Pooch Parenting

02/09/2024

If you are having a baby, using a surrogate, fostering or adopting a baby, Congratulations!

Take advantage of the time you have left before baby arrives to GET YOUR DOG READY for this huge change.

How? Join my FREE Live Q/A Zoom 🙌⁣
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This is what my clients wish they had before baby arrived. They all tell me how they never could have anticipated how hard this transition would be for them and for their dog. They just couldn't imagine that their dog's behavior and routine would be so different.

This is the ultimate training opportunity for expecting or adopting families to get prepared ahead of time instead of trying to play catch up later 🚀⁣
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This Bootcamp is for you if:⁣⁣⁣
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💭 You've been dreaming that your dog would be a great sibling to your new baby
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🦴 You have a dog and you are ready to do what it takes to get ready ahead of time
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😍 You want to increase your confidence and set up your whole family for success
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🙌 You are ready to make a difference in your dog's life so that you can all enjoy your baby more.
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Then come on over and join me in the Jealousy Bootcamp: A 10-day free program to get you making progress and taking action.

🔗 Join us: www.poochparenting.net/dognewbornqa/

The fun begins SOON!

30/08/2024

There will be more foster puppies in my future through a variety of organizations. Some have the resources to provide the supplies that I need, but others don't.

If you wish you could support the positive development of young pups but don't have the capacity to foster yourself, I'd be SO honored if you would consider supporting my volunteer endeavors instead.

Here is my wish list on Amazon - there is a huge range of items here and any would be deeply appreciated by me and by a variety of baby dogs.

30/08/2024

Complimentary educational series coming soon!
Want your dog and baby to live together in harmony?

It takes a little preparation...just like making a meal from scratch...
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🥣 Get prepared by reading the recipe...I'll show you what you will need to do
🥣 Gather all of the ingredients...Learn what you need to set up for success so you can breathe easy
🥣 Begin to prepare the ingredients...I'll break down each step
🥣 Cook and assemble...Put the pieces together into systems for different life circumstances (guests, playdates, birthday parties and movie night on the couch)

Most expecting or adopting parents don't even think about how their dog will react once baby arrives. But preparing your dog ahead of time is easier than you think and will make all the difference.

Join my FREE pre-baby Q/A Session for families with dogs who are adopting or pregnant and learn how to help every family member to enjoy new baby more and worry less.

Two time and date options are available so that you can find one that works for you:
Sunday, September 15 at 5pm PST | 8pm EST
or
Tuesday, September 17 at 9am PST | 12pm EST

Let me help you to get the ball rolling on transforming your confidence about bringing an infant into your family with dogs.

Register here: https://poochparenting.net/dognewbornqa/

29/08/2024

FREE Pre-Baby Alert!

There are loads of books available to prepare expecting or adopting families.
But very few include details for how to prepare your fur baby for the new addition.

As a dog and child specialist, I've got you. I've seen it all and can tell you with complete confidence that most dogs need time and support to adapt to their new circumstances.

In my upcoming free pre-baby Q/A, I will tell you what baby books don't tell parents with dogs.

They don't warn you that...
🤯 tired dogs are cranky - and with baby waking at all hours, your dog may too
🤯 dogs struggle when their schedules change - and babies are NOT predictable
🤯 not all dog licking is "kissing" - it can represent stress
🤯 even the best dogs can bite - including yours
🤯 your dog may need a new spot to sleep - a loose dog can not be in the same room as your baby if you are resting, exhausted or asleep
🤯 you will have lots of visitors which can add lots of stress to many dogs
🤯 some dogs are predatory around babies - and this can be managed safely if you have support
🤯 there is more to preparing your dog than simply having a reliable sit
You don't have to figure this out by yourself.

Two time and date options are available so that you can find one that works for you:
Sunday, September 15 at 5pm PST | 8pm EST
or
Tuesday, September 17 at 9am PST | 12pm EST

Let me help you to get the ball rolling on transforming your confidence about bringing an infant into your family with dogs.

Register here: https://poochparenting.net/dognewbornqa/

28/08/2024

If your family is growing, Congratulations!

But you likely have some concerns, especially if you have a dog already.

