Dog Talk With Dr. Jen

The conclusion of Dr. Jen's two-part series on barking - this time, the discussion is focused on leash reactivity outside the home. Why do some dogs go crazy at the sight of another dog or a strange person, and what can you do to help them learn better behavior in public?

Join Dr. Jen for the first of a two-part series about excessive barking! Does your dog spend his afternoons looking out the window for things to bark at, or go crazy when he hears a noise outside? Today's episode breaks down the issue of "alert barking" in the house - why dogs do this, and what we can do to calm the chaos when the barking is too much to handle. Also, a bonus listener question about dogs who hump other dogs during play. Why does this happen, and what should we do about it?

Are you confused about the best time to spay or neuter your dog, or have questions about whether this procedure is really necessary in the first place? If so, you're not alone! Spay/neuter recommendations used to be very simple - have it done, as early as possible. But in recent years, new research on how sex hormones influence growth, behavior, and certain types of medical issues have made this a much more complex topic than we previously believed. Join Dr. Jen for an overview of the...

Does your dog come when you call him, every time, no matter where he is or what he's doing? This is one of the most important skills you'll ever teach your dog, so it pays to do it right! In this episode, learn how to build a reliable recall from the ground up - whether you have a new puppy, or an adult dog with a history of ignoring you. Dr. Jen will also discuss the most common mistakes she sees with recall training, with tips on how to avoid them.

Does your dog hate car rides? In today's episode, Dr. Jen breaks down how differentiate motion sickness from anxiety, and discusses how to help your dog get more comfortable in the car no matter what the underlying problem is. She also tackles a quick bonus question from a listener - why do some dogs eat grass, and is this behavior anything to worry about?

Do you have a new puppy who can't seem to figure out where to potty? Today's episode will cover the "ins and outs" of housetraining - including how puppies form their potty surface preferences, setting an age-appropriate schedule for trips outside, and dealing with accidents when they happen.

"Socialization" is a popular buzzword when it comes to puppies, but do you really know what it means? This question isn't just academic - socializing your pup properly (or not!) can have a huge impact on his personality and behavior for the rest of his life. So when should you start getting your new puppy out and about? Should he have his vaccines first? Where are some good places to go, and what should you be doing while you're there? Join Dr. Jen for practical tips to set your pup up for...

If you ever find yourself feeling frustrated about your dog's behavior, welcome! Never fear - you're in good company. In this episode, Dr. Jen talks a bit about her background and lays out what to expect from the podcast - practical, science-based advice on everything from puppy problems and common training issues, to more serious behavior problems like aggression and anxiety. Listener questions, or suggestions for topics you'd like to see addressed on the show, are always welcome! Submit...