This week, I talk with dog trainer and shelter dog expert, Trish McMillan about what families with kids should look for when adopting a dog from a shelter. Some of what we discuss can be controversial, but we both agree that the stakes are too high to take a risk with the wrong dog when kids are in the picture. We tackle popular concepts such as “adopt don’t shop” and “forever home” and address how both of those can set families up to fail – or feel like failures. Fortunately, there are lots of ways families can find the right dog, and we chat about options that can leave families feeling guilt free.
About Trish
Trish McMillan is a certified professional dog trainer (through CCPDT), certified dog behavior consultant and associate certified cat behavior consultant (through IAABC) who holds a Master’s degree in Animal Behavior from the University of Exeter in England. She specializes in training and behavior modification work using positive reinforcement with dogs, cats, and horses.
During her seven years with the ASPCA, Trish gained a wide variety of experience in the field of animal behavior. For three years she was the director of the animal behavior department at the ASPCA’s New York City shelter, helping staff, volunteers, and adopters work with animals and make great matches. Trish has also helped assess and rehabilitate animals from cruelty, hoarding, and dogfighting cases, as well as pets rescued from natural disasters. In addition to writing for the ASPCA’s Virtual Pet Behaviorist and other publications, she helped create and present several very popular webinars on dog and cat behavior and handling for the ASPCA Pro website. Trish also co-chairs the Shelter Behavior division of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and runs an online shelter behavior mentorship through IAABC twice a year.
Where to find Trish
- McMillan Animal Behavior
- Theodore – the pitbull
- Insta: @pibbling
What to Look for in a Family Dog
When adopting a dog for a family with kids, look for these THREE behavioral characteristics. They should be non-negotiable – the stakes are too high.
- Extreme sociability – these dogs prefer kids to the adults and approach them with soft, happy body language.
- The opposite of resource guarding – look for resource sharers. These dogs bring special items TO you to share, instead of running away. These dogs bring you treasures at best, or are completely neutral at worst. It needs to be safe – and kids drop items and leave items out often.
- Extreme handleability – a dog who melts with happiness when touched. These are not dogs who have areas of the body that can’t be be touched without stiffening or pulling away. These are dogs who actually seek physical affection and contact. These dogs will happily accept supervised petting by an excited toddler.
Size matters. Super tiny dogs tend to be too easily treated roughly or as a toy. A medium to large dog can be more durable and adaptable.
Ask a Question For a Future Podcast
If you’ve got a question about your kids and dogs, go to www.speakpipe.com/PoochParenting and record it there just like a voicemail. And I will include it in a future episode.
Has this episode helped your family?
If you enjoy these episodes or feel like they have made your family safer and less chaotic, feel free to buy me a coffee as a way of saying “Thanks!”
