parenting kids and dogs

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

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?

1. They are going through a developmental shift which interrupts their sleep.
2. They need to be comforted and are looking for their parents.
3. They are experimenting with climbing and with boundaries
4. They need to potty or get a drink of water
5. They don't feel well

Dog Safety with toddlers who don't stay in bed at night

• If you are asleep or are in another room, you can't supervise interactions between your dog and toddler
• By using a baby gate on your toddler's door, they can't leave or interact with the dog
• If 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 dog
• If the dog sleeps elsewhere, you can put a baby gate in a hallway to prevent your toddler from entering the space where the dog sleeps
• You 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 crate

Other supportive resources for parents with dogs

Listen 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.
• 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. Don't forget to grab the accompanying workbook at https://poochparenting.net/podcastworkbook/

When is the right time to get a puppy?

• Make an honest assessment of your schedule and life. Here are some questions you should consider.
• It's often difficult to raise a puppy alongside a baby or toddler. This is not an ideal time to get a puppy for some families, especially if you are uncomfortable with extra chaos and unpredictability.
• If you are considering adding a puppy to your family, I'd encourage you to wait until your children are at least 5 or 6 years old. They are able to follow your guidance at this age and can have safe, positive interactions with a dog with your support and with lots of management.

Should you get a puppy or an adult dog?

• Are you tolerant of sleep interruptions? If not, consider an adult dog who has the physical maturity to hold their bladder overnight and the emotional maturity to sleep through the night after they get used to their new home.
• Have you had a traumatic incident with a former dog that has left you feeling nervous about what your new dog will be like? If so, it might be helpful to foster-to-adopt a young adult dog (age 2 or older) so you can see what that dog is like.
• At social maturity, you will have a better idea of who the dog IS and who they WILL BE. After this developmental benchmark (potential traumatic events aside), you may be more likely to know if your dog is social with other dogs, if they like kids, if they are friendly when visitors come to the house, or if they are shy and nervous around normal household activities.
• If you really want a puppy... 
  • Is it possible to meet the parents so that you can see what the pups' temperament and size might be like?
  • Have you met the breeder in person and seen their other dogs? Do you like them? Do they like your kids? Has the breeder done health testing to ensure that your dog is less likely to have skeletal, heart, breathing or eye issues? 
  • If your potential pup is from a rescue, do they have any background information on the parents? Are they willing to take the dog back if it's unsafe around your kids in the future?
  • Are you willing to use management equipment in your home (even if it doesn't go with your home decor) and invest in training to prevent problems between your kids and puppies?

For more information and the rest of the show notes, please visit https://poochparenting.net/episode-15-when-is-the-right-time-to-get-a-puppy/

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.

If you have questions about your kids and dogs or would like to book an appointment, participate in a group coaching program or take an online class, visit my website: www.poochparenting.net

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/

What does dog jealousy look like?

• Every dog is unique and communicates differently.
• Jealousy is how a dog likely feels.
• Dogs can demonstrate jealousy by demonstrating a variety of behaviors, such as pawing, barking, licking, hovering, getting into your space, inserting their bodies between you and another person or dog, destructive behaviors (such as chewing inappropriate items).

What to do to prevent dog jealousy around kids

• Try to identify if your dog's needs are being met.
• Provide your dog with lots of enrichment, such as opportunities to chew, sniff, dig and exercise.
• If you can, give your dog some focused attention, such as when your kids are at school or asleep.
• Ask your dog for an alternate behavior. For example, if they are jumping on you, ask them to lay on a mat instead. Or if they are pawing you, ask them to spin so that they have something less harmful to do with their feet.
• Use management equipment such as gates or pens to limit where your dog can go if you are doing something sensitive with your child, such as changing a diaper on the floor or doing arts and crafts with the kids.
• Set up predictable routines for your dog so they know what to expect and can worry less
• If your dog displays his jealousy by demonstrating "naughty" behaviors, it's especially important that you never leave the dog and child alone. 
• Even if you are in the same room with your dog and child while you are cooking, folding laundry, checking email or scrolling social media, you aren't fully paying attention. Being "there" isn't enough to keep your dog or child safe.
• If your dog is frustrated or acting out, you can't let your guard down (or even leave "for just a second" to go pee). If you aren't there, you aren't able to keep anyone safe.
• If it's impossible for you to give your dog some focused attention, get help! Can you hire a dog walker or have a neighbor take your dog on outings.