Maybe you are worried your dog will be jealous.
You wonder how to manage dog and baby when you are tired.
The stakes are high, especially if your dog is a little "extra"
Your routine will be changing a lot, so you might not get as much quality time with your dog as you used to.

It's a lot.

But I've got you. One mom to another.

Join my free Pre-baby Q/A session to empower you to be confident bringing home your new baby to your first baby.

Two time and date options are available so that you can find one that works for you:
Sunday, September 15 at 5pm PST | 8pm EST
or
Tuesday, September 17 at 9am PST | 12pm EST

Let me help you to get the ball rolling on transforming your confidence about bringing an infant into your family with dogs.

Register here: https://poochparenting.net/dognewbornqa/

27/08/2024

Here are some of the most common questions I get from families who are adopting or who are pregnant (and have a dog already)...

1. My dog was my first baby. How can I prevent or manage jealousy once baby comes home?

2. Should we bring the baby blanket home from the hospital for our dog to sniff? I heard that helps.

3. How should we introduce the baby to the dog? I see a lot of cute videos online but I am not sure if those strategies are actually safe.

4. Our dog sleeps in our room. Should we change that now, before baby comes home? Or can we all sleep in the same room?

I have a Live Q/A coming up in mid-September where you can ask these and any other questions you have about dogs and newborns.

Register here: https://poochparenting.net/dognewbornqa/

26/08/2024

I'm going to make a bold statement.

There is something missing from prenatal care and support groups:

The discussion of what it's like to be a dog parent and WORRY about how you and your dog will adapt to living with a baby. Will it be safe? Overwhelming?

Or maybe even worse, the discussion of what could happen if you DON'T WORRY....or at least, if you don't get real about this being a huge transition for both you AND your dog.

I wish Due Date Groups and Prenatal care would include...

1. Empathy and support for expecting (adopting, pregnant or those using a surrogate) parents whose dogs are their first babies.

2. Guest experts (like me!) to talk about dealing with unexpected situations between dogs and newborns.

3. Discussions of SAFE interactions between dogs, infants, babies and toddlers.

4. Normalizing management strategies that prevent dogs from making mistakes around babies.

The first step is acknowledging that you don't know what you don't know.
The next step is to start learning.

I'm offering a FREE LIVE PRE-BABY Q/A FOR DOG PARENTS.
Choose your date and time:
Sunday, September 15 at 5pm PST | 8pm EST
or
Tuesday, September 17 at 9am PST | 12pm EST

Let me help you to get the ball rolling on transforming your confidence about bringing an infant into your family with dogs.

Sign up here: https://poochparenting.net/dognewbornqa/

PLEASE share in your due date groups and with your doulas, midwives, OB/GYN's and pediatricians. It takes a village.

24/08/2024

It can be hard to know how to respond when our kids are doing unsafe behaviors around our dog. It's normal to feel conflicted about how we should react because on the one hand, we might be worried, and on the other hand we might be feeling depleted as a parent.

In this gentle parenting graphics series, I share some examples of common parenting kids and dogs scenarios along with some suggestions for how to approach each situation in a loving but firm way.

If your child crawls into the dog's crate, you can say:
"I know this looks like a cozy place to play, but this is the dog's safe space. You can come out and make a cave underneath the table instead or I will have to be a helper and will move you somewhere safer to play."

What other gentle parenting responses can you think of to protect both your child and the dog (and not sound like you are losing your cool!)?

23/08/2024

SO excited! I just found this whole set at our local thrift store and only had to pay $8!!!!! I have been scoping out thrift shops for months, so this feels like a giant win :-)

My next foster puppies will have such fun, even if I only use pieces of it at a time!

23/08/2024

Adding a baby to your family is a big deal (for you and for your dog) and I know from personal experience, that there are lots of "what-if's" that are probably keeping you up at night.

One HUGE concern that most new parents face is how to safely introduce their dog to their new baby. Most people worry about how their dog will react and if pup's behavior might put the baby at risk.

Fortunately for you, I have an upcoming FREE Live Q/A where you can ask me all things dog and newborn! You will have two dates and times to choose from.

You will NOT want to miss this.

