Love, the Dog
A practical guide in development
A new baby changes the household your dog already knows. I'm building Welcome Home, Baby / Love, the Dog to help you prepare for the new sounds, equipment, routines, and demands on your attention. It covers practical ways to arrange your home, recognize when your dog needs more space, and keep caring for the dog you love as your baby grows.
Your relationship with your dog belongs in the plan
Your dog still needs rest, familiar routines, and time with you when attention and energy are limited. Preparation can include a comfortable resting space behind a gate, rewards kept where you'll need them, and small practice sessions built into ordinary routines. The aim is to make caring for both your baby and your dog more manageable.
What I'm working on
Before the baby arrives
Preparing for crying and other noises, new equipment, changed routines, visitors, carrying a baby, and people moving or reacting differently.
Coming home
Practical arrangements for the first days, including space and barriers, without forcing an introduction.
A workable household
Physical accident risks, useful alternatives to jumping or crowding, and management that doesn't depend on everyone having spare attention.
Understanding your dog
Body language, rest, welfare, and comfortable space, including recognizing when your dog needs a break.
As the baby becomes mobile
Crawling, increasing mobility, and household rules that help adults manage space and interactions.
When more help is needed
Recognizing situations that call for professional help and making practical arrangements while you seek it.
Still in development
I'm developing the guide now, with practical household arrangements and the dog's welfare at the center of it. Details will be added here as the resource takes shape.