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.

If you have questions about your kids and dogs or would like to book an appointment, participate in a group coaching program or take an online class, visit my website: www.poochparenting.net

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/

• Changes in routine can be difficult for dogs
• Dogs like predictability – it helps them know what to expect and to relax, knowing that YOU have things under control
• Practice ahead of time – especially before big life changes

Helping Dogs to Adjust to Start of School Year Routines

• Try to plan ahead as much as possible to make your routine as predictable as possible.
• The more frantic you feel, the less well you will be able to attend to your dog or children’s needs
• For school, try packing lunches and prepping breakfast ingredients in batches ahead of time and laying out clothing the night before
• Give your dog a frozen toppl or kong while you are busy; keep them behind a barrier so they don’t get in your way as you try to accomplish morning tasks
• Use a programmable coffee maker so that you can wake up to hot coffee already made

Helping Dogs to Adjust their Routines Before Baby

• Adjust your mindset and admit that your baby will likely take priority some of the time (you still love your dog and will be amazing as a dog parent, but if there is a diaper disaster, you will attend to that first before feeding the dog)
• Practice feeding and walking at slightly different times of the day
• Set up safety equipment in advance – will the dog be in a new zone some times of the day that they aren’t in now?
• Identify where you want your dog to sleep and practice any changes early so that your dog does not make any associations to the change with the arrival of baby

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.

If you have questions about your kids and dogs or would like to book an appointment, participate in a group coaching program or take an online class, visit my website: www.poochparenting.net

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/

Keeping Dogs Physically Stimulated

• Physical stimulation for dogs can include walks, hikes, running, swimming, playing with other dogs, playing active games with us, and more...
• It can be difficult for parents, especially with infants or young children, to leave the house to get their dogs exercise
• You can hire a dog walker to get your dogs out
• You can hire a babysitter so YOU can take your dogs out for physical exercise and bonding with your dog

Keeping Dogs Mentally Stimulated

• Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise
• Mental stimulation can include: food puzzles, games, training sessions, nose or scent work, playing hide and seek, learning tricks, doing therapy work, finding food scattered in the house or yard
• It's often easier for overwhelmed parents to offer their dogs mental stimulation than it is to provide physical exercise - it can be easier to do at home and if you are recovering from childbirth
• Taking slow walks with your dog in new places or even in your neighborhood, and letting them sniff as much as they want

Aim for "Good Enough" Parenting

• perfect parenting is a myth
• do the best you can and say goodbye to mom guilt because you are making an effort

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.

If you have questions about your kids and dogs or would like to book an appointment, participate in a group coaching program or take an online class, visit my website: www.poochparenting.net

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/

What is Resource Guarding?

• Resource guarding happens when a dog is worried that we are going to take away something they care about. 
• Resource guarding can happen over a food, toy, treat, chew, spaces (like a dog bed, your bed or the sofa) or with people
• Imagine eating at a restaurant and having your server try to take your unfinished meal over and over again. You'd get upset, right? This is likely how your dog feels - and they can begin to dread the approach of the person who often tries to take their belongings.
• Imagine instead your server keeps bringing you goodies or unexpected treats. Now, you will look forward to their approach. 
• You want your dog to feel this way about you and your kids, if possible - you are the bearer of good things instead of the taker of good things.

Is Resource Guarding in Dogs Normal?

• Yes, resource guarding in dogs IS normal. 
• It's scary and can be dangerous, especially if the dog leaves their treasure to chase away or bite a child to prevent them from getting closer.

Is Resource Guarding a Deal Breaker in Families with Kids?

• Resource guarding is often treatable and is quite manageable with reliable management
• Unfortunately, kids often forget to shut gates, doors or pens, so we can't rely on our kids to use management 100% effectively
• If your dog guards ONE item, such as food, it's easier to treat.
• If your dog guards spaces or items that become unpredictable, it's more difficult and you should reach out to a positive reinforcement dog professional.
• If your dog leaves their item to chase or bite people, the stakes are much higher in families with kids. I'd recommend a consultation with me or another professional you trust to make a deeper assessment of the circumstances.

