Dog Training for Life With Babies and Toddlers
Preparing your dog for life with babies and toddlers is one of the most meaningful steps you can take toward a calmer, more confident household. Kindred Dog offers compassionate, science-based family dog training in San Diego to help guide families through major transitions with clarity, structure, and support.
This educational program focuses on helping guardians understand canine body language, create safe management plans, and teach dogs skills that support smoother daily routines around little ones.
Work with Susie Petrucci, Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator and Fear Free Certified Trainer, and learn how to navigate life with children and dogs using evidence-based, humane methods.
Family Paws Training: Dogs & Storks® & Dogs & Toddlers
Why Preparation Matters
Growing families experience big changes: new routines, new sounds, new movements, and new expectations for everyone in the home. Dogs can thrive during this transition with the right guidance, gradual exposure, and a well-structured environment, and that’s where Kindred Dog comes in.
This dog training program supports San Diego families who:
Kindred Dog’s training for babies and toddlers focuses on management, predictable patterns, and humane behavior strategies rather than correction or unrealistic guarantees.
Training Focus
Dog & Child Safety Training According to Family Stages
Before Baby Arrives
Dog training for a new baby at this stage covers the establishment of routines and exposure to new sounds/smells to build familiarity and comfort.
With a New Baby
Dog training with newborns involves building positive associations between your dog and baby.
As Kids Grow
Dog and toddler training for life with each other covers self-control, safe play, and teaching your pet to follow basic cues.
Program Details
Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator Susie Petrucci provides science-backed dog training for life with babies and toddlers, so your dog and your family learn and grow together.
Choose Your Format: Attend in-person workshops and private sessions or participate virtually via Zoom
San Diego Dog Training Services
Kindred Dog offers specialized training for dogs and families of all shapes and sizes.
Puppy Training
A supportive foundation program that teaches early socialization, basic cues, healthy behavior habits, and calm handling to help puppies adjust confidently to family life.
Includes 4–6 private sessions offered in person or virtually, tailored to your puppy’s developmental stage.
Behavior Modification
Personalized support for dogs experiencing reactivity, anxiety, fear, or other complex behaviors. This program uses gentle, evidence-based strategies to help dogs build confidence and feel safer at home and in new environments.
Includes 4–6 private sessions available in person or virtually, adapted to your dog’s unique needs and progress.
Adolescent & Adult Dog Training
A training program that helps dogs build reliable manners, practice self-control, strengthen communication, and develop real-world skills as they mature.
Includes 4–6 private sessions offered in person or virtually, customized to your dog’s age, temperament, and learning needs.
Why Choose Kindred Dog?
Kindred Dog offers science-based dog training for life with babies and toddlers, using a modern, empathetic approach rooted in clear communication and emotional safety. Our methods help families prepare their dog for a new baby, support safe interactions with toddlers, and build predictable routines through force-free, positive reinforcement.
Every session focuses on:
This foundation supports key goals such as making a dog comfortable, building self-control around children, and preventing stress-driven behaviors before they arise.
Family Paws Expertise You Can Trust
Founder Susie Petrucci, Ed.S., brings advanced education training and specialized credentials to this work, including:
Susie’s guidance integrates dog behavior science with principles of human learning, allowing families to confidently navigate milestones like preparing a dog for a new baby, supporting calm greetings, and creating safe, structured environments for dogs and toddlers.
Support a Harmonious Home
Lasting family harmony with dogs and children is best built on a foundation of mutual understanding, compassion, and empathy. Through holistic dog training for kids and dogs, Kindred Dog aims to help you shape a peaceful home with your young ones and furry companions.