Introducing your dog to kids, especially ones you don't know, can be a tricky business.  You know it's important to keep the interaction calm and positive but how do you do that?  

Whether you’re introducing your dog to kids at home, at the park, or during the holidays, I have three simple strategies can help ensure that your dog (and kids) feels safe, respected, and calm.

What makes them so powerful is their simplicity and the fact that the kids don't need any prior knowledge of dogs. 

I also talk about recognizing when your dog might not be in the mood for interaction and how to advocate for your dog. 

Plus, if you’re gearing up for the holidays, these strategies are perfect for handling busy social gatherings with kids and dogs.

• Why positive interactions with kids are important.
• How to make your dog feel safe and respected.
• How to teach kids to pet "collar-to-tail". 
• Using "Pat-Pet-Pause" and tricks to help your dog feel comfortable and calm around kids.
• How to tell if your dog in uncomfortable.
• What to do if your dog is uncomfortable.

Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it.

YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.

The post YNP #102: Three Simple Ways to Introduce Your Dog to Kids appeared first on Playtime Paws.

Tug of war is a game that dogs LOVE to play.  Yet I always get asked the question "Can I play tug of war with my dog?"

The short answer is YES!  It's is great game for you and your pup.  It's easy to play, they love it, it burns lots of energy and tires out those heavy chewing jaws and nipping puppy teeth. 

So why is this a question?  Well, there's some misconceptions about tug of war that have been going around for a while. 

In this episode, I debunk the common myths, like the idea that it’s a dominance game or that you can't let your dog win.

The vast majority of dogs can play tug of war with no problem.   There are some pups that need some rules to reduce any over stimulation or excitement.  

No worries, I walk you through what to watch for if this is your pup—like vocal escalation or raised hackles.

Plus, I’ve got a special video for you that shows how to use tug of war to teach your dog important skills like drop it and impulse control.

So, grab your dog’s favorite toy and tune in to find out how you can safely enjoy this fun game with your pup!

Tug of war is not only a fun game that your dog loves but you can use it to teach your dog to control their excitement (also known as impulse control). As a bonus, I also talk a little bit about "drop it"

It's a two-minute video that will give you and your pup hours of fun!

• Can you play tug of war with your dog?
• Why this is even a question.
• Signs to look for if you need to put rules in place. 
• How tug of war can benefit your dog.
• Free resource on how to teach your dog impulse control with a game of tug of war.

Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it.

YNP #087: Is Your Dog Trying to Dominate You? 

YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.

The post YNP #101: Can I Play Tug of War With My Dog? appeared first on Playtime Paws.

Welcome to Episode 100 of Your New Puppies Podcast! I’m thrilled to celebrate this milestone with you, my amazing listeners. 

As I reflect back, I started to think about what I've learned and the things I believed before I became a dog trainer.  

I wanted to share some key lessons with you because unless you've become a dog trainer yourself, you may believe these same things.

The three lessons I talk about:

• Even if you've lived with dogs before, being the one in charge of their well being and training is a very different experience.
• Puppies aren't a blank slate.
• Dogs don't inherently get along, just because their dogs.

In celebration of 100 episodes and to thank my listeners you will receive a free gift if you join one of my digital programs.

I’m offering two special promotions for a limited time!

1. If you join my signature course, YOUR Perfect Puppy, receive a complimentary one-on-one 45 minute video session.
2. Join 14 Days to a Stronger Recall program and receive 14 Days to a Stronger Leave It free!

YOUR Perfect Puppy is my signature 4 week puppy course designed to help raise your puppy into a happy, well mannered dog. You also get 6 months inside Playtime Paws Academy which is where you get direct access to me to support you through your puppy raising journey.

14 Days to a Stronger Recall is a mini program designed to teach you the foundation you need to teach your dog to come to you every time you call in any environment.  With 14 Days to a Stronger Leave It you'll also learn how to teach your dog not to pick up everything on your walk!

Note: Both 14 Days to a Stronger Recall and 14 Days to a Stronger Leave It are inside of YOUR Perfect Puppy.  So, if you can't decide, joining YOUR Perfect Puppy will get you all of the above!!

If you have a questions about any of these programs or offers feel free to email me [email protected]

Join me in this celebration as we embark on the next chapter together.

• How far the podcast has come.
• Why I love working with new puppy parents.
• Until we're in it, we don't fully understand what it's like to raise a puppy. 
• Why who your dog becomes is a combination of nature and nurture.
• Socialization isn't about your dog learning to love other dogs, it's about learning how to communicate.
• Two free gifts to celebrate 100 episodes and thank you, my listeners.

Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it.

YNP #073: Does Your Dog's Breed Matter? 

YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.

14 Days to a Stronger Recall:  Learn how to have the freedom and peace of mind when your dog comes to you every time you call!

The post YNP #100: Things I Believed About Dogs Before I Became a Dog Trainer appeared first on Playtime Paws.

