The Family Dog

18/04/2025

Do you wish you had a better relationship with your dog?
Have you done some training, but they're still doing things that drive you nuts?
Do you want to feel more peace and less stress around your dog's behavior?

Check out The Dial Method. It's only 40mins long - and will change the way you see your dog FOREVER.

It's a system to follow, with the skills you need (but no one tells you!) to put you and your dog on the SAME TEAM.
For just 24 hours, it's a whopping 50% off! https://www.thefamilydog.com/BPW25

17/04/2025

WHAT WE DO MATTERS!
Whether it’s food, toys, or even a gross ‘something’ they picked up from the park, it’s not unusual for dogs to want to protect their STUFF. So, just grabbing a prized possession out of their mouth can feel pretty rude. Some will ‘tolerate’ it for a while, but over time it might wear thin.
So, what to do?
For ‘approved’ toys/chews/food - leave them in peace to enjoy
For ‘unapproved’ items: teach them to ‘leave it’ for times when you see it first, and for moments when it’s too late, be sure that they know how to trade! The key is to teach them (beforehand), giving them something WAY more exciting/delicious than the found/stolen object.

To learn more about HOW to read your dog and learn the specifics on what they need from us - check out The Dial Method - it’s 50% off for one week only. https://www.thefamilydog.com/BPW25

16/04/2025

RESPECT their SPACE

What WE DO matters!
Many bites that happen to children (and adults) are because of space. And it's a funny thing because the ‘SAFE BUBBLE ’ can change depending on the situation or the dog’s mood.
Potential red flag moments: moving close to a dog who is eating or sleeping, moving a dog who's on the furniture… or leaning in for a kiss or hug.

These are ‘hold our breath’ moments for dog trainers - because we know just how risky they can be.
If your dog has ever growled around space - thank them! They’ve just told you how uncomfortable they are (without biting!) and that they need help.
Then, immediately contact us (or another ethical trainer) and learn the steps to ensure everyone’s safety.

To learn more about HOW to read your dog and learn the specifics on what they need from us - check out The Dial Method - it’s 50% for one week only. https://www.thefamilydog.com/BPW25

15/04/2025

RESPECT their FEELINGS

What WE DO matters.
It’s no secret that we can have BIG feelings: happiness, fear, joy, anger, excitement, and frustration - and did you know our dogs can feel these, too?
In fact, dogs have opinions about all sorts... including being picked up, dressed up, and smooched up.

It’s up to us to notice and RESPECT their feelings - never pushing them beyond their limits. When we ignore their feelings, squashing their comfort zone, we’re increasing the potential of a bite.
Just like humans, dogs really need our respect, understanding, and support.
To learn more about HOW to read your dog and learn what they need from us - check out The Dial Method - it’s 50% for one week only. https://www.thefamilydog.com/BPW25

14/04/2025

WHAT WE DO MATTERS!

One of the best ways to stay safe and avoid a dog bite is to READ and RESPECT dogs.
Understanding what dogs are trying to tell us with their body language gives clues to their comfort level. We never want to push a dog past their limit.
So RESPECTING them in 4 ways will increase the odds of you, your family, and your dog staying safe!

RESPECT their BODY.

*PAT: Let them CHOOSE if they want to be touched - by inviting them into YOUR space rather than going into theirs
*PET: Be gentle and kind in how you touch them. One hand, and on the body (rather than the head)
*PAUSE: Stop touching them and see what they dog - do they stick around and ask for more or walk away?
To learn more about HOW to read your dog and learn what they need from us - check out The Dial Method - it’s 50% for one week only. https://www.thefamilydog.com/BPW25

12/04/2025

It's Dog Bite Prevention Week, and we're busting some myths!
Dog bites are more likely to happen because of OUR actions rather than how 'good' our dog is. WHAT WE DO REALLY MATTERS.
Check out our video and learn how never to put yourself, your family... or your dog in danger.

Dial UP the Dog Safety Skills

12/04/2025

It's Dog Bite Prevention Week, and we're BUSTING some myths!
Dog bites are more likely to happen because our OUR actions rather than how 'good' our dog is. WHAT WE DO REALLY MATTERS.
Check out our video and learn how never to put yourself, your family... or your dog in danger!

Dial UP the Dog Safety Skills

11/04/2025

It's Dog Bite Prevention Week, and we're BUSTING some myths!
Dog bites are more likely to happen because of OUR actions rather than how 'good' our dog is.
WHAT WE DO REALLY MATTERS.
Check out our video and learn how to decrease the odds of putting yourself, your family... or your dog in danger!

Dial UP the Dog Safety Skills

06/12/2024

It's that time of year again.
While your kid's list may be a million miles long - is a dog right at the tippy top?? If so, what to do?
Check out my blog https://www.thefamilydog.com/blog/holiday-puppies and get into the nitty gritty BEFORE you make the call!
And grab our BIGGEST DISCOUNT ever, to get a whopping 40% off our Dial Method Video Program (just 40mins and watch as a family). Use code: HoliDIALS to save.

