You've packed the hospital bag, set up the nursery, and read all the baby books. But there's one family member who's easy to forget until your newborn actually comes home, and that's your dog. The shift from being the centre of your world to sharing space with a brand new tiny human can be a lot for them to process too.

If you've caught yourself wondering how your dog is going to cope, that instinct is worth listening to. Getting it right comes down to preparation you can start well before your due date, and a few small shifts in how you read your dog's cues.

In this episode of The Science of Motherhood, Dr Renee White chats with Seb Lemaire, founder and head trainer at Canines on Cue Dog Training on the Gold Coast, to unpack how to prepare your dog for a new baby. Seb draws on his own experience as a dad to a toddler and years of dog training to walk through what those first weeks look like from your dog's point of view.

You'll Hear About:

• How to read your dog's subtle stress signals
• Why your dog's breed says less than you think
• What to prepare before your baby comes home
• How to handle that first at-home introduction
• Why crate training helps your dog switch off

A little preparation now means your dog and your baby get the chance to feel safe together from day one. You don't have to navigate this alone, and with the right groundwork, your home can hold space for both of them.

If you know a dog owner counting down to their due date, send this one their way. And subscribe so you don't miss an episode of The Science of Motherhood.

Resources & Links

Connect with Dr Renee White

Connect with Renee on Instagram: @fillyourcup_

Connect with Renee on LinkedIn: Renee White

Learn more about Dr Renee White and explore Fill Your Cup Doula services

Treat yourself with our Chocolate + Goji lactation cookies

Connect with Seb Lemaire

Learn more about Seb and explore: Canines on Cue

Connect with Seb on Instagram: @caninesoncue

Learn more about Seb’s course: Safe Start — How to Introduce Your Dog to Your Newborn Safely

This episode is proudly supported by Fill Your Cup, Australia's first doula village, with doulas available across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.

Disclaimer: The information on this podcast presented by Fill Your Cup is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this episode is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.