The Family Pupz Podcast

Today's Topic: As positive reinforcement dog training continues to grow in popularity, so has the awareness around the different types of dog treats available to help you train your dog. But what are dog treats, exactly? What are the regulatory requirements, if any, around dog treats to ensure that you're giving your dog something nutritious, delicious and safe? And how has the increasingly fickle and discerning demands of today's dog parents affected the types of dog treats available today? That's why we invited the founders of Fig & Tyler, an NYC-based premium treat company that makes treats using 100% meat and fish sourced and processed in the USA, Karen Schwichtenberg and Ilya Seglin, to the podcast, to discuss what their initial vision was when creating their treat company, what they saw and valued in each other as partners, how they executed to take their idea and turn it into a company, what dog treats actually are, and so much more! Guest Bio: Karen Schwichtenberg and Ilya Seglin are co-founders of Fig & Tyler, a premium dog treat company based in New York City. Long-time friends, they often talked about how hard it was to find high-quality, healthy dog treats made from recognizable ingredients. So, five years ago they took the leap and started the brand and named it after their beloved dogs. Connect With Fig & Tyler: WebsiteFacebookInstagramOther Resources Mentioned In The Episode: Canine Nutrigenomics: The New Science of Feeding Your Dog For Optimum HealthOmega Paw Tricky Treat Ball, LargeBlog Post: Dogs Would Rather Work For Food

Today's Topic: Having an overexcited dog can present a variety of challenges for dog parents. The exuberance and high energy levels of such dogs can lead to difficulties in training and managing their behavior, which can make simple daily activities like walks or playtime more demanding as these dogs may require extra effort to channel their excess energy appropriately. So as a new dog parent to an overexcited dog, what options do you have in terms of training, management, and changing how you view your dog? That's why we invited the Director of the Behavior & Training Department At The Marin Humane Society, the founder of Canine Behavior Associates, and the author of the critically-acclaimed book, Parenting Your Dog, Trish King, to the podcast, to discuss how we unknowingly are overstimulating our dogs, how dogs can get addicted to excitement - even those rooted in fear, how leashes can add to overexcitement, what "instinctive drift" means, how oversocialization may be contributing to our dogs' overexcitement, and so much more! Guest Bio: Trish has been a professional in the animal world for over 30 years. As Director of the Behavior & Training Department at the Marin Humane Society, she built a department known throughout the United States for its quality. Trish established the Canine Behavior Academy at MHS for new or interested trainers. She currently teaches the Academy of Dog Behavior, and teaches workshops and seminars on behavior, canine management, temperament assessment, and handling difficult dogs, among other topics. In addition, she and her partner own Canine Behavior Associates, consulting with and helping dogs and their owners. Her extensive knowledge of animal behavior, as well as her sense of humor, have made her a popular speaker at a variety of conferences worldwide. Trish authored a critically acclaimed book for dog owners, Parenting Your Dog (TFH Publications). She has written numerous articles about dog and cat behavior for local and national newspapers and magazines. She also developed the “Canine Calming Cap", marketed by the Thundershirt Company, to help dogs that are overly anxious or excitable. Connect With Trish King: WebsiteOther Resources Mentioned In The Episode: Overexcited Dog? How to Calm A Dog DownA Dog's Day With Humans – Time Activity Budget Of Free-Ranging Dogs In India

