Pooch Parenting

Welcome to Parenting Kids and Dogs 101, a limited series podcast for parents who live with kids and dogs, or plan to. I'm your host, Michelle Stern, the founder of Pooch Parenting. I'm not just a certified professional dog trainer and former teacher, I'm a mom too. In each episode of this series, I hope you'll feel like I'm chatting with you, one parent to another, about life with kids and dogs, answering common questions my clients ask me, and giving you simple solutions to make your life easier and safer.I hope you'll subscribe and join me for the whole series, and don't forget to grab the accompanying workbook at https://poochparenting.net/podcastworkbook/Best Practices for Supervising Kids and DogsUnderstand what Supervision meansWhat supervision is not: simply being in the same room as your kids and dogsnapping on the sofa while your kids and dogs play (together or separately) in the roomsleeping at night with your dog on your bed and your infant in the same roomscrolling social media, talking on the phone, or playing Candy Crush while your kids and dogs are in the same spacemaking dinner, folding laundry or taking a shower while your kids and dogs are in the same roomdriving while your dog is loose in the back seat with your child or even restrained within arm's reach of your childWhat supervision IS: giving 100% of your attention to your kids and dogs togethersitting between your dog and child as they play calmly on the floorsitting between your dog and child as you watch a tv show or moviesitting between your dog and child as you read togetherplaying games with your child and dog with your dog on a leashhelping your child toss balls, toys or treats to the dog over a baby gatemaking dinner, folding laundry or taking a shower while your dog is on one side of a barrier and your child is in the room with you (or vice versa)having safe zones or "yes spaces" where nervous children or dogs can relax and decompress without any pressure to interact with each otherTools that can help you to create PensBaby Gates - traditional or retractable depending on your spaceLeashesCratesDoorsTethers (ONLY if your child can not approach your tethered dog)If you could use some emotional support raising your kids and dog together, don't miss The Pooch Parenting Society, the only program designed to provide ongoing support for families raising kids and dogs together. From one mom to another, it's a game changer. safekidsanddogs.com Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

Welcome to Parenting Kids and Dogs 101, a limited series podcast for parents who live with kids and dogs, or plan to. I'm your host, Michelle Stern, the founder of Pooch Parenting. I'm not just a certified professional dog trainer and former teacher, I'm a mom too. In each episode of this series, I hope you'll feel like I'm chatting with you, one parent to another, about life with kids and dogs, answering common questions my clients ask me, and giving you simple solutions to make your life easier and safer.I hope you'll subscribe and join me for the whole series, and don't forget to grab the accompanying workbook at https://poochparenting.net/podcastworkbook/Growling - What it means and how to prevent itGrowling is scary. But the good news is that it's communicationGrowling can be compared to the yellow light of a traffic signal - it's a warning that something major is about to happen. Imagine how many accidents there would be if lights went straight from green to red.Don't punish the growl - thank your dog for telling you they are uncomfortableLook for the trigger - Get CuriousWhy is your dog growling? Look around and see if you can spot what's troubling him.Look for patterns and intervene before the growlRemove the trigger, not your dogBy responding to your dog's body language and offering relief, your dog will trust that you will meet his needsIf your dog's behavior has changed suddenly, it's time to book an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out pain, a common cause of growling. Management is your best friend - use gates, pens and other barriers to give your dog space to avoid triggers that cause discomfort and growlingThank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

Welcome to Parenting Kids and Dogs 101, a limited series podcast for parents who live with kids and dogs, or plan to. I'm your host, Michelle Stern, the founder of Pooch Parenting. I'm not just a certified professional dog trainer and former teacher, I'm a mom too. In each episode of this series, I hope you'll feel like I'm chatting with you, one parent to another, about life with kids and dogs, answering common questions my clients ask me, and giving you simple solutions to make your life easier and safer.I hope you'll subscribe and join me for the whole series, and don't forget to grab the accompanying workbook at https://poochparenting.net/podcastworkbook/In Episode 3, I talk about some common signs that your dog is stressed or anxious around children?Most parents are not fluent in dog body language - why would you be?Some common body language in dogs may not look like communication - so it's easy to missCommon behaviors that dogs use to communicate include: yawn, paw lift, look away, lip lick. All of these indicate stress or discomfortOther signs of tension include ears that are back towards the head, a tight, closed mouth, a low tail and a stiff bodyA common misconception is that dogs often lay down and show us their belly because they want to be petted. Unfortunately, this posture often means the opposite. The dog is hoping that if they are still that we will just go away. How do you know then when your dog really wants a belly rub? She will approach you with a soft, wiggly body and offer herself for affection. Some dogs walk away or hide when they are uncomfortable around kidsOther dogs approach us, as if asking for support. They may hide behind our legs or sit behind our body.We need to teach children to respect dogs - one easy way to do this is to have the kids invite the dog over for attention instead of approaching the dog directly. This gives the dog the opportunity to give consent for the interaction or opt outParenting kids and dogs is actually very similar!Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

Welcome to Parenting Kids and Dogs 101, a limited series podcast for parents who live with kids and dogs, or plan to. I'm your host, Michelle Stern, the founder of Pooch Parenting. I'm not just a certified professional dog trainer and former teacher, I'm a mom too. In each episode of this series, I hope you'll feel like I'm chatting with you, one parent to another, about life with kids and dogs, answering common questions my clients ask me, and giving you simple solutions to make your life easier and safer.I hope you'll subscribe and join me for the whole series, and don't forget to grab the accompanying workbook at https://poochparenting.net/podcastworkbook/In Episode 2, I talk about parenting overwhelm when raising kids and dogs at the same time.Common concerns parents with dogs have include:I can't get anything done. How am I supposed to do daily tasks like cooking, laundry and playing with my kids, while I keep an eye on my kids and dogs.it's hard enough to just parent kids or dogs alone, let alone together - this is a normal experience that nobody talks aboutmanagement, such as baby gates, pens and doors are the best strategy to provide safe spaces for both your kids and your dogs and to allow you to take a break.Like we talked about in Episode 1 of the series, being in the same room isn't enough to keep everyone safe - bites can happen right in front of you if you don't know what to look forparents also wonder if they made a mistake by raising kids and dogs together or if they should not have added another dog to the mixsocial media often makes us doubt our parenting skills or our dog training skills because everyone's lives look so much easier and safer than ours.parents with new babies often feel guilty because their dog is getting the short end of the stick or they wonder if the dog would be better off living elsewhereIf you could use some emotional support in your baby's first year (alongside your dog), don't miss The Pooch Parenting Society, the only program designed to provide ongoing support for families raising kids and dogs together. From one mom to another, it's a game changer. safekidsanddogs.com Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

Welcome to Parenting Kids and Dogs 101, a limited series podcast for parents who live with kids and dogs, or plan to. I'm your host, Michelle Stern, the founder of Pooch Parenting. I'm not just a certified professional dog trainer and former teacher, I'm a mom too. In each episode of this series, I hope you'll feel like I'm chatting with you, one parent to another, about life with kids and dogs, answering common questions my clients ask me, and giving you simple solutions to make your life easier and safer. I hope you'll subscribe and join me for the whole series, and don't forget to grab the accompanying workbook at https://poochparenting.net/podcastworkbook/In Episode 1, I talk about 5 mistakes most parents with dogs make.wearing rose colored glasses and assuming things will be finenot using management to create safe spaces for kids and dogsassuming that being in the same room is the same as "supervising" kids and dogsnot noticing or understanding dog body languagenot preparing dogs before babyThank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

In the coming weeks, I'll be releasing a special limited series called Parenting Kids and Dogs 101. Each of the 15 episodes covers one of the top questions parents (or prospective parents) of kids and dogs have asked me over the years.I hope you'll subscribe and join me for the whole series, and don't forget to grab the accompanying workbook at https://poochparenting.net/podcastworkbook/Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

If you're pregnant and have a velcro dog who follows you everywhere, panics when you leave the room, or constantly needs to be touching you, you're not alone. Many dogs form deep attachments to their pregnant owner, but this can become a challenge once the baby arrives. After all, you'll need to sleep, feed, and care for your newborn without a dog glued to your side.In today's episode, we'll talk about why some dogs become hyper-attached during pregnancy, the potential risks this can create once the baby arrives, and—most importantly—how you can start preparing your velcro dog now so that they feel safe, secure, and comfortable being separated from you when needed. Whether your dog struggles with anxiety, follows you from room to room, or whines when you close a door, I'll walk you through practical steps to help them adjust before baby arrives.The Top 3 Immediate Steps to Prepare Your DogI. Why Dogs Become Hyper-Attached During PregnancyChanges in scent, hormones, and mama's body shape Increased resting periods or physical changes that invite closenessEmotional changes in the pregnant parent and how dogs pick up on themPregnancy shifts household routinesDoes your dog actually have Separation Anxiety, a panic disorder?II. Why This Becomes a Problem Once Baby ArrivesIf your dog has Separation Anxiety, a true panic disorder, training sessions (aka. "missions") are difficult with a newborn, baby or toddlerSafety concerns: preventing tripping hazards and interference during feedingsSleep safety risks for the baby if the dog can't be separatedIncreased stress for the parents and possibly the dogIII. Early Steps to Encourage Healthy IndependenceTeaching the dog to settle away from the parentIntroducing positive alone time gradually with short, structured separationsReinforcing calm behavior when the dog is not attached to the parent - using a remote treat dispenser, such as the Treat and TrainIV. Practical Training ExercisesCreating positive associations with a crate, playpen, or separate space, using remote treat dispensers, chews, frozen food toys such as the Toppl Using baby gates or barriers in a stress-free wayTraining a reliable cue for independent relaxationBuilding confidence through enrichment and independent activitiesWork with a CSAT (Certified Separation Anxiety Specialist) if your dog has separation anxietyV. Preparing for Real-Life TransitionsPracticing bedtime routines where the dog sleeps separatelyPractice parents leaving the dog to respond to baby sounds in another roomBrief separations while a parent makes meals, showers, or does laundry, for examplePlanning for postpartum changes (who will take the dog out, how to maintain routine)Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

Adopting an infant is a life-changing event, and when it happens suddenly, there's little time to prepare—especially for your dog. If you're a parent bringing home a baby through adoption, you might be wondering: How will my dog react? What can I do right away to make this transition easier? Today, I'm sharing the top three things you should do immediately to help your dog adjust to your growing family. Whether you've had months or just days to get ready, these steps will set the stage for a safe and smooth transition.Your Dog Needs Gifts Too!If you are lucky enough to have time for a baby shower before you get "the call"...or even if you don't (and you find yourself rushing to pick up your infant), you can tell your friends that a few targeted gifts would really help your dog with this big transition. Feel free to grab my free download, Dog Essentials for Your Baby Registry and share it with your loved ones.Adoption will Lead to Big Changes for Your DogHow dogs react to sudden changes in their environmentThe importance of structure, predictability, and gradual introductionsCommon concerns: stress, excitement, or anxietyThe Top 3 Immediate Steps to Prepare Your DogEstablish a Safe Space & New BoundariesWhy your dog needs a designated “safe zone”. Pen / crate training or using baby gates to create separation when needed. Order equipment asap so it's there when you get home. Below are my top suggestions for items you should have on hand for safety.Teaching your dog to settle independently before the baby arrives if you have the luxury of time before you go pick up your infantDoes your dog need a new sleeping location for bedtime? Introduce New Sounds and RoutinesPlaying recorded baby sounds at a low volume to desensitize your dogPracticing adjusted walking schedules, feeding and play timesSupervised Introductions & Management StrategiesThe first meeting: keeping it calm and controlled. Dog should be leashed and / or behind a barrier at first.Recognizing early signs of stress in your dogRelated Product Suggestions for Parents of Toddlers and DogsMy top Safety and Management Equipment suggestionsMy top Meal Enrichment items to give your dogs mental stimulation at mealtimes or when separatedMy top Treats and Chews suggestions to give dogs something to do when parents can't pay attention to themMy top suggestions for managing noise if you are worried your dog might wake your baby (aside from training to modify the situation in the first place)If you are worried about dog hair or other messes, here are my top suggestions for Cleaning UpThank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

If you're raising kids and dogs under the same roof, you know there's never a dull moment—especially when your little one discovers the dog's water bowl. While this might seem like harmless toddler curiosity, there are some safety concerns you'll want to keep in mind, both for your child and your dog. In today's episode, I'll discuss why kids are drawn to dog water bowls, the potential risks involved, and how to redirect that curiosity into safe, fun water play opportunities. So, grab a cup of coffee—or water!—and let's get into it.Why Are Kids Drawn to Dog Water Bowls?Exploration and sensory playThe appeal of "forbidden" objects.They want to "help" you to water the plants or wash the floor. If the dog can move their bowl, so can the toddler.Safety Concerns with Dog Water BowlsDrowning - possible in as little as an inch or two of waterSlipping hazards around spilled waterRisk of a dog resource guarding the bowl and then chasing, lunging or snapping at or biting the childHow to Respond When Your Toddler Plays in the Dog's Water BowlGentle redirection strategies: How to approach the situation without scolding.Tips for staying calm and modeling appropriate interactions.Using baby gates or barriers to limit access to the dog's feeding area.Creating a designated space for your dog's water and food that's out of reach of small children.Encouraging "Legal and Approved"  Water Play for KidsEasy and fun water play alternatives: Sensory bins with water and toys.Water tables for outdoor or indoor use.Bath time activities that mimic the experience of splashing in a bowl.Teaching boundaries: Helping kids learn the difference between their toys and the dog's resources.Related Product Suggestions for Parents of Toddlers and DogsNo splash dog water bowl.Hanging water bowls for crates or kennelsWater table for toddlers 1.5 years old and up.Bath toys for curious toddlersWatering can for childrenWashable, non-slip reusable potty pads, ideal for putting under a water table to absorb spills and splashesSupportive resources for parents with dogsI have a handout for parents about how to manage toddlers playing in the dog water bowl. Members of The Pooch Parenting Society get a handout every month - and this one is on the calendar to be delivered soon. If you found this podcast helpful, I offer ongoing, affordable support. Join the Club! The Pooch Parenting Society is the only membership of it's kind - offering compassionate EXPERT and relatable advice FOR parents with dogs from a certified professional dog trainer, family dog mediator, mom and credentialed teacher. You don't have to go through this parentiThank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

In this episode of the Pooch Parenting Podcast, I'm tackling one of the most difficult and heart-wrenching topics for dog-loving families: when to consider behavioral euthanasia for a dog with a significant bite history. This is a decision no parent ever wants to face, and it's one filled with complex emotions, from love and guilt to grief and responsibility.As a dog behavior consultant who specializes in helping parents raising kids and dogs together, I understand how deeply we bond with our dogs and how agonizing it can be to weigh our love for the family dog, quality of life and the well-being and safety of our families. Today, I'll explore how to assess your situation, when it might be time to say goodbye, and how to support your children through this challenging time. Most importantly, I'll do it with empathy, compassion, and an understanding that love is at the heart of every decision you make.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

In this episode of the Pooch Parenting Podcast, we're diving into a topic that many parents face: what to do when your toddler or young child is too rough with the family dog.Maybe you've caught your little one pulling the dog's tail, giving overly enthusiastic hugs, or even climbing on them like they're a jungle gym. You love both your child and your dog, but you're worried about how these interactions might affect their safety and their bond.The good news is, rough behavior is a common phase in childhood, and with the right strategies, you can help your child learn to interact with your dog in a gentle, safe, and positive way. In this episode, we'll explore why this happens, how to set your child and dog up for success, and what to do when things get a little too rough.So, whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just looking for tips to make life smoother for your family, you're in the right place.Why Rough Behavior HappensCuriosity and lack of impulse control are normal developmental behaviors in toddlers and young childrenKids and parents can misunderstand dog body language and can think this type of behavior is acceptable.Examples of typical rough behaviors: pulling tails, climbing on the dog, hugging too tightly, etc.Why Rough Handling of Dogs Is a ProblemPotential risks: stress for the dog, fear, growling, or even biting.Rough handling can damage the child-dog bond over time.Many parents (and kids, of course) miss common dog stress signals (ie, lip licking, yawning, avoiding the child).Setting Toddlers and Young Kids Up for Success Around DogsSupervision: Always be paying attention when dogs and kids are in the same space and when they are interacting with each other. Separation: Use barriers like baby gates or playpens when supervision isn't possible.Safe Spaces: Teach children that the dog's bed or crate is off-limits. If the dog is on the sofa or resting anywhere, they should be left alone, as if surrounded by hot lava.Teaching Toddlers and Young Kids to be Gentle with DogsAge-appropriate ways to teach children how to interact with dogs gently. Modeling soft petting.Using stuffed animals to practice gentle touch.Role-playing with the child.Read some of my favorite books with your toddlers, including: Tails are Not for Pulling, Hands are Not for Hitting and Love Me Gently.Clear and consistent rules (e.g., no hugging or climbing on the dog).Managing Expectations for ParentsSetting realistic boundaries for what the dog can tolerate based on its temperament and age.Avoid placing the dog in situations where rough handling might happen.Strengthening the Child-Dog BondActivities where kids can positively engage with the dog under supervision (e.g., training tricks, feeding, or tossing a toy).Reinforcing good beThank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

Picture this: A parent is hosting a lively party. The house is full of guests, kids are running around, and the family dog is right in the middle of it all. It seems like a perfect celebration—until something goes terribly wrong. Amid the chaos, the dog, overwhelmed and unsupervised, bites a guest. What started as a joyful gathering has now turned into a stressful and regrettable situation.In this episode, we'll unpack this story, which happened to a client of mine living in San Francisco, to understand what went wrong and, more importantly, how you can prevent something like this from happening at your own events. We'll explore:How dogs react to busy social environments, especially if they aren't used to them.The impact of parental overwhelm on managing kids and pets during parties.Practical strategies to keep everyone—dogs, kids, and guests—safe and happy at social events.Whether you're planning a holiday get-together, a birthday party, or just a casual hangout with friends, this episode will equip you with the tools to navigate these situations with confidence.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

I'm excited to share my holiday gift pick of the year for families with kids and dogs - Hide and Scent - The Ultimate Game of Hide and Seek for Dogs, Kids Edition. It's a fun and simple nose work game for dogs and children to play together. It offers dogs and kids a safe way to interact that doesn't require physical contact - a huge win for dogs who may be shy, fearful or even those who are overly excited.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

A lot of my clients seem to be very uncomfortable with the idea of separating their dog and child for safety reasons. But I recently had an epiphany - they all assumed that separation was the same as isolation. And it's not.Using management strategies, such as using a pen to cordon off an area for a child to play, provide separation between the dog and child. But neither the dog or child is isolated. Everyone can still see each other. The parent can still interact with everyone. And with time and patience, everyone can be very comfortable and safe with such an arrangement.So now, I am always reminding clients that "Separation is not the same as isolation." It's simply a way for parents to function and do the impossibly difficult job of raising kids and dogs together.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

I recently heard from a family whose rescue dog bit their young child. They told me that they have a "one bite policy" with pet dogs and that now the dog needs to go.  While I completely understand their rule and their decision, I like to encourage families to consider the WHOLE situation, both from the human perspective and from the dog's perspective. Dog bites are awful, but they are also often quite complicated with several mitigating factors. One Bite Policy From the Family's PerspectiveDownload this free guide to understand why your dog might growl: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/It's terrifying when a dog bites a child and the trauma can be hard to recover fromA child deserves to feel physically and emotionally safe at homeParents already have a lot on their plate and sometimes it's easier to limit complications to make life easier and saferDog behavior can be confusing and it's easy to miss subtle signs of stress in dogsIt can be confusing if a dog bites a child "who was just trying to pet her." From the parent's perspective the child's behavior is no big deal - but dogs don't bite for no reason. It's important to consider "the why" - was the dog in pain, afraid, startled awake from a deep sleep or disturbed while chewing a bone? Parents might not know the learning or genetic history of a rescue dog, inadvertently bringing a fearful, nervous or anxious dog into their home.Kids are hard. Their behavior changes constantly as they grow and develop, and it can be hard to stay on top of polite and respectful behavior around animals.Having a "one bite policy" gives parents a clear guideline to follow, so they don't get confused by their conflicting emotions. When parents are afraid of their child or visitors getting hurt again in the future, they may not be willing to consider that bites can be prevented with adequate management, working with a dog and child specialist or learning to read dog body languageRehoming a dog does NOT mean you don't love them. Sometimes loving an animal means setting them up for success elsewhere.One Bite Policy From the Dog's PerspectiveKids can be scary and unpredictable. A rescue dog may have arrived with past trauma related to inappropriate behavior by children.A dog who doesn't feel safe expresses themself by demonstrating a variety of body language - some subtle and some quite overt. By biting a child, dogs can often stop the child from being disrespectful.It should not be the dog's responsibility to stop a child from being a perceived threat. That's the role of the adults. Dogs don't usually bite for no reason. It's important for people to get curious about what the possible causes could have been.A single bite may not be adequate at determining if the dog should remain in the home. Some dogs bite for good reason and some types bites can be prevented in the future by using effective management and learning to read dog body languageThank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

If you are a birth worker, such as a doula, midwife, lactation consultant or night nurse, who sees clients in their own homes, there is a very good chance that you will interact with family pets. Because families are hiring you to help them ease their transition into new parenthood, their pets (dogs, in particular) will play a large part into the new family dynamic. And let's be honest - they are hiring you because you are a baby expert...not because you are a dog expert. And why should you be? But the truth of the matter is that you may notice some unsafe behavior in the family dog that worries you about the future safety of the new baby...and the sanity of the new parents. In this podcast episode, I discuss what red flags to look for in dogs before baby comes home, and what to do if you are concerned about dog and baby safety.Dog Red Flags for In-Home Birth WorkersDownload this free guide outlining which red flags in dogs dogs might ultimately impact dog and baby safety: https://poochparenting.net/baby-professionals/If your client says: "my dog doesn't like kids.""my dog is reactive and I am worried about his response to baby""our dog has a bite history.""I wish I understood my dog better.""I'm worried our dog will be jealous / overprotective of the new baby."If YOU feel unsafe around the dog at any point working with this family, entering their home, or even when you get up to leaveIf the dog currently sleeps in your client's bed or in the room where the baby will be sleepingWhat to do if parents need extra supportRefer out to a dog and child specialist, such as me at Pooch Parenting.Sometimes, dogs need medical support in order to make more progress with issues like anxiety and fear. Working in combination with me and a veterinary behaviorist can often offer the relief families and their dogs need to provide a safe environment for baby to thrive.The Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon is an excellent option for veterinary behavior support. Even if you don't live in Oregon, they may be able to share their expertise and collaborate with your own local vet.I also discuss some simple tips for bringing baby home to meet the dog, why bringing home a baby blanket from the hospital is not a good idea, and where dogs should sleep.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

Moms are often very busy, so it's understandable that they might try to do family outings that meet the needs of their kids and dogs at the same time. But unfortunately, dog parks are not a safe place to bring children. So, if the question ever enters your mind, "should I bring the kids with me to the dog park?", please opt out and consider what else might be an appropriate outing.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

The single most prevalent piece of dog and newborn advice that I see on social media is for people to bring home the hospital baby blanket for your dog to sniff before baby comes home. I wanted to bust this myth and to share how at the very best, this misguided advice could be neutral...and at the worst, it could even be dangerous.Why people advise to bring home the hospital baby blanket for your dog to smellThey think that simply smelling something will build a positive associationIt's doable, which must be better than nothing, right?In dog training, we often expose dogs to certain stimuli to make positive associations. So the same concept should apply here, right? (hint - NO)Risks of bringing home the baby blanket for the dog to sniffThis step is rushed and no effort is made to pair the blanket with good things from the dog's perspectiveIf a parent leaves the blanket unattended with the dog, it could be used as a dog bed, could be torn up or used to play tug - all of which could be dangerous when baby comes home and wears a blanket laterThe blanket smells like the hospital, nursing staff, and many other pungent odors - what is the dog really smelling?It can get the dog too excited about the arrival of the baby later. Other supportive resources for parents with dogsLooking for some confidence about navigating life with your dog and newborn? Get on the waitlist for Paws to Pacifiers, my live 6-week small group program for expecting or adopting parents with dogs. This program is only offered three times a year, so by signing up for the waitlist, you will be the first to hear when registration opens again.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/ Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

If your toddler is a little Jack-in-the-box and gets out of bed several times a night, you are not alone. But if you have a dog, we need to consider how to prevent interactions between your toddler and pup in the middle of the night when you aren't supervising. Why do toddlers get out of bed at night?They are going through a developmental shift which interrupts their sleep.They need to be comforted and are looking for their parents.They are experimenting with climbing and with boundariesThey need to potty or get a drink of waterThey don't feel wellDog Safety with toddlers who don't stay in bed at nightIf you are asleep or are in another room, you can't supervise interactions between your dog and toddlerBy using a baby gate on your toddler's door, they can't leave or interact with the dogIf your toddler sleeps in your room, you can close your room or put a baby gate on your door to prevent them from wandering the house or interacting with the dogIf the dog sleeps elsewhere, you can put a baby gate in a hallway to prevent your toddler from entering the space where the dog sleepsYou can put a pen around the dog's crate to prevent the toddler from letting the dog out of the crate or from poking their fingers into the crateOther supportive resources for parents with dogsListen to my limited series podcast, Parenting Kids and Dogs 101 here, on my website, or on your favorite podcast player.It's only natural for questions about our kids and dogs to arise from time to time, especially as our babies grow up and our dogs mature. And if I'm being honest, it's not really worth asking for free advice from friends or online because you can't rely on the accuracy of the feedback you are getting. If you'd like to learn more about The Pooch Parenting Society, where I offer practical life and science-based tips and strategies, ongoing support and a safe place to share, head on over to www.safekidsanddogs.com. From one parent to another, I see you and I promise, you're not alone.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

If you have ever wondered if your dog should be licking your baby in the face or what to do about it, this is the episode for you. I discuss what dog licks might mean, why it might not be such a good idea, and why bringing in a dog expert might help you to get more clarity.Why do dogs lick babies?Babies taste good to dogs. They might taste like milk or even spit up. Yum!Dogs are curious and like to explore with their sense of taste.Your dog may be uncomfortable and might be using a form of appeasement.Your dog could be predatory.Your dog might be trying to assertively push the baby away.Risks of allowing dogs lick newborn babiesYour newborn doesn't yet have a strong immune system...and dogs lick their butts along with other gross items, such as dead animals or poop.The "sharp end" of the dog can be unsafe around the vital regions of your baby's body (head and neck)If your dog is stressed and is pushing baby away, this pressure might push your infant off your lap or sofa and onto the floorIf you are unclear if your dog is acting predatory, it's not a risk worth takingOther supportive resources for parents with dogsListen to my limited series podcast, Parenting Kids and Dogs 101 here, on my website, or on your favorite podcast player.It's only natural for questions about our kids and dogs to arise from time to time, especially as our babies grow up and our dogs mature. And if I'm being honest, it's not really worth asking for free advice from friends or online because you can't rely on the accuracy of the feedback you are getting. If you'd like to learn more about The Pooch Parenting Society, where I offer practical life and science-based tips and strategies, ongoing support and a safe place to share, head on over to www.safekidsanddogs.com. From one parent to another, I see you and I promise, you're not alone.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

Worrying about how your dog will respond to your new baby might keep you up at night. Lots of people who are pregnant, adopting or using a surrogate experience the same thing. Fortunately for you, there are specialists, like me, who can help you to prepare your dog for new baby ahead of time. In my new free guide, 5 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Dog for New Baby, I share simple "recipes" to help you ensure a safe and happy transition for your growing family. Download the guide here. 5 Essential steps to prepare your dog for new babyUse positive reinforcement trainingSet up a safe Haven for your dogGet your dog familiar with baby sounds and equipmentShift your dog's routines to help them be more flexibleCome up with various supervision and management strategiesOther supportive resources for parents with dogsListen to my limited series podcast, Parenting Kids and Dogs 101 here, on my website, or on your favorite podcast player.It's only natural for questions about our kids and dogs to arise from time to time, especially as our babies grow up and our dogs mature. And if I'm being honest, it's not really worth asking for free advice from friends or online because you can't rely on the accuracy of the feedback you are getting. If you'd like to learn more about The Pooch Parenting Society, where I offer practical life and science-based tips and strategies, ongoing support and a safe place to share, head on over to www.safekidsanddogs.com. From one parent to another, I see you and I promise, you're not alone.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

What if my dog doesn't like my baby? What if my dog accidentally hurts my kids? What if my kids accidentally hurt our dog? When should we add a puppy to our family? Am I a horrible person if I feel like it's too hard to parent kids and dogs at the same time?If you're a dog mom who's having a baby soon, who's worrying about how your dog responds to your newly mobile toddler, who's considering adding another dog or child to your family, or who's wondering how to tame the chaos that comes from living with kids and dogs at the same time, this is the podcast for you.Parenting Kids and Dogs 101 is a limited series podcast packed with actionable tips on how to make living with kids and dogs safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable. Whether you are an experienced dog mom who is new to parenting or you are an experienced parent who is new to dogs, this podcast will offer you tried and true strategies that will help all of your family members (dogs included, of course) to have the relationship you always dreamed of. Hosted by certified professional dog trainer, mom and former teacher Michelle Stern, each episode will answer questions that keep worried parents up at night.For some of my best resources and to start the process of making your life with kids and dogs less stressful, download the free workbook that accompanies this podcast series.Ongoing support for parents with dogsIt's only natural for questions about our kids and dogs to arise from time to time, especially as our babies grow up and our dogs mature. And if I'm being honest, it's not really worth asking for free advice from friends or online because you can't rely on the accuracy of the feedback you are getting. If you'd like to learn more about The Pooch Parenting Society, where I offer practical life and science-based tips and strategies, ongoing support and a safe place to share, head on over to www.safekidsanddogs.com. From one parent to another, I see you and I promise, you're not alone.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

In this episode, I want to normalize the BIG worries that expecting parents with dogs often have about integrating their fur babies with their newborns. Having a growing family leads to HUGE feelings...for all family members, dogs included. It's a mistake to assume that dogs will "get used to it" without adequate preparation ahead of time. Unless parents get empathetic, supportive advice about how to help their dogs with this giant transition, expecting families face unnecessary stress, fear, and anxiety.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

In today's episode I'm talking with Mary Peterson Cook about RV travel and RV life on the road with kids and dogs. As summer winds down, you might be hitting the road for one last adventure before school begins. RV travel is a fantastic option for families with kids and dogs, but there are some safety issues that you should know about ahead of time. So whether you need to hear this now or before a summer adventure next year, don't miss this engaging discussion.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

In today's episode I'm going out on a limb here to make a grand statement about THE Biggest mistake dog moms make before adding a baby to their family. Listen to the episode to find out what it is...The episode includes these topics:we can't predict how our dog will feel once baby arrives if they live in a child free home nowyou have not seen how your dog behaves when living full time with a baby, toddler or child in the houseyou may not know how your dog will respond to receiving a LOT less attention than they do nowthe dog might be frustrated at an ever changing schedulethe dog might become destructive out of boredom from lack of physical or mental stimulation while you focus on the new baby My upcoming FREE Bootcamp: Preventing Dog Jealousy - Pre-Baby Bootcamp in JuneIf you are expecting or adopting a baby and your dog was your "first baby," then this episode is for you. I'm thrilled to announce that I'm offering a free bootcamp on Preventing Dog Jealousy: Pre-baby Bootcamp.In this bootcamp, we will talk about jealousy in dogs, what it looks like, and more importantly, how to prevent it. I know that bringing a new baby into the family can be stressful, especially when you have a furry friend who's used to being the center of attention. That's why I want to help you prepare your dog for the arrival of your new baby.The bootcamp is completely free and will cover a variety of topics you need to know to prevent dog jealousy. We'll discuss how to introduce your dog to your baby, how to create a safe and comfortable environment for your dog, and how to manage jealousy if it arises. You'll also get a chance to ask any questions you may have about your specific situation.The bootcamp is perfect for anyone who wants to ensure a smooth transition for their dog when the baby arrives. Whether you're a first-time parent or you're adding another baby to your family, this bootcamp is for you. You'll learn practical tips and strategies that you can start implementing right away.Sign Up for the FREE Bootcamp by visiting:  https://poochparenting.net/jealousy/. It's that easy. And if you're listening to this episode after the bootcamp has ended, don't worry. You can still visit the poochparenting.net website to access a variety of other resources.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

In episode 72 of the Pooch Parenting Podcast, I share brief stories of 4 recent clients so you can see examples of the types of people who choose to work with a dog and child specialist.Lots of dog trainers are generalists who have skills that can help you a little bit with a lot of challenging situations.But if you have a specific challenge, such as living with kids and dogs at the same time, a generalist might not be the answer.Instead, seeing a dog and child specialist is the way to go.You are familiar with using specialists. If you had a baby, you had an OB. If you needed support with breastfeeding, you worked with a lactation consultant. If your child had a tongue tie, you saw a specialized doctor to release it.So why wouldn't you want to work with a specialist if you wanted to prepare your dog for new baby or if your dog growled at your toddler. Or maybe you want to add the "right fit dog" to your family with kids.Can you relate? If so, I'm here for you.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

In this episode of the Pooch Parenting Podcast, I'm discuss a wonderful shift that's taking place in the dog training and behavior industry. It's called Family Dog Mediation and I learned about it from Kim Brophey, an applied ethologist and one of my colleagues. Her revolutionary LEGS model introduces us to the basic foundational system of elements that direct the behavior of every single animal on earth (including us, of course) and explains what it means for our family dogs. This episode dives into this approach of working with families living with kids and dogs at the same time, and offers some perspective on the contributing factors to the behavior and feelings of each member of the household, dog included. Topics in this episode include:factors that impact behavior of parents, kids, and dogshow normal it is for parents to be overwhelmed raising kids and dogs togetherwhether or not training is the best way to address dog behavior challengesthe LEGS model for behavior: learning, environment, genetics and selfFamily Dog Mediation and how it helps us to manage our expectations of our dogsIf you are a dog professional and want to take Kim's amazing Family Dog Mediation Professional Course, you can find it here.If you are a family with a dog and want to learn more about dogs and dog behavior, Kim has a special course for you too called The Dog's Truth.Realistic Expectations for Parents with Kids and DogsYou love your dog. Of course you do. But if you're being honest, sometimes they can be difficult to live with. Perhaps they bark too much, are too clingy, growl at your toddler or hate being separated from all of their family members, even for a few minutes. And let's face it – the stakes are high when you are raising kids and dogs together. You can't wait until something dangerous happens before you seek help – you need support as soon as you see even a single red flag.It's easy to hope for a quick fix and to “train” the annoying behavior away. But I'll be totally honest with you (you can expect that from me), and say that sometimes training isn't all that it's cut out to be. Yes, I'm a dog trainer and I'm telling you that training isn't always the answer. Ok – so what is?Before you can resolve any of the challenging issues you might be facing with your dog, you need to understand all of the contributing factors to their behavior. But it actually goes deeper than that. We need to consider the contributing factors to YOUR behavior too! That's right - since your dog doesn't live in a bubble, it's crucial that we evaluate the whole picture, especially how you and your family members interact with the dog. And that's where my specialized role as a Licensed Family Dog Mediator comes in.Want some support to help you navigate your family and dog dynamics? I've got you.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

In today's episode of the Pooch Parenting Podcast, we hear a question from a concerned mom whose dog snapped at her toddler and knocked him down. She says, "I'm scared" and I don't know what to do. She is worried that she would be crushed to rehome him, but that she also doesn't want to live in fear of her child getting hurt. Topics on this episode include:why dogs growl and snapgetting curious about the circumstances surrounding dog behavior we don't likeusing management when living with toddlers and dogshow to prevent the dog from feeling uncomfortablemy favorite pen for dogs (or kids!): Toddleroo Play Yardtraining that does not rely on force, fear or painworking with anxious dogs and training strategies that work for all dogsreach out if you have your own question that you'd like me to consider for a future episodeThank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

In this episode of The Pooch Parenting Podcast, we tackle the common dilemma of where to place your puppy's crate for optimal crate training. While many sources recommend placing the crate in the family room or the busiest area of the house, this may not always be the best choice for every family and every puppy. We explore the pros and cons of different crate placement options for families with kids and provide practical tips to help you find the perfect spot for your furry friend. If you're dealing with a curious puppy and a busy toddler , we've got you covered. Listen to this episode to learn how to balance your puppy's comfort and training needs!Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

In today's episode of The Pooch Parenting Podcast, I am partnering with my friend Corinne of The Doodle Pro™. She shares a question with me from one of the members from The Doodle Pro's Honor Society about a maltipoo who is growling at their 7 year old daughter. Join us as we dive into doodle dog behavior, how to read body language, and what to do about growling.Topics on this episode include:what is a doodledog body languagewhy dog's growlhow to prevent dog growlingconsent in dogswhen dogs growl at kidshow to prevent dogs from feeling unsafe around kidsThe ABC's of Growling - How to Understand and Respond to Your Dog Do you have a question you'd like me to answer on the Pooch Parenting Podcast?I love to answer listener questions on the podcast. If you'd like your question answered, please record it (like a voicemail!) here. I'll do my best to include it in a future episode.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

In today's episode of The Pooch Parenting Podcast, I'm responding to a concern faced by one of my students. She signed up for my Parenting Toddlers and Dogs online class after her dog growled at her toddler. Most baby books don't prepare parents for incidents like these, and it's often quite shocking when your "first baby" (your dog!) growls at your child! Luckily, you've got me - I am here to tell you what's not in most baby books, especially if your dog came first.Included in the episodewhat parenting and baby books don't tell youdog growling at toddlertoddler developmenthow to prevent dogs from feeling unsafe around toddlersThe ABC's of Growling - How to Understand and Respond to Your DogDogs and Toddlers - online class or a consultation with meThank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

In today's episode of The Pooch Parenting Podcast, I'm responding to two listener questions. One is from a parent and the other is from a dog training professional. Both inquire about 3-year old children who were bitten by their family dogs in the face. I discuss what could have contributed to this behavior and how to prevent it in the future. I also talk about some mindset shifts families need to consider when trying to have their kids and dogs live safely and happily together.Topics on this episode include:toddlers hitting dogspuppy growling at toddlerpuppy biting toddlermanagement strategies to prevent inappropriate interactionnewly adopted dog - how it feels potential causes of dog or puppy growlingsupport for parents with dogsThe ABC's of Growling - How to Understand and Respond to Your DogDo you have a question you'd like me to answer on the Pooch Parenting Podcast?I love to answer listener questions on the podcast. If you'd like your question answered, please record it (like a voicemail!) here. I'll do my best to include it in a future episode.p.s. If you are a dog pro who wishes you had a little more confidence with clients who are adopting or expecting kids or who have children already, get on the waitlist for The Pooch Parenting Coach Collective. It's a supportive membership for dog professionals that offers live zooms, made-for-you handouts to give to clients with kids, and an interactive Facebook group.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

I have a series of posts on my Pooch Parenting Facebook page that all discuss different "Unpopular Opinions" related to dogs and children. My most recent post in the series generated some really interesting conversations about where people actually get their dogs and who should influence which dog a family selects. New dog topics on this episode include:different ways that people get new dogscan the average pet parent tell if a dog likes their kidsstress signals dogs can demonstrate that can be confusingwho is qualified to give your family information about any particular dogtraits families may want in a family dogDo you have a question you'd like me to answer on the Pooch Parenting Podcast?I love to answer listener questions on the podcast. If you'd like your question answered, please record it (like a voicemail!) here. I'll do my best to include it in a future episode.p.s. If you are a dog pro who wishes you had a little more confidence with clients who are adopting or expecting kids or who have children already, get on the waitlist for The Pooch Parenting Coach Collective. It's a supportive membership for dog professionals that offers live zooms, made-for-you handouts to give to clients with kids, and an interactive Facebook group.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

This week's podcast episode is an excerpt from a live conversation that I had with a panel of Licensed Family Dog Mediators and Family Dog Specialists. This lively discussion includes Justine, founder of The Family Dog, Jennifer, founder of Family Paws, and Debby, founder of KAD, Kids Around Dogs. We talk about different strategies about how to make Halloween less spooky for your family dog.Halloween topics we discuss include:preventing the dog from escaping through the front doorhow to read our dog's body language to identify stressshould we dress dogs up in Halloween costumesif dogs should go trick or treating with the familydangerous ingredients for dogshow to manage excited and overly friendly dogsfamily appropriate activities for dogs during HalloweenThank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

In today's interview, I speak with Norma Roth, co-author of the Lovable Lucy book series for early readers. She and her daughter wrote this series together about life with their beloved dog, Lucy. Together, they share stories about dogs that are relatable to all children. The Lovable Lucy series promotes:problem solvingconfidence buildinginclusivitya sense of belonging and kindnesslanguage acquisitionliteracy skillsDon't miss your chance to win a copy of one of the Lovable Lucy books on www.poochparenting.net/episode63. Deadline to enter is October 31, 2022.Thank you for listening! Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you? If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. Looking for QUICK dog and parenting tips? Sign up for my free on-demand summit.

In today's interview, I read an email from a listener. She asked, "Is my dog racist?"Topics we cover include:what is racismcan a dog be racistfactors that contribute to dog behaviorcultural differences that might impact how dogs feelshould you leave your dog home sometimeshow to expose your dog to new stimuli

In today's interview, I speak with Corinne Gearhart, The Doodle Pro™. We discuss Doodles - the "breed" people love to hate.Corinne is the host of the highly rated and popular The Doodle Pro™ Podcast that has most recently ranked #3 on the genre's US. Apple chart. She has personally worked with hundreds of doodle mixes over thousands of visits in Colorado, where she founded and runs the doodle exclusive Shed Free Stay™ boarding program. As the owner of The Doodle Pro™, she has grown to be a national expert on doodles via her membership program educational courses and materials. Her Fear Free and positive reinforcement education on dog training shines through in her approach to doodle parents as well- treating all pet parents with same respect and compassion she shows their dogs. She is driven to "Bridge the Doodle Divide™" that exists in the Pet Care Industry.Topics we cover include:what is a Doodle what people love about them what challenges they can present to families (with kids of different ages and developmental stages)how to choose the best type of Doodle for your family and lifestyle.

In today's interview, I speak with Dr. Kris Freeark, child psychologist, family therapist and adoption educator. We chat about setting up appropriate expectations for dog families who are adopting a child.Helping adoptive parents have realistic expectations around welcoming a new child (of whatever age) into the family, is critical to the family's success. Recognizing the adjustments involved for all family members -- human and canine -- can make all the difference between unnecessary strain and worry and an experience of trust-building and confidence. Kris helps adoptive parents build good communication with their children starting with the earliest conversations.Kris loves to show people that openness in adoption is sometimes serious, but most of the time creative and fun. There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to building trust and connection. The unique parent-child (and -pet) combination guides what will work best for them.Specialized Support Mentioned in this Podcast:Contact KrisSanity Savers Online Summit for Parents with Dogs - a free online summit featuring 40(ish) speakers in just 40(ish) minutes. I know you are busy!The Pooch Parenting Society - a supportive membership for parents with dogs where I share training games, training tips and live Q/A'sThe Pooch Parenting Coach Collective - a membership for dog professionals who want to build their confidence so they can take on more clients who have childrenDo you have a question you'd like me to answer on the Pooch Parenting Podcast?I love to answer listener questions on the podcast. If you'd like your question answered, please record it (like a voicemail!) here. I'll do my best to include it in a future episode.

In today's episode, I talk about parent expectations for relatives when it comes to dog and child interactions. My friend shared a dramatic incident with me that she saw online between a set of parents and grandparents. The woman asked, "Am I in the wrong if I ask my in-laws to keep their dog away from our toddler?" Family dynamics can be difficult, but it's important that we set everyone up with appropriate expectations for dog and child dynamics. Before families spend time with their relatives, it's best to discuss dog and child safety and management strategies ahead of time so that there is less tension during their holiday together. Dog and Child Safety and Specialized SupportOnline Classes for parents and dog professionalsFree online summit: Tips from Dog and Parenting Experts - 40 tips in 40 minutesThe Pooch Parenting Society - a supportive membership for parents with dogs where I share training games, training tips and live Q/A'sThe Pooch Parenting Coach Collective - a membership for dog professionals who want to build their confidence so they can take on more clients who have children

In today's interview, I speak with Lisa Lyle Waggoner, author of The Original Rocket Recall. We chat about building strong relationships and recall with your dog.Having a dog who can be off leash and have a reliable recall is the holy grail of dog training. While it's something that many of us aspire to, it's not always safe. Sometimes a dog being off leash is dangerous because of the risk of cars, predators, or bodies of water. Sometimes it's unsafe because a dog who is following their instinctual hunting behavior means that they take off...and dogs repeat what they practice.I was in conflict. Should I let my dog be off leash in nature or should I make sure he is safe? I discuss these issues, along with fun games that can build strong relationships with you and your dog.Resources and Mentions:12 Rules of Rocket Recall - a free resource from LisaThe Original Rocket Recall book, by Lisa Lyle WaggonerCold Nose CollegeTrailblazing Tails - the BEST leashes and longlinesSarah Stremming - The Cog Dog PodcastGrisha Stewart - Adjust Your Leash LengthThe Pooch Parenting Society - a supportive membership for parents with dogs where I share training games, training tips and live Q/A'sThe Pooch Parenting Coach Collective - a membership for dog professionals who want to build their confidence so they can take on more clients who have children

In this episode of the Pooch Parenting Podcast, I talk about the importance of working with a specialist who will save time and money as you try to solve your dog related challenges. I'm currently raising a pair of orphaned dobermans and have been so grateful for the support I am getting from Puppy Culture. Similarly, when I needed to learn about aggressive behavior, I felt fortunate to be able to take a focused class from Michael Shikashio. I'd love to be that kind of support for you - a dog and child specialist. Stop wasting time trying to get specialized help from a general practitioner - get the help you need from someone who can help you to make progress with your dogs and kids fast.Resources mentioned in the episodeDogwood Animal Rescue ProjectPuppy CultureMichael ShikashioThe Pooch Parenting Society - a supportive membership for parents with dogsThe Pooch Parenting Coach Collective - a membership for dog professionals who want to build their confidence so they can take on more clients who have childrenTo see a video of my puppies playing and an irresistible photo, please visit the show notes page: www.poochparenting.net/episode57

In this episode of the Pooch Parenting Podcast, I talk with parenting coach, Mel Peirce. We talk about how to "parent from neutral." Our conversation covers topics that will set up parents and their dogs for success. We discuss parenting expectations, self-talk, and being proactive - all of which will help parents with their kids AND their dogs!Topics we discuss include...Patterns in parenting, planning ahead, be proactiveParenting from NeutralAvoid situations where you "command and demand"Positive self talk: "I can handle this", "today's going to be a good day"The danger of having expectations in parentingBeing curious as a strategy to increase parenting satisfactionInstead of spiraling, pause to consider what went well.

After trying barn hunt, a dog sport, for the first time with Pippin today, I got to thinking about comparisons between sports for dogs and sports for kids. Sometimes adults try to promote their own agenda when it comes to choosing family activities. But if I learned anything today, it was clear that the passion of the participant is one of the biggest factors we should consider when choosing a sport.The Pooch Parenting Coach Collective - a membership for dog professionals who want to build their confidence so they can take on more clients who have childrenThe Pooch Parenting Society - a supportive membership for parents with dogsThe Barn Hunt AssociationBarn Hunt - American Kennel Club

This podcast episode was inspired by a Facebook post written by a mother who was in distress because her dog had bitten two of her children, resulting in visits to the emergency room. I discuss what happens when dogs bite kids, including:who to ask for adviceparenting challenges when living with kids and dogsfactors about dogs to considerfactors about kids to considerDog AdviceWho should you ask for advice about your dogs and children? Consider these factors:Your Budget - you will need to pay for professional help. This might include getting the help of a veterinary behaviorist, dog trainer and/or behavior consultant...and maybe a combination of all of these. If you can not afford to get adequate support, you may not be able to safely keep this dog as a member of your family and there is NO shame there. Expertise - don't ask for advice from people who are not qualified to give it. Other parents or dog owners have likely not spent years of their lives studying dog behavior. Just as FB is not a place to ask for medical advice, it's not the place to ask how to prevent dog bites to your children. It's 100% worth the investment to get help from a positive reinforcement professional. Your child and dog's lives are at stake. Dogs who bite kids don't usually have a very long lifespan, so don't mess around hoping for the best. This won't resolve itself.Asking for help on social media will likely lead to painful, shaming comments that will make you feel worse about yourself than you already do. Find someone compassionate to get support from instead.Parenting Kids and DogsAs a mom and teacher with 16 years of experience, I tend to truly understand what many families are going through, and love to offer them solutions that will make their lives easier. People who have not lived with young children don't understand how chaotic and stressful it can be. It's important to be honest with yourself about your bandwidth and what you can actually implement with your dog. Perhaps all you can do right now is to use a baby gate to give your dog or children a safe space. If that is adequate to solve your problem, great. If not, you may need to make some hard decisions about your family's future with this dog. To make REAL change, you may need to commit to spending time, money and other resources on improving the dynamics at home between your dog and children.ChildrenKids can be hard to live with. And that's not an insult. It's just how it is. They are like puppies - curious about exploring the world and testing boundaries. This is all normal. But it can be a difficult combination with your dog. Not all dogs love living with kids, so it's important that you choose one who does. If your dog came first, you will have to put in some extra effort to help them adjust to life with kids. And for some dogs, that may not be possible. The most common advice parents hear and trainers give parents is to "never leave your kids and dogs unsupervised." This is oversimplified and discounts how thinly parents are spread. You can use gates, pens, crates, and doors to separate kids and dogs when you can't pay complete attention to their interactions. Frankly, your sanity depends on this. It's impossible to watch attentively all the time when you need to cook, work, decompress, do laundry, and play with your kids.While the expression "kids will be kids" can be a cop out for teaching kids manners, it also rings true. Kids are unpredictable, loud, and chaotic. That's not a bad thing. It can actually be really fun. But it can make life hard for some dogs. If you want to keep everyone safe, you need to set firm boundaries, teach respect, and prevent interactions unless the dog and child both give consent. The Pooch Parenting Society

