I've always loved animals. As a kid I would beg my mom to let us have a dog; I would come up with chores to do as bargianing chips hoping that the trade would be enough to get a puppy for my birthday or for Christmas.
I would collect animal fact cards & magazines & I loved to pour over encyclopedias of Dog Breeds. Later in life, as a newly wed, the incessant desire to have a dog of my own resurfaced. Josh and I would sit in bed and google puppy pictures of different breeds that I had been interested in over the years. October 24, 2015 was the day that everything fell into place when I found a flyer for Australian Shepherd puppies that were for sale in Elk Grove, CA.
We came home that night with our sweet, fluffy puppy and named her Ruby Lou & our lives have never been the same. So much joy, love and comfort fills our days that we spend running, hiking, swimming and snuggling with our sweet fur baby. These last (almost) 3 years have been awesome with her by our side! Almost a year ago, I gave birth to our first baby, Wyatt.
It was amazing becoming a new parent. Definitely a rollercoaster of life lessons, but so very fulfilling. However, I did have to adjust and so did Ruby Lou. I'm sure it was really difficult for her, trying to figure out why she had to share the bed, the car and everywhere else with this new little babe.
I firmly believe that while parenthood is not easy, it can be done with joy and success while caring for both our human babies and our 'fur babies'!
If you are looking to get a puppy or adopt a dog from the shelter, please research and think about it long term before you decide on dog. Our canine family members are not afterthoughts to be given away when baby comes along or we need to move. Make sure that you're committed wholeheartedly before bringing Fido home! Nothing breaks my heart like seeing dogs thrown to the wayside or uprooted from their families when they become an inconvenience.
Caring for another living being is not about convenience- it's about love and loyalty and selflessness!
Anyways, I'm off of my soapbox for now... ;)
The following are some of my tips and must have items that have made caring for Ruby so much easier with a baby on my hip.
TIPS:
1. Make a plan every day for when and how you will get outside and exercise your pup.
No matter how big your yard is or how small your dog may be, they need to spend time WITH YOU outside. Dogs are a great way to help us be motivated to get our strength back and stay healthy by spending time walking, running or hiking outdoors. It's also very good for baby (and other older kiddos) to spend time outdoors every day. This helps them with their daily baby education and teaches them the importance of getting out of the house and away from screens.
2. Allow for supervised interaction between your children and your dog.
With babies, it helps if you've trained your pooch on basic commands before delivering your newborn. Commands like "Leave it," "Get back/back up," Off," "Wait," and "Down, Stay/Sit, Stay," are very helpful and will keep everyone in control as we are all adjusting to the new changes that come with a newborn in the home.
With older kids, allowing for them to feed the dog, give baths, walk and clean up after the dog helps them to learn responsiblity. It also allows for them to be able to bond with your fur baby and help you out too! Teaching your dog how to respond obediently and gently to children is so good for them and for the dynamic in your home.
Children who have frequent interaction with animals are less likely to experience anxiety and depression. My heart feels like it is about to burst whenever I see the smile on Wyatt's face when he plays with my Ruby!
3. Spend one on one time with your pooch daily!
Even if it's just 10 minutes throwing a frisbee in the backyard or snuggling on the couch, scratching their belly; your dog needs to know that you still love them and value time together.
4. Set up play dates with other friends who have dogs (and if they also have kids, that's a plus!).
Getting out to a safe place where you and your friends' dogs can run around off leash together will help boost your pup's mood and wear them out. This keeps them healthy both physically and emotionally. If your dog is not great with other animals, consider working with a trainer to get that problem under control. These play-dates are also great because they get you out of the house and give you time to socialize!
5. No Dog Left Behind!
This point is particularly important to me. Before Wyatt came along, Ruby went almost everywhere with us! I still try to include her whenever and wherever I can. We plan outings to the park, we bring her along for rides in the car when we can, we bring her on camping and beach vacations and trips home to visit family. Remember that it is NOT SAFE to leave your dog in the car when the weather is hot. Make sure you research this topic! Car temps can skyrocket within minutes of parking. Dogs die from overheating/heat stroke all the time (same goes for kids, duh).
