Pooch Parenting

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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 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

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 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.

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 today's interview, I speak with Dr. Kris Freeark, child psychologist, family therapist and adoption educator. We chat about setting up appropriate expectations for dog families who are adopting a child.

Helping adoptive parents have realistic expectations around welcoming a new child (of whatever age) into the family, is critical to the family's success. Recognizing the adjustments involved for all family members -- human and canine -- can make all the difference between unnecessary strain and worry and an experience of trust-building and confidence. Kris helps adoptive parents build good communication with their children starting with the earliest conversations.

Kris loves to show people that openness in adoption is sometimes serious, but most of the time creative and fun. There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to building trust and connection. The unique parent-child (and -pet) combination guides what will work best for them.

Specialized Support Mentioned in this Podcast:

• Contact Kris
• Sanity Savers Online Summit for Parents with Dogs - a free online summit featuring 40(ish) speakers in just 40(ish) minutes. I know you are busy!
• The Pooch Parenting Society - a supportive membership for parents with dogs where I share training games, training tips and live Q/A'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

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.

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 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

• Online Classes for parents and dog professionals
• Free online summit: Tips from Dog and Parenting Experts - 40 tips in 40 minutes
• 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

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 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

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.