Our journey continues: Theo is on the move!
Time flies, and my son, Theo, is now 10 months old, crawling, and grabbing everything in sight! Thankfully, my dogs, Pixel and Rocket, are adjusting well to his new noises and movements, but this new stage brings new challenges. Our number one priority, as always, remains safety for everyone.
It can be tempting to try and get that perfect photo of your dog and baby together, but their safety is so much more important. Even when my dog, Pixel, chooses to sit near Theo, I often have to call her away because I know Theo’s next move will be to grab her. These close interactions must be limited and managed carefully.
Management is still the golden rule
As your baby becomes mobile, the “supervise or separate” rule becomes even more critical. Here are my top tips for this stage:
- Safe areas are a must: Baby gates and playpens are your best friends. Use them to create separate, safe zones whenever you cannot actively supervise.
- Teach your dog that the baby is a “non-event”: A crawling baby can be worrying for some dogs. I use an interruption cue like “Leave It” to give my dogs clear guidance that Theo’s movements are none of their business.
- Practice a strong “Leave It” cue: Theo has learned that sharing his snacks with Rocket gets a fun reaction! To prevent Rocket from thinking he can take food from children, I am constantly reinforcing a solid “Leave It” cue.
Don’t forget your dog needs rest and downtime
Just like babies, dogs need their naps. A busy household can be overstimulating, so it’s vital to ensure your dog has a quiet space to retreat to. This could be a covered crate, a pen, or a quiet room. Put the radio on, give them a safe, long-lasting chew, and let them relax and have some essential downtime. (Yes, even my energetic Spaniel, Rocket, needs his rest!)
Keep your dog’s brain happy, too!
While your baby is safely playing in their pen, take a few moments to engage your dog’s brain. A simple “find it” game with a toy is great. This small bit of one-on-one time can make a huge difference to your dog’s day.
Remember, understanding your dog’s communication is key. I always recommend the book “Doggie Language” by Lili Chin for its wonderful illustrations.
Need a personalised plan for your growing family?
Every dog and baby is unique. If you’re unsure how to manage their relationship or have specific concerns, a One-to-One Session is the perfect way to get the support and guidance you need — get in touch with me today.
