In this episode, I talk with Matt Beisner, the host of the television show Dog: Impossible on NatGeo Wild. Matt has two toddlers and lives with several dogs who displayed aggression in their younger days. We discuss whether or not kids can safely live in homes with dogs who have aggressive behaviors.
In this episode…
- There are no bad dogs, only bad matches
- Flexibility is KEY in managing multiple dog households and in creating & implementing management plans between kids and dogs.
- When considering your dog or child’s behavior, don’t assume that because they haven’t done something, that they won’t ever do it. Add the word “yet” to any behavior concept so that you are not in denial and to avoid surprises.
- Sleep deprivation is going to happen. Consider the types of baby gates you can easily use when exhausted. How else can you make your life easier when exhausted?
- Love is not enough – you need multiple management plans
- You are not alone. Help is available.
- 90% of aggressive behavior in dogs is FEAR based. Be patient, give space, and have empathy. Punishment does not work.
About Matt
Matt Beisner is a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA), and host of ‘Dog: Impossible’, featured on Nat Geo WILD and Disney+. Season Two premiered in July, 2021.
Matt is also the gratefully sober father of two young children with his wife Brooklin, and together they are the guardians of five adopted dogs, all with histories of aggression.
Matt’s decade of work with aggression has led to his progressive, science-based approach which seeks first to observe the dog so he can better learn how to teach the dog what it needs help learning. He does not rely on fear, force, commands or control for collaboration. To his bones Matt knows “there are no bad dogs.”
Where to find Matt
- Dog: Impossible TV show
Ask Question
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.
