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Plongez dans la liste complète des épisodes de Pooch Parenting. Chaque épisode est catalogué accompagné de descriptions détaillées, ce qui facilite la recherche et l'exploration de sujets spécifiques. Suivez tous les épisodes de votre podcast préféré et ne manquez aucun contenu pertinent.

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TitreDateDurée
85. My Top Holiday Gift Pick for Kids Living with Dogs29 Oct 202400:11:10

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!

84. Separation is Not the Same as Isolation when Managing Kids and Dogs13 Aug 202400:11:35

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!

75. Normalizing Worries of Expecting Parents with Dogs31 Aug 202300:18:07

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!

74. RV Travel with Kids and Dogs23 Aug 202300:51:42

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!

73. The Biggest Mistake Dog Moms Make Before Adding a Baby to the Family23 May 202300:08:29

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 now
  • you have not seen how your dog behaves when living full time with a baby, toddler or child in the house
  • you may not know how your dog will respond to receiving a LOT less attention than they do now
  • the dog might be frustrated at an ever changing schedule
  • the 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 June

If 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!

72. Who Uses a Dog and Child Specialist (instead of a general dog trainer)?16 May 202300:16:11

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!

71. What is Family Dog Mediation and How Can It Help Parents with Dogs09 May 202300:21:13

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 dogs
  • how normal it is for parents to be overwhelmed raising kids and dogs together
  • whether or not training is the best way to address dog behavior challenges
  • the LEGS model for behavior: learning, environment, genetics and self
  • Family Dog Mediation and how it helps us to manage our expectations of our dogs
  • If 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 Dogs

You 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 sup

Thank you for listening!

70. My Dog Snapped At My Toddler and I'm Scared02 May 202300:12:23

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 snap
  • getting curious about the circumstances surrounding dog behavior we don't like
  • using management when living with toddlers and dogs
  • how to prevent the dog from feeling uncomfortable
  • my favorite pen for dogs (or kids!): Toddleroo Play Yard
  • training that does not rely on force, fear or pain
  • working with anxious dogs and training strategies that work for all dogs
  • reach out if you have your own question that you'd like me to consider for a future episode

Thank you for listening!

69. Crate Training Tips for Families with Toddlers and Puppies20 Apr 202300:14:20

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!

68. Decoding Doodle Behavior: What to do When Your Pup Growls At Your Kids14 Apr 202300:18:18

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 doodle
  • dog body language
  • why dog's growl
  • how to prevent dog growling
  • consent in dogs
  • when dogs growl at kids
  • how to prevent dogs from feeling unsafe around kids
  • The 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!

67. What Baby Books Don't Teach You (When the Dog Was There First)31 Mar 202300:12:30

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 episode

  • what parenting and baby books don't tell you
  • dog growling at toddler
  • toddler development
  • how to prevent dogs from feeling unsafe around toddlers
  • The ABC's of Growling - How to Understand and Respond to Your Dog
  • Dogs and Toddlers - online class or a consultation with me


Thank you for listening!

66. Bite Me - Toddler Edition. What Went Wrong?20 Mar 202300:29:04

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 dogs
  • puppy growling at toddler
  • puppy biting toddler
  • management strategies to prevent inappropriate interaction
  • newly adopted dog - how it feels 
  • potential causes of dog or puppy growling
  • support for parents with dogs
  • The 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.

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!

83. Considerations for a One Bite Policy for Family Dogs30 Jul 202400:18:44

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 Perspective

  1. Download this free guide to understand why your dog might growl: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/
  2. It's terrifying when a dog bites a child and the trauma can be hard to recover from
  3. A child deserves to feel physically and emotionally safe at home
  4. Parents already have a lot on their plate and sometimes it's easier to limit complications to make life easier and safer
  5. Dog behavior can be confusing and it's easy to miss subtle signs of stress in dogs
  6. It 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? 
  7. Parents might not know the learning or genetic history of a rescue dog, inadvertently bringing a fearful, nervous or anxious dog into their home.
  8. 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.
  9. Having a "one bite policy" gives parents a clear guideline to follow, so they don't get confused by their conflicting emotions. 
  10. 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 language
  11. Rehoming 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 Perspective

  • Kids 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 language

Thank you for listening!

