Pooch Parenting

Welcome to Parenting Kids and Dogs 101, a limited series podcast for parents who live with kids and dogs, or plan to. I'm your host, Michelle Stern, the founder of Pooch Parenting. I'm not just a certified professional dog trainer and former teacher, I'm a mom too. In each episode of this series, I hope you'll feel like I'm chatting with you, one parent to another, about life with kids and dogs, answering common questions my clients ask me, and giving you simple solutions to make your life easier and safer.

I hope you'll subscribe and join me for the whole series, and don't forget to grab the accompanying workbook at https://poochparenting.net/podcastworkbook/

Best Practices for Supervising Kids and 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)

If you could use some emotional support raising your kids and dog together, don't miss The Pooch Parenting Society, the only program designed to provide ongoing support for families raising kids and dogs together. From one mom to another, it's a game changer. safekidsanddogs.com 

Michelle of Pooch Parenting is now retired. Thank you for the support over the past decade. Many of her resources are now available on YouTube for FREE.

Welcome to Parenting Kids and Dogs 101, a limited series podcast for parents who live with kids and dogs, or plan to. I'm your host, Michelle Stern, the founder of Pooch Parenting. I'm not just a certified professional dog trainer and former teacher, I'm a mom too. In each episode of this series, I hope you'll feel like I'm chatting with you, one parent to another, about life with kids and dogs, answering common questions my clients ask me, and giving you simple solutions to make your life easier and safer.

I hope you'll subscribe and join me for the whole series, and don't forget to grab the accompanying workbook at https://poochparenting.net/podcastworkbook/

Growling - What it means and how to prevent it

1. Growling is scary. But the good news is that it's communication
2. Growling can be compared to the yellow light of a traffic signal - it's a warning that something major is about to happen. Imagine how many accidents there would be if lights went straight from green to red.
3. Don't punish the growl - thank your dog for telling you they are uncomfortable
4. Look for the trigger - Get Curious
5. Why is your dog growling? Look around and see if you can spot what's troubling him.
6. Look for patterns and intervene before the growl
7. Remove the trigger, not your dog
8. By responding to your dog's body language and offering relief, your dog will trust that you will meet his needs
9. If your dog's behavior has changed suddenly, it's time to book an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out pain, a common cause of growling. 
10. Management is your best friend - use gates, pens and other barriers to give your dog space to avoid triggers that cause discomfort and growling

Michelle of Pooch Parenting is now retired. Thank you for the support over the past decade. Many of her resources are now available on YouTube for FREE.

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!

Michelle of Pooch Parenting is now retired. Thank you for the support over the past decade. Many of her resources are now available on YouTube for FREE.

Welcome to Parenting Kids and Dogs 101, a limited series podcast for parents who live with kids and dogs, or plan to. I'm your host, Michelle Stern, the founder of Pooch Parenting. I'm not just a certified professional dog trainer and former teacher, I'm a mom too. In each episode of this series, I hope you'll feel like I'm chatting with you, one parent to another, about life with kids and dogs, answering common questions my clients ask me, and giving you simple solutions to make your life easier and safer.

I hope you'll subscribe and join me for the whole series, and don't forget to grab the accompanying workbook at https://poochparenting.net/podcastworkbook/

In Episode 2, I talk about parenting overwhelm when raising kids and dogs at the same time.

Common concerns parents with dogs have include:

1. I can't get anything done. How am I supposed to do daily tasks like cooking, laundry and playing with my kids, while I keep an eye on my kids and dogs.
2. it's hard enough to just parent kids or dogs alone, let alone together - this is a normal experience that nobody talks about
3. management, such as baby gates, pens and doors are the best strategy to provide safe spaces for both your kids and your dogs and to allow you to take a break.
4. Like we talked about in Episode 1 of the series, being in the same room isn't enough to keep everyone safe - bites can happen right in front of you if you don't know what to look for
5. parents also wonder if they made a mistake by raising kids and dogs together or if they should not have added another dog to the mix
6. social media often makes us doubt our parenting skills or our dog training skills because everyone's lives look so much easier and safer than ours.
7. parents with new babies often feel guilty because their dog is getting the short end of the stick or they wonder if the dog would be better off living elsewhere

If you could use some emotional support in your baby's first year (alongside your dog), don't miss The Pooch Parenting Society, the only program designed to provide ongoing support for families raising kids and dogs together. From one mom to another, it's a game changer. safekidsanddogs.com 

Michelle of Pooch Parenting is now retired. Thank you for the support over the past decade. Many of her resources are now available on YouTube for FREE.

Welcome to Parenting Kids and Dogs 101, a limited series podcast for parents who live with kids and dogs, or plan to. I'm your host, Michelle Stern, the founder of Pooch Parenting. I'm not just a certified professional dog trainer and former teacher, I'm a mom too. In each episode of this series, I hope you'll feel like I'm chatting with you, one parent to another, about life with kids and dogs, answering common questions my clients ask me, and giving you simple solutions to make your life easier and safer.

