Prepare your dog for life with baby.
Support for parents and their dogs—from expecting to arrival to the toddling years—and beyond!
“We started lessons with Rebecca to train our dog Roo for our upcoming baby. We wanted to make sure she was well prepared with skills to cope with the upcoming changes of having a baby in the house. The lessons helped tremendously! Everyone who knows Roo has been so impressed by her new skills. Before, she would jump on visitors at the door. Now she’ll go “say hi” by booping their hand with her nose and then come back to us. Additionally, she learned to go to her dog bed on command, so she can be out of the way if needed.
These were just a couple of the skills, but we are overall very thankful for Rebecca’s services and now that our son is here, we are able to see all the training in action.”
~Roo’s dad, Austin M.
“I feel worried about how my dog will feel when I am splitting my time, attention, and heart between the two”
“I feel overwhelmed by my baby prep list and don’t know where to start for my dog prep list.”
I feel guilty about my dog’s transition from number one baby to number two and am wondering how to make it smoothly.”
Planning for and welcoming a new baby into your life is an exciting time! This new life stage feels huge and you want to get it right, so that your dog and baby can live in harmony. I can help with that!
How I put parents’ minds at ease
Some common concerns and worries I hear from expectant and new parents:
Dog and Baby Package - Deluxe
I want lots of support!
Package Details
Six one-hour private lessons at your home before baby arrives.
We meet once a week for six weeks.
Two 30 minute phone or Zoom (client’s choice) check-ins during the weeks after baby arrives.
Two one-hour private lessons at your home after baby arrives and you are ready for visitors.
Positive reinforcement training every step of the way
$875
Dog and Baby Package
I want some support!
Package Details
Six one-hour private lessons at your home.
We meet once a week for six weeks.
Positive reinforcement training every step of the way.
$585
FAQ
When is the best time to start training?
As soon as you make the decision to pursue pregnancy or adoption!
I’m here to help the addition of baby go smoothly. For example, maybe your dog is a door dasher, which can be a problem when opening the door to all the extra deliveries and new visitors. Or your dog is a nervous nelly around new people, and you’re anticipating lots of helpers and visitors with new baby. In addition to the new family member, the dog’s environment and routine changes drastically— Furniture moved around, baby toys (with sounds and lights) added, human play time and snuggle time with dog decreased, number of visitors to home increased. We want to start addressing these concerns before baby arrives.
Can we still train if I’m due soon?
Yes! I understand that babies don’t follow the calendar with their arrival. We can take a break mid package to allow your family to recover before we pick back up with training.
Why won’t my dog just get used to my baby on her own?
Babies fly through so many developmental phases. Humans attend ‘how to’ classes and read ‘what to expect’ books—and yet it’s still overwhelming! From the dog’s perspective, there’s a surprise every day as baby features morph. The first few months, baby faces mom. Then baby faces out and suddenly is making eye contact with the dog— with unblinking eyes! Baby learns to sit up. Then crawl. Then wobble walk. Then grab. A baby and toddler’s movements and sounds can be unpredicatable and stressful to a dog.
Why should I work with a certified professional dog trainer who’s also a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator?
By observing your dog’s personality, routine, and quirks, I can predict what aspects of life with baby and toddler might be challenging and prepare your dog with a customized training plan.
Do you have any resources I can read about dog and baby?
DOG AND BABY BLOG link
DOG AND BABY HANDOUT
What do I need for our training sessions?
Yummy treats. The ones that are soft and can be broken into smaller pieces are best (think Tic Tac size).
Leash. No retractable, please.
Nylon or leather collar or harness.
Treat pouch that ties around your waist or clips, in order to free up your hands!
A non-slip bath mat (fuzzy on top to keep treats from bouncing away and non-slip so it doesn’t slide when your dog gets on it)..
Proof of age-appropriate dog vaccines.
