Paws & Parenthood
Preparing Your Dog or Puppy for Life with a New Baby
Bringing home a new baby is one of life's most exciting milestones—but it can also be a significant change for your dog.
Many dogs cope well with a growing family when they are prepared properly, while others can struggle with changes to routine, reduced attention, unfamiliar sounds, visitors, baby equipment, and the arrival of a tiny new family member.
The Paws & Parenthood Course is a specialist three-visit home training programme designed to help expectant and new parents prepare their dog or puppy for life with a newborn, creating a calm, positive and safe transition for everyone involved.
Whether you're expecting your first child or introducing another baby into the family, this course provides practical guidance, personalised training, and professional support before and after your baby arrives.
Is This Course Right For You?
This programme is ideal if:
- You're expecting a baby and want to prepare your dog in advance
- You have a puppy who will be growing up alongside your new arrival
- Your dog is highly attached to you and may struggle with changes
- Your dog becomes over-excited around visitors or children
- You're worried about introducing your dog to your baby safely
- You want professional guidance rather than relying on conflicting advice online
- You want to reduce the likelihood of future behavioural issues developing
No matter your dog's age, breed or previous training experience, early preparation can make a significant difference.
Why Prepare Before Baby Arrives?
Most dog owners spend months preparing their home for a baby but very little time preparing their dog.
For your dog, a new baby often means:
- New routines and schedules
- Less one-to-one attention
- Different walking patterns
- New sounds and smells
- Visitors coming and going
- Baby equipment around the home
- Changes to sleeping arrangements
- Increased household activity
Preparing your dog ahead of time helps build confidence, reduce stress, and create positive associations with these changes before they happen.
What Does The Course Include?
Session One – Preparing for Change
During our first home visit, we assess your dog's current behaviour, temperament, lifestyle and routine.
We'll identify any potential concerns and begin preparing your dog for the changes that come with a growing family.
This session focuses on foundation behaviours, household management, and creating a realistic preparation plan tailored to your home and family.
Session Two – Preparing for Baby's Arrival
As your due date approaches, we'll review progress and continue building the skills needed for a calm transition.
We help you prepare for common situations associated with bringing home a newborn and develop a personalised introduction plan for your family.
This session ensures both you and your dog are ready for the exciting changes ahead.
Session Three – Settling Into Family Life
Following your baby's arrival, we'll return to support you through those important first weeks.
We'll review how your dog is coping, address any concerns, and provide guidance to help maintain a positive relationship between your dog and your growing family.
As your family settles into new routines, we'll help ensure everyone is set up for long-term success.
A Tailored Approach For Every Family
Every dog is different.
Some dogs need help building confidence, while others require support with excitement, impulse control, attention-seeking behaviours or adapting to change.
Because all sessions take place in your home, advice and training are tailored specifically to your dog, your family, and your environment.
This allows us to create practical solutions that work in real-life situations rather than relying on generic advice.
Book Your Paws & Parenthood Course
Preparing your dog before your baby arrives can help create a smoother, calmer and more positive transition for the whole family.
If you're expecting a baby and would like professional support preparing your dog or puppy, we'd love to help.
Contact us today to discuss your family, your dog and the best time to begin your Paws & Parenthood journey.
Supporting Families Across Kent
At Specialist Dog Training, we help families raise well-mannered, confident dogs using ethical, reward-based training methods.
Our experience working with puppies, family dogs and behavioural challenges allows us to provide practical support during one of the biggest transitions your family will experience.
The goal isn't simply to prepare your dog for the day your baby comes home—it's to help create a positive lifelong relationship between your child and your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What others thought
Pamela Purnell
Want more help with your dog training?
Don’t want to sign up to the course?  But still, want help with your dog training? Why not buy a starter pack and get started yourself at home. All our packs are available to buy separately!
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