It's National Dog Bite Prevention Week - and I believe that when we know better, we do better.That's why I'm so excited to be sharing the Sanity Savers for Parents with Dogs Online Summit with you!In just 40(ish) minutes, you'll get actionable ideas you can use to make living with kids and dogs safer, easier and less stressfulYou'll hear tips from Parenting and Dog Experts on...Helping your dog to enjoy being around your kids (and vice versa!)Preventing jumping, chasing and nibblingEasing your own temper - and that of your kids…and so much moreThe best part?It's entirely FREE.I can almost guarantee you'll come away with at least one idea! And who knows where that one idea might lead! At the very least, it should give you some pointers that will make living with kids and dogs easier, safer and less chaotic.Register, and get instant access to the Sanity Savers for Parents with dogs online summit.Dog Rescue OrganizationsPlease reach out to get a super duper discount code for my Kid and Dog Relationships online workshop. It's the perfect resource for all of your adopters who have children. We want to help your adoptions be successful - and this workshop will help to set parents, kids and dogs up to succeed.Dog ProsIf kids aren't your jam, please consider referring these clients out - to me or another dog and child specialist. As a mom and teacher with 16 years of experience, I tend to truly understand what many families are going through, and love to offer them solutions that will make their lives easier. I can help them prepare dog for new baby, cope with the chaos that comes with toddlerhood, and can help kids do lots of activities that strengthen their relationship with the family dog. ps. If you want to discuss some of your cases and be sure you are on the right track, I also offer 30-minute coaching sessions to other trainers and behavior consultants.Additional resources:On-demand workshop: Kid and Dog RelationshipsThe Pooch Parenting Society - a supportive membership for parents with dogs

The other day, a member of the Pooch Parenting Society sent me a Facebook post from a dog rescue organization about neurodivergent families and asked for my opinion. She has two special needs kids and had some pretty big feelings about it...and wanted to see if I felt the same. I do.The Facebook post that was shared with me was written by the founder of a dog rescue organization and explained the reason behind her policy not to adopt dogs to families who have autistic children. Yes. you heard me right. She has labeled a group of people as a red flag and considers neurodivergent families inappropriate to live with dogs. (I can only imagine what Temple Grandin would have to say about this...)Dog Rescue OrganizationsBefore anyone gets too heated, I want to remind everyone that the majority of people who go into the animal welfare field LOVE animals and want what's best for them. I worked at our local animal shelter as a volunteer for many years and was even on staff in the behavior department for awhile. I see the heart that goes into the work at shelters. But loving dogs is not an excuse for bigotry. This podcast episode (and article) are intended to offer support and ideas so that neurodivergent families can be successful with dogs.Family Frustrations in Dog AdoptionAs a dog and child specialist, I work with lots of families who have tried and failed to adopt dogs because of their rules not to adopt to families with children under the age of 10. While I may not agree with that policy, it's a clear policy. It's a result of a lack of resources to vet parenting and management skills. In my line of work, I see dogs who are uncomfortable living with children WAY more often than children who mistreat dogs. Children are unpredictable and can cause dogs lots of stress, which if not prevented can lead to inappropriate interactions.High Stakes Between Kids and DogsChildren are vulnerable and can be harmed easily by an excited dog, even just in play. And even the tiniest of bites could cause tremendous damage to a youngster. In previous episodes of this podcast, I have shared stories of babies who were killed by the family dog. And in the Master Course in Aggression course that I took from Michael Shikashio, he shared a story of a dog who nipped a child who ultimately died because the dog happened to nick an artery with its tooth. This was a horrible tragedy, but was an accident. The average pet family does not have a lot of experience truly understanding dog behavior and how they use their bodies to communicate. As a result, it can be difficult to keep everyone safe. The stakes with kids and dogs are high, which is why it's a field I chose to focus on. Parents need specialized support and resources, which can easily be included in the adoption process with any rescue, shelter or even breeder.Continue reading on www.poochparenting.net/episode52

In today's episode of The Pooch Parenting Podcast, I review the Netflix movie, Rescued By Ruby. It's a true story about a man who dreams of joining the K9 Search and Rescue team with the state police. "Typical" search and rescue dogs are too expensive, so he tries a more creative strategy to join the team. He adopts a difficult dog named Ruby from a local shelter and uses positive reinforcement training strategies to give her clarity and structure. Ultimately, his hard work and positive approach to working with Ruby helps them both to become successfulThis episode includes:Why some shelter dogs are returned or are unsuccessful in their adopted homesThe effectiveness of positive reinforcement trainingThe importance of persistence with dogs and the need to work with the behavioral traits that the dog hasHow to set dogs up for success by making sure that they know what you want

In today's episode of The Pooch Parenting Podcast, I talk about the risks of getting free advice when it comes to your family dog. Despite the best intentions, free advice can be misleading or even dangerous. In Facebook advice groups, for example, the blind is often leading the blind. Even though people can get some good advice from generous professionals who volunteer in these groups, those can often be outnumbered by people simply sharing their own experiences - most of which are not backed by research or science. If you want the BEST advice, along with coaching and accountability, you would be well served by hiring a qualified professional, such as myself, to guide you. You usually get what you pay for.This episode includes:Why people should be proactive with putting together a trusted team before getting a dog - the same way that people are proactive when they are pregnant or adopting a childExamples of how free advice isn't necessarily helpful and how it can be harmfulCrowd sourcing advice can lead to dangerous behavior and ignoring dog body language

In today's episode of The Pooch Parenting Podcast, I answer a question that I hear quite often: should kids be allowed to walk the dog alone? And if so, how old should kids be before they can walk the dog by themselves?We consider:Safety concerns for the child and dogOutcomes of the walkDevelopmental stage of child and dog

In today's episode of the Pooch Parenting Podcast, I talk with Marie Silverberg about Windsprites and why they make good family dogs. I was unfamiliar with this breed, a blend of whippet, sheltie and borzoi, as recently as 2 years ago, but now they are on my radar, and are a breed I recommend for families with kids. In this episode, Marie and I talk about the origin of the breed, what their behavior and physical characteristics look like, and why they are good with kids.

Today's episode is dedicated to the members of The Pooch Parenting Society. Every week, they get the opportunity to ask me questions about parenting kids and dogs, or raising dogs in general. This question was so important that I thought I'd answer it by turning it into a podcast episode. She wanted to know what I would do differently when raising my next puppy.As a dog trainer, how to raise puppies is a topic I think about a LOT. I have recently been fostering puppies for Dogwood Animal Rescue, and so this is freshly relevant. While many people think that house training puppies would be the most important thing, I have other priorities.