New Baby, Same Dog: Preparing for a Safe Coexistence

New Baby, Same Dog: Preparing for a Safe Coexistence

From Paws and Effect by Dr Carra Walters

March 24, 2026 · 52 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the realities of introducing babies and toddlers to family dogs, featuring insights from dog trainer Dominika Knossalla-Pado.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Dr Carra Walters

Guest: Dominika Knossalla-Pado

Topics covered

  • dog training
  • introducing babies to dogs
  • canine body language
  • parenting
  • pet safety

Keywords

  • dog bites
  • baby safety
  • pet preparation
  • family dogs
  • parenting advice

Sponsors

Ultra Pet

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