The holiday season is a popular time to bring a new puppy into the family.  But how we do it can make a big difference in the well being of all involved. 

Now before I totally burst your bubble, I'm not saying you shouldn't get a puppy this time of year (though there are things to consider while making that decision).    

What I'm going to talk about here is why you shouldn't surprise someone (kids or adult) with the actual puppy on a specific day - Christmas morning, for example. 

We think of it as a special magical moment where a puppy comes out of a box and our kids or family member is overwhelmed with joy.  But the reality is, this can be a stressful experience for a puppy who is also meeting their new family for the first time. 

If you're considering getting a puppy around the holidays, this episode will help you keep the time special while making sure it's a joyful and stress free experience for both humans and puppies!

Enjoy!

• What to think about when giving a puppy as a gift.
• Why you shouldn't plan a surprise with an actual puppy. 
• The importance of building trust with your puppy during the first few days home.
• The importance of preparing your family before bringing a puppy home.
• Alternative ways to make the holiday special without surprising someone with an actual puppy.

Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it.

YNP #060: Kids and Puppies

The 3 Phases to Bringing Your New Puppy Home - Video series

Book a virtual session with Debbie

YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies into well-mannered, happy dogs.

The post YNP #099: Why Not to Give a Puppy as a Holiday Gift appeared first on Playtime Paws.

Why your dog isn't listening depends on a bunch of factors including what your asking them to do, where they are, what you've taught them previously, and more.

It's one of the most common questions I get but it's also one of the hardest to answer.  I usually need ALOT more information.  

From my experience, I've narrowed it down to 5 reasons.  They are not mutually exclusive.  In fact, chances are it's a blend of a few reasons.  

The five reasons are:

1. You haven't taught them what you're asking for.
2. You skipped some steps in their training.
3. You haven't practiced in this environment.
4. They've already learned they don't have to listen.
5. Today is just not the day. 

Once we can pinpoint the reason (or reasons) we can start to figure out what to do next. 

Enjoy!

In this episode I talk about:

• Expectations you should have for puppies.
• The five reasons your dog is not listening. 
• Examples of each reason.
• How to tell which reason your dog isn't listening.
• What your next step is.

Enjoying this podcast?  Please rate and review it wherever you listen.  This helps other puppy parents find it.

YNP #057: How to Teach Your Dog to Listen With Distractions

YNP #064: The Downside of a Fenced-in Yard

YNP #080: Why I Don't Teach "Off"

YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies.

The post YNP #098: Why Your Dog Isn’t Listening appeared first on Playtime Paws.

Just about every dog is going to have some trouble with the hot weather.  

For some dogs even a slight elevation in temperature will find them seeking out the shade and wanting shorter walks. 

The heat itself can be tiring for a dog so it tends to shorten walks and activity.  This will result in us having to find creative ways to entertain our dog and burn some energy. 

For this episode I reached right into my Enrichment Database (available with YOUR Perfect Puppy) to find some activities that are perfect for a hot day.  

I have you covered if you want to play with water, sit in the shade with a frozen treat, or stay inside and avoid the heat altogether.

Enjoy! 

• Dogs that are sensitive to the heat.
• How to recognize heat stroke in a dog. 
• Different types of water activities to try with your pup.
• Different types of frozen treats to make for your pup.
• Indoor activities to avoid the heat all together.

Press play and enjoy!

Articles on heat stroke in dogs:

• https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/heat-stroke-in-dogs
• https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/heatstroke-in-dogs/

Rover Round Robin:  A fun family recall game you can turn into hide and seek (request the step by step directions)

YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies.

The post YNP #097: Hot Weather Activities for Your Dog appeared first on Playtime Paws.

Pet insurance isn't the most interesting topic I've ever talked about but it is important.

Most often I get the question "is pet insurance worth it?"  And I think this is the wrong question.

We most often compare it to our own health insurance.  But there are key differences that mean we have to think about pet insurance in a different way. 

Is it going to save you money?  Maybe, maybe not.  Is it going to protect you and your pet? Hmm, now we're getting closer!

My goal with this episode is to help you decide if pet insurance is right for you.  And if it is, where to go next.

I also go into why I don't have pet insurance right now, but it is something I would think about in the future.   

• The key differences between our health insurance and pet insurance.
• How to think about the question "is pet insurance right for me?" 
• How insurance works in general.
• The different components that affect the cost of pet insurance.
• Where to go next if you want to research pet insurance further.

Press play and enjoy!

Pet Insurance University: a wealth of knowledge from a veterinarian about what to look for with pet insurance. 

Forbes.com: A place to compare pet insurance quotes

YOUR New Puppy:  My signature new puppy course that has helped hundreds of new puppy parents raise their puppies.

The post YNP #096: Is Pet Insurance Worth It? appeared first on Playtime Paws.

What do you do when things go wrong between the kids and your dog?  

Something that isn't talked about enough is how the relationship between kids and dogs isn't always as magical as we imagined.  

