Ep. 461: What I wish dog parents did before bringing home their baby with Dominika Knossalla-Pado

Grab HeHe’s free Low-Tox Baby Registry Guide for the exact products she chose for baby Saggy, plus the reasoning behind every recommendation: thebirthlounge.com/registry

In this episode of The Birth Lounge Podcast, HeHe sits down with certified dog trainer, children's book author, and founder of Dog Meets Baby, Dominika Knossalla-Pado, for a conversation every dog parent needs to hear before bringing home a baby.

We all love the idea of our dog instantly becoming our baby's best friend. But the reality? Safe, successful relationships between dogs and babies don't happen by accident. They happen through preparation, boundaries, and understanding what our dogs are actually communicating.

Dominika shares the personal experience that inspired her work after her own beloved Labrador displayed concerning behavior around her newborn twins. That experience revealed a major gap in education for growing families and sparked her mission to help parents safely navigate life with both dogs and children.

Together, HeHe and Dominika break down the biggest mistakes families make before baby arrives, the common myths that can create unnecessary risk, and the practical skills every dog should have before postpartum begins. They discuss how to prepare your dog for major household changes, why separation tolerance matters, and how simple routines can make the transition smoother for everyone involved.

You'll also learn how to recognize subtle signs of stress in dogs, including behaviors that are often misunderstood or overlooked, safer ways to introduce your baby and dog, and why supervision and management are far more important than simply trusting that your dog will "figure it out."

This conversation isn't about fear, blame, or assuming the worst about your dog. It's about setting your family up for success, protecting your baby, reducing stress for your dog, and creating an environment where both can thrive.

Whether you're expecting your first baby, currently pregnant, or already navigating life with little ones and furry family members, this episode is packed with practical, judgment-free strategies to help your home feel safer, calmer, and more prepared for this huge life transition.

00:00 Labrador Hunting Scare

01:27 Meet Dog Meets Baby

08:30 How Predation Looked

15:10 Breeds and Temperament

20:07 Pregnancy Prep Essentials

39:34 Low Tox Registry Picks

43:34 Bed Training Basics

50:35 Safe Boundaries Rules

56:03 Stress Signs And Introductions

01:04:54 Labor Myths And Wrap Up

Guest Bio:

Dominika is a Certified Dog Trainer, Children's Book Author, and the founder of Dog Meets Baby. When her beloved Labrador, Lola, showed predatory behavior toward her newborn twins, Dominika realized most parents lack the tools and knowledge to navigate these moments safely. This experience inspired her to found Dog Meets Baby, now a trusted resource for families worldwide through their online courses, consultations, and free resources.

Connect with Dominika:

https://www.dogmeetsbaby.expert/

LINKS MENTIONED:

Teach your dog to go to bed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn3UTEBwSH0

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/

Connect with Dominika on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dogmeets_baby/

BIRTH EDUCATION:

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app

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