Why Having a Dog Is the Best Practice for a Baby (Yes, Really!)

Okay, hear me out: raising a puppy with your partner absolutely counts as parenting practice. If you’re pregnant with your first baby and already have a dog that you love like family - this post is for you.

I photograph a lot of new parents, and many of them already have a beloved fur baby at home. The bond is real. The photos with pups and newborns? They’re some of my absolute favorites. But beyond the cuteness overload, I truly believe that having a dog (especially a puppy, senior or rescue) is surprisingly great prep for having a baby.

Yes, I know a dog is not a human baby. But also? It’s not nothing.

Let’s break it down…

1. You’ve Already Learned to Care for Another Being

When you first got your dog, everything changed. Weekend getaways suddenly needed planning. You couldn’t just sleep in or spontaneously hop on a flight. You had to consider feeding schedules, potty breaks, training, and how they’d adjust to being alone.

Sound familiar? That’s baby life in a nutshell.

2. Sleep? What’s That?

New puppy owners know the struggle. Middle-of-the-night potty trips. Whining from the crate. Soothing them through separation anxiety. You’ve already had a glimpse of those bleary-eyed nights that are coming with a newborn - and you survived!

3. You’ve Had the “Parenting Style” Talk

Dogs force couples to communicate about boundaries, routines, and discipline. Are they allowed on the couch? Can they eat people food? How do we train them to walk nicely on a leash?

These conversations are exactly the kind you’ll have with a baby in the mix - just with diapers and screen time instead of chew toys and kibble.

4. You’ve Done the Gross Stuff, Too

Cleaning up poop, pee, vomit... You’ve been there. You’ve probably Googled “what color should my dog’s poop be?” at 2 AM. You’ve had a crash course in bodily fluids, vet appointments, and maybe even pet emergencies. It’s all experience that builds your capacity to stay calm and handle the messes of early parenting.

5. You’ve Felt Unconditional Love - and Given It

Only dog people get it. The way your pup looks at you with those eyes? That’s real. That’s love. And when you become a parent, you’ll know that kind of love times a million. The way a baby snuggles into you? That’s the human version of a pup curled up at your feet. Pure joy.

6. Puppies Prepare You for the Chaos

Toys everywhere. A creature begging for snacks. Not being able to go to the bathroom alone. Sound familiar?

Toddlers and dogs are chaotic in the same hilarious, frustrating, lovable ways. They keep you on your toes, force you to be present, and show you how little control you actually have sometimes.

Final Thoughts: Dog Parents, You’re More Prepared Than You Think

So no — a dog is not the same as a baby. But don’t let anyone tell you that your experience as a pet parent doesn’t count. It absolutely does. You’ve already learned to nurture, to sacrifice, to laugh at the mess, and to love endlessly. That’s parenting, full stop.

And if you’re pregnant and wondering if your dog should be in your family photos? The answer is a resounding YES.
They were your first baby. Your training wheels. Your partner in all the little routines you’re about to expand for a new human. I LOVE including dogs in maternity, newborn, and family photos - and I’ve got all the tips to make sure your pup shines.

Ready to document this next chapter - with your pup in the frame?
Let’s chat about a maternity or newborn session that celebrates all of your babies - furry and human. 🐶👶💛