You aren’t the only one who needs some baby and toddler prep!

The Doggy Doula is NYC’s only service formally dedicated to providing education, sensible solutions and positive training to families with dogs and burgeoning bumps that will soon be babies, toddlers and children.

Our services  help educate families on dog-child safety, preparing you and your dog for your new baby, decrease stress by answering common questions of expectant parents, and create safe environments and schedules that enable baby, parents and dog to live cohesively.

Our team of trainers teach parents (and children!)  important safety and management systems to ensure a safe and harmonious relationship for your baby, toddler, child and dog.  Our team offers also offers a full array of dog services such as dog walking, running and boarding to help you during your transitional times.

Founded by mother and dog behavior expert Colleen Safford, The Doggy Doula service works to ensure that everyone in your home and family is safe and comfortable. Colleen’s services have been named, “Best of NY,” by New York Magazine. Colleen is a columnist, radio host and on-air contributor.

 

“Is this really necessary?” My Dog is so sweet. He loves children.

Yes! 50% of ALL US CHILDREN WILL BE BIT BY THE AGE OF 12. THE MOST COMMON BITE IS DELIVERED BY NONE OTHER THAN THE FAMILY DOG TO THE HEAD, FACE OR NECK.

Our very sweet and loveable dogs bite. Every dog has the propensity to bite, but dog bites are almost wholly avoidable with education and knowledge.  There is zero upside to remaining uneducated about child-dog safety.

People are fascinated by what they learn and are able to enjoy both their dog and baby/toddler that much more. Knowledge brings confidence and reduces stress -which every new parent can benefit from (and preferably more sleep!)

 

Common questions from expectant parents

Will my dog be jealous?
What if my dog does not like the baby?
Can you train my dog to be calm around the baby?
My dog barks, will this wake up the baby? 
Will I still have time for my dog when the baby arrives?

 

A dog bite NEVER happens out of the blue as is some commonly heard

We are currently setting our children and dogs up for failure by failing to recognize what makes dogs feel anxious and by failing to understand their subtle body language early on.  Dogs tell us learn before they that they are going to bite us.