Karen’s daughter Emma asked to visit at a friend’s house. Karen knows the family well and enjoys visiting too. Arrangements are made and the date is set. Emma is eagerly planning her visit, what to bring, share, wear etc. .This is something all kids love! What is better then playing at someone else’s house when you’re a kid? Different toys, games and rules! What fun.

Karen begins to regret that the play date is several days away as Emma asks her every hour in anticipation “when is it again Mom?” Karen assures her that the day is coming and time will pass quickly and suggests Emma makes a card or picture for her friend.

Finally! The morning of the long anticipated play date has arrived!! Emma has her toys packed to share and is ready to go. As Karen finishes brushing Emma’s hair Emma turns around with a huge smile and says “I can’t wait to see Sasha!” Karen smiled back at her admiring how beautiful she looked in her outfit and thinking how pretty she looked with her hair back away from her face. She is so beautiful. She thought. Karen’s sentimental Mommy moment was interrupted by Emma’s excitement to go get something to bring Sasha. Sasha is the families beautiful and adorable odd looking mutt! No one can even begin to guess for sure what she is a mix of but no one really cares as she is small enough to play with and not too big and overwhelming. Karen and Emma gather up all the things for the visit and grab several carrots and a biscuit for Sasha. As Karen starts the car Emma is chattering away in the back seat about the fun she will have and how fun it will be to see Sasha at the door when you arrive. She is always there wagging and loves the treats! Read the rest »

As the holidays approach and you make your plans, keep in mind that stress and changes in routine can impact your dog’s behavior. Often we get frustrated and are on edge as there is so much to do to prepare for dinners, visits and other celebrations.

Keep in mind that as you are busy rushing around, your dog is observing and sensing changes in you. They may “act out” if and when usual attention seeking methods do not work. This is predictable and can be avoided by being aware and maintaining some of the usual routines your dog is comfortable with.

The following playback of an anonymous dog hopefully will help you to understand what your dog may be experiencing. Enjoy! Read the rest »

Halloween is “fright night” for humans not dogs. Screaming, running, spooky children in masks make many dogs uncomfortable, nervous and frightened. Halloween costumes are fun and are meant to disguise our normal appearance. Dogs do not understand this change in appearance and may become frightened. Costumes that change the way a person walks, stands, or general appearance may cause a dog to react differently than usual even with those they know.

Keep in mind that children on Halloween night are excited and doing their best to be scary. This is not a fair or safe situation to put even the best of dogs in. Even the normally terrific tolerant family dog can find this night hard to handle. Along with costumes being frightening to a dog there are some that may become interesting too. Swords, tails and dangling things may be fun for an excited dog to chase and toddlers certainly won’t appreciate that. Read the rest »

Spring and summer are fabulous seasons when everyone is out and about enjoying the weather.  Dogs are eager to play and spend time frolicking at the park with their family.  As you go out here are some tips to help set you and the dogs you encounter up for success!

I hear parents giving advise to ask the stranger holding the dog, “May I pet your dog?” We also teach to ask “Is your dog friendly?”  Is this the safe advice?  Why is it we tell our kids not to talk to strangers but we some how trust the strangers with dogs to be honest about their dogs friendliness and behavior?  Read the rest »

Clever Parents is excited to announce a new column, Dogs & Storks, by Jennifer Shryock, whose business focuses on safe interactions between children and dogs. Jennifer’s company, also named Dogs & Storks, offers new and expecting families a program of practical and positive solutions to help create a “happily ever after” once a new baby or child joins a family. In her column, Jennifer shares tips for introducing your new baby to your dog, bringing a new dog into your family, approaching unfamiliar dogs with your children, and much much more.

Clever Parents caught up with Jennifer to learn about tips for choosing a dog for a family of small children, her inspirations, and approaching unfamiliar dogs in outdoor settings. Read the rest »