March 3, 2025, 3:22 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
A dog is usually acquired before the first child. Pregnant women, therefore, often ask themselves how best to prepare their four-legged friend for the new arrival. Because once the baby arrives, a lot of things get out of balance anyway. Dog trainer Katharina Marioth is very familiar with the fears and problems of expectant mothers with dogs and explains what pregnant dog owners should look out for.
When a baby comes into the house, everyday family life is turned upside down — even for the dog. Dog trainer Katharina Marioth strongly advises expectant mothers to deal with the issue early on. “Many don’t do this until the child arrives — or only when it starts to crawl. Then it often becomes problematic,” she says in the interview and explains what pregnant women who have dogs should bear in mind.
The Focus Is on the Baby, Which Can Cause Frustration
One key point: the dog needs to share attention. “Especially dogs that were acquired in 2020 or 2021 were used to everything revolving around them. Now the focus is on the baby, which can trigger frustration, aggression, or depressive moods,” explains Katharina. A regular daily routine with set times for the dog and support from the family can help to avoid stress.
The trainer recommends that pregnant women prepare their dogs not only for new routines but also for unfamiliar stimuli. This includes walking alongside the baby carriage, out-of-bounds zones such as the crawling blanket, and a fixed place to lie down. Baby crying can also be stressful: “YouTube videos don’t help much — every baby cries differently. It’s much more important to get the dog used to sudden movements.”
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Recognize Early Warning Signs
Sometimes, living together doesn’t work despite preparation. “The first year with a baby is emotional and stressful. Instagram shows a harmonious picture, but the reality is different,” emphasizes Katharina. Early warning signs are withdrawal, increased panting, or aggressive behavior. In such cases, professional help must be sought quickly.
She expresses concern about social media trends that portray dogs as “bodyguards” for babies: “These images are dangerous. A dog has 42 arguments in its mouth. It doesn’t have to be aggressive to unintentionally cause harm in a stressful situation.” A sensitive perception of the needs of the dog, baby, and mother is crucial.