Register here and start to feel empowered to handle this big transition with skill and peace of mind.
https://poochparenting.net/dognewbornqa/

22/08/2024

If you're a dog parent who is pregnant, adopting or using a surrogate, there are probably LOTS of worries that keep you up at night.

As a dog and child specialist, there are some "what if's" or concerns that I hear about over and over again. Here are the top 6:
1. Safety - will your dog be safe around your baby?
2. Jealousy - will your dog be jealous?
3. Lack of time - will quality time with your dog be diminished?
4. Dog anxiety - what if your already nervous dog has trouble living with baby?
5. Stressful family outings - will you be able to keep going places as a whole family?
6. Growling at baby - what if your dog is uncomfortable around your baby?

It's normal to worry.

As one parent to another, I've got you. In my pre-baby Live Q/A for dog parents, I'll be teaching you how to prepare your dog ahead of time so you can be more confident when baby arrives.

Two time and date options are available so that you can find one that works for you:
Sunday, September 15 at 5pm PST | 8pm EST
or
Tuesday, September 17 at 9am PST | 12pm EST

Let me help you to get the ball rolling on transforming your confidence about bringing an infant into your family with dogs.

Register here: https://poochparenting.net/dognewbornqa/

21/08/2024

Simply being in the same room as your kids and dogs isn't enough to keep everyone safe. However, it's possible to have dogs and kids interact safely when a parent is directly involved.

If you are unsure about how your dog feels, I can help! Feel free to reach out for support. The stakes between dogs and kids are high and we don't want the unthinkable to happen.

20/08/2024

Is your dog ready for the arrival of your new baby? This dog wasn't! But after learning alongside me, he was a total champ when his little human brother was born!

My FREE download, "5 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Dog for a New Baby," is a simple recipe that will guide you through this exciting journey.

Learn to create a safe haven for your dog and ensure a harmonious home. 🏡👶

Grab your copy here: https://poochparenting.net/prepare-dog-for-baby/

19/08/2024

If families have the bandwidth to implement only ONE strategy to keep their dogs and kids safer, my recommendation would be to add baby gates and/or pens to their home.

Safe zones promote harmony between all housemates.

Dogs who are sensitive or nervous love pens and gates because it can mean that unpredictable kids can't approach them without consent.

Kids who are nervous around dogs or who are just learning to become mobile are safer when the dog can't enter their space.

Parents find relief knowing they can do normal household tasks without eyes on the back of their head.

Retractable gates, like this one, can be useful in tight spaces or in awkward sized doorways. They also prevent fingers from being poked through. You should note that some babies or small dogs can sneak underneath if they are motivated enough.

Need more help? I've got you. Just reach out.

16/08/2024

Social media can give parents with dogs the wrong idea of what's safe (or even what's cute.)

Looking for a good example of a safe scenario involving a dog and baby? I like this one - the parent is between the dog and baby, giving attention to them both, and in position to intervene easily if the dog should do something unexpected.

What's NOT a good example of a safe photo?
- baby laying on a dog
- child sitting on a dog
- toddler pulling up on a sofa where a dog is resting
- baby crawling towards a dog who is eating or chewing a bone or toy

Do you have a safe photo of a dog and infant that you are willing to share (and let me share later)? If so, please share here.

15/08/2024

Calling all Rescues and Shelters...
I know you want your adoptions to be a success. And that often means providing post-adoption support, especially if kids are involved.

But of course, you are short staffed and maxed out. Good thing you have me! Let me take some of your workload off your plate. By sharing these two resources with your adopters with children, you can help families to thrive (which will then hopefully reduce adoption returns - woot woot!)

Here are some of my most popular resources for parents, and I'm including a $50 off discount to sweeten the pot!

Your adopters can choose either my on-demand workshop OR a year inside The Pooch Parenting Society so that the whole family can learn to live together in harmony (and parents can feel less overwhelmed).

Feel free to share with your colleagues at other organizations so they can spread the love as well.

14/08/2024

Kids are curious and are often very attracted to dogs. Unless your child is mature enough, it's best to step in and help your child make good choices.

The baby on the left is reaching towards the dog who is very worried about the situation. You can see the tight jaw, ears pinned back and posture leaning away.

The person on the right is holding their child so that nothing inappropriate happens and the dog can feel safe.

