behavior problems
Thorough vet checkup
Introduction to smells, sights, and sounds of babies
Teach your dog how to relax.
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Decide where you want your dog when you are doing X (X is nursing, bathing, etc.)
Furniture and car – where is he going to be?
Baby’s room – is he going to be allowed inside?
Dog Training Exercises
prior to your Baby's Arrival
These are some of the exercises we teach. We can personalize a program specifically to your needs.
Come
Crate training
Desensitize to movement
Desensitize to noises
Drop it
Greeting behavior
Leave it
Safe spot
Stay behind a gate
Stop jumping
Walking next to a stroller
Introducing your Dog to your New Baby
Plan ahead on how you are going to introduce your dog to your new baby. Train your dog as to what you want him to do rather than saying no.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR BABY AND YOUR DOG UNSUPERVISED EVEN FOR A SECOND.
If you can’t supervise – which means being physically *and* mentally present (not watching TV or on the phone or your computer or running to answer the door or to the bathroom) – then physically separate your dog from your baby by a closed door, a crate, a tether, or a baby gate.
Equipment to Help
You and Your Dog in Training
The following links are a partial list of the specific types of products we have handpicked and recommend.
Baby gate https://amzn.to/3F5qo3H
Car barrier to front seat https://amzn.to/3shcsjI
Seat belt https://amzn.to/3J28FMY
Car barrier for SUV https://amzn.to/30CAdqZ
Booster seat https://amzn.to/3p5O02X
CD of baby sounds https://amzn.to/3F8rf3J
Crates wire https://amzn.to/3e0Q1qF
Plastic Crates with wire windows are preferable https://amzn.to/3E2RabF
Kong X small dogs https://amzn.to/3e1EJT4 Small dogs https://amzn.to/3p2YcZM Medium dogs https://amzn.to/3GSHbYp Large dogs https://amzn.to/3EbUTUI
Puzzle toys https://amzn.to/3p5d4ad
Tether https://amzn.to/32fnXxe
Xpen at least 3 feet tall even for small dogs! https://amzn.to/3IZ7LRn
Resources for Dog Training Prep
for a New Baby
These are the two books I recommend for all dog parents.
The Other End of the Leash (to learn how your dog thinks)
Kindle https://amzn.to/2NBpRRH
Paperback https://amzn.to/3c3dQhd
My Smart Puppy The Space exercises are important.
Kindle https://amzn.to/393X5Ro
Hard cover https://amzn.to/3lyefLK e
Book recommendations for expecting dog parents
Tell Your Dog You're Pregnant: An Essential Guide For Dog Owners Who Are Expecting A Baby – this is the book I recommend for baby prep.
Kindle https://amzn.to/3285bHY
Paperback https://amzn.to/33tj1VW
Childproofing Your Dog: A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Dog for the Children in Your Life
Paperback https://amzn.to/3yzs8jx
Kindle https://amzn.to/3p6wMSIo
Happy Kids Happy Dogs
Paperback https://amzn.to/329IeEg
Recommended books for behavior issues
Help for your Fearful Dog
Paperback https://amzn.to/30z2lLA
Kindle https://amzn.to/3e1BOtA
Teaching Impulse Control to your Excitable Dog
Thanks for visiting Dog Prep for a New Baby. I make a small commission on any products or books I recommend.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It does not replace a consultation with a dog trainer, dog behavior consultant, or veterinarian and may not be used to diagnose or treat any conditions in your dog.
If you need help with puppy or dog training for a new baby, we do both private in-person and virtual lessons via Zoom. Please contact us by calling or texting (310) 804-2392 or sending an email to caryl@DoggieManners.com . We look forward to working with you.
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