I hope you'll subscribe and join me for the whole series, and don't forget to grab the accompanying workbook at https://poochparenting.net/podcastworkbook/

In Episode 1, I talk about 5 mistakes most parents with dogs make.

1. wearing rose colored glasses and assuming things will be fine
2. not using management to create safe spaces for kids and dogs
3. assuming that being in the same room is the same as "supervising" kids and dogs
4. not noticing or understanding dog body language
5. not preparing dogs before baby

Michelle of Pooch Parenting is now retired. Thank you for the support over the past decade. Many of her resources are now available on YouTube for FREE.

In the coming weeks, I'll be releasing a special limited series called Parenting Kids and Dogs 101. Each of the 15 episodes covers one of the top questions parents (or prospective parents) of kids and dogs have asked me over the years.

I hope you'll subscribe and join me for the whole series, and don't forget to grab the accompanying workbook at https://poochparenting.net/podcastworkbook/

Michelle of Pooch Parenting is now retired. Thank you for the support over the past decade. Many of her resources are now available on YouTube for FREE.

If you’re pregnant and have a velcro dog who follows you everywhere, panics when you leave the room, or constantly needs to be touching you, you’re not alone. Many dogs form deep attachments to their pregnant owner, but this can become a challenge once the baby arrives. After all, you’ll need to sleep, feed, and care for your newborn without a dog glued to your side.

In today’s episode, we’ll talk about why some dogs become hyper-attached during pregnancy, the potential risks this can create once the baby arrives, and—most importantly—how you can start preparing your velcro dog now so that they feel safe, secure, and comfortable being separated from you when needed. Whether your dog struggles with anxiety, follows you from room to room, or whines when you close a door, I’ll walk you through practical steps to help them adjust before baby arrives.

The Top 3 Immediate Steps to Prepare Your Dog

I. Why Dogs Become Hyper-Attached During Pregnancy

• Changes in scent, hormones, and mama's body shape 
• Increased resting periods or physical changes that invite closeness
• Emotional changes in the pregnant parent and how dogs pick up on them
• Pregnancy shifts household routines
• Does your dog actually have Separation Anxiety, a panic disorder?

II. Why This Becomes a Problem Once Baby Arrives

• If your dog has Separation Anxiety, a true panic disorder, training sessions (aka. "missions") are difficult with a newborn, baby or toddler
• Safety concerns: preventing tripping hazards and interference during feedings
• Sleep safety risks for the baby if the dog can’t be separated
• Increased stress for the parents and possibly the dog

III. Early Steps to Encourage Healthy Independence

• Teaching the dog to settle away from the parent
• Introducing positive alone time gradually with short, structured separations
• Reinforcing calm behavior when the dog is not attached to the parent - using a remote treat dispenser, such as the Treat and Train

IV. Practical Training Exercises

• Creating positive associations with a crate, playpen, or separate space, using remote treat dispensers, chews, frozen food toys such as the Toppl 
• Using baby gates or barriers in a stress-free way
• Training a reliable cue for independent relaxation
• Building confidence through enrichment and independent activities
• Work with a CSAT (Certified Separation Anxiety Specialist) if your dog has separation anxiety

V. Preparing for Real-Life Transitions

• Practicing bedtime routines where the dog sleeps separately
• Practice parents leaving the dog to respond to baby sounds in another room
• Brief separations while a parent makes meals, showers, or does laundry, for example
• Planning for postpartum changes (who will take the dog out, how to maintain routine)

Michelle of Pooch Parenting is now retired. Thank you for the support over the past decade. Many of her resources are now available on YouTube for FREE.

Adopting an infant is a life-changing event, and when it happens suddenly, there’s little time to prepare—especially for your dog. If you’re a parent bringing home a baby through adoption, you might be wondering: How will my dog react? What can I do right away to make this transition easier? Today, I’m sharing the top three things you should do immediately to help your dog adjust to your growing family. Whether you’ve had months or just days to get ready, these steps will set the stage for a safe and smooth transition.

Your Dog Needs Gifts Too!

If you are lucky enough to have time for a baby shower before you get "the call"...or even if you don't (and you find yourself rushing to pick up your infant), you can tell your friends that a few targeted gifts would really help your dog with this big transition. Feel free to grab my free download, Dog Essentials for Your Baby Registry and share it with your loved ones.

