For generations, we have introduced dogs and babies into the home together and have left it to chance for the dog to accept the baby and all that comes along with the developing stages from newborn-toddler-child. FACT: No family wants to believe that their dog is...
FACT: This is probably the number one myth out there! When I was in the hospital after my daughter’s birth, the nurse asked me if I wanted to take home an article of clothing or a swaddle blanket with my daughter’s scent on it. Me, being the dog trainer, asked her...
FACT: We live in a culture that waits until there is a problem before deciding we need to take action. As a dog trainer, this is a recipe for disaster especially when it involves dogs and babies. In the majority of families, I meet they have their dog first before...
FACT: We have no way of knowing how your dog will perceive the “fake” baby and dogs are extremely intelligent creatures. If for months you are preparing your dog with a “fake” baby and then your newborn arrives that moves, makes noise, and has a new smell it could...
FACT: It is not the dog’s job to create boundaries for their space. A baby does not understand dog communication and body language to be able to protect them from being bitten. Depending on your breed of dog and what their bite style is would depend on the severity...
FACT: Here is an exert from an interview that we did with Leri Hanson, a pit bull breeder. Carrie: Do you support the nickname that Pit Bulls are “Nanny Dogs?” Leri: I used to. That whole nanny dog movement was very pretty and really nice, and we could use it as a...
FACT: Allowing your dog to sleep with your kids puts them all on equal playing ground. They might as well be littermates. Some dogs can be up on furniture and in beds with no problems while other dogs can get territorial over their space. This is very dependent on...
FACT: As a dog trainer, I hear this all the time. When did that become the determining factor on if your dog and child would be OK together? It’s important to remember that food and water are resources for a dog. If there is an abundant resource, the dog might be...
FACT: Dogs are animals and animals can be unpredictable. This statement sets all parties up for failure. Everybody needs to respect the breed of dog you have and understand the characteristics of that breed. There is nothing to prove in this area especially when it...
FACT: A kid and a newborn/baby are not the same context for your dog and they may not treat them the same. Your dog might not know what the sounds and movements of a newborn are. Sometimes a dog can have impulse issues around a baby’s high pitch scream and irregular...
FACT: Any breed of dog is capable of nipping/biting/mauling or killing a child. It is important to understand that certain breeds have different bite styles and as a result can cause more damage if they do bite especially when a young child is involved. You have to...
FACT: Once a dog resorts to biting, it has now opened up a new behavior and depending on the result that came after the bite determines if the behavior was successful or not. If the dog is fearful and biting resulted in the “threat” backing away from them then to...