Mahany Canine Center

12/19/2024

What might seem like something harmless like playing with your child and having them “ride the dog” can become dangerous very quickly especially if they try to do it by themselves unsupervised! 😬

We never want to encourage our children to sit, climb or jump on your dog, even if your dog is seemingly tolerating it…

When this happens, we often hear “the bite came out of nowhere”

Bites can easily happen when our dog’s body language is not respected and we always want to make sure we are not putting our dogs in situations we know might make them uncomfortable like a child sitting or jumping on them!

We always want to remind our children to “Sit On The Ground, NOT The Hound” and help them find other ways to interact safely with our dogs! 🐶

✏️ Doggie Drawings by Lili Chin

11/27/2024

11/19/2024

Having safe play for your child and dog around eachother doesn’t need to be complicated! 🐶

Here is a quick and easy acronym to help you and your family have SAFE play!

P - Proactive Management: Having things like baby gates, x - pens and setting up success stations are essential for safe play for both dog and child!

L - Leave Space: Recognize the grumble and growl zones in your home and around other people’s homes as well that you may be visiting! Always leave enough space!

A - Active Supervision: Whenever your dog or baby are playing, there needs to be an active, alert and awake parent or guardian supervising! Dogs and babies should never be left alone together!

Y - You in between: Whenever there is a dog and baby on the scene, YOU should have yourself in between! This helps create Yes zones and helps keep everyone safe and comfortable!

Did you find this post helpful? Please like, comment and share to help others become more dog aware! 🐾

11/15/2024

We are getting so excited for our Dogs and Toddlers Webinar THIS Saturday!!!

We have 2 more spots remaining and we would love to fill them to help ensure your family is ready for American Thanksgiving as well as any other family occasion! 🍁

This program offers insight and proactive options for some of the common challenges families with dogs experience as baby becomes mobile!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity as it’s the LAST one of 2024! 🐶

To register, please see the link below ⬇️

🔗 https://familypawsbooking.as.me/schedule/1450ac5a/?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=19391069

We can’t wait to see you there! 🐾

09/27/2024

Whether you are expecting a baby or planning for one, our program is something your dog will thank you for! Preparing with your dog BEFORE the baby arrives will help set you and your family dog up for success.

There are lots of different situations, sounds, sights, smells and interactions that happen once a baby arrives. Is your dog ready for all the changes ahead? Are you ready to best support your family dog? I am sure you are preparing in many ways for life with a baby and we don’t want to overlook an important step, preparing with your dog!

👶Join us for Dogs & Storks Oct 17 at 7pm EST or hop on over to our website to purchase a download of the webinar right away. We look forward to supporting you and your family!

08/12/2024

Attention New and Expecting Parents with Dogs! 🌟

Prepare with your family dog for the arrival of your little one with our dynamic and engaging Dogs & Storks Webinar on August 17! Trusted since 2002, our program is your ultimate guide to a harmonious home for your growing family.

🐾 Discover & learn more about:
🐶 Can your dog sense your pregnancy?
🐶Understanding dog body language
🐶Dog senses
🐶Essential manners that make a difference
🐶Preparing your dog for the big day
🐶Smooth homecoming tips and much more!

Whether you're expecting a baby, adopting, or planning for the future, this webinar is your go-to resource.

🎁 BONUS! Sign up today and receive a FREE Body Language PDF/Video when you hire a Family Paws Educator after the webinar.

Join us and weʻll help you lessen any stress or worry during this transition for your whole family. Don’t wait 👉 Sign up here: https://familypawsbooking.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=19390846!

07/22/2024

Exciting!!! It’s time to come home with your newborn. This is a special time. With all this excitement, let’s consider our family dog. It can be fun to think about introducing our newborn to our dog, of course! But. We actually don’t encourage this at all. This experience of homecoming should be treated like any other time someone new walks in the door to your home.

Where is your dog typically? What are they doing? We would like them to be in a relaxed and peaceful place. For some, this will be easy, and then for others, it’ll be harder and take more practice (if you haven’t been practicing already). Don’t take a chance, prepare in advance!

To be extra safe and prepared, we suggest gradual exposure at a distance. It could even take multiple days, and that’s ok! Including your dog gradually is a great start (you can always use success stations, too!), and always better to be safe. If all is going as planned, we might suggest a quick sniff with your hand/arm between dog and baby. There is no need for a dog to be super close to a newborn.

Dogs can smell from a distance. Also, keep an eye out for your dog’s body language and always use active awake supervision when dog and baby are present in the same space. Remember relationships take time. No need to rush this relationship!

07/20/2024

OUR NEW SITE IS LIVE!! Check it out at www.familypaws.com. Let’s help share ! We have free resources for download, blog, posts, upcoming webinar information, and so much more!

07/03/2024

Rally and Walking classes start very soon! Get signed up for some fun with your pup.

06/17/2024

Let's talk about this photo. It's cute, except it's not. I see a dog who cannot get up without telling the child to get off. How do you think a dog is going to do that?

The 7 Golden Toddler Dog Rules:
#1: If a dog walks away from you, you DO NOT FOLLOW.
#2: Always leave room for the dog to walk away from you.
---that right there is 90+% of dog bites eliminated---
#3: We do not climb on the dog.
#4: We do not grab or pull on the dog.
#5: We do not hit or throw anything at the dog.
#6: We do not touch the dog's food.
#7: We do not go into the dog's kennel.

I promise these are not overly difficult concepts for littles, nor will they rob a kid of their bond with the family dog. It will deepen that bond, while keeping everyone safe.

"Oh, it looks like Moose is walking away from you. She is saying she wants a break. Let's play with this instead!"

"It's Moose's dinner time! Let's give her space to enjoy her yummies."

"That is Moose's room(kennel) and only she is allowed to go in there."

"If Moose wanted a break, could she walk away from you right now? No she really couldn't. Let's move away from the play house. You can keep playing but now she can leave when she wants a break."

In conclusion, ***parent your child or your dog will do it for you, and you will not like how they do it.***

06/07/2024

We have to share this again…We understand the addition of children is an exciting time in a family’s life and one that can be filled with many unknowns and concerns. We also know you want the most qualified professionals to support your family during this life-changing time.

With Family Paws, you have come to the right place! Our goal is to increase safety and decrease stress through positive, practical real-life strategies as well as to provide education to support you and your family dog. Our goal is to strengthen your Dog Aware skills and prepare with your dog for life with children. We are dedicated to positive solutions for busy lives. Our licensed educators are dedicated to positive training techniques and relationship building and are ready to answer your questions and support you. Reach out to us today and let’s get started!

06/03/2024

🥰 Oh my Harley! This little girl is adjusting great here at the shelter while she waits for her forever family. Harley loves shopping, doggy playdates, treats and being outside in the sunshine ☀️
💜We love Harley and we know you will too 🩷