Today's Topic: In the United States, the country in which modern commercial greyhound racing was invented, the sport is nearing its end. It’s been a long slide for greyhound racing, which reached its peak in the 1980s when there were more than 50 tracks across 19 states. There are now only 2 dog tracks remaining in one state (West Virginia). The industry’s near-total collapse is the culmination of decades of work to publicize allegations of greyhound mistreatment and to fight for its end in the legislature. And the organization that is widely credited for this change is GREY2K USA Worldwide. That's why we invited the founders of Grey2K USA Worldwide, the largest greyhound protection organization in the world, and the authors of the book, Brooklyn Goes Home: The Rise and Fall of American Greyhound Racing and the Dog that Inspired a Movement, Christine A. Dorchak & Carey M. Theil, to the podcast, to discuss the history of greyhound racing in the United States, how they came to make this cause their life's work, the dynamics of their partnership, their opinion on how change REALLY works in the United States, their advice for young people looking to make a difference in the world, and of course, the dog that inspired the movement, Brooklyn, and so much more! Guest Bio: Christine Dorchak and Carey Theil are the co-founders of GREY2K USA Worldwide. An attorney, Christine specializes in pari-mutuel law and has drafted laws to successfully prohibit dog racing in several states and countries. She has been featured in national publications including the Huffington Post, Forbes, and American Dog. A long-distance runner, she has competed in seven Boston Marathons. Carey has decades of legislative experience and has been quoted in hundreds of news articles about greyhound racing published across the globe. In his free time, Carey volunteers for various non-profit organizations and is a National Master in chess. Connect With Christine A. Dorchak & Carey M. Theil: WebsiteOther Resources Mentioned In The Podcast: Support The Greyhound Protection Act

Today's Topic: Did you know that 1 in 5 dogs experience joint pain and mobility issues? So what can we do when our dogs start exhibiting mobility issues due to injury, old age, obesity, disease, etc.? And what are the latest trends, technology and methods that are crucial to get our dogs "back in the game"? That's why we invited triple-board-certified veterinarian, certified canine rehabilitation therapist, and the founder of Canine Sports Medicine & Mobility, a one-of-a-kind mobile specialty clinic, Dr. Patrice (Patsy) Mich, to the podcast, to discuss how veterinarians collaborating with human physical therapists led to a greater understanding of how a dog's muscles, tissues, tendons, and ligaments work together in their body, how she doesn't recommending using an Easy Walk harness for long periods of time due to potential injury, how obesity specifically affects the mobility of a dog, the importance of diet, how to use a prosthetic correctly, and so much more! Guest Bio: Dr. Patrice (Patsy) Mich is a graduate of Colorado State University and has practiced in the Denver metro area since 1991. She is triple board certified by the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (Diplomate ACVSMR), the American College of Anesthesia and Analgesia (Diplomate ACVAA), and the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Diplomate ABVP canine/feline practice). Additionally, she is a certified canine rehabilitation therapist (CCRT) and teaches canine rehabilitation at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. Dr. Mich calls her work “mobility medicine.” Her job is to get dogs of all ages and abilities “back in the game.” Patients are referred for lameness, performance issues, limb deformities, chronic pain, and when surgery is not possible or is unsuccessful. She utilizes a thorough diagnostic evaluation to plan comprehensive treatment that may include medications, supplements, nutrition, physical rehabilitation, joint and tendon injections, and orthotic and prosthetic devices. See her services page for more information. Having practiced as a generalist for 14 years prior to specializing, she has an understanding of primary care and brings that to her collaborative relationship with referring veterinarians. Connect With Dr. Patrice Mich: WebsiteOther Resources Mentioned In The Podcast: Dr. Chris Zink: For Active Dogs!

Today's Topic: Golden Retrievers are incredibly popular as pets, known for their friendly demeanor and versatility. Their gentle nature makes them great family companions, and their intelligence shines in various roles, from therapy dogs to loyal household members. As such, what can we do, especially early on in their development, to ensure that they live long, happy and productive lives? That's why we invited attorney-turned-educator, the founder of Nicholberry Goldens, and the author of the book, Puppy Brain: How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love, Kerry Nichols, to the podcast, to discuss the topic of Goldens and cancer, the prevalence of antibiotics and the effects on a dog's microbiome, the effect she thinks spaying and neutering has on the long-term health of Goldens, whether neutering a Golden will result in a "calmer" Golden, the hallmarks of a "breed standard" Golden, the prevalence of hip dysplasia in Goldens, and so much more! Guest Bio: Kerry Nichols is a retired attorney who began breeding Golden Retrievers nearly fifteen years ago. In the beginning, she envisioned that Nicholberry Goldens would be devoted to developing physically healthy Goldens. But it quickly evolved into something much more important, as she began to see just how critical it was that those puppies possessed resiliency and agency. In sharing the methods she continues to use to develop emotionally healthy puppies—and her particular passion for raising therapy dogs—she has amassed a large social media following and is releasing her first book in May 2024. Connect With Kerry Nichols: WebsiteInstagramYouTubeOther Resources Mentioned In The Podcast: Possible Relationship between Long-Term Adverse Health Effects of Gonad-Removing Surgical Sterilization and Luteinizing Hormone in DogsGolden Retriever Study Suggests Neutering Affects Dog HealthPet Partners WebsiteAlliance Of Therapy Dogs WebsiteLove On A Leash Website

Today's Topic: It's disheartening to note that over 50% of pets in the U.S. are classified as overweight or obese. This excess weight contributes to a myriad of health issues, with obese dogs being predisposed to arthritis, diabetes, and reduced lifespan. The toll on their well-being is a reminder of the urgent need to address pet obesity through responsible feeding, regular exercise and other measures. That's why we invited the founder & past CEO of K9 Fit Club, the founder & host of the Pets Are Family Podcast, and the founder & president of Moose’s March, a nonprofit dedicated to the early detection of pet cancer, Tricia Montgomery, to the podcast, to discuss the story around the founding of K9 Fit Club, the connection between the health and wellness of the dog parent and their dog, Tricia's story of her own struggles with being overweight, the scope and scale of the animal obesity epidemic and what she believes are the drivers of this trend, the overall health of the ecosystem of organizations that support the welfare and wellness of dogs, and so much more! Guest Bio: Tricia Montgomery is a Senior Executive leader with 25+ years’ experience and proven track record of driving growth and revenue for the Animal Welfare, Veterinary, Health, Wellness, Fitness, Nutrition, and Pet + People industries across major local and national markets. Tricia excels in building relationships, spearheading revenue development and forging the key relationships necessary to build visibility, impact and financial resources to deliver organizational growth. Recognized for excellence in building and mentoring high-performing teams and innate ability to collaborate with stakeholders and staff at all levels of an organization to meet programmatic and philanthropic needs. Tricia is the Founder and past CEO of K9 Fit Club, the first health and wellness gyms for pets and people, and the Director of Public Relations & Marketing at Augie Bones – the first plant-based, sustainable line of dog toys and consults with the City of Neom, building a brighter future and better tomorrow for pets and people. Connect With Tricia Montgomery: Tricia’s Book w/Ernie Ward & David Levine: Better You, Better Dog, Better Life: 30 Days to Happiness with Your Best FriendTricia’s LinkedIn ProfileInstagramMoose’s March WebsiteThe Pets Are Family Podcast WebsiteK9 Fit Club WebsiteAugie Bones WebsiteOther Resources Mentioned In The Podcast: The Forever Dog: Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer

Today's Topic: In the pandemic's early days, we've all heard how adoptions soared as people sought companionship during lockdown, famously leaving many dog rescues without any dogs to adopt out. But what happened after the pandemic? Did this surge in adoptions lead to a surge in dog surrenders? If not, what is the current state of dog rescues today? That's why we invited the Director and Marketing Coordinator of Ho-Bo Care Boxer Rescue, Michelle Beston and Jihan Boughman, to the podcast, to discuss what the experience was like on the ground during that initial rush of eager adopters of "Pandemic Dogs/Puppies"; how the lockdown increased behavioral issues for dogs that were adopted during the pandemic; whether the surge in adoptions during the pandemic resulted in a surge of returns post pandemic; how dog rescues are experiencing a new "state of emergency" post pandemic; how compassion fatigue is affecting those working in rescue and those in the dog community; and so much more! Guest Bio: Michelle and Jihan are volunteers with Ho-Bo Care Boxer Rescue, one of Colorado’s oldest dog rescues. Started in 1972 with the rescue of one white boxer, Ho-Bo Care has grown into a successful foster based organization, saving the lives of over 300 boxers, boxer mixes, and other breeds annually. Ho-Bo Care is dedicated to force-free, fear-free training practices and with the help of local trainers, guides its fosters and adopters to find effective and science-based ways to communicate with their dogs. Michelle, the director of Ho-Bo Care has been volunteering since 2008. She got her first boxer, Foxy, in 2003 and quickly fell for the breed. Foxy not only started Michelle on her journey to dog rescue, but also inspired her interest in dog training. Foxy struggled with leash reactivity and after months of feeling frustrated as though they were working against each other, Michelle and Foxy started to find their groove. Michelle researched humane and science-based training methods and learned that communication was the key to their success. Michelle has fostered and adopted nearly one hundred boxers and other bully breeds over the years. Jihan, the marketing coordinator of Ho-Bo Care started volunteering in 2014. She jumped feet first into fostering, being paired with her first foster, Duncan. Duncan, a senior boxer that suffered from degenerative myelopathy, was behaviorally complex and took Jihan on a crash course through the dog training world. Since then, Jihan has become an advocate for adoption and force-free training, often using the rescues social media platforms to spread information about humane training methods. Ho-Bo Care is an all-volunteer rescue and has saved over 6,600 dogs to date! Connect With Ho-Bo Care Boxer Rescue: WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterEmailCall/Text

Today's Topic: Join us in this episode as we tackle the common struggles of potty training for dog/puppy parents. Tune in for practical insights on how to keep a potty schedule and a step-by-step guide to start the potty training journey confidently. In addition, discover effective mindset changes to help you stay measured during the process, and how to steer clear of unhelpful narratives about your puppy that only makes the process more difficult. Whether you're a new pup parent or seeking to refine your skills, leash up your curiosity and get ready for a paw-sitive transformation with your furry companion! 🐶🎉 Mentioned Links: Potty Training LogNature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover

Today's Topic: Despite having access to all the information we could ever want on how to train your puppy via the internet, just like anything else these days, there is a lot of outdated, old-fashioned, and just plain wrong information out there on how to train your puppy effectively. This, of course, doesn't mean that those disseminating this information are doing so deliberatively or maliciously, as we are all products of the environments we grew up in, and if we really thought about it, we might discover that we hold a set of beliefs and facts about a variety of different things that are wildly inaccurate and/or outdated. That's why we invited Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer (SAPT), and the founder of Paws For Thought Dog Training, Maddie Messina, to the podcast, to discuss her professional journey, the Instagram Reel on Puppy Training Myths that led to us discovering her, the disconnect between the vet world and the animal behavior world, how both Tanya and Maddie emotionally and functionally handle the deluge of puppy training myths out there, and of course, a few popular puppy training myths, including whether to shove a puppy's snout into their poo or pee to potty train them, whether our pupz pee and poo out of spite, whether early socialization is ok, and whether letting your puppy greet other dogs on leash counts as good socialization, and so much more! Guest Bio: Maddie Messina earned a BS in Animal Behavior from Bucknell University and a Master's in Animal Behavior and Conservation from Hunter College. She is a certified separation anxiety trainer and dog trainer. She credits her animal behavior studies for helping her to broaden her understanding of why our dogs perform behaviors and how to more successfully approach behavior change with that perspective in mind. Maddie is an animal behavior expert with 7+ years of formal training in canine body language and behavior in the private dog training and shelter world. She specializes in difficult-to-resolve behavioral issues for city-dwelling dogs and preventative training for puppies and adolescents. When working with clients, she places a strong priority on building guardian knowledge and grasp of complex training concepts. Connect With Maddie Messina: WebsiteInstagramEmailTextMentioned Links: Potty Training LogiOSAndroid

Today's Topic: For many of us, we're keenly aware of how the parenting style of our own parents (whether it was an authoritarian, authoritative, permissive or uninvolved style) influenced -- and continues to influence -- how we behave and view the world as an adult. As such, we've ALWAYS wondered how our individual pet parenting style (whether we're aware of it or not) toward our dogs influences their behavior and how they view the world. In Part I of our discussion on pet parenting styles, we dove into this subject headfirst with pediatric psychologist, parent coach, and the owner of A New Day Pediatric Psychology, PLLC., Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, to see if there are any insights we could glean from her understanding of the different types of child parenting styles, and their effects, but also where they came from. What we came away with from that episode was a sense that many of us view our children very similarly to how we view our dogs, and how the modern parenting literature is eerily mirrors that of modern positive dog training literature. In this episode, we got the opportunity to continue this conversation on pet parenting styles with one of the authors of the research paper, Does Pet Parenting Style Predict the Social and Problem-Solving Behavior of Pet Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)?, Dr. Monique Udell, to see what the data says when she investigated the effects of different pet parenting styles on a dog's social and problem-solving behavior using three behavioral tests: The Secure Base Test, a Sociability Test and the Solvable Task. Guest Bio: Dr. Monique Udell is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and an Associate Professor of Animal Sciences at Oregon State University, where she directs the Human-Animal Interaction Lab. Much of her work focuses on the development of human-animal bonds and the impact that these bonds can have on the behavior and success of both species. She also studies the social behavior and cognition of a variety of species including cats, dogs, wolves and sheep, with a special interest in the influence of domestication and lifetime experience on behavioral development, welfare and learning. In addition, Dr. Udell is the Co-director of an animal assisted intervention program dedicated to improving the quality of life of children with and without developmental disabilities and their family dogs and cats. Connect With Dr. Monique Udell: WebsiteEmailDoes Pet Parenting Style predict the social and problem-solving behavior of pet dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)?

Today's Topic: Ask any positive dog trainer that has any experience working with leash-reactive dogs, and the one thing that many of them will have in common is their LACK of videos of dogs that they've trained exhibiting leash-reactive behaviors. And the reason for this is simple: when a positive trainer sees a dog exhibiting leash-reactive behaviors, they see a dog in distress, and the LAST thing they want to do is pull out a camera to capture video footage of this moment, just like a therapist would never pull out a camera to record their patient who is going through an emotionally difficult, or psychologically stressful, moment. Rather, their instinct is to drop everything, immediately jump into action, and help in whatever way they can. But that poses a problem, of sorts. While a prospective client of a therapist would never ask for a "Before & After" video of a client that underwent a transformational change in their mental health, as a way to find the best therapist for themselves, prospective clients of dog trainers increasingly demand it. It's not hard to see why. As a society, we love to see transformation stories, whether it's stories about weight loss, entrepreneurial success, etc., largely because we want to see that transformation is possible. That's why we invited the founder of Dogs Made Simple, a content platform dedicated to sharing creative enrichment recipes and DIY dog stimulation games, and the dog mom of Diesel, a leash-reactive Golden Retriever, Jessica Sims, to the podcast, to discuss the transformation journey she will embark on to train her leash-reactive dog using our, "Help, My Dog Is Reactive On Leash!" course. In part II of our discussion, we recap who Jessica and Diesel are, what this project is about, and why, what Jessica has learned about Diesel during this process, how much Diesel has improved in his leash reactivity, and what she plans on doing between now and our final episode on their training journey! Guest Bio: About two years ago, Jessica knew she was ready to get a puppy. She didn’t have much planned in terms of training besides perhaps a puppy group training class, mostly since every Golden Retriever she had growing up never needed any training. However, from the moment Jessica brought him home, she noticed signs of food aggression and resource guarding. He was also skittish and very nervous around groups of people. His behavior started to get worse. Jessica paid thousands of dollars in dog training, met with numerous trainers, and nothing seemed to be helping. She felt hopeless - until she decided to take matters into my own hands. Jessica immersed herself into the world of dog training. In May 2021, she decided to start sharing her journey with the public by creating her page: Dogs Made Simple. Jessica's goal with this page was to share relatable content. She wanted to give hope to dog owners like herself who were struggling. She tries to be as transparent as possible by sharing honest content - the good and the bad. As her page grew in popularity very fast, she realized that there was one piece of content specifically that people loved, and that was mental stimulation games for their dogs. Since then, she shares a ton of creative enrichment recipes and DIY dog stimulation games. Stay tuned! By April 2023, Dogs Made Simple is launching its first ever product line with never-seen-before enrichment toys, bound to disrupt the dog industry. Connect With Jessica Sims: InstagramTikTok

