Most puppy parents focus on cues like sit and down—but the real game-changers are the skills you might not think to train. Teaching your puppy to accept grooming, vet care, ear and eye drops, wearing a muzzle, or even walking in booties will make their life (and yours) much easier. Puppyhood is the golden window to normalize these everyday experiences, preventing fear and stress later on. Think of it as training for real life, not just obedience.

Welcoming a new baby into the home is a major transition—not just for the humans, but for the family dog too. Dogs thrive on routine and predictability, and the sudden shift in sights, sounds, and smells can be overwhelming. That’s why preparing your dog before baby arrives is one of the kindest things you can do for everyone’s wellbeing.

Experts at Family Paws Parent Education emphasize the importance of creating safe, predictable spaces for dogs, introducing baby-related items gradually, and helping dogs build positive associations with baby sounds and movements. Similarly, Kids Around Dogs encourages involving children (once old enough) in age-appropriate, respectful ways of interacting with the family pet, always under adult supervision.

The goal isn’t just safety—it’s trust. With proactive planning and the right support, your dog and baby can grow up not just coexisting, but thriving together in a relationship built on mutual respect and gentle guidance.