It's very common for the kids to get annoyed with the jumpy puppy and their sharp teeth.  It's just as common for the dog to avoid or get defensive with the kissy, fast moving kids.

Well lucky for you (and me) Justine Schuurmans, the expert on families, kids, and dogs,  is back to help us out.

Justine is the founder of The Family Dog and the creator of The Dial Method.  Her work with families has greatly impacted how I work with kids and puppies to this day.  

Missed part one?  Justine helps us answer the questions are your kids ready for a dog and how do you prepare your kids for a dog. Check out part one in episode 94.

• How things can go wrong between kids and dogs.
• The four zone of The Dial and how they can help.
• Specific strategies to help kids feel more comfortable around a jumpy puppy with sharp teeth.
• The three types of kids personalities that dogs have trouble with. 
• How to use the individual personalities of the kids and dog to create a happy relationship.
• What is The Dial Method and who can benefit from it. 

Press play and enjoy!

There are three different ways to experience The Dial Method:

1. (Self Study) Get the book and workbook right from Amazon.com.*
2. (Self Study) Get the 40 minute animated video (which provides the same information as the book) and e-workbook through The Family Dog (get 10% off with this link).*
3. (Personalized Guidance) Work with Debbie who is a Certified Dial Guide in a 4 week virtual workshop where we'll walk through the video and workbook (included) and learn how to apply it to your family.  Find more information and sign up here.

The Family Dog resources:  This page includes the resources both Justine and I talked about inside the interview including the video that I think EVERY parent should watch along with the Pet, Pat, Pause flyer. 

YNP Episode #094: Are Your Kids Ready for a Dog? With Justine Schuurmans (Part 01)

YOUR Perfect Puppy's course:  A 4 week course to build the foundation of you and your new puppy's life together. 

Justine is a former Nickelodeon and MTV producer and dog trainer for over 20 years, specializing in working with young families. Her mission is to help parents, kids and dogs understand each other better and live safely and happily together.  She's the founder of The Family Dog, STOP THE 77 and the creator of The Dial Method.

Reserve your spot now (limit 5 families per workshop)

The post YNP #095: When Things Go Wrong Between the Kids and Dog: With Justine Schuurmans appeared first on Playtime Paws.

If you're a parent, how do you know if your kids are ready for a dog?  And if they are, how do you prepare them for bringing that new dog home?

Well lucky for you (and me) Justine Schuurmans, the expert on families, kids, and dogs,  is going to answer those questions.

Justine is the founder of The Family Dog and the creator of The Dial Method.  Her work with families has greatly impacted how I work with kids and puppies to this day.  

The best part?  This is part one of a two part series.  Stay tuned for part two where she talks about what to do when the your kids and the dog aren't BFFs like you planned.

• Are your kids ready for a dog?
• Are you ready for a new dog? 
• How much can you depend on the kids help?
• Why younger kids shouldn't be in charge of walking the dog. 
• Picking the right dog for your family's lifestyle.
• How to prepare your kids for when the dog comes home.

Press play and enjoy!

The Family Dog resources:  This page includes the resources both Justine and I talked about inside the interview including the video that I think EVERY parent should watch along with the Pet, Pat, Pause flyer. 

YNP Episode #002: Which Type of Dog is Right for You?

YNP Episode #095: When Things Go Wrong Between the Kids and Dog? With Justine Schuurmans (Part Two)

YOUR Perfect Puppy's course:  A 4 week course to build the foundation of you and your new puppy's life together. 

Justine is a former Nickelodeon and MTV producer and dog trainer for over 20 years, specializing in working with young families. Her mission is to help parents, kids and dogs understand each other better and live safely and happily together.  She's the founder of The Family Dog, STOP THE 77 and the creator of The Dial Method.

The post YNP #094: Are Your Kids Ready for a Dog? With Justine Schuurmans appeared first on Playtime Paws.

What is dog fitness?  Brittni of Potential Unleased Idaho has joined me to answer that question and then some.

Brittni talks to us about dog fitness and how it can prevents injuries, builds confidence, and work both body and mind. 

Of course, we also talked a lot about puppies and how to keep our their muscles and joints safe and happy while their little bodies are growing.

I had to take my own notes during this interview!  To learn more from Brittni, check out her resources below. 

• What is dog fitness?
• How much exercise should our puppies get? 
• How to keep our puppy's joints and muscles safe as they grow.
• Some safe and fun exercises for puppies.
• How to adjust exercises for different breeds and sizes.
• Tips for aging dogs.

Press play and enjoy!

Potential Unleashed Idaho:  Brittni's website with all her services and blog posts to learn more information about her and dog fitness. 

Potential Unleashed Idaho on Facebook

Potential Unleashed Idaho on Instagram

YOUR Perfect Puppy's course:  A 4 week course to build the foundation of you and your new puppy's life together. 

The post YNP #093: Dog Fitness: Keeping Your Puppy Fit and Safe with Brittni appeared first on Playtime Paws.