Welcome to Parenting Kids and Dogs 101, a limited series podcast for parents who live with kids and dogs, or plan to. I'm your host, Michelle Stern, the founder of Pooch Parenting. I'm not just a certified professional dog trainer and former teacher, I'm a mom too. In each episode of this series, I hope you'll feel like I'm chatting with you, one parent to another, about life with kids and dogs, answering common questions my clients ask me, and giving you simple solutions to make your life easier and safer.

I hope you'll subscribe and join me for the whole series, and don't forget to grab the accompanying workbook at https://poochparenting.net/podcastworkbook/

Best Practices for Supervising Kids and Dogs

1. Understand what Supervision means
   
   
2. What supervision is not:
   • simply being in the same room as your kids and dogs
   • napping on the sofa while your kids and dogs play (together or separately) in the room
   • sleeping at night with your dog on your bed and your infant in the same room
   • scrolling social media, talking on the phone, or playing Candy Crush while your kids and dogs are in the same space
   • making dinner, folding laundry or taking a shower while your kids and dogs are in the same room
   • driving while your dog is loose in the back seat with your child or even restrained within arm's reach of your child
3. What supervision IS:
   • giving 100% of your attention to your kids and dogs together
   • sitting between your dog and child as they play calmly on the floor
   • sitting between your dog and child as you watch a tv show or movie
   • sitting between your dog and child as you read together
   • playing games with your child and dog with your dog on a leash
   • helping your child toss balls, toys or treats to the dog over a baby gate
   • making dinner, folding laundry or taking a shower while your dog is on one side of a barrier and your child is in the room with you (or vice versa)
   • having safe zones or "yes spaces" where nervous children or dogs can relax and decompress without any pressure to interact with each other
4. Tools that can help you to create
   • Pens
   • Baby Gates - traditional or retractable depending on your space
   • Leashes
   • Crates
   • Doors
   • Tethers (ONLY if your child can not approach your tethered dog)

It's only natural for questions about our kids and dogs to arise from time to time, especially as our babies grow up and our dogs mature. And if I'm being honest, it's not really worth asking for free advice from friends or online because you can't rely on the accuracy of the feedback you are getting. If you'd like to learn more about The Pooch Parenting Society, where I offer practical life and science-based tips and strategies, ongoing support and a safe place to share, head on over to www.safekidsanddogs.com. From one parent to another, I see you and I promise, you're not alone.

If you have questions about your kids and dogs or would like to book an appointment, participate in a group coaching program or take an online class, visit my website: www.poochparenting.net