In this episode, I want to normalize the BIG worries that expecting parents with dogs often have about integrating their fur babies with their newborns. Having a growing family leads to HUGE feelings…for all family members, dogs included. It’s a mistake to assume that dogs will “get used to it” without adequate preparation ahead of time. Unless parents get empathetic, supportive advice about how to help their dogs with this giant transition, expecting families face unnecessary stress, fear, and anxiety.
Topics on this episode include:
- Expecting, adopting, pregnant families and those using a surrogate are often worried about how their dogs will react to their new baby
- There is a lack of safe information about dogs and newborn infants in online forums, due date groups and in prenatal care
- This lack of information makes parents feel alone. It’s time to normalize worries these families face.
- Common worries expecting families have about living with their dog and newborns include:
- Aggression
- Safety
- Jealousy
- Time management
- Hygiene and sanitation
- Unpredictability
- Baby safety
- Giving up their dog
- Announcing my FREE BOOTCAMP: Pre-Baby Bootcamp on Preventing Dog Jealousy
- This is a FREE Bootcamp offered by Michelle of Pooch Parenting. If you are expecting or adopting a baby and your dog was your “first baby”, then you are in the right place!
- In this bootcamp, we will talk about jealousy in dogs – what it looks like and more importantly, how to prevent it so that you can all enjoy your new baby more and worry less.
- We begin September 12, 2023, so sign up now so you can access your workbook and get your invite into our private community.
Listen to the episode
Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the Pooch Parenting Podcast?
I love to answer listener questions on the podcast. If you’d like your question answered, please record it (like a voicemail!) here. I’ll do my best to include it in a future episode.
p.s. If you are a dog pro who wishes you had a little more confidence with clients who are adopting or expecting kids or who have children already, get on the waitlist for The Pooch Parenting Coach Collective. It’s a supportive membership for dog professionals that offers live zooms, made-for-you handouts to give to clients with kids, and an interactive Facebook group.
