Preparing The Home, Yourselves, and The Pets for Your Baby's Arrival
The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never.
A mother is something absolutely new. ― Osho
Parents -To - Be Webinars
Family Paws™ Parent Education Classes specialize in dog and child safety through our licensed Parent Educational Programs, Dogs & Storks™ and The Dog and Baby Connection™. These programs are dedicated to supporting individual families and professionals alike, in support of new parents with dogs. During our time together I will be providing you with the tools and techniques that I have learned from them. Below are webinars, videos, management tools and techniques that you will need to learn about, implement, and practice in your home.
Webinar 1
The Inclusion of Family Dogs for Success: Building Dog-Child Bonds
This is a webinar hosted by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and taught by my mentor, and dog and baby expert, Jennifer Shryock, of Family Paws. This very important webinar will teach you about the importance of teaching children to be safe around dogs, understanding your dog's body language, and how to build strong and healthy relationships between your child and your dogs. You will learn about preparing ahead, appropriate supervision, canine and baby management, safe, introductions, parental guidance, grumble zones and growl zones, common mistakes, hazardous situations, as well as tips for keeping the entire family happy and safe.
You can view the webinar here.
You can view the webinar here.
Webinar 2
Introducing Your New Baby and Your Canine Family Members
New parents often have anxiety about the initial introduction of their new baby and family dog. This webinar is the perfect option for immediate help from your home when you need it. Watch this before and just after your baby arrives. Led by Jennifer Shryock, leading dog and baby expert, this class is packed with information to ease your mind and increase safety and enjoyment so that you can focus on the most important things … mom’s recovery, nursing, and bonding with your newborn. Please set aside 30 minutes to watch this.
Topics Covered in this Family Paws webinar:
Watch your free webinar below:
Topics Covered in this Family Paws webinar:
- Suggestions for coming home
- Tips for first days home success
- What might indicate a need for support
- Emotions and comfort level for all
- Inclusion & supervision; finding the balance
Watch your free webinar below:
IMPORTANT NOTE from Jennifer Shryock, the Family Paws webinar presenter:
We locked the car seat in position in the middle of our kitchen table pushing all of our chairs in. I was sitting right there. We NEVER recommend or suggest leaving a baby in a car seat on a surface unattended. This is dangerous and falls can happen. We do recommend that parents are careful NOT to lift their newborn out of the car seat right in front of their dogs as often dogs can become excited at the lifting up of a newborn or unfamiliar item and try to grab at it. Never do we recommend leaving a newborn in any equipment on a raised surface unattended.
We locked the car seat in position in the middle of our kitchen table pushing all of our chairs in. I was sitting right there. We NEVER recommend or suggest leaving a baby in a car seat on a surface unattended. This is dangerous and falls can happen. We do recommend that parents are careful NOT to lift their newborn out of the car seat right in front of their dogs as often dogs can become excited at the lifting up of a newborn or unfamiliar item and try to grab at it. Never do we recommend leaving a newborn in any equipment on a raised surface unattended.
Success Stations!
When your family begins to prepare for life with a baby, it's vital that there are child-free areas set up around the house. These are "safe zones" where your dog(s) can comfortably observe you, and your child at a safe distance. Setting up and practicing these areas well ahead of the baby's arrival will help everyone in the future!
Family Paws describes Success Stations as "a safe and enjoyable spot where your dog can only succeed". These are necessary home management stations. They will need to be in place, and put into practice before baby arrives! The key to setting up success stations is to practice with them for short periods of time with a dog in each station. This will help the dogs to adjust more easily once baby arrives.
When setting up a “success station” we need to make sure that the dog is not disturbed. We also need to make sure that the dog cannot escape on his/her own. There are many types of gates that you can use, but Family Paws recommends this one. If you don't have a couple of these already in your home, you will need to get them soon.
"Crate, Gate, Rotate, and Separate" are how Success Stations are used. We will be discussing this (and putting these into practice) starting the first week of our sessions together. For now, you can learn more about Success Stations here.
Family Paws describes Success Stations as "a safe and enjoyable spot where your dog can only succeed". These are necessary home management stations. They will need to be in place, and put into practice before baby arrives! The key to setting up success stations is to practice with them for short periods of time with a dog in each station. This will help the dogs to adjust more easily once baby arrives.
When setting up a “success station” we need to make sure that the dog is not disturbed. We also need to make sure that the dog cannot escape on his/her own. There are many types of gates that you can use, but Family Paws recommends this one. If you don't have a couple of these already in your home, you will need to get them soon.
"Crate, Gate, Rotate, and Separate" are how Success Stations are used. We will be discussing this (and putting these into practice) starting the first week of our sessions together. For now, you can learn more about Success Stations here.
KONG 101: Tools for Success at the Success Stations
A variety of Kongs are available today, from simple to genius levels. It's up to you to make them as challenging as you can!
KONGs are recommended by vets, trainers, and dog guardians worldwide more than any other dog toy.
Kongs and other puzzle toys are great enrichment tools. They provide necessary mental exercise, and are a simple way to improve your dog’s life, while giving them time to be happy and alone.
They are also great because they allow time for you to do what you need to with your baby, family, or when company arrives!
Food-stuffed toys are a great way to get a dog to love the crate, to enjoy spending time alone (and avoid getting upset when you leave), and to keep him busy when you want to get work done.
You will be utilizing Kongs and puzzle feeders when using the Success Stations before and after Sophie arrives.
Kongs and other puzzle toys are great enrichment tools. They provide necessary mental exercise, and are a simple way to improve your dog’s life, while giving them time to be happy and alone.
They are also great because they allow time for you to do what you need to with your baby, family, or when company arrives!
Food-stuffed toys are a great way to get a dog to love the crate, to enjoy spending time alone (and avoid getting upset when you leave), and to keep him busy when you want to get work done.
You will be utilizing Kongs and puzzle feeders when using the Success Stations before and after Sophie arrives.
Why Kongs are more than just a toy
Kongs for Beginners
Kong Tips for Success
SIZE FOR SAFETY
It’s important to use the right size KONG so that your dog can have the safest, most enjoyable experience. Not sure where to start on sizing? Check out the KONG User Guide.
ENGAGE TO ENSURE SUCCESS!
Get your dog excited about their new KONG. Show it off and talk about it excitedly; maybe even play a little hard-to-get to pique their interest and show them what their new toy can do.
STUFF TO ENTICE AND EXTEND PLAYTIME
Many dogs are motivated by food and KONG toys are perfect for stuffing with treats or kibble to keep dogs busy. The key is to stuff loosely so that the food will come out of the toy easily. To entice your dog, try using a little bit of peanut butter or their favorite treat in the KONG.
FREEZE FOR GREATER CHALLENGE!
Over time, your dog will learn how to get treats out of the KONG quickly. To increase the challenge, put together a mixture of wet and dry ingredients, stuff the KONG and freeze it. A frozen KONG heightens the experience by creating a long-lasting, mentally stimulating task.
CREATIVE RECIPES!
Wondering what to freeze in your dog’s KONG? Visit their recipes page. And this link has more ideas for recipes!
HOW TO STUFF KONGS QUICKLY!
Click here to see how to make your Kong-prep easy for yourself, and also so that your dogs will always have fresh frozen Kongs ready at a moment’s notice when you need them!
HOW TO STORE KONGS IN BULK FOR STUFFING & FREEZING
How to store all of your in your freezer without making a mess.
KONGS IN ACTION!
Pets need to play! Watch videos of KONG's latest products, training tips, and more HERE!
It’s important to use the right size KONG so that your dog can have the safest, most enjoyable experience. Not sure where to start on sizing? Check out the KONG User Guide.
ENGAGE TO ENSURE SUCCESS!
Get your dog excited about their new KONG. Show it off and talk about it excitedly; maybe even play a little hard-to-get to pique their interest and show them what their new toy can do.
STUFF TO ENTICE AND EXTEND PLAYTIME
Many dogs are motivated by food and KONG toys are perfect for stuffing with treats or kibble to keep dogs busy. The key is to stuff loosely so that the food will come out of the toy easily. To entice your dog, try using a little bit of peanut butter or their favorite treat in the KONG.
FREEZE FOR GREATER CHALLENGE!
Over time, your dog will learn how to get treats out of the KONG quickly. To increase the challenge, put together a mixture of wet and dry ingredients, stuff the KONG and freeze it. A frozen KONG heightens the experience by creating a long-lasting, mentally stimulating task.
CREATIVE RECIPES!
Wondering what to freeze in your dog’s KONG? Visit their recipes page. And this link has more ideas for recipes!
HOW TO STUFF KONGS QUICKLY!
Click here to see how to make your Kong-prep easy for yourself, and also so that your dogs will always have fresh frozen Kongs ready at a moment’s notice when you need them!
HOW TO STORE KONGS IN BULK FOR STUFFING & FREEZING
How to store all of your in your freezer without making a mess.
KONGS IN ACTION!
Pets need to play! Watch videos of KONG's latest products, training tips, and more HERE!
Support: Family Paws knows first hand how challenging life can be with a baby, toddler, and dog under the same roof. It is not uncommon for parents to feel overwhelmed and need support when trying to juggle the needs of the four and two legged family members. Our goal is to provide positive and practical resources when parents need it most! The Dog and Baby hotline offers families access to dog professionals who are ready to listen and hear their concerns. All volunteers are licensed presenters through Family Paws™ Parent Education programs and have chosen to specialize in this niche and are willing and happy to help! This hotline is not intended to replace a private consultation or workshop but may provide critical help until additional support is available with a professional.
Family Paws Dog and Baby Support hotline (toll-free) 1-877-247-3407
Family Paws Dog and Baby Support hotline (toll-free) 1-877-247-3407
- Early Childhood Family Education – Great (and inexpensive) local programs for new families
- DONA – The largest and oldest doula organization
- HUG your baby– Help, understanding, and guidance for families with newborns
- Amma Maternity – Fabulous pre and post-natal classes on topics like childbirth, breastfeeding, new parent support groups, etc.
- We also have a toll free dog & baby support hotline to help you when you need it! 1-877-247-3407
The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants. ― Johnny Depp