21/09/2024

Have you seen this yet? 👀

I was over the moon when -E-Nuff asked me to come and talk to them about The Dial Method (and a big secret about dog training) on their brand new podcast Positive Playtime…

And the timing couldn’t be more perfect, because a brand new version of The Dial Method is now LIVE - and you can grab 20% off if you watch this. 👇

https://youtu.be/Og7QwTlc3kQ?si=6GX DhgUjdFKH0

In my chat with Danny, we explored:
🙀 why building trust and connection tops EVERYTHING
🙀 how recognizing your dog’s needs and knowing how to meet them changes the game
🙀 how to prevent your dog being harassed (by well-meaning, cuddly people)
🙀 and a lot more!

You can come and geek out with me and Danny here 👇

https://youtu.be/Og7QwTlc3kQ?si=u6GXXzDhgUjdFKH0

And please do give it a share. The more people and dogs who hear how easy dog raising can be once you truly SEE your dog… the more happiness we can spread! 🙌

Click https://www.tug-e-nuff.com/blogs/power-of-play-the-online-course to take The Power of Play course (it’s free)About the videoIn this episode Positive Pl...

21/08/2024

Such a fabulous podcast that really dives into how to TRULY live in harmony with our dogs. Janice Liscinsky did such an incredible job - covering a TON of ground. Thanks so much for The Dial Method shout out!

Pet dogs are one of the best sources of unconditional love. But sometimes we forget that our four-legged friend is still an animal, and we all need to know how

19/08/2024

So proud to be part of a group that truly sees the dogs *and* their people - and is trying to make a better world for them both.

We posed the question, "What is Family Dog Mediation?" to our FDMs a while back. We loved the way everyone took their own approach to what being an FDM means to them, but within all the answers, we saw so many similar themes. Our very first FDM, D Davis put this together so beautifully that we had to share!

02/06/2024

LOVE is love.
And *Everyone* is welcome.
Thefamilydog.com supports and celebrates each and every unique human (and dog) that we get to work with, exactltly as they are.

16/05/2024

I had such a fab conversation with Debbie Cilento on her "Your New Puppy" podcast".

Our discussion spans over 2 episodes.. clearly, there was a LOT to talk about! I love her fun, friendly, and down-to-earth style and advice - be sure to check it out 🌟
Debbie is based in NJ, and is one of our new "Dial Guides" teaching pet parents this new system for living with your dog.. You can find out more about her and The Dial Method in the podcast.

Hear from the expert on kids and dogs. Justine Schuurmans tells us how to know if your kids are ready for a dog and how to prepare them.

08/05/2024

BRILLIANT!!

Do you live with a Shy Pup? Then I think you'll relate to this ⬇️

How often do you hear...
"Oh but dogs love me" or "Oh, he'll grow out of it" or... "just let him smell me and then he'll be fine"...?
Or you ask them not to stare at your dog but they just can't seem to peel their eyes away. Or they're offering them some food without even asking you?

The fact is, there are always going to be people who are well-meaning but not educated on YOUR dog and YOUR dog's needs.

While I could tell you to just advocate for your dog, it's not always that easy. Sometimes advocating feels vulnerable and icky. So, it's easier to avoid. I feel you, I get it. I urge you to keep trying, in whatever way feels safe to you. 💕

Feel free to download, print, and hand out this graphic or share it with whoever you think needs to see it!

👉 And if you live with a shy, sensitive pup, would you do me a quick favor?

I'm going to post a Google form link in the comments - Will you take a few minutes to share your experience with the sensitive soul you live with at home? I'd super appreciate it!

💕 Much love to you and your pup(s)
Laura Gendron, CPDT-KA, LFDM, FFCP

02/04/2024

The BLUE BOOK (and its companion workbook!) has launched.
🥳🤩🥳🤩🥳🤩🥳🤩🥳🤩

***This is NOT your average dog training book.****

I originally created The Dial Method for families with children - but I've now adapted it for EVERYONE to UN-complicate life with your dog.

For many years, dogs and training have gone together like peanut butter and jelly. But what if we've had it all wrong?
What if it's not the DOG that needs the training... but US instead? (Gasp!)
I know. But stay with me for a second.

20 years as a family dog trainer has taught me that success lies in us (the humans) learning and owning our role and responsibility before expecting anything from our dogs! We make the BIGGEST difference in the fastest time when we hone our skills first.

Finally, there's an easy way for pet parents to tap into what they already know, using skills they already have - not just to cope, but LOVE living with their dog.

DIAL up your skills, DIAL in on the issue, and DIAL into your power to fix it.

From picking up a puppy to picking up the pieces - The Dial Method will be your trusty guide for EVERY stage of your dog's life. It's a philosophy, a problem-spotter, and a cheat sheet all-in-one! It's fast and fun to read, clear and simple to follow, and will leave you wondering how the devil NO ONE has EVER told you this game-changing information before!

HUGE love to Trick Woofs for the amazing illustrations.

https://www.amazon.com/shop/thefamilydog/list/C2A8XP6XO5BB?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfthefamilydog_SM92SH52MSW0NND9AZMF

25/03/2024

The amazing Trick Woofs at it again!
It’s so easy to judge or envy when you in see a snippet of someone’s life. But what if we all created the most generous interpretation of what was happening? Thinking the nicest thoughts about people…
Imagine how different the world could look.
❤️

18/03/2024

Yes, Ricky.
🙌🏼