Honey Boo the Cavapoo Blog

Bringing a baby into the world is an adventure filled with laughter, love, and, let’s be honest, a fair bit of chaos. Whether a pup is already part of your growing family, or you are thinking about adding one soon—these are some of our best tips to set you up for success.

Benefits of Owning A Dog For Your Child

Owning a dog can have tangible benefits for your child’s development, as well as the overall happiness of your household. Growing up with a dog can offer your child unparalleled companionship and teach them about responsibility, empathy, and unconditional love.

Dogs have a knack for boosting our mood and reducing stress levels with their wagging tails and wet noses, making them the perfect emotional support buddy for parents and babies alike.

Studies have shown that children who grow up with dogs tend to have a lower risk of developing allergies and asthma, thanks to early exposure to certain bacteria that dogs bring into the home. This exposure can help to strengthen your baby’s immune system, making them more resilient to allergies and common colds.

Dogs can also help your child develop social skills. Interacting with a pet teaches kids about non-verbal communication, fosters a sense of empathy, and encourages nurturing behavior. Not to mention, taking care of a dog requires teamwork and responsibility, traits that are invaluable throughout life. Plus, regular walks and playtime with a furry friend ensure that your child stays physically active, promoting a healthy lifestyle from a young age.

Which Dog Breed Is Right For My Family?

Now, onto the fun part: choosing the right dog for your family, because we want this to be a joyful experience for all! I’ll also walk you through some of the most baby-friendly dog breeds to consider. Not all dog breeds are created equal, especially when it comes to being around babies and young children. You’ll want a breed known for its gentle nature, patience, and ability to form strong bonds with humans. Here are a few that top the list:

1. Beagle: These small to medium-sized hounds are known for their friendly and curious nature. Beagles are great with kids, thanks to their even temper and playful spirit. They require regular exercise and love to play, making them a great companion for growing children.
2. Golden Retriever: It’s no surprise that Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular family dogs. They are incredibly patient, reliable, and gentle with children. These dogs are loyal, easy to train, and always up for cuddling or a game of fetch.
3. Labrador Retriever: Similar to their Golden counterparts, Labs are affectionate, patient, and love to be part of family activities. They are highly trainable and protective of their families, making them not just pets but guardians of your little ones.
4. Golden Doodle/Cavapoo/Poodle Mix: Poodle mixes have boundless energy and a playful demeanor, but they are also patient and gentle with kids.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: These small, affectionate dogs are great for families with babies. They love to cuddle and are very gentle. Their friendly demeanor and adaptability make them excellent companions for children and adults alike.
6. Newfoundland: Known as “nature’s babysitter,” the Newfoundland is renowned for its calm demeanor and protective nature. These gentle giants are incredibly patient and take well to children, often becoming a child’s guardian and playmate.

Choosing the right dog for your family is a decision that shouldn’t be rushed. It’s essential to consider your lifestyle, living situation, and the amount of time you can dedicate to training and caring for your new pet. Each breed has its unique needs and temperament, so do your research and consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization.

Incorporating a dog into your baby’s life can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make for your family. The bond between a child and a dog is unique and can significantly impact your child’s development and happiness. Not only does it enrich your child’s life, but it also brings an added layer of joy, love, and laughter to your household. So, when you’re ready to make your family a little bigger, consider adding a four-legged member. Your baby and your new furry friend will thank you for it, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without the pitter-patter of both tiny feet and paws

How Can I Prepare My Dog For Our Baby?

Preparing your dog for the arrival of a new baby is an important step to ensure a smooth transition for everyone in the family, including your furry friend. Dogs are sensitive to changes in their environment, so taking some proactive steps can help them adjust to the new addition to the family.

One of the first things you can do is to establish a routine that will be similar to the one you will have with your baby. This includes feeding times, walks, and playtime. By establishing this routine early on, your dog will be less likely to feel neglected when the baby arrives.

It’s also important to teach your dog some basic obedience commands, such as “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it.” These commands can help you manage your dog’s behavior around the baby and create a safer environment for everyone.

Introducing your dog to the sights, sounds, and smells of a baby can also help them adjust. You can do this by playing recordings of baby sounds, using baby lotion or powder, and allowing your dog to sniff baby clothes or toys. Dog Meets Baby is an amazing resource for baby preparation for dogs, and I used these exact sounds from their resources to help our little Honey get used to the sounds of crying babies.

When the baby arrives, it’s important to supervise all interactions between your dog and the baby. Encourage gentle behavior from your dog and provide positive reinforcement when they behave calmly around the baby.

Preparing your dog for the arrival of a new baby involves more than just introducing them to baby gear and changing routines. It also means making changes to your dog’s environment and ensuring their safety and comfort. I found Dog Meets Baby’s preparation checklist SUPER helpful when we were getting ready to bring our new bundle home.

It includes everything from setting up a safe environment with management tools, to sleeping arrangements conducive to a smooth transition.

If you are wanting to feel as prepared as possible and want a deep dive into everything you can do to help keep your pup AND baby safe when making introductions, I highly recommend Dominika’s Pre-Baby Course—she is a certified dog trainer and mom and an amazing source of knowledge when it comes to this!