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  • Writer's pictureCaryl Wolff
    • Jan 23, 2020
    • 3 min read

Dog Training Prep for a New Baby

Updated: Feb 14, 2022


dog and pregnant womaa
Please Help Prepare Me for your New Baby

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.


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)

  • My Smart Puppy The Space exercises are important.


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.

  • Childproofing Your Dog: A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Dog for the Children in Your Life

  • Happy Kids Happy Dogs


Recommended books for behavior issues

  • Help for your Fearful 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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