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.

If you have questions about your kids and dogs or would like to book an appointment, participate in a group coaching program or take an online class, visit my website: www.poochparenting.net

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/

Ignore Social Media Trends

• I blame social media for putting too much pressure on these first types of interactions with new baby - that they should be "photo or social media worthy"
• instead, consider this just one moment - they have a lifetime to build relationships
• prioritize safety. Put down the camera and be fully present
• be sure the dog is behind a barrier and or leashed when the baby is carried into the house
• if the dog is calm at a distance, you can bring them closer on a leash
• Reward calm behavior and move away if dog is too excited

You won't know how your dog will respond to your new baby

• If you have had a traumatic birth, you need to be careful how your dog greets you when you come home.
• Please limit dog kisses to the baby - why risk it?
• Not all licks are kisses - sometimes licking is a sign your dog is stressed
• Some dogs are predatory and respond differently than you hoped for
• Get on the waitlist for my Paws to Pacifiers program that I offer 3 times a year for a very detailed coaching plan for how to introduce your dog to new baby

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.

If you have questions about your kids and dogs or would like to book an appointment, participate in a group coaching program or take an online class, visit my website: www.poochparenting.net

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/

Why Your Child Might Accidentally Hurt or Provoke your Dog

• It's important for parents to understand normal behaviors in kids that accompany different developmental stages. 
• Kids are curious and want to explore "what happens if"
• We need to react calmly and move our child away.
• Next, we need to explain why we do or don't do certain things, and then use management to prevent dangerous or unkind interactions in the future
• Natural consequences could include having less access to the dog
• It's also important to identify if your child is afraid of your dog or uncomfortable around them and is asking for more safe space (by kicking at or swatting at the dog) 

How can I teach my children to respect and interact safely with our dog?

• Model the behavior you want your kids to demonstrate
• Most dogs don't like to be hugged - so don't hug your dog in front of your children. Even if YOUR dog likes to be hugged, your children will treat all dogs the way they treat yours.
• Eye contact is threatening to most dogs, so don't kiss your dog on the nose in front of your kids - this is how a lot of bites to kids happen. Again - even if your dog is okay with this, it puts your child's vulnerable face too close to the teeth of other dogs.
• Set some ground rules such as never bothering a dog when they are eating, chewing a bone or sleeping
• Use safe zones for both your kids and dogs, where they know that they will not be approached
• Invite dogs to you for petting instead of approaching them
• Notice dog body language and talk about it often - point out if your dog is showing signs of stress so your kids can learn to recognize them

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.

If you have questions about your kids and dogs or would like to book an appointment, participate in a group coaching program or take an online class, visit my website: www.poochparenting.net

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/

I believe in Gentle Parenting - will this parenting strategy work for both kids and dogs?

• 100% yes. Gentle Parenting relies on understanding and respect. It avoids punishment and instead uses strategies that involve setting healthy boundaries and building strong trusting relationships to set up individuals to be successful.
• scientific studies have established that in both children and dogs, we see behaviors that are rewarded more often - it feels like coaching
• this type of parenting can include natural consequences, such as losing access to the dog if the child is too rough. or if the puppy is biting too much, they may need to hang out in a safer space to calm down where they can't bite anymore.
• we learn to avoid triggers by setting up our kids and dogs for success. If they appear hesitant to do something, we dig in and try to identify why. Are they afraid? too tired? too overwhelmed or confused?
• By being curious, it can help us to change the environment to make them more successful
• Gentle parenting should not be confused with being "too soft." We definitely still use limits and set boundaries such as "I can't let you bother the puppy when he is asleep." or "I can't let you kick the dog when you are frustrated." In these circumstances, we would remove the child from the situation to prevent them from doing something harmful.

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.

