Pooch Parenting

71. What is Family Dog Mediation and How Can It Help Parents with Dogs

• Michelle Stern • Episode 71

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In this episode of the Pooch Parenting Podcast, I'm discuss a wonderful shift that's taking place in the dog training and behavior industry. It's called Family Dog Mediation and I learned about it from Kim Brophey, an applied ethologist and one of my colleagues. Her revolutionary LEGS model introduces us to the basic foundational system of elements that direct the behavior of every single animal on earth (including us, of course) and explains what it means for our family dogs. This episode dives into this approach of working with families living with kids and dogs at the same time, and offers some perspective on the contributing factors to the behavior and feelings of each member of the household, dog included. 

Topics in this episode include:

  • factors that impact behavior of parents, kids, and dogs
  • how normal it is for parents to be overwhelmed raising kids and dogs together
  • whether or not training is the best way to address dog behavior challenges
  • the LEGS model for behavior: learning, environment, genetics and self
  • Family Dog Mediation and how it helps us to manage our expectations of our dogs
  • If you are a dog professional and want to take Kim's amazing Family Dog Mediation Professional Course, you can find it here.
  • If you are a family with a dog and want to learn more about dogs and dog behavior, Kim has a special course for you too called The Dog's Truth.

Realistic Expectations for Parents with Kids and Dogs

You love your dog. Of course you do. But if you’re being honest, sometimes they can be difficult to live with. Perhaps they bark too much, are too clingy, growl at your toddler or hate being separated from all of their family members, even for a few minutes. And let’s face it – the stakes are high when you are raising kids and dogs together. You can’t wait until something dangerous happens before you seek help – you need support as soon as you see even a single red flag.

It’s easy to hope for a quick fix and to “train” the annoying behavior away. But I’ll be totally honest with you (you can expect that from me), and say that sometimes training isn’t all that it’s cut out to be. Yes, I’m a dog trainer and I’m telling you that training isn’t always the answer. Ok – so what is?

Before you can resolve any of the challenging issues you might be facing with your dog, you need to understand all of the contributing factors to their behavior. But it actually goes deeper than that. We need to consider the contributing factors to YOUR behavior too! That's right - since your dog doesn't live in a bubble, it's crucial that we evaluate the whole picture, especially how you and your family members interact with the dog. And that’s where my specialized role as a Licensed Family Dog Mediator comes in.

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