Pawisitive Beginnings: Preparing Your Dog for Life with a Baby
Part of the Pawsitive Series of books by Renee Patience, trainer and behaviourist at Paws Academy
Bringing a new baby into the home is one of the biggest transitions your household will go through, and while friends and family might be offering advice for the human side of things, what about your dog?
Pawisitive Beginnings is your go-to guide for preparing your dog for life with a baby, written with kindness, realism and decades of experience by Renee Patience, head trainer and behaviourist at Paws Academy. With over 30 years of hands-on work with families and dogs, Renee knows that no two homes are the same. That’s why this book is packed with simple, practical strategies that fit into real life, messy days, unpredictable schedules and all.
Whether your dog is calm and steady or full of bounce and curiosity, this book gives you step-by-step support to help them feel secure and included as your family grows. From pregnancy right through to toddlerhood, you’ll learn how to:
Gently prepare your dog for the sights, sounds and smells of a baby
Create safe, calm spaces without isolating or overwhelming your dog
Reinforce useful cues in a way that feels doable, not daunting
Support positive, safe interactions between dog and baby at every stage
Spot the subtle signs your dog might be feeling unsure, and know what to do next
Navigate toddler energy and teach respectful interactions from day one
This isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection. Using only positive, reward-based techniques, Pawisitive Beginningshelps you build trust, reduce stress and create a safe, settled environment for both your dog and your child.
Available instantly as a downloadable e-book, you can start reading today and work through it at your own pace, whether you’re expecting your first baby or already in the thick of those early days.
Because when your dog feels supported, your whole household feels more settled, and that’s the best start you can give them all.

