Dogs and Newborns: Creating Boundaries for a Safe and Happy Home

Welcoming a new baby into your family is an exciting and transformative experience, but it can also be a significant adjustment, especially for families with dogs.

While dogs can be wonderful companions and loyal friends, introducing a newborn into a household with a canine can require thoughtful preparation, particularly when it comes to creating boundaries.

Establishing boundaries ahead of time can make bringing your new baby home easier. Here are a few essential tips for creating a safe and happy home with your newborn and your fur baby.

Preparing for the New Arrival: Start 2-3 Months Before

Proper preparation is key to establishing a positive relationship between your dog and your newborn. 

Start teaching your dog boundaries two to three months before your baby is due to arrive. This proactive approach will give your dog ample time to adjust to the changes in their environment and your family dynamics.

The more prepared your dog is, the less overwhelming the changes will be when they do happen. The following are a few steps we recommend taking during this preparation period.

Define Clear Boundaries

One of the first steps in preparing your dog for the arrival of a newborn is to set clear boundaries. These boundaries provide structure and help your dog understand the new rules that will be in place once the baby arrives.

These boundaries should include:

• Defining couch and bed privileges. If your dog is used to lounging on the couch or bed, this might need to change. Establish “no couch/bed” rules well in advance to help your dog learn that these spaces are reserved for humans, especially with a baby around.

• Toning down excited greetings. Dogs often express excitement when their owners come home by jumping up or running towards them. To prevent this behavior from becoming problematic when the baby arrives, work on training your dog to greet you calmly. Practice having them sit or stay in a designated spot when you enter the house.

Introduce “Place” Training

As part of your boundary-setting, consider incorporating “place” training with your dog. This training involves teaching your dog to go to a specific location, like a mat or bed, and stay there until given permission to move.

Place training can be particularly useful for maintaining safety and structure when the baby is present. Start with short durations and gradually increase the time your dog stays in their place, reinforcing the behavior as they learn.

Create a Safe Space for Your Baby and Dog

We recommend establishing a three-foot physical boundary, or “bubble,” between your dog and your new baby. This is essential for your baby’s safety and your own comfort.

This space can help your dog adjust to the baby’s presence without feeling crowded or overwhelmed. Use baby gates or playpens to create clear boundaries, ensuring that both your dog and newborn have their designated areas within the home.

Never leave your dog unsupervised with children of any age, especially infants and toddlers. Closely monitor all interactions between your dog and child, intervening immediately if necessary. As your baby becomes mobile, be extra vigilant, as their unpredictable movements may startle or excite your dog. Always prioritize safety in these interactions.

Desensitize Your Dog to Baby Sounds and Smells

In the months leading up to the baby’s arrival, help your dog get used to new sounds and smells associated with infants.

You can play recordings of baby sounds, such as cooing or crying, at a low volume to encourage desensitization. This also serves to create positive associations through rewards and treats during these exercises.

As you prepare for the baby, introduce items like strollers, cribs, and diaper bags. Allow your dog to sniff and get accustomed to these new objects, providing treats to reinforce familiarity and calmness.

Seek Professional Guidance as Needed

Having your canine and your baby live together can be a significant adjustment, and many parents find they need support to help their fur baby adjust during this time.

Don’t hesitate to seek the advice of a professional dog trainer during this process. An experienced trainer can provide tailored strategies to ease the transition and ensure that both your dog and baby can coexist safely and happily, reducing your stress and increasing the chances of a positive outcome.

Contact Nova Pack Dog Training Today

If you’re preparing to welcome a new baby into your home, let Nova Pack Dog Training help you with this transition by properly preparing your canine. We work with dogs of all temperaments and breeds to help them adjust to a new family member. Contact us today to schedule an in-home training evaluation! 

Why We Pet Our Dogs, and Why It’s Likely Causing Some of Their Problems

As dog owners, we often shower our furry companions with affection—petting, cuddling, and praising them for being the loving creatures they are. These interactions help us feel connected to our dogs and can make being a pet parent rewarding. 

However, what happens when this well-intentioned affection contributes to some behavioral issues in our dogs? The relationship between the amount of affection we provide and our dogs’ behaviors is complex and requires a closer look.