If you have questions about your kids and dogs or would like to book an appointment, participate in a group coaching program or take an online class, visit my website: www.poochparenting.net

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 Dogs

1. Understand what Supervision means
   
   
2. What supervision is not: 
   • simply being in the same room as your kids and dogs
   • napping on the sofa while your kids and dogs play (together or separately) in the room
   • sleeping at night with your dog on your bed and your infant in the same room
   • scrolling social media, talking on the phone, or playing Candy Crush while your kids and dogs are in the same space
   • making dinner, folding laundry or taking a shower while your kids and dogs are in the same room
   • driving while your dog is loose in the back seat with your child or even restrained within arm's reach of your child
3. What supervision IS: 
   • giving 100% of your attention to your kids and dogs together
   • sitting between your dog and child as they play calmly on the floor
   • sitting between your dog and child as you watch a tv show or movie
   • sitting between your dog and child as you read together
   • playing games with your child and dog with your dog on a leash
   • helping your child toss balls, toys or treats to the dog over a baby gate
   • making 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 other
4. Tools that can help you to create 
   • Pens
   • Baby Gates - traditional or retractable depending on your space
   • Leashes
   • Crates
   • Doors
   • Tethers (ONLY if your child can not approach your tethered dog)

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.

If you have questions about your kids and dogs or would like to book an appointment, participate in a group coaching program or take an online class, visit my website: www.poochparenting.net

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?

1. Most parents are not fluent in dog body language - why would you be?
2. Some common body language in dogs may not look like communication - so it's easy to miss
3. Common behaviors that dogs use to communicate include: yawn, paw lift, look away, lip lick. All of these indicate stress or discomfort
4. Other signs of tension include ears that are back towards the head, a tight, closed mouth, a low tail and a stiff body
5. A 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. 
6. Some dogs walk away or hide when they are uncomfortable around kids
7. Other dogs approach us, as if asking for support. They may hide behind our legs or sit behind our body.
8. 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 out
9. Parenting kids and dogs is actually very similar!

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.

If you have questions about your kids and dogs or would like to book an appointment, participate in a group coaching program or take an online class, visit my website: www.poochparenting.net

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.
• 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 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 proactive
• Parenting from Neutral
• Avoid 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 parenting
• Being curious as a strategy to increase parenting satisfaction
• Instead of spiraling, pause to consider what went well.

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

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 advice
• parenting challenges when living with kids and dogs
• factors about dogs to consider
• factors about kids to consider

Dog Advice

Who 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 Dogs

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. 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.

Children

Kids 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 yo

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

While working with families who have kids and dogs, I have noticed that couples commonly experience strain, stress, and pressure on their relationship or marriage. Partners often disagree on the best strategy to raise their kids and their dogs, which can lead to resentment and lots of arguments. 

But by bringing in a compassionate dog trainer who is not on "anyone's side", couples can often work through challenges that are deeply straining their marriage. In some cases, a marriage can be saved when couples implement advice given by a non biased dog training professional.

Need some support? I'd be honored to help. www.poochparenting.net

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 today's episode with Loyla Louvis, we talk about how parents can experience small wins so that they don't lose hope when things are hard. There are SO many aspects of parenting kids and dogs that are the same. Both benefit from predictability, which reduced stress for the whole family.

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

It can be overwhelming to parent kids and dogs at the same time. There are so many decisions to make that it can be easy to feel paralyzed and not take any action at all.  Unfortunately, when kids and dogs live together, you can't afford not to step in and try to help your dog to behave better.  The good news is that if you take baby steps, you will see more improvement than if you just wait and hope things will improve on their own.

Between the hundreds of dog training videos you can find on YouTube, blog articles and dog trainers online, it can feel overwhelming when you don't know who you can trust. Fortunately, as a parent, family dog mediator, and certified professional dog trainer, you can trust me. I get it. I raised two kids alongside dogs and I know what it's like to live in your shoes.  

In this episode, we discuss 3 examples of how I used baby steps to help different dogs to make progress. Sometimes it feels messy, but remember - imperfect action can still help you and your dog to make progress.

If you'd like ongoing support as your kids and dogs grow up together, or even for just a few months to help you to get through a rough patch, please get on the waitlist for The Pooch Parenting Society (safekidsanddogs.com). You'll enjoy the practical advice and fun family activities that will help your dog family live together in harmony.

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 today's episode I speak with parenting coach Rose Clark about simple strategies parents can use to alleviate any guilt they may be feeling about parenting kids and dogs at the same time. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or that you are not doing a great job parenting your kids OR your dog. But there are some strategies that are surprisingly simple to implement to help you to feel better and make the changes you need to make your life easier.

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