In search of gift ideas for kids who love dogs? Here are a few suggestions…whether your child is interested in learning about dog training or baking dog treats. Have other ideas for me to include? Please send me a message! [Read more…] about Gift Ideas For Kids Who Love Dogs
kids and dogs
Consider Growly Zones In Dog Management
Whether you have a family dog that includes kids and a dog or are a multi-dog household, consider growly zones as an important dog management consideration. [Read more…] about Consider Growly Zones In Dog Management
Dog Success Stations Prevent Problem Behaviors
If you are a parent, you more than likely already know this. Parenting can be even more challenging when your family includes a baby, infant or kids and a dog. Even if human kids are not part of the mix, raising a puppy can have its frustrations, absolutely! Dog Success Stations (coined by my teacher/mentor Jen Shryock of Family Paws) prevent problem behaviors BEFORE those behaviors become a THING. [Read more…] about Dog Success Stations Prevent Problem Behaviors
Parents, Please Teach Kids, Do Not Hug Your Family Dog
Often kids mean well with their interactions with your dog (or other dogs) but they can do things – like hugging – that can cause dogs to feel uncomfortable. A lesson for parents of a kids and a dog: please teach your children this important relationship building lesson – DO NOT HUG YOUR FAMILY DOG. It is not only about dog bite prevention, but also about helping to strengthen your dog’s relationship with your children in the long term. [Read more…] about Parents, Please Teach Kids, Do Not Hug Your Family Dog
Parents: You Are Always Modeling Behavior
Parents, it is important that you remember, you are ALWAYS modeling behavior for your child to learn. The way that your child sees you behaving around others is very likely to be repeated. When you do things to or around your dog (or other non-human animal), your son or daughter may end up doing that too. To help your child be someone who your dog will want to spend time around, model and teach your child instead what he/she can do that will give your dog reason to feel comfortable, safe and happy. (Please keep reading to learn how you can see that your dog is or is not feeling that way.) [Read more…] about Parents: You Are Always Modeling Behavior
Should Your Child Walk Your Dog?
Should your child walk your dog on a leash? There is a lot to think about, even for adults. Every dog is different, so I may teach loose leash walking differently depending on the dog…and the handler. And I may break down the behavior in many smaller components. Keep in mind, that maintaining no tension while walking with a rope attached to your body (and the body of a human) while passing things that are scary, exciting or just interesting is NOT a skill most dogs were born with. Before you hand off that leash to your young child to hold, I hope that you will take a few minutes to read this post. [Read more…] about Should Your Child Walk Your Dog?