Pooch Parenting

79. Dog Safety with Toddlers Who Don't Stay in Bed at Night

• Michelle Stern • Episode 79

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If your toddler is a little Jack-in-the-box and gets out of bed several times a night, you are not alone. But if you have a dog, we need to consider how to prevent interactions between your toddler and pup in the middle of the night when you aren't supervising. 

Why do toddlers get out of bed at night?

  1. They are going through a developmental shift which interrupts their sleep.
  2. They need to be comforted and are looking for their parents.
  3. They are experimenting with climbing and with boundaries
  4. They need to potty or get a drink of water
  5. They don't feel well

Dog Safety with toddlers who don't stay in bed at night

  • If you are asleep or are in another room, you can't supervise interactions between your dog and toddler
  • By using a baby gate on your toddler's door, they can't leave or interact with the dog
  • If your toddler sleeps in your room, you can close your room or put a baby gate on your door to prevent them from wandering the house or interacting with the dog
  • If the dog sleeps elsewhere, you can put a baby gate in a hallway to prevent your toddler from entering the space where the dog sleeps
  • You can put a pen around the dog's crate to prevent the toddler from letting the dog out of the crate or from poking their fingers into the crate

Other supportive resources for parents with dogs

Listen to my limited series podcast, Parenting Kids and Dogs 101 here, on my website, or on your favorite podcast player.

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.

Thank you for listening!