How do you help your dog to feel safe around your kids?

Feel free to share an image of your dog RELAXED around your child in the comments below.

13/08/2024

Bringing home a baby changes everything for families. And dogs don't understand what just happened to their peaceful home.

There are lots of developmental phases in kids that can be challenging for dogs - and this is something that can be difficult to predict. Fortunately, I can help you to become familiar with some of the potential challenges for your dog.

For example, did you know that babies ages 0-3 months can have a startle response? For some dogs, this is quite a surprise. It helps to give your dog some space away from your newborn if they don't like sudden changes or movements that appear to come out of nowhere.

Do you have a dog who has struggled with surprises? If so, how did you handle it?

12/08/2024

I'm working on a little something special...
okay, okay - a BIG something special.

But in the meantime, I wanted to share my FREE guide with you:

5 Essentials for Preparing Your Dog for New Baby

Grab it here: https://poochparenting.net/prepare-dog-for-baby/

ps. If you know a dog parent who is pregnant, adopting or using a surrogate to grow their family, PLEASE share this with them!

11/08/2024

While I am in between foster puppies (for family time and travel), I will foster again.

This is my wish list for supplies in case anyone can support my efforts. Some of the organizations I foster for are struggling financially, so it helps if I have my own supplies.

10/08/2024

Explore the causes of serious newborn/child-directed dog attacks, early warning signs, and how to prevent these from occurring.

09/08/2024

🔊👶 Attention parents-to-be!

Is your dog ready for the pitter-patter of tiny feet?

My FREE guide, "5 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Dog for a New Baby," is a simple recipe that will show you how to familiarize your furry friend with baby sounds and equipment.

Download it now and ensure a smooth transition for your beloved pup. 👶🐾

Get your copy here now: https://poochparenting.net/prepare-dog-for-baby/

08/08/2024

A lot of my clients seem to be very uncomfortable with the idea of separating their dog and child for safety reasons. But I recently had an epiphany - they all assumed that separation was the same as isolation. And it's not.

Using management strategies, such as using a crate (that little fingers can't poke through) where a dog can rest while a baby has tummy time, provide separation between the dog and child. But neither the dog or child is isolated. Everyone can still see each other. The parent can still interact with everyone. And with time and patience, everyone can be very comfortable and safe with such an arrangement.

So now, I am always reminding clients that "Separation is not the same as isolation." It's simply a way for parents to function and do the impossibly difficult job of raising kids and dogs together.

07/08/2024

If you are a parent with a new dog, I wanted to share some big savings to get your family off on the right foot.

As a parent, credentialed teacher and dog & child specialist, I know how hectic it can be to raise kids alongside a puppy. You might even have a few moments where you wonder what the heck you were thinking...I've been there. But I've got you!

Choose either my on-demand workshop OR a year inside The Pooch Parenting Society so your entire family can learn to thrive with their new dog - and SAVE $50.

Shelters and rescues - feel free to pass this on to your adopters with kids as well!

06/08/2024

Sometimes, even with the best intentions, management fails.

In this case, the dog loved how cozy this baby gym was. Who can blame him?

Simply because this baby equipment has an edge to it doesn't make it safer. Instead, parents could put a pen around it to keep the pup out. Or the dog could be on a leash with the parent while the baby is inside. Or if the parent likes to play training games with the dog, they could learn tricks or practice other activities while the baby is engaged with the toys.

Has management ever failed for your family?

05/08/2024

This book is EXCELLENT!

I was fortunate to see it before it was released so that I could review and endorse it.

The best selection of dog training books, dog nutrition books, and dog competition books anywhere!

05/08/2024

Dogs need to eat without being disturbed.

While some dogs are "tolerant", we need to be polite when they eat and not push their boundaries.

A tongue flick in the dog on the left indicates distress, likely because someone is too close while the dog is eating.

The white dog on the right is leaning away with a tight mouth and ears back. It might not like restraint or having the child near their food.

Where do your kids and dogs go for mealtimes in your house?

04/08/2024

Come meet Robin, Lark, Dove (and their sisters Wren and blonde! Kiwi) today at Bend Pet Express for an adoption event at 11. They won’t be ready to go home today but applications will be available.