Paws and Parenting
Avoid becoming a statistic! Are you a parent with young children and dogs? Jennifer Shryock, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Licensed Family Dog Mediator shared invaluable insights into the important topic of paws and parenting.
With over 30 years of experience and certification from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Jennifer is recognized as the leading expert in dog and baby/toddler interactions. As the founder of Family Paws® LLC, she has developed internationally endorsed programs such as Dogs & Storks® and Dogs & Toddlers™, aimed at fostering positive relationships between families and their pets. Throughout the episode, Jennifer delved into various aspects of keeping children and dogs safe, offering practical advice and addressing common challenges faced by families.
Jennifer explained the inception of Family Paws and the motivations behind its creation, highlighting the organization’s commitment to supporting families and promoting dog awareness. She detailed the most well-known programs, such as Dogs & Storks® and Dogs & Toddlers™, which provide families with essential tools and strategies for integrating new babies and young children into a household with dogs seamlessly.
One crucial aspect Jennifer emphasized was the importance of understanding body language in both dogs and children. By recognizing the warning signs that a dog may be feeling uncomfortable or stressed, parents can take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of both their children and their pets. Additionally, she discussed the concept of sensitivity and how being mindful of each family member’s sensitivities can contribute to a harmonious environment for all.
Proximity and supervision emerged as key themes in Jennifer’s discussion, as she stressed the significance of maintaining appropriate distances between children and dogs and providing constant supervision to prevent potential accidents or misunderstandings. She elaborated on the five types of supervision that families can employ, ranging from active to passive, depending on the specific circumstances.
Throughout the conversation, Jennifer addressed common challenges families face when navigating the dynamics between babies and dogs, offering practical solutions and guidance for overcoming these obstacles. From managing jealousy and resource guarding to introducing boundaries and establishing routines, Jennifer provided comprehensive advice to empower families to create a safe and nurturing environment for both their children and their beloved pets.
For those eager to learn more about keeping kids and dogs safe and fostering positive relationships within their families, the full podcast episode with Jennifer Shryock is available for listening on [InFlowRadio](https://inflowradio.com/187-paws-and-parenting-with-special-guest-jennifer-shryock/).
