Preparing Your Dog for Baby’s Arrival: Essential Tips & Discounts

Written By Lexi Dewar

Bringing a new baby into your home is an exciting time, but it can also be a significant change for your furry family members. Ensuring that your dog is well-prepared for the arrival of your little one is crucial to a smooth transition for everyone. That's why we've partnered with Dog Meets Baby to offer a comprehensive course designed to help your dog adjust to life with a newborn. Plus, we're offering an exclusive discount code: LEXI for 10% off your course purchase!

Here’s a sneak peek into what you’ll learn and prepare for with Dog Meets Baby:

Essential Preparations

  1. Management Tools:
    Purchase, set up, and acclimate your dog to essential management tools like baby gates, exercise pens, and crates. These will help you manage your dog's movements and create safe spaces for both your dog and your baby.

  2. Sleeping Arrangements:
    If your dog currently sleeps in your bed or bedroom, now is the time to transition them to a new sleeping area. This change will make your bed and bedroom baby-ready.

  3. Car Safety:
    Choose a pet safety harness, carrier, or kennel that meets crash-tested standards set by U.S., Canadian, and European child safety restraint systems organizations. Read more about car safety here.

  4. Physical Exercise:
    Plan ahead for your dog’s physical exercise needs during the first few months after the baby arrives. Consider hiring a dog walker, enrolling your dog in daycare, or relying on friends, family, or neighbors for help.

Optional Preparations

  1. Postpartum Helpers:
    Introduce your dog to anyone who will be helping you after the baby arrives. This will help your dog become comfortable with these new people in your home.

  2. Behavioral Issues:
    If your dog has any serious behavioral issues, now is the time to work with a trainer to address them.

Appointments & Supplies

  • Grooming and Vet Visits:
    Get your dog’s upcoming grooming and vet visits out of the way before the baby comes.

  • Health Checks:
    Test your dog’s fecal sample to rule out any parasite infections.

  • Stock Up:
    Make sure you have plenty of dog supplies or set up an auto-ship for essentials.

Training & Practice

  • Bringing Baby Home:
    Practice the steps of bringing your baby home to familiarize your dog with the new routine.

  • Basic Behaviors:
    Reinforce basic behaviors such as sit, down, go to bed, and leave it. Introduce your dog to baby equipment, baby sounds, and the stroller.

  • Separation Training:
    Teach your dog to be comfortable behind a gate, in a crate, or in a different room. This will be essential when you need some space to care for your baby.

Labor-Related Preparations

  • Labor at Home:
    Many people labor at home before heading to the hospital or birthing center. Plan ahead for where your dog will be and who will care for them during this time. Prepare a few stuffed Kongs or have a chew toy ready to keep them occupied.

  • Pack a Labor Bag for Your Dog:
    Include food, toys, comfort items, and instructions for the caregiver, such as feeding schedules and emergency contacts.

Home Birth Considerations

  • Legalities:
    Check what’s legal in your state and country regarding dogs and home births.

  • Preparation:
    Educate yourself on how to prepare your dog for a home birth, including the sounds of labor and the equipment used during the process. Make sure you have a solid plan for when or if you need to remove the dog from the area.

Emergency Contacts

  • ER Veterinary Clinics:
    Make a list of nearby ER veterinary clinics, including their name, address, phone number, and distance from your home.

  • Certified Dog Trainers:
    Keep a list of certified dog trainers on hand in case you need help after the baby arrives.

By following these guidelines and enrolling in the Dog Meets Baby course, you’ll be well-prepared to introduce your dog to your new baby in a safe and stress-free way. Don’t forget to use the discount code LEXI at checkout to receive 10% off your course purchase. Your dog is part of the family, and with the right preparation, you can ensure a happy, healthy transition for everyone.

For more information and to enroll, visit Dog Meets Baby.

SHOP CLASSES HERE!

use code LEXI for 10% Discount

〰️

use code LEXI for 10% Discount 〰️

Pre-Baby Course!

Baby & Toddler Course

Body Language Course

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Free Prep Checklist

Rules of interaction Guide


Lexi Dewar https://www.lexidewar.com
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