65. Who Should Pick Your Next Family Dog?04 Feb 202300:22:29

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 dogs
  • can the average pet parent tell if a dog likes their kids
  • stress signals dogs can demonstrate that can be confusing
  • who is qualified to give your family information about any particular dog
  • traits families may want in a family 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.

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!

64. How to Make Halloween Less Scary for Your Dog27 Oct 202200:37:41

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 door
  • how to read our dog's body language to identify stress
  • should we dress dogs up in Halloween costumes
  • if dogs should go trick or treating with the family
  • dangerous ingredients for dogs
  • how to manage excited and overly friendly dogs
  • family appropriate activities for dogs during Halloween

Thank you for listening!

63. Lovable Lucy Book Series about Dogs for Early Readers10 Oct 202200:37:41

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 solving
  • confidence building
  • inclusivity
  • a sense of belonging and kindness
  • language acquisition
  • literacy skills

Don'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!

62. Is My Dog a Racist - a Listener Question05 Oct 202200:16:41

In today's interview, I read an email from a listener. She asked, "Is my dog racist?"

Topics we cover include:

  • what is racism
  • can a dog be racist
  • factors that contribute to dog behavior
  • cultural differences that might impact how dogs feel
  • should you leave your dog home sometimes
  • how to expose your dog to new stimuli

Thank you for listening!

61. The Pros and Cons of Doodles as Family Dogs28 Sep 202200:44:14

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.

Thank you for listening!

60. Child Adoption in Dog Families19 Sep 202200:43:31

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:

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!

59. Parenting Expectations for Relatives about Dog & Child Interactions25 Jul 202200:26:03

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 Support

Thank you for listening!

58. Rocket Recall with author Lisa Lyle Waggoner11 Jul 202200:53:09

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 Lisa

The Original Rocket Recall book, by Lisa Lyle Waggoner

Cold Nose College

Trailblazing Tails - the BEST leashes and longlines

Sarah Stremming - The Cog Dog Podcast

Grisha Stewart - Adjust Your Leash Length

The Pooch Parenting Society - a supportive membership for parents with dogs where I share training games, training tips and live Q/A's

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 children

Thank you for listening!

57. Save Time and Money with a Subject Specific Dog Specialist29 Jun 202200:10:30

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 episode
Dogwood Animal Rescue Project

Puppy Culture

Michael Shikashio

The Pooch Parenting Society - a supportive membership for parents with dogs

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 children

To see a video of my puppies playing and an irresistible photo, please visit the show notes page: www.poochparenting.net/episode57

Thank you for listening!

56. Parenting Kids and Dogs from "Neutral" - Guest Mel Peirce16 Jun 202200:48:26

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!

82. What in-home birth workers need to know about dog and baby safety14 Jul 202400:19:29

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 Workers

  1. Download this free guide outlining which red flags in dogs dogs might ultimately impact dog and baby safety: https://poochparenting.net/baby-professionals/
  2. 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."
  3. If YOU feel unsafe around the dog at any point working with this family, entering their home, or even when you get up to leave
  4. If the dog currently sleeps in your client's bed or in the room where the baby will be sleeping

What to do if parents need extra support

  • Refer 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!

55. Barn Hunt (and What Makes Sports Desirable to Dogs and Kids)09 Jun 202200:24:22

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 children

The Pooch Parenting Society - a supportive membership for parents with dogs

The Barn Hunt Association

Barn Hunt - American Kennel Club

Thank you for listening!

54. When Dogs Bite Kids29 Apr 202200:40:50

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!

53. Free Online Summit - Sanity Savers for Parents with Dogs13 Apr 202200:06:04

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 stressful

You’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 nibbling
  • Easing your own temper - and that of your kids
  • …and so much more

The 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 Organizations

Please 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 Pros

If 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:

Thank you for listening!

52. Supporting Neurodiverse Families in Dog Adoption25 Mar 202200:49:12

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 Organizations

Before 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 Adoption

As 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 Dogs

Children 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

Thank you for listening!

51. Movie Review: Rescued By Ruby23 Mar 202200:07:19

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 successful

This episode includes:

  • Why some shelter dogs are returned or are unsuccessful in their adopted homes
  • The effectiveness of positive reinforcement training
  • The importance of persistence with dogs and the need to work with the behavioral traits that the dog has
  • How to set dogs up for success by making sure that they know what you want

Thank you for listening!

50. The Risks of Getting Free Dog and Kid Advice07 Mar 202200:12:20

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 child
  • Examples of how free advice isn't necessarily helpful and how it can be harmful
  • Crowd sourcing advice can lead to dangerous behavior and ignoring dog body language

Thank you for listening!

49. Should Kids Be Allowed To Walk the Dog Alone?12 Feb 202200:10:43

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 dog
  • Outcomes of the walk
  • Developmental stage of child and dog

Thank you for listening!

48. What are Windsprites and Why They Make Good Family Dogs03 Feb 202200:58:03

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.

Thank you for listening!

47. What would I do differently with my next puppy21 Jan 202200:11:01

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.

Thank you for listening!

46. Can working with a dog trainer save your marriage?14 Jan 202200:11:42

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!

81. Should You Bring Your Kids to the Dog Park26 Feb 202400:07:08

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!

45. Should You Give Unsolicited Advice about Dogs and Kids?23 Dec 202100:19:14

People often ask me how they should respond when people send them photos of their "cute" dogs and babies having unsafe interactions together. Or maybe they see a dangerous interaction on social media and aren't sure if they should say something. Many people resent unsolicited advice and become defensive (or block you for trying to help them). 

In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of offering unsolicited advice. I also share some tips for how to give advice that people are actually willing to hear. 

Thank you for listening!

44. The Chaos of Parenting while Raising Kids and Puppies Together16 Dec 202101:15:01

In today's episode, I talk with Connor Kingfisher and Marie Silverberg, founders of the Superpup Academy, an online puppy training program. We discuss loads of topics that relate to raising puppies, choosing the right puppy, and keeping parenting real so that families are successful together. Not only do we talk about dog and child safety, but we also discuss how a dog's "tolerance" of children is way too low of a standard. We should be helping families to select dogs who love children - and we discuss how you can tell if a potential family dog candidate would be a good fit.

Thank you for listening!

43. Easy Wins for Parents with Dogs from a Parenting Coach09 Dec 202100:44:54

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!

42. Dog Crates are NOT for Kids02 Dec 202100:08:47

Clients call me to help them feel more confident as they parent their kids and dogs. Parenting is the hardest thing most of us have done, and when you throw a puppy into the mix, it can feel even more chaotic than you could have imagined. When safety is a concern, parents feel an urgent need to get support. And sometimes, I get called to solve a family debate. In today's episode, I share how I helped a couple to understand that their child should not go into the dog crate.

Dog crates need to represent a safe space. If a child violates that trust, it can not only be dangerous in the moment, but it can damage the trust between that dog and child moving forward. 

Thank you for listening!

41. Using Dogs to Teach Kids About Consent24 Nov 202100:26:59

I absolutely loved this interview with Sarah Sproule. She is an expert in helping parents to talk about sensitive topics, such as bodies, puberty and sex. Of course, this is not an episode about sex. But we DO talk about how dogs can be an excellent model to discuss consent with our kids. You will love it if you have ever struggled with discussing delicate topics with your kids.

Find Sarah on Instagram: www.Instagram.com/iamsarahsproule

Sarah also has a podcast about how to address sensitive parenting topics called Sitting In a Car


Thank you for listening!

40. When Your Toddler Yells at the Family Dog18 Nov 202100:10:10

Toddlers have big feelings and act in BIG ways. Sometimes they get frustrated and yell at our dogs, which can be difficult for many dogs to handle, and difficult for us to process as parents. By using a combination of modeling appropriate behavior, redirecting and playing developmentally appropriate games with our kids, we can often change their behavior.

If you have a question that you'd like to ask Michelle of Pooch Parenting, please record it here.

Thank you for listening!

39. Better Dog Behavior with Baby Steps11 Nov 202100:11:41

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!

38. Simple Dog Training Tips to Help Dogs Stay Behind a Barrier04 Nov 202100:38:33

There is nothing like the fear that comes when a dog growls at your newborn. But the good news is that with a little preparation and practice, there are some easy strategies that can help your dog to relax on the other side of a barrier. 

Sometimes, as a parent, you just need to breathe a little easier. Management, training, and even outside support can make all of the difference in the world about how you feel about raising dogs and kids together.

In this episode with Beth Berkobien, of Rehab your Rescue, we discuss 2 case studies in which these management strategies gave parents (and their dogs) the relief they needed.

Thank you for listening!

37. Should Kids Live in Homes with Dogs Who Have an Aggression History?09 Sep 202101:06:34

In this episode, I talk with Matt Beisner, the host of the television show Dog: Impossible on NatGeo Wild. Matt has two toddlers and lives with several dogs who displayed aggression in their younger days. We discuss whether or not kids can safely live in homes with dogs who have displayed aggressive behaviors in the past.


In this episode…

  • There are no bad dogs, only bad matches
  • Flexibility is KEY in managing multiple dog households and in creating & implementing management plans between kids and dogs.
  • When considering your dog or child’s behavior, don’t assume that because they haven’t done something, that they won’t ever do it. Add the word “yet” to any behavior concept so that you are not in denial and to avoid surprises.
  • Sleep deprivation is going to happen. Consider the types of baby gates you can easily use when exhausted. How else can you make your life easier when exhausted?
  • Love is not enough – you need multiple management plans
  • You are not alone. Help is available.
  • 90% of aggressive behavior in dogs is FEAR based. Be patient, give space, and have empathy. Punishment does not work.

Thank you for listening!

36. Understanding our BIG Feelings and What to Do About Them02 Sep 202100:25:39

In this episode, I talk with Meaghan Jackson, The Gentle Parenting Coach, about how to help children manage their feelings and learn about empathy. As parents with dogs, this is particularly helpful, because we all need strategies so we don't lose our cool (or our tempers). We can learn to explore the "why" of our feelings - in both our kids and our dogs, before we react and try to "solve" what we may perceive to be problems.

Thank you for listening!

80. Should Your Bring Home the Hospital Baby Blanket for Your Dog To Sniff12 Feb 202400:07:30

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 smell

  1. They think that simply smelling something will build a positive association
  2. It's doable, which must be better than nothing, right?
  3. 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 sniff

  • This step is rushed and no effort is made to pair the blanket with good things from the dog's perspective
  • If 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 later
  • The 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 dogs

Looking 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!

35. Car Safety for Families with Kids and Dogs26 Aug 202100:47:02

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Alisa Baer, The Car Seat Lady. She is a board certified pediatrician and car safety specialist. We discuss not only how to keep families and dogs safe in a car accident, but how to keep children and dogs safe when riding in the car together - answering the very common question of where kids and dogs should sit when in the same vehicle.

In this episode we discuss:

  • where kids and dogs should sit
  • how dogs can be restrained for safety
  • dogs as projectiles in an accident
  • Sleepypod crash tested harnesses
  • where dog crates should go
  • should kids be able to reach the dog in the car
  • distracted driving with kids and dogs
  • driving safely with kids and dogs in the car

Thank you for listening!

34. Resource Guarding in Dog Families with Kids19 Aug 202100:37:06

In this episode, I talk with Eileen Koval about different resource guarding scenarios in family dogs - and what to do about them. We discuss what resource guarding is, some of the underlying causes, and both training and management strategies to deal with it. 

Thank you for listening!

33. Preparing Dog for New Baby and the Transition to Toddlerhood12 Aug 202100:34:00

In this episode, I talk with Stevie Moss, a mom of two kids under the age of 3 and a professional dog trainer in the UK. We discuss how Stevie prepared her anxious dog for the arrival of each of her children and how she helped to ease her dog's transition when her first baby became mobile and turned into an unpredictable toddler. 

If you are a dog mom and are planning on expanding your family, if you have a dog and baby or if you have a dog and toddler, this episode is for you.

Thank you for listening!

32. Polite Door Manners for Family Dogs with Nick Benger05 Aug 202100:38:05

In this episode, I talk with Nick Benger, a professional dog trainer from the UK. We discuss how to help dogs to become more engaged with their owners and how to improve door manners when visitors arrive. We both share client stories and embarrassing incidents so that you know you are not alone - sometimes dogs are challenging. But with consistency and fun rewards, we can all see improvements in our dogs' behavior.

Included in this episode are...

  • how to prevent your dog from bolting out the door
  • what your dog can do instead
  • mistakes dog trainers make
  • juggling kids and dogs at the door

Thank you for listening!

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