31: Eliminating Reactivity from the Root

Back in Episode 30 we shared strategies for helping children cope with the loss of a pet. In this follow-up we open up about how our family has been doing since then. With some time and space to process, our kids have surprised us in the ways they have expressed their grief, their questions, and their resilience.We also share something new. Our family is beginning the slow and thoughtful process of looking for a puppy who will be the right fit for us. If you have ever wondered what life looks like after the hardest part of pet loss, or if you are considering welcoming a new dog after saying goodbye to one, this episode offers an honest and heartfelt look at what that process can feel like for both parents and kids.Join the Bliss Pack (7-Day Free Trial!)Support the show by buying us a coffee! ⁠FREE Post-Partum Survival Guide!Need help? Visit me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.dogandbabybliss.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Jaime on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jaimethedogtrainer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow John on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/pawsomeuniversity/

Parents are often told to “practice” for their baby’s arrival by using baby dolls or sound effects to get their dog ready. But does that actually help, or does it just create more confusion? In this episode, Jaime shares real-life experiences from families who have tried everything from carrying around a doll to playing newborn cries on repeat. You will hear what works, what does not, and how to use these tools in a way that actually helps your dog feel prepared.If you are pregnant and wondering if you need to order a lifelike doll, or if you have already tried a few soundtracks and felt silly, this episode gives you practical and science-backed insights to decide if props should be part of your baby prep plan.Join the Bliss Pack (7-Day Free Trial!)Support the show by buying us a coffee! ⁠FREE Post-Partum Survival Guide!Need help? Visit me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.dogandbabybliss.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Jaime on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jaimethedogtrainer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow John on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/pawsomeuniversity/

What if I told you reactivity isn't the problem, but a symptom of a larger issue hiding underneath? In this episode we dig into what makes our dogs bark, lunge and growl whenever the doorbell rings, a dog walks by, or the mail comes. Lets work to uncover the root cause, and fix it for good! Join the Bliss Pack (7-Day Free Trial!)Support the show by buying us a coffee! ⁠FREE Post-Partum Survival Guide!Need help? Visit me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.dogandbabybliss.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Jaime on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jaimethedogtrainer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow John on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/pawsomeuniversity/

This week has been hard — our sweet 15-year-old dog Tishi passed away. As parents, we’re not only grieving ourselves, but also helping our kids through their very first experience with losing a pet. In this episode of Paws & Pacifiers, I’m opening up about how we’re walking through this together and the strategies we’re using to support them. From explaining death in simple, honest language to creating small rituals to remember Tishi, I’ll share the tools that are helping our kids process their big feelings in a healthy way. If you’ve ever lost a pet or are facing this with your family, I hope this episode feels like sitting down with fellow parents who get it — and gives you ideas to gently guide your children through heartbreak and toward healing.Support the show by buying us a coffee! ⁠FREE Post-Partum Survival Guide!Need help? Visit me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.dogandbabybliss.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Jaime on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jaimethedogtrainer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow John on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/pawsomeuniversity/

Bringing home a baby isn't just a major life change for parents—it's also a massive shift for your dog. In this episode of Paws & Pacifiers, Jaime dives deep into the most common postpartum struggles dog-owning parents face. We'll discuss why postpartum dog aversion happens (and how to cope without the guilt), bust myths about canine jealousy, and share practical strategies to handle your dog's energy when you're running on empty. Learn how to recognize subtle signs of dog anxiety around your baby, set clear boundaries, and maintain routines that benefit the whole family. Plus, discover when it’s time to seek professional help. Whether you're currently navigating postpartum life or prepping for it, this episode offers empathy, validation, and real-world solutions for balancing baby and canine care.Support the show by buying us a coffee! FREE Baby Prep Toolkit: ⁠⁠⁠www.dogandbabybliss.com/toolkitNeed help? Visit me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.dogandbabybliss.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Jaime on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jaimethedogtrainer⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow John on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/pawsomeuniversity/

We just hosted for our son's birthday party, and this is how we managed our dogs. In this episode of Paws & Pacifiers, we dive into one of the trickiest situations for dog-loving families: hosting a party! Lots of kids, adult guests, loud noises and added stress. You want everyone to have a great time—but you’re also worried about your dog’s behavior, stress levels, potential over-excitement, or reactions to unfamiliar faces and rambunctious children. FREE Baby Prep Toolkit: ⁠⁠⁠www.dogandbabybliss.com/toolkitNeed help? Visit me at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.dogandbabybliss.com/⁠⁠⁠Follow Jaime on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jaimethedogtrainer⁠⁠⁠Follow John on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/pawsomeuniversity/

Reactivity doesn’t mean your dog is “bad”—it means they’re overwhelmed. And when a baby enters the picture, things can get even harder.In this episode, I’m breaking down what reactivity really is (spoiler: it’s not disobedience) and how to address it compassionately and effectively—especially when your dog is adjusting to life with a newborn or toddler.We’ll talk about:Why reactivity often spikes after baby comes homeHow to train without obedience cues during meltdownsThe power of praising your dog while they’re barking or lungingWhat to do about barking during naps, guest visits, and stroller walksHow to avoid turning your baby into the “bad guy” in your dog’s eyesThis episode is packed with emotional insight, practical strategy, and reminders that you’re not failing—you’re learning two languages at once: baby and dog.FREE Baby Prep Toolkit: ⁠⁠⁠www.dogandbabybliss.com/toolkitNeed help? Visit me at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.dogandbabybliss.com/⁠⁠⁠Follow Jaime on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jaimethedogtrainer⁠⁠⁠Follow John on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/pawsomeuniversity/

Preparing your dog for your baby’s arrival isn’t about obedience—it’s about emotional readiness and emotional skills that make daily life smoother for everyone. In this episode, I’ll guide you through the most important behaviors to work on before your baby comes home.Whether you’re early in pregnancy or counting down the days, this is the kind of prep that pays off—so you can focus on your baby knowing your dog is ready too.Download my Coming Home Checklist: ⁠⁠www.dogandbabybliss.com/checklistNeed help? Visit me at ⁠⁠https://www.dogandbabybliss.com/⁠⁠Follow Jaime on Instagram ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jaimethedogtrainer⁠⁠Follow John on Instagram ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/pawsomeuniversity/

What happens when a dog with a bite history is expecting… a baby sibling?In this powerful case study episode, we’re sharing the story of Inara—a dog whose reactivity and bite history once made her parents fearful of the future. But instead of rehoming or giving up, they doubled down, working closely with Jaime to create a safer, calmer, more connected life for everyone.We’ll walk you through the real-life steps Inara’s family took: from managing her environment and building trust to practicing new behaviors and preparing her for the baby’s arrival. And yes—it all paid off. Today, Inara isn’t just coexisting with her baby sibling—she’s thriving as a big sister.Whether your dog has a bite history, struggles with triggers, or you’re just worried about how they’ll adjust to baby life, this episode is filled with hope, practical takeaways, and proof that real transformation is possible.FREE Custom Baby Prep Toolkit: ⁠www.dogandbabybliss.com/quiz⁠Need help? Visit me at ⁠https://www.dogandbabybliss.com/⁠Follow Jaime on Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jaimethedogtrainer⁠Follow John on Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pawsomeuniversity/

In this Paws and Pacifiers episode, we explore what your dog’s eating habits reveal about their deeper needs—beyond just taste. Discover why they eat the way they do, simple solutions to support their health, and tips for harmonizing mealtime with your dog and baby. A must-listen for pet parents juggling both!Get our Ultimate Enrichment Guide FREE for a limited time!Need help? Visit me at https://www.DogAndBabyBliss.com/Follow Jaime on Instagram Follow John on Instagram