It's important to remember that your pet is part of your family. Their lives are important and of value to your family dynamic. If your dog is difficult to manage in public settings, do them a favor and invest in training them to be obedient! Control and a personal relationship with your dog should never be an after thought.
As soon as Ruby had all her shots we enrolled in a group obedience training class (she aced it btw!) and it was the best investment we've made for her. They help us to understand our master-dog relationship, help us train as well as allow for our dogs to socialize. Dog socialization is essential to their well being and your peace of mind!
MY TOP MUST-HAVE LIST FOR DOG MOMS:
1. Hands Free Running Leash
I also take a big water bottle and a collapsable dog dish with me in the stroller when we are out with Ruby. It's important that you keep EVERYONE hydrated- pup included when outdoors.
2. Remote Electric Collar (water resistant!)
I bought mine on amazon for like $35 bucks and I rarely need to shock her (the one that I bought has gone up in price to about $50). We usually get her to respond to "Come" regardless, but if need be she's running back to me on the beep or vibrate settings. I picked one that came with silicon coverings for the metal connectors. Search around on which one you want and also watch YouTube to find out how best to train with an electric collar. Ruby only wears it when I know she'll be outside, off leash.
3. Grooming:
De-shedding Brush, Nail Dremel & Waterless Shampoo
Who has time (or money) to spend at the Groomer's? I don't. So I bought this on Amazon for less than $15 bucks and I LOVE IT!
We remove so much of Ruby's under coat and it reduces shedding by a lot. Use this on your dog 2 times a week and you'll notice a huge difference. Set a reminder on your phone to help you stay on top of grooming! It will keep your home cleaner, your pup gorgeous and help you to maintain a schedule in your pet care.
I love these waterless dog shampoos. They are great for a quick rub down between baths. Since most dogs should only be bathed every 3-4 weeks, this helps keep them smelling and looking clean.
As far as shampoos go, we really like the Biosilk Dog products
You can find them at Walmart or stores like TJMaxx/Homegoods
We also use a dog conditioner (these products last forever btw because you should only be washing your dog once or twice a month) and I recommend starting a conditioner once your dog has it's adult coat. Puppies don't really need it quite as much!
I really like this brand but we recently bought the Martha Stewart conditioner for Ruby and it is great too.
Ruby HATES having her nails clipped. I decided to buy this Dog Nail Dremel instead of taking her into the groomer's. It has saved us so much money and time to just take care of her paws at home instead of trying to find time to haul both Wyatt and Ruby out and about.
4. House Keeping: Vacuum & Carpet Spot Cleaner
We bought a Dyson vacuum with our wedding gift cards before we even got Ruby (they tend to be pricey, but so worth it!). It is SUCH a fantastic vacuum and helps us to stay on top of keeping the house clean.
I tell all my friends that when they get a pet or have kids that they need a powerful, easy to use vacuum. A carpet shampooer is also super handy (especially during the puppy/potty training stage!) because babies and dogs aren't the cleanest members of the family!
I found this carpet cleaner at a thrift store and I love it! It's super nice to have something powerful and quick to keep your carpet clean after spills and puppy accidents etc. I swear, Wyatt spills milk on everything! I am glad that we have a shampooer but I didn't get one until Ruby was almost three!
If a shampooer isn't in the budget right now you can use lemon essential oil- just get a spray bottle and fill with water and put 10-15 drops of lemon oil in, spray generously then use a rag to clean up spills and stains (and your bathroom or kitchen counters!).
5. Toys!
Not all dogs love toys as much as Ruby but this frisbee by Hyper Pet (I buy mine at Sportsman's Warehouse) is her absolute favorite! She carries it around the house and can play for hours it seems! Hyper Pet makes durable toys at a good price.
Outward Hound is a good, inexpensive dog brand as well and we found this squeaky, tug-o-war toy at Homegoods and it's stood up the chewing challenge! It's great for fetch both at the park and in the water (it floats!) as well as rough housing at home.
Please remember that there is always a learning curve when it comes to expanding your family circle to include a new fur baby as well as new baby babies. Show all involved love, time and patience and you will be able to adapt and grow closer as a family! I couldn't imagine my life without my babies. The joy that Ruby brings to Wyatt's life makes my heart swell every day!
XOXO
Madison (& Ruby Lou!)
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