The Role of Petting in Our Relationship With Dogs

Petting serves many purposes: it communicates love, reinforces bonding, and can even help reduce stress for humans and dogs. From a behavioral perspective, however, petting can have unintended consequences.

Dogs are highly attuned to their owner’s actions and emotions, and they often interpret petting and praise in ways we may not intend. For example, many dogs may misinterpret our affection as a signal that they are allowed to engage in unwanted behaviors.

So, if you pet your dog while they are barking at a passing squirrel, your dog may come to see this behavior as acceptable or even desirable. Instead of communicating comfort or calm, your affection becomes a reinforcement for inappropriate actions.

The Problem With Excessive Affection

Giving a dog too much affection can create confusion about the hierarchy within the human-dog relationship. Some dogs may interpret a high volume of physical affection as a sign of permissiveness or even submission from their owners. This can lead to behaviors that range from mild disobedience to more serious behavioral problems, such as aggression or anxiety.

When a dog feels too comfortable or thinks they have the upper hand in the relationship, they may behave in ways that can be detrimental to both the dog and the owner. A dog’s perception of what is acceptable behavior can shift dramatically based on the signals they receive from their owner.

Reinforcement: The Double-Edged Sword

The saying “you get what you pet” captures the essence of this issue perfectly. Affection can be just as powerful a form of reinforcement as treats or rewards. When we pet our dogs, we inadvertently tell them that what they are doing at that moment is acceptable.

Going back to the squirrel example, if your dog is fixated on a squirrel and you are petting them, they may interpret your affection as approval for their behavior—a signal that you want them to chase that squirrel.

Consider this scenario: you’re walking your dog, and they begin to pull toward a distraction, like another dog or a squirrel. If you respond by bending down to pet them while they’re pulling, you reinforce their focus on that distraction. This makes it more challenging to correct their behavior later, as they’ve already associated that kind of focus with positive reinforcement.

Finding Balance: The Solution

The key to addressing this issue lies in being more mindful about when and how you show affection to your dog. Here are a few strategies to help you balance giving your dog affection and withholding pets.

• Be mindful. Be aware of the context in which you are petting your dog. If they are behaving in a way you don’t want to encourage, such as barking, lunging, or fixating on other animals, it’s best to refrain from rewarding them with affection at that moment.

• Use your voice. Instead of using physical affection to comfort or praise your dog, consider verbal cues. Calmly saying “good dog” or “leave it” can be just as effective, if not more so.

• Redirect attention. If you catch your dog fixating on something undesirable, redirect their attention to you with a command or a treat. This helps them learn to focus on you instead of external distractions.

• Timing matters. Timing your praise and affection is crucial. Make sure to reward your dog for positive behavior, like sitting calmly or walking nicely on a leash, rather than giving attention for unwanted behavior.

• Be consistent. Ensure your dog has a clear understanding of acceptable behaviors through training and consistency. A well-structured approach to training can help reinforce the behaviors you want to see while minimizing unwanted ones.

Learn More About Dog Behavior With Nova Pack Dog Training

It’s essential to recognize how our affection for our dogs can unintentionally shape their behavior. By being mindful of when and how we offer praise and petting, we can give our dogs the love they crave without inadvertently encouraging problematic behaviors. 

Learn more about your dog’s behavior and overcome common issues with Nova Pack Dog Training. We work with dog parents to help them reinforce positive behavior and reduce negative ones with the right approach. Contact us today for a consultation!

Keeping Your Furry Friend Safe: Heat Conditioning, Proper Cooling, and Responsible Summer Activities for Your Dog

With summer in full swing, it’s essential to consider the high temperatures and how they impact our canine companions. Dogs are vulnerable to overheating and heat-related illnesses just like people, so caring for your pup in hotter temperatures is crucial.

It’s also important to find the right times to train your dog and explore dog-friendly places when venturing out with your pet. From heat conditioning to effective cooling methods, training schedules, and dog-friendly venues, here’s your guide to enjoying summer with your pup.

Heat Conditioning: Preparing Your Dog for the High Temperatures

Heat conditioning is essential for acclimating your dog to warmer temperatures. Gradually exposing your dog to increasing heat levels helps them build tolerance and adapt to the changing weather.

Start with shorter outdoor sessions and gradually extend their duration over time. Remember that breeds with thicker coats or brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs, bulldogs, and shih tzus, have a harder time staying cool in the heat, requiring extra caution and monitoring during conditioning exercises.

