Get started on the right foot with Dog Meets Baby Courses. From the First Meeting to the Dog Body Language Course, Dominika will set you up for success with your dog and baby.
Watch the videos below from families who took a Dog Meets Baby Course.
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Prepare your dog for your baby's arrival by introducing them to essential baby items. We recommend starting in the 3rd trimester or earlier if your dog needs more training. The Dog Meets Baby Courses provide in-depth training techniques and tips on effectively using these items to ensure a smooth transition.
Playmats create a perfect baby-only zone, and we recommend training your dog to stay off the playmat or play gym.
You can use a doll or an item wrapped up in a baby blanket roughly the size of a newborn to practice obedience, such as Place, Away, Stay, On/Off, while holding, carrying, passing, wearing, putting in and out of the crib or a stroller, etc., your fake baby.
Snuggle puppy is great for training your dog to be comfortable in their dog zone, behind a baby gate, or outside the nursery. It can help your dog to feel less anxious about all the changes. This toy has a heartbeat sound and a heat pack inside to soothe your dog. It's perfect for dogs who won’t chew up a stuffie type of toy.
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Practicing wearing a baby carrier with a doll (or a stuffie) is a great way to get your dog accustomed to your new routines and the presence of the carrier on you.
Example: Wrap your phone in a baby blanket or stick it in the carrier with the doll and play an audio of a crying newborn.
Choose a baby lotion (or diaper cream) you plan to use for your baby, even if it's 'unscented.' Use this lotion to create a positive association with that smell and practice cues like “Place.”
The rolling cart is perfect for storing and organizing essentials like lotions, diapers, wipes, and dog treats within easy reach. You can use the treats to train “Place” cue with your dog while your baby is napping.
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Since "place" is often the most frequently used cue when you have a baby, investing in a comfortable dog bed your dog likes and goes to happily is very helpful. Now might be the perfect time to splurge on a new bed that will help you with training and give your dog a safe place. Here are some of our favorite picks.
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A treat your dog loves makes training more effective. Opt for smaller, easy-to-handle treats that allow for quick rewards during training sessions. To make your search easier, check out some of our favorite treats.
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Nothing is more stressful than finally getting your baby to sleep, only to have your dog start barking.
White noise machines are great for drowning out noises, making them perfect for your baby and dog. Place one in the bedroom or nursery, outside the room your baby sleeps in, by the front door, and even in your dog's zone to help everyone in the house get a good nap and a good night's sleep. Portable and chargeable machines, especially the ones with light, are lifesavers during power outages.
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Air purifiers reduce our exposure to bad air quality. They help eliminate allergy triggers like pollen, pet dander, dust, and mold spores. Quality air purifiers help reduce asthma triggers in the air and the risk of airborne virus exposure. They also provide a steady, soothing sound that can help keep dogs calm while the baby sleeps or drown out noises that would otherwise trigger barking.
Video doorbells are an excellent tool for reducing disruptive doorbell rings that can wake your baby or trigger your dog’s alert barking.
This is an excellent solution for areas where your dog tends to watch and react to passersby, e.g., when you have floor-to-ceiling windows or your dog can see what’s going on outside from the couch. These covers help reduce barking and agitation triggered by outside activity and come in a variety of styles.
Walking your dog after the baby arrives doesn't have to be stressful. We recommend practicing leash training with both your dog and stroller before the baby comes. Here are some essential items to make your walks smoother and safer.
Two items that can make a big difference when you walk your dog with a stroller, or your baby in the carrier are a no-pull harness and a hands-free leash.
They are very useful when your hands are literally full, e.g., when you are pushing a stroller, holding your toddler’s hand, and carrying your toddler’s stuff, or when you have more than one dog. You can also get a hands-free belt and attach your dog’s regular leash.
Pro tip: If you have a strong dog, get one that has metal snaps and closures.
Opt for non-greasy, small, and easy-to-handle treats that are perfect for training during walks or to safely redirect your dog’s attention from approaching dogs or people. All treats are made in USA.
Stroller organizers are perfect for organizing items for easy grabbing.
