Kids Aren't Dogs, but Also They Kind of Are

What veterinary behaviorists taught me this week about parenting.

It’s been an animal-themed week for me. Last weekend, my husband and I had a training session with our wonderful dog trainer, where we worked on solidifying our pup Ozzy’s understanding of (and response to) various commands. This week, I interviewed a handful of veterinarians and veterinary behaviorists for a piece I wrote for The New York Times about pet anxiety.

When talking with these experts, I heard them say things that felt very applicable to parenting. I’m not saying kids are domesticated animals — I mean, but it’s not far off, either? — but there are some universal truths, it seems, when it comes to helping our beloved little creatures thrive. Here are the three insights from the veterinary world that can also help us as parents.