About this episode

Brian Manni discusses how dogs can help children develop responsibility and empathy through the Pup O'Clock subscription service.

TL;DR Brian Manni didn't set out to change how kids relate to dogs. But after watching his son bond with their family pug through bullying, family stress, and the quiet struggles of childhood, and then seeing the COVID pet adoption wave followed by mass shelter returns, he knew there was a missing tool. Pup O'Clock is a monthly themed subscription box that turns everyday dog ownership into a hands-on lesson in responsibility, empathy, and discipline for kids. Spoiler: the kids aren't the only ones who grow. Guest Bio: Brian Manni is the founder of Pup O'Clock, a monthly themed subscription box (with a nonprofit arm) designed to help families build deeper bonds between children and their dogs. Fuelled by his personal journey in sobriety and watching his son navigate childhood with a pug by his side, Brian built Pup O'Clock around the belief that the right tools — not good intentions — are what keep dogs in homes and out of shelters. His mission: reach one million families. Takeaways: Dogs that end up back in shelters aren't bad dogs — they're under-stimulated. Enrichment (mental stimulation) is the most commonly missing piece in family dog ownership. The one skill a child needs…

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