Safety items - One of the biggest worries of new parents is being approached (and attacked) by an unleashed dog while out on a walk with their baby and dog. I recommend carrying safety items, like a big umbrella, extra leash, compressed air, or citronella spray. Check out our top items here.
If you didn’t mind dog hair before, after having your baby, you might find that it drives you nuts. That was me. Here’s a selection of tools and vacuums that help tremendously to keep your home dog hair-free and lower your stress levels.
Cordless vacuums are perfect for fast cleanups or smaller areas.
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Robot vacuums are a fantastic solution for busy parents. Set them to clean automatically and come home to floors free of dog hair and crumbs. Here are some of our top picks.
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Hand vacuums are excellent for cars, couches, countertops, under-the-highchair areas, and quick cleanups. Check out our favorite models.
The type of brush you will use depends on your dog’s hair type. Regular brushing can significantly reduce the amount of hair around your home.
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Standard hand vacuums might not always do the trick when it comes to removing stubborn pet hair from furniture and cars. For deeper cleaning, we recommend the following tools:
If you have young children, stains on clothes, carpets, rugs, and furniture are unavoidable. Finding a stain remover that actually works can be challenging. Here are some of our favorites that WORK. All four products are Dog Meets Baby Team favorites.
Pro tip: Miss Mouth’s and Puracy - get the refills.
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Gates are key when baby-proofing your house before your baby becomes mobile. You can create dog and baby zones using gates and keep the tempting baby items away. You can separate your dog’s resources that your dog might be protective of or keep your dog safe from your grabby and unpredictable baby.
Long gates are a personal favorite due to their versatility. They can adapt to different areas around your home, making them ideal for wide openings or as room dividers.
Playpens are excellent for creating baby-only zones and travel. They work particularly well in smaller spaces and large open spaces. I like them for dogs who struggle with being separated by a gate, as they often have an easier time with a baby confined in a playpen.
They are the perfect solution for awkward spaces that are too large for short gates but too small for long ones. They ensure safety without compromising on functionality.
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These gates are ideal for standard doorways and staircases. As parents, we often have our hands full, so we recommend models that can be easily operated with one hand.
A retractable gate is best suited for places that are only accessed sometimes or where a permanent gate is unnecessary or would be problematic to install. I had one at the kitchen entrance and used it when I needed the dogs to stay out of the kitchen.
A freestanding gate is suitable for dogs who will not try to push it open. They are effective for temporarily blocking off areas without permanent installation.
Puzzle toys, chews, and snuffle mats are a great way to keep your dog occupied while you nurse, during naps, when you are recovering after childbirth, when it’s too hot/cold outside, or when your dog is watching 'Baby TV' (a simple technique to help your dog get acclimated to baby’s milestones).
Fill these toys with your dog's favorite kibble or treats, add peanut butter, canned pumpkin, yogurt, or wet dog food, and freeze the filled toy for more of a challenge.
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Spread peanut butter, yogurt, wet dog food, or a mix of wet and dry foods on these mats. Serve it at room temperature or frozen. Lick mats are great for all dogs, including flat-nosed and small dogs. Many dog parents use lickmats during grooming sessions, when trimming nails, or to keep the dogs occupied. The lickmats shown below are dishwasher safe.
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Snuffle mats are like treasure hunts for your dog. Hide treats within the soft folds of the mat and watch as your dog sniffs them out. This activity entertains and taps into your dog’s natural foraging instincts. We've tested several and have our top picks ready for you. The snuffle mats shown below are machine washable.
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They are perfect for alone-time training, teaching your dog to move away, or making your dog comfortable with being separated from you. They can really tire your dog out.
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BarkBox Super Chewer offers a monthly subscription box that includes two bags of healthy treats and two tough toys for super chewers, perfect for dogs who play harder.
Mind Game of the Month is a family-owned company started by parents who were looking for ways to keep their dog occupied when their baby was born. Each product is chosen with one goal in mind—to occupy and tire the dog out. Bi-monthly subscription boxes for senior dogs and dogs with allergies are available.
Real Dog Box is much more than customizable chew and treat subscription boxes. The founders believe strongly believe food is medicine. Affordable wellness membership has many benefits but unlimited access to Certified Canine Nutritionists and a monthly 1:1 nutrition consult alone are such a great deal.
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Car safety is essential not just for your baby but also for your dog. Dogs can become dangerous projectiles in an accident. Keeping your dog secure protects everyone in the car by avoiding the risks associated with having a loose dog and baby, either during a crash or while seated next to each other in the back row.
These harnesses are crash-tested to ensure that they can keep your dog safely restrained during travel.
Pro-tip: Proper fit is KEY and you may need to test more than one harness to find the perfect one for your dog or order a custom-made harness. They are built differently than regular walking harnesses.
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Kennels are a safe way to travel for larger dogs, keeping them securely contained. These kennels have undergone crash tests to meet safety standards, ensuring they will hold up in the event of an accident.
Pro tip: Some companies test their products independently, using the same or more enhanced testing protocols than the CPS www.centerforpetsafety.org uses.
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Carriers are a safe choice for smaller dogs during car rides and air travel. These carriers have been crash-tested and offer the highest security for your pet on the go.
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To find more products to add to your registry, check out the Dog Meets Baby Registry Amazon Storefront
The first year with a baby is filled with many magical moments but can also be so exhausting. Outsourcing can significantly relieve stress and reduce dog mom guilt. Investing in services like local dog walking, doggie daycare, house cleaning, and laundry—or enlisting help from friends and family—is invaluable during this busy time.
SniffSpot offers local, safe, and private dog park rentals. This service is ideal for families with little children and dogs; not having to worry about your toddler running off or navigating dog interactions while also watching the kids is priceless. It has many options: dog water parks, indoor spaces, dog agility parks, and private hiking trails.
A lifesaver when you have a newborn. You can still eat well, spend little time preparing and cooking, and don’t need to worry about not having an ingredient to make a meal. There is a meal plan for everyone. I have tested many over the years. My advice - choose one that matches your preferences and budget, order meals for a week or two, and see how you like it. If you don’t, order a new one until you find something that works for your family.
Discount codes available!
It is easy to forget to buy your dog’s food when you are sleep-deprived.
Popular options are Amazon Subscribe & Save or Chewy Autoship.
If you prefer custom plans and freshly made food, we like Nom Nom and Sundays for Dogs for high-quality food and treat options delivered right to your home—the perfect solution for busy new parents.
Discount codes available!
When you are in your 3rd trimester or recovering from childbirth, or a busy parent of a little human, easy tasks like poop scooping might seem impossible to do. It is convenient, affordable, and just one less thing to be concerned about.
If you have a young, high-energy social dog who loves to play with other dogs and never seems to have enough, a local doggie daycare might be exactly what you need. Encourage family and friends to contribute by purchasing gift cards to your chosen doggie daycare.
Consider asking family and friends to help walk your dog or hire a local professional dog walker. Many parents find this service to be a lifesaver. Ideally, find a dog walker before your baby arrives to give your dog time to acclimate to a new routine.
The first year with a baby can be incredibly challenging, no doubt about it. Making time for self-care and finding support tailored for new parents can be so helpful. Here's a selection of services and resources designed to support you mentally and physically.
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This app offers comprehensive support for pregnancy and postpartum, helping you and your partner prepare mentally and physically before the baby arrives and recover afterward. Explore workouts, wellness tips, and more to stay empowered.
Birthsmarter childbirth education, lactation, and newborn care classes, as well as support groups, are available on demand, on Zoom, and in Person in NYC and SLC.
Choose from three different labor courses designed to prepare you thoroughly for childbirth. They also have free resources, workshops, and a podcast with helpful tips and insights.
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What person doesn’t love a good massage?! These are perfect for before and after the baby arrives.
Seeing the right therapist who provides a safe space to discuss changes and challenges can be helpful.
A perfect gift for first-time parents. Take the stress off of cleaning when you are exhausted so you can focus more on your baby and less on the chores.
Online resources to help your baby and dog get along—right from the start and as they grow up together.
