8. How to Safely Introduce Your Baby to Your Dog

Parenting Kids and Dogs 101

Welcome to Parenting Kids and Dogs 101, a limited series podcast for parents who live with kids and dogs, or plan to. I'm your host, Michelle Stern, the founder of Pooch Parenting. I'm not just a certified professional dog trainer and former teacher, I'm a mom too. In each episode of this series, I hope you'll feel like I'm chatting with you, one parent to another, about life with kids and dogs, answering common questions my clients ask me, and giving you simple solutions to make your life easier and safer.
I hope you'll subscribe and join me for the whole series, and don't forget to grab the accompanying workbook at https://poochparenting.net/podcastworkbook/
Ignore Social Media Trends

• I blame social media for putting too much pressure on these first types of interactions with new baby - that they should be "photo or social media worthy"
• instead, consider this just one moment - they have a lifetime to build relationships
• prioritize safety. Put down the camera and be fully present
• be sure the dog is behind a barrier and or leashed when the baby is carried into the house
• if the dog is calm at a distance, you can bring them closer on a leash
• Reward calm behavior and move away if dog is too excited

You won't know how your dog will respond to your new baby

• If you have had a traumatic birth, you need to be careful how your dog greets you when you come home.
• Please limit dog kisses to the baby - why risk it?
• Not all licks are kisses - sometimes licking is a sign your dog is stressed
• Some dogs are predatory and respond differently than you hoped for
• Get on the waitlist for my Paws to Pacifiers program that I offer 3 times a year for a very detailed coaching plan for how to introduce your dog to new baby

It's only natural for questions about our kids and dogs to arise from time to time, especially as our babies grow up and our dogs mature. And if I'm being honest, it's not really worth asking for free advice from friends or online because you can't rely on the accuracy of the feedback you are getting. If you'd like to learn more about The Pooch Parenting Society, where I offer practical life and science-based tips and strategies, ongoing support and a safe place to share, head on over to www.safekidsanddogs.com. From one parent to another, I see you and I promise, you're not alone.
If you have questions about your kids and dogs or would like to book an appointment, participate in a group coaching program or take an online class, visit my website: www.poochparenting.net