It’s a moment that often happens quickly. Your dog walks over, leans in, and gives the baby a big lick across the face. Some parents laugh. Others panic. So what’s the right response?

When a new baby arrives, many parents suddenly start thinking about parts of the house that used to feel completely ordinary. The nursery becomes one of those spaces. And a common question comes up quickly: Should my dog be allowed in the baby’s room?

Many parents notice a change in their dog after bringing a baby home. The dog that used to get all of your attention now watches as most of your time goes toward feeding, holding, and caring for the baby. So it’s natural to wonder: Is my dog jealous?

For many dogs, this is the moment they’ve been waiting for. The baby moves into the high chair stage, food begins appearing on the floor, and suddenly your dog discovers what feels like a magical new buffet. From the dog’s perspective, the baby may seem like the most generous person in the house. From the parent’s perspective, it can quickly become chaotic.

A new baby has just come home. Your world has completely changed. You’re exhausted, protective, and trying to do everything right. Then it happens. Your dog suddenly lets out a growl near the baby.

One Of The Most Common Questions I Get Asked Is, “What Is A Doggy Doula®?”

Many already know that a doula is a trained professional who provides mothers with continuous physical, emotional, and informational support before, during and shortly after childbirth, so it’s common (and unsurprising) for many to think that a doggy doula™ provides support to an expecting dog, or even that a doggy doula® is a dog that provides this support for her expecting human mom!