Proper Cooling Techniques

After exercise or exposure to heat, there are a few ways you can help your pup cool off:

• Keep your dog hydrated. Always provide fresh water for your dog, especially during hot weather. Encourage drinking and ensure water is readily available.

• Provide shade and fresh air. Create cool, shaded areas for your dog to rest in. Avoid leaving your dog in enclosed spaces with limited ventilation, as this can intensify the heat.

• Use wet towels or cooling mats. Dampen a towel or use a cooling mat to provide relief from the heat. Place the towel on your dog or encourage them to lie on the cooling mat.

• Consider cooling vests or bandanas. Cooling accessories such as vests or bandanas that retain water and provide evaporative cooling can be beneficial for your dog during outdoor activities.

• Avoid hot pavement. Protect your dog’s paws by avoiding hot pavement or surfaces during walks. Look for shaded paths or walk during cooler times of the day.

Best Times to Train Your Dog in the Summer

Although training your dog is important, choosing the right times is essential to avoid overheating your pup. Early morning or late evening are the cooler hours of the day, allowing you to reduce the risk of heat-related issues when working with your dog.

With higher temperatures, avoid exercising or training your dog outside from late morning to mid-afternoon. These tend to be the hottest hours of the day, and dogs are at risk of experiencing heat stroke just like people.

Exercise particular caution with dogs that have medium or thick coats, such as shepherds, collies, labs, and golden retrievers, as well as the brachycephalic breeds we discussed above.

Exploring Dog-Friendly Venues Responsibly

While it can be tempting to take your dog to various public venues, it’s crucial to consider your pup’s well-being with the temperatures outside and the policy of the venues. 

For example, many restaurants and breweries have outdoor spaces that welcome dogs, but in hotter temps, it may be better to leave your pup at home, especially if they are a breed that doesn’t do well in the heat. If you choose to take your dog, ensure the establishment has adequate shade and access to water for your dog.

Take Care of Your Pup This Summer

It’s crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of your dog with the hot temperatures that summer brings. By following these guidelines, you can create a summer filled with enjoyable and safe experiences for both you and your furry companion. Need assistance training your pup? Contact Nova Pack Dog Training today for an in-home consultation!

Tips for Physically Handling Your New Puppy or Dog

Bringing a new puppy or dog into your home comes with responsibilities that extend beyond basic training and care. One crucial aspect is preparing them to be physically handled by various people—not just yourself, but veterinarians, groomers, and dog trainers.

By introducing your furry friend to different forms of physical handling from an early age, you can foster resilience and trust and reduce stress and anxiety throughout their lives.

Here are some essential tips and techniques for handling your new puppy or dog to help them become comfortable with necessary grooming, training, and medical procedures.

Start With Gradual Introductions

Start by introducing your puppy or dog to gentle handling in a calm and controlled environment. Begin gently touching their ears, paws, tail, and other body parts, rewarding them with treats and praise. This helps them associate positive experiences with physical touch and prepares them for future physical contact with people.

Practice Paw Handling

Regular nail maintenance is essential for dogs, and acclimating your pup to this process early on can help them get used to this practice.

Gradually expose them to the sound and sensation of nail clippers while rewarding them at each step. Practice holding and handling their paws for extended periods, gradually increasing the duration. This helps your dog become accustomed to slight discomfort and promotes compliance during grooming sessions.

Eventually, you should be able to trim your dog’s nails or have a groomer or vet trim them without your pup becoming stressed or anxious.

Use Gentle Restraint Techniques

Teaching your puppy or dog to tolerate gentle restraint is crucial for veterinary visits, administration of medication and injections, or any necessary medical procedures.

Start by gently holding them for short durations and reward them with treats. Gradually increase the time spent in this position. Associating restraint with positive experiences helps them understand that cooperation leads to reduced stress.

Never force your dog to be restrained—this can lead to injury for both you and your animal and may frighten them, making them more anxious to be restrained in the future.

Create Positive Associations With Equipment

It’s not unusual for dogs to be fearful or anxious about unfamiliar equipment such as grooming tools, medical devices, and even collars and leashes. Introduce these items gradually, allowing them to sniff and explore them before attempting to use them on your dog.

Pair the presence of these tools with rewards, ultimately creating positive associations, reducing anxiety, and promoting compliance during their use. You can gradually work up to using these items on your dog. For example, start with a couple of gentle brush strokes with a grooming brush and then reward your pup with treats.

Other Tips When Getting Your Dog Used to Physical Handling

• Start early. Whether you’re adopting a puppy or an older dog, start helping your pup get used to physical handling as soon as possible with gradual introductions.

• Be patient. New things take time to get used to. Remember to be patient, use positive reinforcement, and take things slow when getting your dog used to physical handling.

• Stay consistent. Through consistent training, you help your dog understand that temporary discomfort can be alleviated through trust, compliance, and the reassurance of familiar handling methods.

Remember, initial stress or discomfort experienced during training will result in long-term benefits, ensuring a calm and cooperative dog during grooming, vet visits, and other necessary procedures.

Get More Tips From Nova Pack Dog Training

Preparing your new puppy or dog to be physically handled and tolerate a small amount of discomfort is vital to their well-being. By implementing these tips and techniques early on, you can establish a foundation of trust and comfort. Get more physical handling tips for your new puppy or adult dog by booking a consultation with Nova Pack Dog Training today!

How Much Freedom Is Too Much Too Soon for a Puppy or New-to-You Dog?

Giving a puppy or new dog freedom is an exciting prospect. It allows them to explore their surroundings, become comfortable in their new home, and develop a sense of independence. 

However, it’s important for pet owners to understand that too much freedom too soon can have a negative impact on a dog’s behavior and, ultimately, their relationship with their dog.

So, how can you determine how much freedom is too much too soon for a puppy or new-to-you dog? 

Start Slow: Sudden Freedom Can Cause Problems

The problem with giving a dog too much freedom early on is that they may not yet understand boundaries and rules in your home.

Without proper guidance, your pup can engage in unwanted behaviors such as chewing on furniture, counter surfing, and going to the bathroom in the house. These behaviors can frustrate pet parents and lead to strained relationships with their furry companions.

The trick is to gradually extend the amount of freedom that your dog has while keeping boundaries in place. For example, start by confining them to a small, safe area of the house, such as the kitchen or a gated-off room. As they demonstrate good behavior and obedience, you can slowly expand their access to other areas of the house.

This gradual introduction allows them to learn and understand acceptable behavior in different areas of the home.

Crate Training for a Safe Space

Crate training can also be an effective way to regulate your dog’s freedom. A crate provides a safe and secure space for them when you are unable to supervise them closely. It serves as their den, a place where they can retreat and feel calm.

When used appropriately, a crate can be an invaluable tool in preventing unwanted behavior, ensuring safety, and teaching your dog to be independent. 

Use a Leash in the House for Training

If you notice that your dog is struggling with their new freedom, such as having anxiety when out of the crate at night or getting into things they shouldn’t be during the day, it’s essential to address the issue promptly.

One effective approach is to keep them on a leash in the house when they are out of the crate. This way, you can quickly respond to any unwanted behavior and redirect their attention towards more appropriate activities.

Freedom Isn’t Limited to Indoors

Leaving a dog outside unsupervised—even if you have a fenced-in backyard—is not a solution for dogs who don’t do well with too much freedom in the house.

Dogs left unsupervised in a yard may develop bad habits, such as excessive barking, digging, or fence jumping. Additionally, they may be exposed to various dangers, such as toxic plants or wildlife, or even escape the yard.

A dog should still have boundaries and rules when outdoors to ensure its safety and good behavior around other people and animals.

Every Dog Is Different: Consider Freedom on an Individual Basis

It’s important to remember that not all dogs can or should be allowed complete freedom in a home.

Some may have a natural tendency towards destructive behavior or difficulty with self-control. There’s nothing wrong with dogs that can’t be left unattended in a home—they may simply need more support or structure when you’re away, which is where crate training can help.

By recognizing your dog’s individual needs and capabilities, you can make informed decisions about the level of freedom they can handle.

Find the Right Balance for Your Dog With Nova Pack Dog Training

Providing too much freedom too soon for your dog can lead to behavioral challenges that you’ll spend more time correcting later on, so it’s essential to take this process slowly and understand your dog’s unique needs. Find the right balance between freedom and boundaries for your pup with Nova Pack Dog Training. Contact us to schedule an in-home consultation today!