The Baby Smarts class is designed to give expectant parents the ‘tools’ they need to help prepare their dogs for the arrival of the baby so that the transition will go smoother and both the humans and the canine will have clear expectations of behavior.

Bringing a new baby into the home is such and exciting time for a family. Expectant parents get to spend months preparing for the arrival; they get information from their physicians, read books and usually attend classes so that they are prepared for the birth.

In all of the excitement a very important member of the family is often not included in the process. What about our canine companions? It is extremely important for families to help prepare their dog for the arrival of the baby.

Many new parents find themselves in a position where they feel they need to re-home their dogs because it becomes overwhelming when the baby comes home or the dog finds itself being pushed out of the picture and negative attention seeking behaviors start to develop.

This 3 hour lecture class (divided into two 1 ½ hour sessions) will include:

• Teaching the 4 most important behaviors
  
• Management Tips
  
• How to practice before the baby arrives
  
• Setting realistic expectations for behavior
  
• Troubleshooting problems in advance
  
• How to maintain quality of life for your dog when priorities change

You will be given homework to take home and practice with your dog. The dogs will not be attending the class. This short session is a great way to get the information you need in a simple format. If you find that you need further assistance we do have private and classroom training available for your dog.

It is our goal to help you and your dog celebrate the new baby and ease the stress and anxiety that can e associated with bringing an infant into a home with a dog.