Pets & Kids
Bags Packed?
So you are about to bring that new bundle of joy into the world, you attended all the childbirth classes, decorated the nursery and your hospital bag is packed. you know you’ve forgot something…what about the dog??? Here are a few helpful items to get ready for the dog.
Dogs need their daily exercise, and even things like it being too cold/hot and days being shorter
shouldn’t get in the way. Here are some helpful tips on how to work your dogs mind and body indoors:
Dogs and Babies classes
“The dog was created especially for children. He is the God of frolic.” – Henry Ward Beecher
Your dog has gotten used to being your “baby,” but soon you’ll be bringing an actual baby person into your family, home and life. Have you prepared your fur baby for the arrival of a new human “sibling”?
Or maybe your baby has passed the one year mark. How will you ensure that doggie knows how to respond to your toddler’s increasing mobility and curiosity?
Through our Dog & Baby classes, Aunt Penny can answer these questions to help your baby and dog develop close bonds of love and lifelong friendship. A licensed Family Paws™ Parent Education presenter, Aunt Penny teaches both the Dogs & Storks Program™ (for expectant families) and the Dog and Baby Connection™ (for families with children between four months and three years old). She provides these classes at local hospitals (in conjunction with their prenatal care classes) as well as her own home and clients’ homes (as private consultations).
Dogs & Storks Program™
Parents with a baby on the way have months to plan for their newborn’s arrival; but how do you explain an impending birth to your dog? All too often, people just spring the news all of a sudden by simply bringing baby home, assuming their dog will naturally and automatically welcome the tiny stranger with open paws. But such a surprise can be very confusing, even upsetting, to canines who haven’t been properly prepared for this unexpected situation.
Dogs & Storks™ helps expectant parents (as well as grandparents, babysitters and other caretakers) get their dogs ready for life with baby. In this class or private consultation, you will learn:
To sign up for a Dogs & Storks™ workshop, contact Aunt Penny or check our events page for upcoming classes
Dog and Baby Connection™
Baby starts out small, crawling on all fours – just like Dog does. But Baby grows quickly, and soon enough is the same size as Dog – and walking upright on two legs. Dog notices that Baby is suddenly becoming a very different kind of creature. Confused by these rapid changes, Dog tries to adapt…even as Baby pelts him with kibble from his bowl and tries to ride on his back like a horse.
This may sound like an adorable YouTube video, but Dog isn’t having fun. He needs help coping with Baby’s increasingly unpredictable behavior, and Baby needs to learn how to treat Dog with the respect he deserves. Fortunately, the Dog and Baby Connection™ can restore balance in the relationship and strengthen the bonds of friendship now and for years to come.
Created by a certified dog behavior consultant and mother of four, the Dog and Baby Connection™ is for families with babies who are between four months to three years old and exploring their independence for the first time. It is offered as both a group training class and private in-home consultation which parents and other caretakers can attend with their dogs to learn:
Tips & Tools
Here is a list of helpful websites and books about dogs and children:
www.familypaws.com
www.doggonesafe.com
www.drsophiayin.com
www.petinsurancequotes.com/pet-care/how-to-prepare-your-dog-for-a-new-baby.html
“Kids & Dogs: a Professional’ Guide to Helping Families” by Colleen Pelar
“Living with Dogs…without Losing your Mind” by Colleen Pelar
“Theres a Baby in the House! Preparing your dog for the arrival of your child.” by Mike Wombacher
“How to Behave so your Dog Behaves” by Dr. Sophia Yin
For help with dog related concerns to a baby contact FAMILY PAWS: 1(877) 242-3407
So you are about to bring that new bundle of joy into the world, you attended all the childbirth classes, decorated the nursery and your hospital bag is packed. you know you’ve forgot something…what about the dog??? Here are a few helpful items to get ready for the dog.
- Have a plan of action; just in case your water breaks at home. A dog will associate amniotic fluid with the new baby so make it a good first impression! (learn how to in our Dogs & Storks Class)
- Pack the freezer with kongs stuffed with treats or peanut butter so he can have something fun to do when everyone is looking at your new baby.
- Make sure your FUR baby has all his vaccines and has visited his doctor too.
Dogs need their daily exercise, and even things like it being too cold/hot and days being shorter
shouldn’t get in the way. Here are some helpful tips on how to work your dogs mind and body indoors:
- Run your dog up & down the stairs: Using the stairs is a great way to tire out your dog. The steps add an additional challenge to a dogs workout. They engage different muscles than those used on a regular walk or run and add an extra level of difficulty with the change in elevation. Here how to: Stand at the top of your stairs and throw a toy down for your dog. When your dog grabs the toy, call his name and have him bring it to you. After several rounds he’ll be winded.
