Let’s Talk About the Heart of Parenting—Dog Style
Therapeutic parenting is an approach that emphasizes emotional connection, understanding, and trust in relationships. While it’s often associated with raising children who have experienced trauma or stress, what if I told you those same core values—empathy, connection, and trust—can completely change the way you care for your dog?
At Loyal Pawrenting, I believe dogs deserve the same emotional support and understanding we’d want for any family member. By applying the principles of therapeutic parenting, you’re not just training a dog, you’re becoming a Therapeutic Pawrent.
The PACE Model: The Heart of Therapeutic Parenting
Therapeutic parenting is rooted in the PACE model, developed by clinical psychologist Dr. Dan Hughes. These four principles aren’t just helpful with children. They’re a game-changer for anyone who wants to raise dogs with compassion and connection:
- Playfulness – Finding moments of joy and levity, even during tough times, like turning training sessions into fun games or using toys to redirect unwanted behavior.
- Acceptance – Loving your dog for who they are, and not for who you expected them to be. Embrace your dog’s unique personality, even if they’re more couch potato than adventure buddy.
- Curiosity – Asking “What’s going on here?” instead of “How do I stop this?”. Is your dog barking because they’re scared, excited, or bored?
- Empathy – Seeing the world through your dog’s eyes and offering compassion in response. Recognize that thunderstorms might be terrifying from your dog’s perspective.
This approach shifts us from trying to manage behavior to truly understanding it, and that makes all the difference.
How to Become a Therapeutic Pawrent: Putting PACE into Practice
Here are a few simple (but powerful) ways to begin:
- Lead with Empathy: When your dog does something unexpected, pause and ask: “What might they be feeling?” Maybe it’s fear, overstimulation, or uncertainty. Beginning with empathy helps you respond with support, not shame.
- Build Predictable Routines: Consistency creates emotional safety. A steady rhythm of meals, walks, enrichment, and connection helps your dog feel secure and reduces stress, especially for dogs with difficult pasts.
- Train with Compassion: Being a Therapeutic Pawrent means leaving behind punishment-based tools and techniques. Instead, use positive reinforcement—think treats, praise, play, and patience—to build trust and teach new behaviors.
- Offer Choices, Not Commands: Letting your dog make choices (such as which toy to play with, where to rest, or when to take a potty break) fosters autonomy and builds confidence. Dogs deserve to feel like active participants in their own lives.
- Make Time for Joy: Whether it’s a silly game of chase, a slow sniff-filled walk, or a cuddle session on the couch, playfulness is powerful. It sends a message of safety, love, and connection without needing words.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Some people worry that therapeutic parenting might be too “soft” or that their dog won’t learn boundaries. The truth is, this approach builds stronger relationships AND better behavior. If you’re facing serious behavioral issues, combine therapeutic parenting principles with professional training support for the best results.
Why This Matters: The Real-Life Benefits
Dogs raised with therapeutic parenting principles often show:
- Lower stress and anxiety
- Stronger communication and responsiveness
- Better coping skills in new or difficult situations
- A deeper, more secure bond with their human
This isn’t about “fixing” behavior. It’s about honoring the relationship and helping both you and your dog thrive together.
The Loyal Pawrenting Approach
Therapeutic parenting isn’t a training method, it’s a mindset. It’s how you choose to show up for your dog, even when it’s hard or even when you’re tired. And the best part? You don’t have to be perfect! Just present, curious, and kind.
Are you ready to step into your role as a Loyal Pawrent?
Let’s connect for a free virtual vibe check and talk about what a compassionate, joyful life with your dog could look like—tail wags, missteps, and all. Book your session here https://bit.ly/Loyal-Pawrent-Vibe-Check
Recommended Reading: Tender Paws by Wendy Lyons Sunshine is a powerful exploration of these principles (and the inspiration for this blog post). If you’re sharing your life with a dog, I highly recommend reading it. It’s one of those books that stays with you—one that you won’t regret picking up, I promise.
