New book describes a step-by-step way to prepare a dog—and dog lovers—for a baby in the house.

For years dog trainer Michael Wombacher has worked with expecting dog owners to prevent problems between dogs and children. He has also unfortunately witnessed too many families forced to surrender their beloved family companions because they failed to prepare the dog for the arrival of a new family member. In Good Dog, Happy Baby, Wombacher lays out a twelve-step process that will give families the skills they need to navigate this new era of their lives. These skills include:

  • How to evaluate your dog and identify potential problems long before your child arrives
  • How to resolve common behavioral problems such as barking, counter surfing, object guarding, door crashing, jumping up, overprotectiveness, fearfulness, separation anxiety, and much more.
  • How to be sure your dog understands his place in the pack.
  • How to teach your dog to build positive associations with the presence of your child, while at the same time to exhibit acceptable behaviors and to become more closely integrated into your pack. 
  • How to avoid fostering a competitive dynamic between your dog and your new baby.
  • How to decide if a dog’s dangerous behavioral problems are so severe that you should consider rehoming. 

“From a great deal of practical experience, I know that the actions outlined in Good Dog, Happy Baby work. The essential trick is taking the time to do them — sooner rather than later, ” Wombacher says.

This easy-to-use guide, filled with photos and simple instructions, makes a great gift for any expecting family with a dog, whether the dog is perfectly trained or in serious need of behavioral help.

Available in May. For more information, visit: NewWorldLibrary.com