YNP #060: Kids and Puppies

When we imagine kids and puppies we think that they go together like peanut butter and jelly (or my preference – chocolate). The reality isn’t so sweet.  Your puppy and your kids LOVE each other.  But sometimes it’s that same love and excitement that causes scratches, tears, and a disheartening relationship.

When we have kids and a puppy in the same house it takes a lot more management and referring than most expect.  We can have that amazing relationship that we imagined when you got the puppy for the kids, but it does take some work to get there.  

Be sure to check out all the resources below that I mention throughout the episode. 

In this episode I talk about:

• What the kids/dog relationship looks like vs what we imagine.
• Why there can be more tension with the kids than with adults.
• My recommended house rules for families with young kids.
• Other tips to manage and make sure the puppy and kids stay best friends. 

Press play and enjoy!

Other resources mentioned and related to this episode:

The Family Dog: One of the most powerful videos about the kid/dog relationship and why we need to respect it.  If your puppy is ever going to have contact with kids, watch this 2.5 minute video.

Rover Round Robin: Instructions to a fun, structured, family game that also reinforces recall.

11 activities to do with your dog

The flirt pole: Found under toys section of my recommended supply list.  

YOUR Perfect Puppy: 4-week online training course for you and your new puppy.

What’s Next?

Feeling unsure how to manage the chaos of kids and a new puppy? You’re not alone AND you’re not doing anything wrong.

You’re just like any human trying to raise a dog with little humans.

That’s exactly why I created YOUR Perfect Puppy — my digital program that gives you a clear plan to follow and direct support from me every step of the way.

You’ll learn how to create a safe, fun, and low-stress relationship between your puppy and your kids with real-life tools, boundaries, and games that everyone will love.

And because puppyhood doesn’t stop after four weeks, you’ll also get ongoing access to Playtime Paws Academy — my membership community with weekly live calls, a private forum, and an entire library of family friendly enrichment activities to help you navigate real-life challenges as they come up.

Click here to check out YOUR Perfect Puppy.  I’d love to help make this stage a little easier for your whole family.