Thinking about getting a puppy or kitten for your preschooler? It might look adorable on social media, but in real life it’s often a recipe for stress, safety risks, and heartbreak.

Well-meaning parents often believe getting a pet will teach their child responsibility or help them “grow up together and bond better,” but in rescue we’ve seen those myths lead to injured pets, injured kids, and heartbreaking surrenders. The truth is, kids under 5 face the highest dog bite risk, pets are easily hurt by rough handling, and family pet safety is at stake when the timing isn’t right. That’s why many rescues, including mine, don’t adopt out to families with very young children, and today, I’m sharing the five big reasons why waiting is the better choice and why the "best age to get a pet for kids" is a bigger decision than most parents think.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
• Why kids under 5 simply can’t manage the responsibility of pet care, no matter how “responsible” they seem
• How young children unintentionally put themselves and pets at risk, and what every parent should know about dog bite risk
• The developmental mismatch that makes “growing up together” with a puppy or kitten a dangerous myth
• How one negative early experience can shape a child or pet for life
• Safer, positive ways to nurture your child’s love of animals until the time is right—and how to decide the best age to get a pet for kids

If you’ve ever thought about getting a pet for your young child, or know someone who is, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

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Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

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Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Is crating your dog cruel, or could it actually be one of the kindest things you do for them? Many pet parents picture their pup feeling trapped or lonely, so they avoid crates altogether. But when used the right way, a crate can become your dog’s safe space — and one of the most useful tools in your pet parenting toolbox.

In this episode, I break down 5 major benefits of crating your dog. You’ll hear why it’s about more than house training, and how the right approach can bring calm, comfort, and safety to both you and your pup.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why crates give dogs a sense of safety and calm
• How they make travel and emergencies easier to manage
• The surprising ways crating benefits both you and your dog’s daily life

Crating your dog should never be about punishment. When introduced responsibly, it creates comfort, structure, and peace of mind for your dog — and makes life easier for you.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT CRATE?
I didn’t name brands in this episode because I wanted to stay focused on benefits, but one of my go-to recommendations is Impact Dog Crates. They’re an investment, but built to last a lifetime of safety and security.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free Vet Bill Survival Kit

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Are you at the end of your rope with your dog’s behavior, but not sure if it’s time to hire a professional dog trainer, or worried about picking the wrong one?

You’re not alone. The dog training world can feel like the Wild West. With no regulations, conflicting advice, and plenty of flashy websites, it’s hard to know who’s truly qualified to help. Choosing the wrong dog trainer can waste your money, make your dog’s behavior worse, and damage the trust between you and your pet.

That’s why in this episode, I’m joined by Bradley Phifer, professional dog trainer, behavior consultant, and Executive Director of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. With 17 years of experience, Bradley breaks down what really matters when hiring a dog trainer, how to know when it’s time to get help when you've run out of dog training tips of your own, and red flags that should send you running.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why waiting until there’s a “big problem” is the wrong time to call a trainer
• The surprising ways a trainer can help you before you even bring a dog home
• How to tell if a trainer is actually qualified and what credentials mean (and don’t mean)
• The red flags that signal outdated or harmful dog training methods
• How to get the most out of your relationship with a dog trainer for the life of your dog

Know someone who just got a new dog or is even thinking about it? Share this episode with them so they can avoid the stress, frustration, and wasted money that comes from hiring the wrong dog trainer.

CONNECT WITH BRADLEY PHIFER: www.bradleyphifer.com

OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:

https://www.fetchtheanswer.com

https://www.ccpdt.org

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free Vet Bill Survival Kit

Please support the show here!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easy, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households in balance. We share expert dog training tips, tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need and so stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro