Dogs Baby Storytime
Choose one of the following dog-themed baby storytime books and pair it with a few of these songs and playtime ideas for more engagement and fun in your next Baby Storytime. I recommend repeating many of your rhymes and movement songs each week (repetition is key for cognitive development), but sprinkling in new thematic songs and activities, such as those below, will keep things fresh and engaging.
Visit The Youth Desk’s Baby Storytime page for more detailed guidance and outlines.
Dogs Baby Storytime Books
Dogs Baby Storytime Songs & Rhymes
Here are my favorite doggy-themed movement songs and rhymes for babies.
1, 2, 3, Doggie’s Got a Flea
1, 2, 3, doggie’s got a flea
Doggie’s got a flea, and now it’s on me
1, 2, 3, doggie’s got a flea
Doggie’s got a flea, and now it’s on me
It’s on my nose
It’s on my toes
It’s on my ear
It’s over here!
Bingo
There was a farmer who had a dog
And Bingo was his name-o!
B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-G-O
And Bingo was his name-o!
Doggie in the Window Puppet Song
Pull out a dog, bunny, kitty, bird (parrot), and fish puppet when appropriate, or put flannel animals on a board.
How much is that doggie in the window?
The one with the waggly tail
How much is that doggie in the window?
I do hope that doggie’s for sale
I don’t want a bunny or a kitty
I don’t want a parrot that talks
I don’t want a bowl of little fishies
I can’t take a goldfish for a walk
How much is that doggie in the window?
The one with the waggly tail
How much is that doggie in the window?
I do hope that doggie’s for sale
(Lyrics by Bob Merrill)
This Little Doggy Puppet Song
Sing to the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus” and pull out different dog puppets or stuffies from a bag when appropriate, or place flannel dogs on a board.
This little doggy said, “Woof, woof, woof!”
“Woof, woof, woof.”
“Woof, woof, woof.”
This little doggy said, “Woof, woof, woof!”
All day long!
This little doggy said, “Bow, wow, wow…
This little doggy said, “Yip, yip, yip…
If You’re Happy & You Know It Doggy Version
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your paws
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your paws
If you’re happy and you know it, and you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your paws
…Scratch your ears (tickle/scratch baby’s ears)
…Shake your tail (wiggle back and forth)
Dogs Baby Playtime Activities
Ending storytime with free play is an excellent way for babies and caregivers to socialize and observe others. You don’t need anything fancy. Simply setting out blocks, musical instruments, or bean bags would suffice, but here are some doggy-themed ideas for extra special fun.
Pet Puppets
Nothing captures a baby’s attention quite like a puppet. Set one or more out for free play or walk around letting babies “pet” them. The Melissa & Doug Playful Pets Hand Puppets are durable and work perfectly with the “Doggie in the Window” song, too.
Puppy Dog Finger Puppets and Houses
These dog and house toys can be used for all ages, but are the perfect size for little hands (ages 1 and up). They work great for exploring colors or counting with toddlers and preschoolers, too.
