Raising dogs in a home with kids and kids in a home with dogs can be harmonious when you have the right expectations for great outcomes. Now, I don’t have children, but my dogs are around many children as I have a lot of nieces and nephews. There can be a great deal of joy for kids and dogs and many life lessons if we set everyone up for success. Do you know someone who has children and a dog? Share this podcast episode with them, and together we can help families with kids and dogs and make life better for everybody.
In the episode you'll hear:
- How imagining living with an overly exuberant relative relates to your dog.
- Why I believe having a dog in a house with children can be an awesome combination.
- How adults can help create the best relationship possible between kids and dogs.
- Why we all have the right to say we are uncomfortable.
- What children learn from us in the way we treat our dogs.
- How even the kindest people might inadvertently teach life lessons they don’t want their children to emulate.
- Why family agreements can be massively beneficial for everyone, including dogs.
- How giving your dog a nickname can set kids and dogs up for success.
- About including children in your dog training plans without overwhelm.
- The transitions to train for your dog that will create household harmony.
- What education I believe is critical for all dogs living with children.
- Why I’m telling my team to give you a massive discount to join Home School the Dog.
- Productive and safe ways that kids and dogs can enjoy time together.
- How we can be the best advocates for both kids and dogs.
- What you can do with “Home School the Dog I was listening”!
Resources:
- Podcast Episode 25: Why All Dogs Can Bite and How to Reduce the Risk with R.E.A.D.
- Podcast Episode 13: Naming Your Puppy or Dog
- Podcast Episode 19: One of My Biggest Pet Peeves in Dog Training
- Blog Post: A GAME to Preserve Your Dog’s Recall Cue
- Game: Learn How to Play ItsYerChoice (IYC)
- Crate Games Online
- Susan's Team: [email protected]
- Podcast Episode 57: Why Balance Breaks Fast Track Your Dog Training
- Podcast Episode 6: The Art of Manipulation
- Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube

Episode Transcript
I wish I could have a contract on dog care with my husband!! I keep stopping this podcast and going to him and making him listen to sections (hugging the dog, approaching the dog when he’s eating etc). Not improving my marriage relationship but might get him to actually pay attention as it’s someone else saying it and not me!
I think my husband is the “kid”. I have sadly learnt not to allow him into the training sessions as it’s the fastest way for my dog to unlearn what he was just trained!