New Baby, Same Dog: Preparing for a Safe Coexistence

Thinking your dog will instantly become your baby’s best friend? Think again!In this eye-opening episode, Dr Carra sits down with dog trainer and educator Dominika Knossalla-Pado to talk about the realities of introducing babies and toddlers to family dogs.Dominika shares her own personal story, twins, a dog with unexpected reactions, and the challenges she faced, and explains why “dog bites coming out of nowhere” is one of the biggest myths out there.Discover the subtle warning signs dogs give, the crucial mistakes parents often make, and why “cute” viral videos on social media might actually be dangerous.Learn practical advice on preparing your dog for a new baby, managing risks with food and toys, decoding canine body language, and the truth about supervision and safe spaces.Whether you’re an expecting parent, a dog owner, or simply curious about the realities of child-dog relationships, this episode is filled with actionable insights, honest anecdotes, and expert guidance. Dominika’s passion to keep families informed, and pets safe, shines through, making this a must-listen for anyone navigating life with kids and dogs.Hit play to learn how you can create a safe, rewarding bond between your child and your dog, without falling for common mistakes!SPONSOR: Ultra PetCheck out Ultra Pets new range here: https://ultra-pet.co.za/product/premium-recipe-adult/Connect with Dr Carra:Website: https://drcarra.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_carraLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarra/Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: https://hillcrestvets.co.za/Connect with Dominika:Website: https://dogmeetsbaby.expert/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogmeets_baby/Podcast Production:This Podcast is produced by Kythe Creative and filmed onsite at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital.Kythe Creative : https://kythecreative.co.za/THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:Ultra Pet:This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet a try. Check them out here at www.ultra-pet.co.zaJust For Pets:Justforpets.co.za is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that's why we offer a wide range of products to help keep your furry friend happy and healthy - Check them out at https://www.justforpets.co.za/FOR SPONSORSHIPS AND GUEST APPEARANCES, Email us at [email protected] and we'll get in touch with you.Don't forget to LIKE this if you found it helpful, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and content like this.--------------------------------------------00:00 Introduction: Dogs, Babies, and Tolerance01:33 How Dominika Started "Dog Meets Baby"02:51 Do Dog Bites Really Come Out of Nowhere?05:31 The Biggest Misunderstanding About Dogs and Babies08:19 Why Dogs Don't Always "Just Walk Away"10:31 Subtle Warning Signs Parents Often Miss12:58 Why "Calm" Dogs Sometimes Bite14:10 High-Risk Situations: Beds, Toys, and Resources17:31 What Safe Supervision Actually Looks Like20:14 A Dog's Perspective on Face-to-Face Interactions24:44 The Danger of Hugging and Kissing Dogs28:01 Social Media's Unrealistic Expectations30:12 Tolerance vs. Enjoyment: Why Kids Shouldn't Climb on Dogs32:47 Preparing Your Dog Before the Baby Arrives36:39 Overcomplicating Baby Prep for Dogs39:29 Common Regrets from Unprepared Families41:14 Is Co-Sleeping with Dogs and Babies Safe?42:04 Frustrating Misconceptions About Dogs and Children46:07 Where to Find "Dog Meets Baby" Resources47:07 One Key Takeaway for Parents48:21 Advice on Breed Selection for Future Families