If you are a birth worker, such as a doula, midwife, lactation consultant or night nurse, who sees clients in their own homes, there is a very good chance that you will interact with family pets. Because families are hiring you to help them ease their transition into new parenthood, their pets (dogs, in particular) will play a large part into the new family dynamic. And let’s be honest – they are hiring you because you are a baby expert…not because you are a dog expert. And why should you be? But the truth of the matter is that you may notice some unsafe behavior in the family dog that worries you about the future safety of the new baby…and the sanity of the new parents. In this podcast episode, I discuss what red flags to look for in dogs before baby comes home, and what to do if you are concerned about dog and baby safety.
Dog Red Flags for In-Home Birth Workers
- Download this free guide outlining which red flags in dogs dogs might ultimately impact dog and baby safety: https://poochparenting.net/baby-professionals/
- If your client says:
- “my dog doesn’t like kids.”
- “my dog is reactive and I am worried about his response to baby”
- “our dog has a bite history.”
- “I wish I understood my dog better.”
- “I’m worried our dog will be jealous / overprotective of the new baby.”
- If YOU feel unsafe around the dog at any point working with this family, entering their home, or even when you get up to leave
- If the dog currently sleeps in your client’s bed or in the room where the baby will be sleeping
What to do if parents need extra support
- Refer out to a dog and child specialist, such as me at Pooch Parenting.
- Sometimes, dogs need medical support in order to make more progress with issues like anxiety and fear. Working in combination with me and a veterinary behaviorist can often offer the relief families and their dogs need to provide a safe environment for baby to thrive.
- The Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon is an excellent option for veterinary behavior support. Even if you don’t live in Oregon, they may be able to share their expertise and collaborate with your own local vet.
Listen here
Other supportive resources for parents with dogs
Looking for some ongoing support to share with your clients? Encourage them to join the Club! The Pooch Parenting Society is the only membership of it’s kind – offering compassionate EXPERT and relatable advice FOR parents with dogs FROM a certified professional dog trainer, family dog mediator, mom with 23 years of experience and former classroom teacher of 16 years. This program is ideal for parents with newborns and toddlers (and dogs, of course!).
I also discuss some simple tips for bringing baby home to meet the dog, why bringing home a baby blanket from the hospital is not a good idea, and where dogs should sleep.
