In episode 71 of the Pooch Parenting Podcast, I’m discuss a wonderful shift that’s taking place in the dog training and behavior industry. It’s called Family Dog Mediation and I learned about it from Kim Brophey, an applied ethologist and one of my colleagues. Her insightful LEGS model brings to light the main factors that influence the behavior of all species – including humans (and their dogs, of course).
This episode dives into this approach of working with families living with kids and dogs at the same time, and offers some perspective on parenting, raising kids, living with dogs, and how each individual impacts the family dynamic.
Topics on this episode include:
- factors that impact behavior of parents, kids, and dogs
- how normal it is for parents to be overwhelmed raising kids and dogs together
- whether or not training is the best way to address dog behavior challenges
- the LEGS model for behavior: learning, environment, genetics and self
- Family Dog Mediation and how it helps us to manage our expectations of our dogs
- If you are a dog professional and want to take Kim’s amazing Family Dog Mediation Professional Course, you can find it here.
- If you are a family with a dog and want to learn more about dogs and dog behavior, Kim has a special course for you too called The Dog’s Truth.
Listen to the episode
Parenting Kids and Dogs – Having Realistic Expectations
You love your dog. Of course you do. But if you’re being honest, sometimes they can be difficult to live with. Perhaps they bark too much, are too clingy, growl at your toddler or hate being separated from all of their family members, even for a few minutes. And let’s face it – the stakes are high when you are raising kids and dogs together. You can’t wait until something dangerous happens before you seek help – you need support as soon as you see even a single red flag.
It’s easy to hope for a quick fix and to “train” the annoying behavior away. But I’ll be totally honest with you, and say that sometimes training isn’t all that it’s cut out to be. Yes, I’m a dog trainer and I’m telling you that training isn’t always the answer. Ok – so what is?
Before you can resolve any of the challenging issues you might be facing with your dog, you need to understand all of the contributing factors to their behavior. But it actually goes deeper than that. We need to consider the contributing factors to YOUR behavior too! That’s right – since your dog doesn’t live in a bubble, it’s crucial that we evaluate the whole picture, especially how you and your family members interact with the dog. And that’s where my specialized role as a Licensed Family Dog Mediator comes in.
Want some support to help you navigate your family and dog dynamics? I’ve got you.
Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the Pooch Parenting Podcast?
I love to answer listener questions on the podcast. If you’d like your question answered, please record it (like a voicemail!) here. I’ll do my best to include it in a future episode.
p.s. If you are a dog pro who wishes you had a little more confidence with clients who are adopting or expecting kids or who have children already, get on the waitlist for The Pooch Parenting Coach Collective. It’s a supportive membership for dog professionals that offers live zooms, made-for-you handouts to give to clients with kids, and an interactive Facebook group.
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