10/22/2025
Ok, we're obsessed with this update!!!
We arrived at a session today and our clients took heed of our suggestions to provide visual aids to their 4 year old son to give him some visual clues about how close he should be to the dog's safe space/crate.
The stop sign is a glaring reminder and the tape line around the crate helps remind children not to crowd or go any closer.
The parents reported that he was SO THRILLED to pick out the tape (it has melty pizza slices on it) and help hang the sign. He was so excited to show their recent guests the set up and explain how it works too! This is a wonderful way to teach by involving the child in the configuration.
The parents reported that some of his toys have rolled passed the tape line, and hes come to get them for help retrieving his toys. How sweet is that?
This helps greatly increase safety, especially in houses with less space that can't have dedicated safe spaces in interior rooms of the home.
As much as we want our dogs to always be happy to interact with our kids, sometimes they also need space. This is beneficial for dogs that resource guard items or spaces, or even dogs that have chronic issues that cause discomfort. If your dog is having a bad day and feeling a little moody (hey, humans do too), this can provide some safe separation.
This child loves his dog so much, but is at a delicate age where impulse control can be difficult. This reduces fatigue on his busy parents constantly having to remind their son to make space and strengthens the trust between the dog and child.
We also taught him consent to pet exercises and how to ask his BFF if she would like pets and cuddles when they're together, and its reported he asks all the time now 🥰
