Babies and dogs, sleep safety considerations.

A good night’s sleep may become challenging for many reason once you have a newborn.  Family Paws wants to be sure that concern or anxiety about your family dog and newborn are not what keeps you up at night.  With this in mind we want families to think ahead about where the dog/s will be […]

My dog lets the kids……

At some point in every phone call following a nip, growl or serious bite a very confused and emotional parent says.  ” I don’t understand, our dog always let the kids (fill in the blank). Pull their ears, hug them, lay on them, kiss them, take things away etc. I get it.  That was me […]

It happened to me! When things don’t go as planned.

Our guest blog is from one of our awesome Family Paws Educators.  Meet Debra Murray What Debra shares in this blog post is something I think many will connect with.  I think it is so important for all of us to remember that there are times that despite how much WE want something to work […]

sleeping baby image

Is it Safe to Sleep with your Dog and Newborn Baby in the Same Room?

Safety is a priority when it involves newborns and dogs.  There is much to think about and plan ahead for when it comes to sleeping for all family members.  Safety and comfort is important especially in those early months.  Family Paws Parent Educator, Mel Ritterman wrote an excellent and informative article about this very topic. […]

The Crate Controversy

This is a super helpful blog post from one of. our Family Paws Educators, Verena Schleich.  The Crate Controversy Here is a bit more about the author. “Verena Schleich is a KPA-CTP, proud graduate of the Family Paws Parent Educator program, and certified in Pet Loss Companioning.  She lives in an old farm house with […]

Dogs love space

When setting up success stations it is important to keep some important points in mind.  What works in your home for a baby under 3 months may change quickly for a baby at 5 months.  Management will change constantly for the first 3 years!  How you might ask?  It is also important to pay attention and […]

Dogs and Toddlers, Preparing families with dogs for life with Toddlers

This program is by far (in my opinion) the most important program that ALL dog lovers, parents, professionals and humans need to view.  Yep, basically everyone can benefit from the topics covered in this program.  One of my 2021 New Year’s resolutions is to reach as many people as possible with the important information covered […]

Doggie Detective® Activity Sheets

Yeah!  A fun way to learn increase you and your child’s dog aware skills by being Doggie Detectives®!  Check out these fun activity sheets.  Look at each drawing and talk about the EARS, EYES, TAIL, MUZZLE, gather all the clues to solve the puzzle.  What is the dog saying with their body language?  Check it […]

Kiss to Dismiss- Not all licks are the same.

Our hotline gets many calls from concerned families who have experienced growling or a bite from their family dog.  In the description often they will mention how the dog always licked the child.  They are confused by why the dog would be “kissing” (a human form of affection and then biting?  This is why I […]

New parents & Cat naps. Practice & plan with your dog for safe snoozes.

It is easy to doze off when you are a very tired parent to a newborn.  Family Paws Parent Education programs encourage expectant families and caretakers of babies to have plan and PRACTICE.  Where will the dog be when….baby is in crib, bouncer, on playmate, in basinet, or even asleep on a sleeping parent. Our […]