In this powerful debut solo episode, John dives into one of the most critical — and often overlooked — aspects of dog ownership: safely integrating children and dogs.

Whether you’re thinking of adding a new puppy or rescue to your family, preparing for a baby on the way, or navigating the chaos of toddlers and tail wags, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you create a safe, respectful, and balanced home environment.

Inside this episode:

• Tips for families introducing a new dog (puppy or rescue) into a home with kids
• How to prepare your current dog for the arrival of a baby or child
• Boundaries, routines, and why supervision isn’t optional
• Red flags to watch for (and what to do about them)
• The mindset shift every parent-dog owner needs to make

John brings real-world experience and no-nonsense insight to a topic that can truly be life-changing — or, if handled poorly, dangerous. This episode sets the tone for thoughtful, preventative dog parenting with your entire family in mind.

Let’s raise dogs and kids that respect each other — and thrive together.

If you'd like to donate to support the production of this episode, you can kindly donate at the link below.

PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/DTThoughtbook

In this episode, John hosts his first ever dog training mentor, Michele (Mannered Mutts Dog Training), to talk socialization vs exposure, overuse of medication in dogs, and picking the right breed for your lifestyle.

Follow Michele on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YfsdU4WLX/?mibextid=wwXIfr

If you'd like to donate to support the production of this project:

PayPal- https://www.paypal.me/DTThoughtbook

This episode features Amanda Anderson, owner of Ring and Run Dog Walkers from Staten Island, New York. Both Amanda and host John (Clawson's K9s with Class) dive deep on their struggles of being able to use reason over personal emotions when guiding their beloved pets to the afterlife. Knowing when to say goodbye is never easy, and this episode's content in turn may not be easy to digest. Trigger warning, the topic of this episode is very emotional and focuses on the process of saying goodbye to our animal companions.

Follow Amanda on Instagram at- Ringandrundogwalkers

Follow John on Instagram at- Thedogtrainersthoughtbook

Listen to John's song, Rainbow Bridge:

https://youtu.be/AC3htwUnoj8?si=1hR1TRLk9DPZn2h-

For those wanting to support this project, you can donate at the link below.

PayPal- https://www.paypal.me/DTThoughtbook