Pooch Parenting

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

• Michelle Stern • Episode 86

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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.

Thank you for listening!