86. Dogs, Kids and Parties: Navigating Safety for All Artwork

Pooch Parenting

The Pooch Parenting Podcast is a podcast for parents with dogs. Living with kids and dogs at the same time can feel like a circus - I know because I'm a mom and have lived it too. Join us as we answer listener questions and interview a variety of parenting and dog experts and parents to discuss topics that will make parenting with dogs easier, safer and less chaotic. If you enjoy these episodes or feel like they have helped your family, please subscribe, leave a review or tell a friend. xo Michelle

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Pooch Parenting

86. Dogs, Kids and Parties: Navigating Safety for All

January 07, 2025 • Michelle Stern • Episode 86

0:00 | 19:26

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.

Michelle of Pooch Parenting is now retired. Thank you for the support over the past decade. Many of her resources are now available on YouTube for FREE.