- The Laser Pointer: Pick up an inexpensive laser pointer at a store and shine it back and fourth across the floor. Watch as your dog chases the laser back and fourth and works out in the process. *Be careful to avoid shinning the laser into the dogs eyes, as this can cause damage to his retinas.
- Set up Obstacle Courses: Like using that old hula hoop for him to leap through or using cushions to create a tunnel for him to navigate. Map everything out and lead your dog through the various obstacles. This game will challenge your dog both mentally and physically.
Dogs and Babies classes
“The dog was created especially for children. He is the God of frolic.” – Henry Ward Beecher
Your dog has gotten used to being your “baby,” but soon you’ll be bringing an actual baby person into your family, home and life. Have you prepared your fur baby for the arrival of a new human “sibling”?
Or maybe your baby has passed the one year mark. How will you ensure that doggie knows how to respond to your toddler’s increasing mobility and curiosity?
Through our Dog & Baby classes, Aunt Penny can answer these questions to help your baby and dog develop close bonds of love and lifelong friendship. A licensed Family Paws™ Parent Education presenter, Aunt Penny teaches both the Dogs & Storks Program™ (for expectant families) and the Dog and Baby Connection™ (for families with children between four months and three years old). She provides these classes at local hospitals (in conjunction with their prenatal care classes) as well as her own home and clients’ homes (as private consultations).
Dogs & Storks Program™
Parents with a baby on the way have months to plan for their newborn’s arrival; but how do you explain an impending birth to your dog? All too often, people just spring the news all of a sudden by simply bringing baby home, assuming their dog will naturally and automatically welcome the tiny stranger with open paws. But such a surprise can be very confusing, even upsetting, to canines who haven’t been properly prepared for this unexpected situation.
Dogs & Storks™ helps expectant parents (as well as grandparents, babysitters and other caretakers) get their dogs ready for life with baby. In this class or private consultation, you will learn:
- How to ensure your dog has positive emotional associations with the baby before the big day arrives
- How to include your dog in the baby’s arrival
- How to read your dog’s subtle body language to see how comfortable he is with the baby
- Fun games and activities for baby’s first days at home that will send your dog the message that she and baby are both beloved members of the family
- And much more!
To sign up for a Dogs & Storks™ workshop, contact Aunt Penny or check our events page for upcoming classes
Dog and Baby Connection™
Baby starts out small, crawling on all fours – just like Dog does. But Baby grows quickly, and soon enough is the same size as Dog – and walking upright on two legs. Dog notices that Baby is suddenly becoming a very different kind of creature. Confused by these rapid changes, Dog tries to adapt…even as Baby pelts him with kibble from his bowl and tries to ride on his back like a horse.
This may sound like an adorable YouTube video, but Dog isn’t having fun. He needs help coping with Baby’s increasingly unpredictable behavior, and Baby needs to learn how to treat Dog with the respect he deserves. Fortunately, the Dog and Baby Connection™ can restore balance in the relationship and strengthen the bonds of friendship now and for years to come.
Created by a certified dog behavior consultant and mother of four, the Dog and Baby Connection™ is for families with babies who are between four months to three years old and exploring their independence for the first time. It is offered as both a group training class and private in-home consultation which parents and other caretakers can attend with their dogs to learn:
- Guided Touch™ and Guided Teaching™ Techniques
- How to understand your dog’s body language and responses to your baby
- How to help your dog adjust as baby’s gross motor skills develop
- Management techniques customized to your family and home environment
- Fun ways to include your dog in daily activities
- And much more!
Tips & Tools
Here is a list of helpful websites and books about dogs and children:
www.familypaws.com
www.doggonesafe.com
www.drsophiayin.com
www.petinsurancequotes.com/pet-care/how-to-prepare-your-dog-for-a-new-baby.html
“Kids & Dogs: a Professional’ Guide to Helping Families” by Colleen Pelar
“Living with Dogs…without Losing your Mind” by Colleen Pelar
“Theres a Baby in the House! Preparing your dog for the arrival of your child.” by Mike Wombacher
“How to Behave so your Dog Behaves” by Dr. Sophia Yin
For help with dog related concerns to a baby contact FAMILY PAWS: 1(877) 242-3407