Ah, the joys of parenting. As a dog trainer living with two fur babies and one human baby, I have realized that both forms of parenting, whether 2-legged or 4-legged, have their similarities; so much of what I know from my work as a dog trainer has made raising a child easier! I knew how to avoid losing a finger while teaching my daughter how to brush her teeth. My pet parenting and training knowledge helped me to have patience during tantrums (most of the time!) and instead redirect my daughter’s efforts elsewhere. Even feeding and nap schedules were second nature from my first “parenting” learning curve. I’ve also found that my experience as a first time (human) parent has also helped me empathize with my clients and re-evaluate my patience with my own pets despite years of prior training experience.
Here are some of my golden rules on navigating puppy & child parenting at the same time!
Give Yourself Space
For years I told clients to have their dog elsewhere when they come home with their new baby from the hospital for at least three days. I had no idea just how valuable that tip was until I experienced it firsthand. While it can be hard to have that distance from your pup (or pups), it also gives you the energy and time to focus exclusively on your newborn and frees up some of your caregiving capacity. My dogs stayed with family for two weeks when I came home with a newborn and even though I missed them dearly, I could have even used another two without them just to get my feet under me as a new parent.
Introducing Pup & Baby
We all love to share those tender moments of our pup and baby cuddling on social media, but don’t force your child onto the dog– just capture candid moments! In fact, it’s sometimes helpful to teach your baby not to touch either of their fur siblings rather than attempt to teach ‘petting gently’. This allows them to grow together comfortably and, more importantly, won’t teach your baby to pet or hug any that she meets until they know the pup can be approached. Safety First!
Train in Advance
Part of the checklist you need to follow before introducing your pup to your baby is to make sure your pup is very well behaved. Behavioral difficulties should be worked out before the baby comes. You’re going to be too tired and busy to focus on your dog’s barking behaviors when you have a baby. Don’t procrastinate! Find a professional certified local trainer to work on “problems” long before your new addition arrives.
Make it Easy for Yourself
Having your pup proficient with cues is of the utmost importance; when your dog has a precious elmo toy in their mouth and your child is crying and chasing them down, you’ll be thankful your pup knows “drop it.” But sometimes in a high stress moment your brain doesn’t come up with exactly what you’d want it to. Thinking ahead will help you manage – make sure your dog is comfortable being behind a gate or in another room when it’s too overwhelming to have your pup and your baby interacting or you want to have your attention solely on your baby.
Get Help
Delegation is key. You’re not a bad parent or pet parent if you need to ask for help. It’s okay if someone else walks your dog even if you are taking a walk later that day with the stroller. On the flip side, it is equally okay if you ask someone to watch your child while you take a leisurely stroll with your dog. They were your first, after all! Trying to always do it together to save time or money isn’t always the best answer or option (for your sanity).
They Can Share Toys!
You can play fetch with the dog and child at the same time (assuming your dog has no guarding behaviors and has good control of their movements and mouth!). At this point in my household, the dog and child balls are interchangeable and I don’t even flinch when she has a ball full of saliva in her hands.
Get Dog Bowls That Suction to the Ground
This tip needs no further explanation!
Most important of all: nothing will be perfect. Behavior is complicated, human or animal. Give your dog the same grace you give your child. And vice versa 😃
Want to share stories about your experience with parenting your fur babies and human babies? Send us an email at whatthepup@spotandtango.com!
