Picture this: A parent is hosting a lively party. The house is full of guests, kids are running around, and the family dog is right in the middle of it all. It seems like a perfect celebration—until something goes terribly wrong. Amid the chaos, the dog, overwhelmed and unsupervised, bites a guest. What started as a joyful gathering has now turned into a stressful and regrettable situation.
In this episode, we’ll unpack this story, which happened to a client of mine living in San Francisco, to understand what went wrong and, more importantly, how you can prevent something like this from happening at your own events. We’ll explore:
- How dogs react to busy social environments, especially if they aren’t used to them.
- The impact of parental overwhelm on managing kids and pets during parties.
- Practical strategies to keep everyone—dogs, kids, and guests—safe and happy at social events.
Whether you’re planning a holiday get-together, a birthday party, or just a casual hangout with friends, this episode will equip you with the tools to navigate these situations with confidence and peace of mind.
Listen here
Episode Summary
What Went Wrong
- Lack of supervision for the dog during the party.
- The parents’ focus on hosting (and enjoying several cocktails), reducing their awareness.
- Overwhelming stimuli for the dog: crowds, unpredictable children, noise, and unfamiliar faces.
- Missed warning signs of the dog’s stress or discomfort.
Understanding Dog Behavior
- Was your dog bred to do a certain job? How does that influence your dog’s behavior around strangers, visitors or moving children?
- Dogs’ natural reactions to crowds, unpredictable child behavior, noise, and unfamiliar people.
- Signs of stress or discomfort in dogs to watch for (ie. yawning, lip licking, looking away, stiffness).
- How overwhelming environments can prevent dogs from feeling supported by people who typically make them feel safe.
Parent Overwhelm and Lapses in Supervision
- The realities of juggling party hosting, kids, and pets.
- How alcohol and distractions reduce the ability to manage a dog’s behavior.
- Common mistakes parents make when assuming their dog will “be fine” during events.
Management Strategies for Social Events
- Preparation Before the Event:
- Assess if the dog should be present or separated from the event entirely.
- Create a safe, quiet space for the dog away from guests.
- Use tools like pens or crates, gates, or another room to ensure the dog’s safety and comfort.
- Should the dog spend the night elsewhere, such as at a friend’s house or a boarding facility.
- During the Event:
- Assign a responsible adult to supervise the dog (if not already separated).
- Limit interactions between the dog and guests, especially children.
- Provide distractions for the dog, such as chew toys or enrichment activities.
- Setting Boundaries:
- Communicate clear rules to guests about interacting with the dog.
- Teach children safe ways to behave around dogs.
Empowering Parents for Success
- Plan for your dog’s needs as part of the event preparation.
- Delegate responsibilities during events.
- Proactive dog management to prevent unwanted outcomes.
Supportive resources for parents with dogs
If you found this podcast helpful, I offer ongoing, affordable support! Join the Club! The Pooch Parenting Society is the only membership of it’s kind – offering compassionate EXPERT and relatable advice FOR parents with dogs from a certified professional dog trainer, family dog mediator, mom and credentialed teacher. You don’t have to go through this parenting kids and dogs journey alone. I’ve got you.
