The Quirky Dog

Aggression vs. Reactivity This week, Jess and Scott discuss the difference between aggression and reactivity. The two terms seem to commonly get tossed around as synonyms, but Scott and Jess don’t believe this to be the case after years in the field. Listen in for broader understanding of both topics. What do Scott and Jess define both aggression and reactivity to be? When should you consider your dog to be aggressive? Should euthanasia be a consideration in either situation? To see...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Robin MacFarlance from That’s My Dog. Robin has been training dogs for almost 30 years and is considered an expert when it comes to remote collar training. Scott and Jess first met when they both presented at a conference Robin held over a decade ago. How has the technology of ecollars changed over the years? What is a way we can bridge the gap in dog training through respecting other methodologies more openly? Why are invisible fences less...

This week, Jess and Scott celebrate their 100th podcast episode! It will be a celebration but also a conversation about love and dogs. Be sure to click the first link below to access a full list of the past 100 Quirky Tips. The second link brings you to The Quirky Dog apparel options, which orders close for on Halloween. What direction do they plan to head for the future of The Quirky Dog? Are there certain criteria that you should expect from each party in a relationship as it relates to...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Shelly Legault from Cappa’s Kennel. Shelly has been an employee there for almost a decade. It is the only local facility we recommend, and Shelly joins us today to discuss many of the policies that contribute to their overall success. What is the best way to introduce a new dog to your facility? How can people communicate with your facility or get updates about their dog(s) while away? Why would it be beneficial for a young dog to stay overnight...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss a fairly new and pretty hot topic, which is buying a puppy that is already “fully trained.” This trend has been increasing throughout the past decade, and many families are spending 10K plus on a 4–6-month-old puppy! What are the pros and cons of going this direction when adding a new dog? How much can one reasonably expect out of a 4–6-month-old puppy? Why might training not transfer as well in some of these programs? For more information about Scott...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Adrian and Laura Centeno from Los Angeles, CA. Scott credits much of his dog training knowledge to Adrian, and they worked together for a decade. The Quirky Dog welcomes Adrian and his beautiful wife Laura today to discuss various aspects of dog training. How did Adrian get started in dog training? Does owning a dog in Mexico look different today than owning a dog in the United States? What are some funny stories of when you were training dogs...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Nancy Dewar of Seacoast Bark. She is in charge of a New England publication that extends from the seacoast of Kittery, ME to Newburyport, MA and formerly ran a similar magazine throughout the entire state of Montana! What is the vision of Seacoast Bark? How does it work when companies that don’t sell pet products themselves advertise with the magazine? Why do advertisements that include dogs seem to more readily grasp a reader’s eye? To check out...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the importance of structured feeding. And in addition to adhering to a feeding schedule, exercise, diet, and lifestyle all can play an integral role in the health of of our dogs. What is a structured feeding schedule and why is it important? If my dog is overweight, what is the most effective method to help him/her lose weight? How can I personally tell if my dog is too heavy? For more information about Scott and Jess and their strategies, please check...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the use of dominance in dog training. Terms like leader, alpha, omega, and submission are often used when referring to this system. Tune in to see how The Quirky Dog views dominance training. Who are some popular “dominant” dog trainers? What are some drawbacks to dominance training? Are there certain breeds this philosophy works better for than others? For more information about Scott and Jess and their strategies, please check out:...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the new position statement for the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) on “humane dog training.” The organization specifically stated that it is taking a stand against aversives used in dog training this past week. Has your vet tried to preach a certain methodology onto you in the past? How much behavioral training do vets actually receive? Does it matter what my vet thinks? For the “Stay In Your Own Lane… and Wear Your Muzzle” blogpost,...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the reality of owning a dog that is bred for a specific task rather than just a dog that is bred to be a companion animal. Whether its a Malinois, Border Collie, or German Shorthaired Pointer that you’re interested in, we are going to dive deep into what your life with a breed like this may potentially look like. What are some questions I should ask a breeder if I want a purebred only as a pet? Why is it important to research breeds before choosing...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss running with dogs. Many of our clients have wanted to go for a run with their dog over the years, and we always give them the same advice that we share in today's podcast. What is the best age to begin running with my dog? How can I get my dog to run next to me rather than pull ahead of me? Should I consider different equipment when running with my dog? For more information about Scott and Jess and their strategies, please check out:...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Melain Rodriguez of ViaGen Pets. We discuss the controversial topic of cloning. ViaGen Pets is the same company that cloned Barbara Streisand’s dog in 2018 and is the leading company in cloning cats, dogs, and horses. How much does it cost to clone your dog? Will my dog look exactly the same in regards to markings? What is the process if I choose to save my dog’s tissue for cloning right after he or she has passed? To check out ViaGen Pet’s...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the details of muzzle training. It’s not that every dog in your home requires a muzzle, but why not condition every dog you own to a muzzle? The benefits of having a dog that accepts a muzzle are far reaching. What are the best muzzles to use? Why is it important to condition my dog to a muzzle? Does a dog wearing a muzzle always indicate that that specific dog is aggressive? For more information about Scott and Jess and their strategies, please check...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the intricacies of potty training. Whether you own a puppy or a rescue or a small dog, we guarantee we will share new ideas you haven’t tried before. While potty training certainly is tedious at every turn, it is so worth it in the end! How do Scott and Jess feel about pee pads? What is a reasonable time frame to expect a dog to be fully potty trained? If I have an adult dog with house training issues, is there any hope??? For more information about...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the importance of “sit.” While the sit command is typically something puppies learn early on in their lives, it is a behavior that often deteriorates over the years, especially in an anxious dog. How long can your dog hold a sit next to you on leash? Does your dog sit before mealtime? Why is such a basic behavior so hard to implement out in the real world? For more information about Scott and Jess and their strategies, please check out:...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the integrity of their podcast and why removing an episode was in The Quirky Dog’s best interest. The race to the 100th episode will never be more important than the message conveyed in each podcast. What are some warning signs when evaluating a rescue organization? Should I get a purebred puppy or a rescue as my next dog? Are certain trends becoming more common among rescues and if so, why? For more information about Scott and Jess and their...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Sarah Morse who is a nationally recognized groomer based on her merit. Sarah was even a finalist on Animal Planet’s “Groomer Has It,” and is grooming director and manager of WAG Grooming Salon and Spa right her in Salem, NH. What is the toughest part of the job for a groomer? How often should most dogs get groomed? Why are certain things considered red flags when looking for a groomer for your dog? Looking for a groomer? Live near northern MA or...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the importance of identifying a safe place to house your dogs while you are away. Whether you are considering a boarding and training program or a simple boarding facility, this episode is a must listen. Why are some red flags that can alert you to potential problems? What is your gut feeling about the facility with which you are inquiring? Is there a systemic problem in this industry with keeping dogs safe? For more information about Scott and Jess...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Jeremy Cohen from Boston Dog Lawyers. Jeremy is an attorney who specializes in representing animal cases all across the state of Massachusetts. He has helped bring justice to many desperate dog owners over the years. When a couple separates and they share a dog, what are the options of ownership after the split? What constitutes a veterinarian having partial liability in the death of an animal? How can owners of a dog that is sentenced to a...