Adoption will Lead to Big Changes for Your Dog

• How dogs react to sudden changes in their environment
• The importance of structure, predictability, and gradual introductions
• Common concerns: stress, excitement, or anxiety

The Top 3 Immediate Steps to Prepare Your Dog

1. Establish a Safe Space & New Boundaries
   • Why your dog needs a designated “safe zone”. 
   • Pen / crate training or using baby gates to create separation when needed. Order equipment asap so it's there when you get home. Below are my top suggestions for items you should have on hand for safety.
   • Teaching your dog to settle independently before the baby arrives if you have the luxury of time before you go pick up your infant
   • Does your dog need a new sleeping location for bedtime? 
2. Introduce New Sounds and Routines
   • Playing recorded baby sounds at a low volume to desensitize your dog
   • Practicing adjusted walking schedules, feeding and play times
3. Supervised Introductions & Management Strategies
   • The first meeting: keeping it calm and controlled. 
   • Dog should be leashed and / or behind a barrier at first.
   • Recognizing early signs of stress in your dog

Related Product Suggestions for Parents of Toddlers and Dogs

• My top Safety and Management Equipment suggestions
• My top Meal Enrichment items to give your dogs mental stimulation at mealtimes or when separated
• My top Treats and Chews suggestions to give dogs something to do when parents can't pay attention to them
• My top suggestions for managing noise if you are worried your dog might wake your baby (aside from training to modify the situation in the first place)
• If you are worried about dog hair or other messes, here are my top suggestions for Cleaning Up

Michelle of Pooch Parenting is now retired. Thank you for the support over the past decade. Many of her resources are now available on YouTube for FREE.

If you’re raising kids and dogs under the same roof, you know there’s never a dull moment—especially when your little one discovers the dog’s water bowl. While this might seem like harmless toddler curiosity, there are some safety concerns you’ll want to keep in mind, both for your child and your dog. In today’s episode, I'll discuss why kids are drawn to dog water bowls, the potential risks involved, and how to redirect that curiosity into safe, fun water play opportunities. So, grab a cup of coffee—or water!—and let’s get into it.

Why Are Kids Drawn to Dog Water Bowls?

• Exploration and sensory play
• The appeal of "forbidden" objects.
• They want to "help" you to water the plants or wash the floor. 
• If the dog can move their bowl, so can the toddler.

Safety Concerns with Dog Water Bowls

• Drowning - possible in as little as an inch or two of water
• Slipping hazards around spilled water
• Risk of a dog resource guarding the bowl and then chasing, lunging or snapping at or biting the child

How to Respond When Your Toddler Plays in the Dog’s Water Bowl

• Gentle redirection strategies: 
  • How to approach the situation without scolding.
  • Tips for staying calm and modeling appropriate interactions.
• Using baby gates or barriers to limit access to the dog’s feeding area.
• Creating a designated space for your dog’s water and food that’s out of reach of small children.

Encouraging "Legal and Approved"  Water Play for Kids

• Easy and fun water play alternatives: 
  • Sensory bins with water and toys.
  • Water tables for outdoor or indoor use.
  • Bath time activities that mimic the experience of splashing in a bowl.
• Teaching boundaries: Helping kids learn the difference between their toys and the dog’s resources.

Related Product Suggestions for Parents of Toddlers and Dogs

• No splash dog water bowl.
• Hanging water bowls for crates or kennels
• Water table for toddlers 1.5 years old and up.
• Bath toys for curious toddlers
• Watering can for children
• Washable, non-slip reusable potty pads, ideal for putting under a water table to absorb spills and splashes

Supportive resources for parents with dogs

I have a handout for parents about how to manage toddlers playing in the dog water bowl. Members of The Pooch Parenting Society get a handout every month - and this one is on the calendar to be delivered soon. If you found this podcast helpful, I offer ongoing, affordable support. Join the Club! The Pooch Parenting Society is the only membership of it's kind - offering compassionate EXPERT and relatable advice FOR parents with dogs from a certified professional dog trainer, family dog mediator, mom and credentialed teacher. You don't have to go through this parenting kids and dogs journey alone. I've got you.

Michelle of Pooch Parenting is now retired. Thank you for the support over the past decade. Many of her resources are now available on YouTube for FREE.

In this episode of the Pooch Parenting Podcast, I'm tackling one of the most difficult and heart-wrenching topics for dog-loving families: when to consider behavioral euthanasia for a dog with a significant bite history. This is a decision no parent ever wants to face, and it’s one filled with complex emotions, from love and guilt to grief and responsibility.

As a dog behavior consultant who specializes in helping parents raising kids and dogs together, I understand how deeply we bond with our dogs and how agonizing it can be to weigh our love for the family dog, quality of life and the well-being and safety of our families. Today, I’ll explore how to assess your situation, when it might be time to say goodbye, and how to support your children through this challenging time. Most importantly, I’ll do it with empathy, compassion, and an understanding that love is at the heart of every decision you make.

Michelle of Pooch Parenting is now retired. Thank you for the support over the past decade. Many of her resources are now available on YouTube for FREE.