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Bringing a baby into a household that already has a dog can be both joyful and challenging. How do you ensure that your beloved pet adapts well to this significant change? In this episode, I’m joined by Dominika Knossalla-Pado, a certified dog trainer and founder of Dog Meets Baby, to discuss tips and insights for introducing a newborn to a household with a dog.

Dominika is a Certified Dog Trainer and the founder of Dog Meets Baby. She lives in beautiful San Francisco with her 8-year-old twins and a yellow Labrador Retriever named Lola.

Dominika graduated with honors from the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers (called the Harvard of Dog Training).

Lola’s predatory reaction to her newborn twins was one of the main reasons why she started Dog Meets Baby. Dominika is passionate about helping parents of young children and dogs (like herself) who want real tips and solutions to keep everyone safe. She wants parents to have an action plan when they bring their baby home and know what to do when their baby becomes mobile.

Dominika shares various techniques and tools to prepare your dog for a new baby. One of the most crucial elements is to practice with a doll or a baby-like object. By simulating the presence of a newborn, dogs can get used to the new addition. Dominika also emphasizes the importance of familiarizing dogs with newborn sounds, such as crying and grunting, which are available for free on her website.

Dominika Knossalla-Pado’s insights provide valuable guidance for anyone preparing to introduce a new baby into a household with a dog. By planning ahead, using practical training techniques, and recognizing the signs of distress in your dog, you can create a harmonious environment for both your baby and your pet.

Bringing a baby home is a significant change for everyone in the household, including your dog. With the right preparation and guidance, it can be a smooth transition that ensures the safety and well-being of your entire family.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 03:03 Dominika's Personal Story
• 03:55 Challenges with Lola the Labrador
• 06:13 Starting Dog Meets Baby
• 14:48 Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby
• 21:46 Introduction to Free and Paid Resources
• 22:38 Training Techniques and Tools
• 23:15 Handling Baby Sounds and Dog Reactions
• 25:04 First Meeting and Planning
• 25:55 Addressing Reactive Dog Behaviors
• 28:11 Importance of Consistency and Professional Help
• 32:22 Recognizing Red Flags and Seeking Guidance
• 38:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Pre-baby courses - https://bit.ly/3ITH2al
• Mobile Baby courses - https://bit.ly/3IZjTTI
• Dog Body Language Course - https://bit.ly/3TTwmPc
• Blog - https://bit.ly/3VyPjYL
• Free Toddlers & Dogs Guide - https://bit.ly/4av6eQ7
• Free Preparation Checklist - https://bit.ly/3PGeSn1
• Free Baby Sounds Library - https://bit.ly/4ctxvEi

Connect with Dominika

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogmeets_baby
• Pinterest: pinterest.com/DogMeetsBaby
• www.dogmeetsbaby.expert

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholebundle/