Welcome Home, Baby. –by Anna Cooke
Philosophically, living in the moment is a good place to be. However, when the household includes multiple dogs and a new baby on the horizon, thinking ahead becomes the new norm. In reality, that’s a smart place to be.
As professional dog trainers, when Samantha Triplett and her husband Matt Taylor found out they were going to have a baby, they immediately began working with their dogs in preparation for that big day: bringing baby home. Samantha and Matt’s household includes multiple dogs. Baron has been with Samantha since she was 14 years old. “Our dogs are our world. My first concern was how to make this all work and still keep our dogs happy,” said Samantha. “Rethink how your lifestyle, in and out of the home, is going to change and how all of that is going to affect your dogs. Matt and I sat down from the get-go and figured out how everything was going to change.” Do your dogs sleep in bed with you? For Samantha and
Matt, changing those habits included buying the best possible dog beds for their dogs long before baby Marley came home. Maybe you’ve decided on a new vehicle to better suit your needs. Before the baby, the dogs used to pile in the car and go to work with you. This is another scenario that is going to change. Start early to change routines. Again, work with your trainer to figure out how, while still keeping everyone happy — dogs, mom, dad, and baby. “When my friends and clients who are pregnant ask
me how to prepare their dogs for the new baby, my number one rule is — start now — as soon as you know you are pregnant,” said Samantha. “You have nine months to prepare. Don’t wait until the ninth month to start training your dogs. Or worse, until after you’ve brought the baby home. You will be overwhelmed and frustrated.” Another good rule of thumb: Stay away from the inter-
net for advice. Samantha did a Google search one day, just to see for herself. “The information out there is scary. It’s all over the place,” she said. Several sites casually supported the notion to bring the newborn home from the hospital, and allow your dogs to sniff the baby. “That’s just so not a good idea,” said Samantha. “Don’t assume that your dog is going to be great with your newborn. Establish boundaries, long before baby comes home.” Choose a trainer to assess the dogs, your home and
Baron, who has been with Samantha since she was 14, is now a senior with cancer. “We’re making his life as comfortable as possible. It’s bittersweet, really. Baron has always been afraid of kids, but with Marley, it’s been a different story,” said Samantha Triplett, mom, Master Dog Trainer and co-owner of STK9 “The two of them are extremely bonded. He loves to see her smile and hear her giggling.”
lifestyle. Ideally, it’s someone who has previously trained your dogs, since that person already has an idea of your dog’s personality. But, not to worry, if that’s not the case. Remember, you have nine months. Start now. Talk with your friends and ask your veterinarian for suggestions on recommended trainers. If you take your dog to daycare, talk to the owners of the business for trainer references. Don’t be sold by the first person you speak to. Interview several trainers, and follow your gut. Most of the dogs in Samantha and Matt’s household are
working dogs. Samantha explained that means their dogs’ drives are a little different.
64 THE NEW BARKER
www.TheNewBarker.com
Photograph by Anna Cooke
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