Pooch Parenting

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! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

The single most prevalent piece of dog and newborn advice that I see on social media is for people to bring home the hospital baby blanket for your dog to sniff before baby comes home. I wanted to bust this myth and to share how at the very best, this misguided advice could be neutral...and at the worst, it could even be dangerous. Why people advise to bring home the hospital baby blanket for your dog to smell Risks of bringing home the baby blanket for the dog to sniff 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! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/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? Dog Safety with toddlers who don't stay in bed at night 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! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

If you have ever wondered if your dog should be licking your baby in the face or what to do about it, this is the episode for you. I discuss what dog licks might mean, why it might not be such a good idea, and why bringing in a dog expert might help you to get more clarity. Why do dogs lick babies? Risks of allowing dogs lick newborn babies 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! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

Worrying about how your dog will respond to your new baby might keep you up at night. Lots of people who are pregnant, adopting or using a surrogate experience the same thing. Fortunately for you, there are specialists, like me, who can help you to prepare your dog for new baby ahead of time. In my new free guide, 5 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Dog for New Baby, I share simple "recipes" to help you ensure a safe and happy transition for your growing family. Download the guide here. 5 Essential steps to prepare your dog for new baby 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! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

What if my dog doesn’t like my baby? What if my dog accidentally hurts my kids? What if my kids accidentally hurt our dog? When should we add a puppy to our family? Am I a horrible person if I feel like it’s too hard to parent kids and dogs at the same time? If you’re a dog mom who’s having a baby soon, who’s worrying about how your dog responds to your newly mobile toddler, who’s considering adding another dog or child to your family, or who’s wondering how to tame the chaos that comes from living with kids and dogs at the same time, this is the podcast for you. Parenting Kids and Dogs 101 is a limited series podcast packed with actionable tips on how to make living with kids and dogs safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable. Whether you are an experienced dog mom who is new to parenting or you are an experienced parent who is new to dogs, this podcast will offer you tried and true strategies that will help all of your family members (dogs included, of course) to have the relationship you always dreamed of. Hosted by certified professional dog trainer, mom and former teacher Michelle Stern, each episode will answer questions that keep worried parents up at night. For some of my best resources and to start the process of making your life with kids and dogs less stressful, download the free workbook that accompanies this podcast series. Ongoing support for parents with dogs 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! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

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! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

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! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

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: 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! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

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! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

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: Family Dog MediationIf you are a dog professionalFamily Dog Mediation Professional CourseIf you are a family with a dogThe Dog's TruthRealistic 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! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

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: Toddleroo Play Yardreach outThank you for listening! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

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! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

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: The ABC's of GrowlingDo 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! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

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 The ABC's of GrowlingDogs and Toddlers Thank you for listening! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

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: The ABC's of GrowlingDo 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! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

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: 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! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

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: Thank you for listening! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

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: 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! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

In today's interview, I read an email from a listener. She asked, "Is my dog racist?" Topics we cover include: Thank you for listening! learn more about Pooch Parenting rate and reviewhttps://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting