If you’re raising kids and dogs under the same roof, you know there’s never a dull moment—especially when your little one discovers the dog’s water bowl. While this might seem like harmless toddler curiosity, there are some safety concerns you’ll want to keep in mind, both for your child and your dog. In today’s episode, I'll discuss why kids are drawn to dog water bowls, the potential risks involved, and how to redirect that curiosity into safe, fun water play opportunities. So, grab a cup of coffee—or water!—and let’s get into it.

Why Are Kids Drawn to Dog Water Bowls?

• Exploration and sensory play
• The appeal of "forbidden" objects.
• They want to "help" you to water the plants or wash the floor.
• If the dog can move their bowl, so can the toddler.

Safety Concerns with Dog Water Bowls

• Drowning - possible in as little as an inch or two of water
• Slipping hazards around spilled water
• Risk of a dog resource guarding the bowl and then chasing, lunging or snapping at or biting the child

How to Respond When Your Toddler Plays in the Dog’s Water Bowl

• Gentle redirection strategies:
  • How to approach the situation without scolding.
  • Tips for staying calm and modeling appropriate interactions.
• Using baby gates or barriers to limit access to the dog’s feeding area.
• Creating a designated space for your dog’s water and food that’s out of reach of small children.

Encouraging "Legal and Approved" Water Play for Kids

• Easy and fun water play alternatives:
  • Sensory bins with water and toys.
  • Water tables for outdoor or indoor use.
  • Bath time activities that mimic the experience of splashing in a bowl.
• Teaching boundaries: Helping kids learn the difference between their toys and the dog’s resources.

Related Product Suggestions for Parents of Toddlers and Dogs

• No splash dog water bowl.
• Hanging water bowls for crates or kennels
• Water table for toddlers 1.5 years old and up.
• Bath toys for curious toddlers
• Watering can for children
• Washable, non-slip reusable potty pads, ideal for putting under a water table to absorb spills and splashes

Supportive resources for parents with dogs

I have a handout for parents about how to manage toddlers playing in the dog water bowl. Members of The Pooch Parenting Society get a handout every month - and this one is on the calendar to be delivered soon. If you found this podcast helpful, I offer ongoing, affordable support. Join the Club! The Pooch Parenting Society is the only membership of it's kind - offering compassionate EXPERT and relatable advice FOR parents with dogs from a certified professional dog trainer, family dog mediator, mom and credentialed teacher. You don't have to go through this parenti

Thank you for listening!

• Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you?
• If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts.
• Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/
• Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

In this episode of the Pooch Parenting Podcast, I'm tackling one of the most difficult and heart-wrenching topics for dog-loving families: when to consider behavioral euthanasia for a dog with a significant bite history. This is a decision no parent ever wants to face, and it’s one filled with complex emotions, from love and guilt to grief and responsibility.

As a dog behavior consultant who specializes in helping parents raising kids and dogs together, I understand how deeply we bond with our dogs and how agonizing it can be to weigh our love for the family dog, quality of life and the well-being and safety of our families. Today, I’ll explore how to assess your situation, when it might be time to say goodbye, and how to support your children through this challenging time. Most importantly, I’ll do it with empathy, compassion, and an understanding that love is at the heart of every decision you make.

Thank you for listening!

• Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you?
• If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts.
• Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/
• Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting

In this episode of the Pooch Parenting Podcast, we’re diving into a topic that many parents face: what to do when your toddler or young child is too rough with the family dog.

Maybe you’ve caught your little one pulling the dog’s tail, giving overly enthusiastic hugs, or even climbing on them like they’re a jungle gym. You love both your child and your dog, but you’re worried about how these interactions might affect their safety and their bond.

The good news is, rough behavior is a common phase in childhood, and with the right strategies, you can help your child learn to interact with your dog in a gentle, safe, and positive way. In this episode, we’ll explore why this happens, how to set your child and dog up for success, and what to do when things get a little too rough.

So, whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just looking for tips to make life smoother for your family, you’re in the right place.

Why Rough Behavior Happens

• Curiosity and lack of impulse control are normal developmental behaviors in toddlers and young children
• Kids and parents can misunderstand dog body language and can think this type of behavior is acceptable.
• Examples of typical rough behaviors: pulling tails, climbing on the dog, hugging too tightly, etc.

Why Rough Handling of Dogs Is a Problem

• Potential risks: stress for the dog, fear, growling, or even biting.
• Rough handling can damage the child-dog bond over time.
• Many parents (and kids, of course) miss common dog stress signals (ie, lip licking, yawning, avoiding the child).

Setting Toddlers and Young Kids Up for Success Around Dogs

• Supervision: Always be paying attention when dogs and kids are in the same space and when they are interacting with each other.
• Separation: Use barriers like baby gates or playpens when supervision isn’t possible.
• Safe Spaces: Teach children that the dog’s bed or crate is off-limits. If the dog is on the sofa or resting anywhere, they should be left alone, as if surrounded by hot lava.

Teaching Toddlers and Young Kids to be Gentle with Dogs

• Age-appropriate ways to teach children how to interact with dogs gently.
  • Modeling soft petting.
  • Using stuffed animals to practice gentle touch.
  • Role-playing with the child.
  • Read some of my favorite books with your toddlers, including: Tails are Not for Pulling, Hands are Not for Hitting and Love Me Gently.
• Clear and consistent rules (e.g., no hugging or climbing on the dog).

Managing Expectations for Parents

• Setting realistic boundaries for what the dog can tolerate based on its temperament and age.
• Avoid placing the dog in situations where rough handling might happen.

Strengthening the Child-Dog Bond

• Activities where kids can positively engage with the dog under supervision (e.g., training tricks, feeding, or tossing a toy).
• Reinforcing good be

Thank you for listening!

• Want to learn more about Pooch Parenting and how we can help you?
• If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts.
• Worried about Growling? Get my free guide: ABC's of Growling: https://poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling/
• Looking for QUICK answers to your dog and child questions? Just ask and my custom tool will give you the answer: www.poochparenting.net/askpoochparenting