The Wholesome Dog Life

The Wholesome Dog Life Helping families and dogs live happy, calm lives together. Creator of Dog Wise Kids, books that teach children how to grow up kind and confident around dogs.

🐾 I don’t think most puppy problems are actually “training problems”.I think they’re expectation problems.We expect pupp...
17/06/2026

🐾 I don’t think most puppy problems are actually “training problems”.

I think they’re expectation problems.

We expect puppies to understand rules they’ve never been taught.

We expect calm behaviour without showing them what calm looks like.

We expect too much, too soon.

Once we slow everything down and start teaching the basics properly, things change quickly 🤍

🐾 One of my favourite things about the Dog Wise Kids books…Is imagining a child reading them and then going to sit a lit...
15/06/2026

🐾 One of my favourite things about the Dog Wise Kids books…

Is imagining a child reading them and then going to sit a little differently with their dog.

A softer hand.

A quieter voice.

Giving space instead of rushing in.

These tiny changes matter more than people realise.

Because that’s where kindness between kids and dogs actually starts 🤍

🐾 Something I didn’t fully appreciate before having a baby and a dog at the same time…How much teaching happens in the s...
12/06/2026

🐾 Something I didn’t fully appreciate before having a baby and a dog at the same time…

How much teaching happens in the small, in between moments.

Not formal training sessions. Not perfect setups.

Just everyday life.

Bourbon learning to move around toys on the floor instead of through them. Me learning to slow everything down a bit. Riley learning the world is shared space.

It’s not always neat, but it works when everyone gets a bit of guidance and a bit of grace 🤍

🐾 A Dog Wise Kid knows...That sleeping dogs need their rest.One of the kindest things a child can do is simply let a dog...
10/06/2026

🐾 A Dog Wise Kid knows...

That sleeping dogs need their rest.

One of the kindest things a child can do is simply let a dog sleep peacefully.

Rest helps dogs learn, grow, and cope with the world around them.

Sometimes being a good friend means giving someone space 🤍

🐾 One thing that surprised me about having a baby and a dog...How important management is.Not because dogs are bad.Not b...
08/06/2026

🐾 One thing that surprised me about having a baby and a dog...

How important management is.

Not because dogs are bad.
Not because babies are bad.

But because both are learning.

Good gates, supervision, safe spaces, and clear routines make life easier for everyone.

Training matters, but management is often what keeps things calm while learning happens.

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective 🤍

🐾 Why I wrote Dog Wise KidsOver the years I've met so many wonderful children who absolutely adore dogs.The challenge is...
05/06/2026

🐾 Why I wrote Dog Wise Kids

Over the years I've met so many wonderful children who absolutely adore dogs.

The challenge is that dogs and children don't automatically understand each other.

Children need to learn what dogs are saying, when they need space, and how to interact kindly and safely.

Dogs need guidance too.

That's why I created the Dog Wise Kids books, to help families build calm, happy relationships between children and dogs from the very beginning 🤍

👉 https://www.dogz.co.za/kidsbooks

🐾 The most important thing Bourbon has taught me isn't a trick.It's patience.Living with a giant dog has taught me that ...
03/06/2026

🐾 The most important thing Bourbon has taught me isn't a trick.

It's patience.

Living with a giant dog has taught me that progress doesn't always happen in a straight line. Some days are easy. Some days are messy. Some days your dog surprises you.

The same is true whether you're raising a puppy, welcoming a rescue dog, or helping your child learn how to interact safely with dogs.

Patience gives everyone room to learn.

What's something your dog has taught you? 🤍

🐾 Easy DIY enrichment ideaPlace a few treats or pieces of kibble inside old toilet rolls, fold the ends closed, and let ...
01/06/2026

🐾 Easy DIY enrichment idea

Place a few treats or pieces of kibble inside old toilet rolls, fold the ends closed, and let your dog sniff and figure out how to open them 🤍

Simple enrichment encourages problem solving, confidence, and calm engagement without needing expensive toys.

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best 🐾

👉 https://www.dogz.co.za/kidsbooks

Congratulations Caroline Eriksen and Julie Tobiansky. You’re both winners. I’ll dm you for your prizes!
01/06/2026

Congratulations Caroline Eriksen and Julie Tobiansky. You’re both winners. I’ll dm you for your prizes!

🐾 One of the things I care about most is helping dogs fit comfortably into family lifeNot just listening during training...
29/05/2026

🐾 One of the things I care about most is helping dogs fit comfortably into family life

Not just listening during training sessions, but feeling calm, understood, and included in everyday moments 🤍

That’s what inspired the Dog Wise Kids range, helping children and dogs learn together in a kind and realistic way.

👉 https://www.dogz.co.za/kidsbooks

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