Today's Topic: There is no breed of dog (or, more precisely, a grouping of mixed-breed dogs) that has captured the hearts and minds of many, more fully, in recent years (for good and for bad), than doodle dogs. And it's not hard to understand why. The combination of their (purported) hypoallergenic and shed-free coat, their uber-cuteness, and their sociable and high-energy nature (which can be a plus or a minus, depending on who you ask) make them an attractive option for many. But what else should you know before you make the (expensive) plunge to get a doodle of your very own, or to help you manage the doodle that you've already brought into your life? That's why we invited the owner and head trainer of The Doodle Pro™, a dog training company dedicated to helping doodles live happier and safer lives, and the host of the top-ranking and award-nominated, The Doodle Pro™ Podcast, Corinne Gearhart, to the podcast, to discuss how she became an owner of a dog walking and a dog training company as someone who's allergic to dogs herself, whether all doodles are truly hypoallergenic and shed-free, how raising a doodle can be difficult for even the most seasoned and knowledgable of dog parents, how her training approach to doodles differs to that of other trainers, her advise on what to look out for when looking for a reputable breeder, what not to do when trying to deal with a hyperactive doodle, and so much more! Guest Bio: Corinne Gearhart is the host of the highly-rated and popular, The Doodle Pro™ Podcast, that has most recently ranked #1 on Australia and New Zealand's charts and #3 on the genre's US, Canada, and UK's Apple charts. As the owner and head trainer of "The Doodle Pro™", she has more direct professional experience with Doodle mixed dogs and a variety of Doodle mixes than any other trainer. She has grown to be the international expert on Doodles, and uses her expertise to support Doodle Parents via her online training courses and membership. Her Fear-Free and positive-reinforcement education on dog training shines through in her approach to doodle parents as well -- treating all pet parents with the same respect and compassion she shows their dogs. She is driven to "Bridge the Doodle Divide™" that exists in the Pet Care Industry. Connect With Corinne Gearhart: WebsiteTikTokYouTubeInstagramFacebookMiscellaneous Links: Goldendoodle Association Of North AmericaThe Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA)Denver DoodlesThe Genius Dog Challenge

Today's Topic: Ask any positive dog trainer that has any experience working with leash-reactive dogs, and the one thing that many of them will have in common is their LACK of videos of dogs that they've trained exhibiting leash-reactive behaviors. And the reason for this is simple: when a positive trainer sees a dog exhibiting leash-reactive behaviors, they see a dog in distress, and the LAST thing they want to do is pull out a camera to capture video footage of this moment, just like a therapist would never pull out a camera to record their patient who is going through an emotionally difficult, or psychologically stressful, moment. Rather, their instinct is to drop everything, immediately jump into action, and help in whatever way they can. But that poses a problem, of sorts. While a prospective client of a therapist would never ask for a "Before & After" video of a client that underwent a transformational change in their mental health, as a way to find the best therapist for themselves, prospective clients of dog trainers increasingly demand it. It's not hard to see why. As a society, we love to see transformation stories, whether it's stories about weight loss, entrepreneurial success, etc., largely because we want to see that transformation is possible. That's why we invited the founder of Dogs Made Simple, a content platform dedicated to sharing creative enrichment recipes and DIY dog stimulation games, and the dog mom of Diesel, a leash-reactive Golden Retriever, Jessica Sims, to the podcast, to discuss the transformation journey she will embark on to train her leash-reactive dog using our, "Help, My Dog Is Reactive On Leash!" course. We discuss her history growing up with Goldens, how and when she adopted Diesel, her training journey thus far, and why, despite all of the knowledge she's gained via self study about dog training, leash reactivity is still something she struggles with. Guest Bio: About two years ago, Jessica knew she was ready to get a puppy. She didn’t have much planned in terms of training besides perhaps a puppy group training class, mostly since every Golden Retriever she had growing up never needed any training. However, from the moment Jessica brought him home, she noticed signs of food aggression and resource guarding. He was also skittish and very nervous around groups of people. His behavior started to get worse. Jessica paid thousands of dollars in dog training, met with numerous trainers, and nothing seemed to be helping. She felt hopeless - until she decided to take matters into my own hands. Jessica immersed herself into the world of dog training. In May 2021, she decided to start sharing her journey with the public by creating her page: Dogs Made Simple. Jessica's goal with this page was to share relatable content. She wanted to give hope to dog owners like herself who were struggling. She tries to be as transparent as possible by sharing honest content - the good and the bad. As her page grew in popularity very fast, she realized that there was one piece of content specifically that people loved, and that was mental stimulation games for their dogs. Since then, she shares a ton of creative enrichment recipes and DIY dog stimulation games. Stay tuned! By April 2023, Dogs Made Simple is launching its first ever product line with never-seen-before enrichment toys, bound to disrupt the dog industry. Connect With Jessica Sims: InstagramTikTok

Today's Topic: Buying a home today, especially if it's your first home, can be a dizzying emotional roller coaster ride characterized by stress, frustration, elation, anxiety, and, let's be real...REJECTION. And in the midst of this (at times) chaotic experience, you have to make sure to do all the research necessary to ensure that the home and the surrounding neighborhood meet the needs of every member of your family. In prior generations, this research might have been isolated to looking into school districts, the walkability of the neighborhood, the placement of the bedrooms, and an open floor plan, to name a few, but now with more than 7 in 10 millennials now owing a pet (with more than half owning a dog), often at the expense of (or putting off) starting a family, and an increasing number of them regarding their pets as members of the family, is it any surprise that millennials are putting their pets first when buying a home, and looking for advice on what to consider when buying a home as a dog parent? That's why we invited licensed realtor with HomeSmart International, L.L.C., and the founder of "Kelsea With A Frenchie", a content platform designed to help the modern millennial buy their first home, Kelsea Imanuel, to the pod, to discuss her professional journey thus far, what the "Modern Millennial" is in her opinion, why she thinks she been so successful reaching and speaking to the "Modern Millennial", what the major questions, concerns or non-negotiables dog parents have today during their home search, what the "flat dog test" is, the major regrets dog parents had in regards to their dog after the purchase of their home, her favorite dog amenities she's seen in people's homes, the major laws, regulations and restrictions to look out for that can affect you and your dog's life, and so much more! Guest Bio: Kelsea Imanuel, also known as "Kelsea with a Frenchie", is a Colorado native, born and raised in the small mountain town of Nederland. Staying close to her mountain roots, Kelsea is passionate about helping others enjoy the same lifestyle. She joined the real estate business shortly after getting her Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude, from Johnson & Wales University in Denver. Having worked in numerous real estate brokerages, she obtained her real estate license and is helping others find their perfect place! As part of her commitment to her clients and the real estate business, she stays current in real estate matters through continuing education and career training. In addition, Kelsea wants to share her love for Colorado by helping her clients find their dream properties. In her free time, you can find Kelsea spending time with her family and her French bulldogs, Nellie & Dottie, outside running, hiking, skiing, doing yoga, and adventuring in the mountains she loves so much!” Connect With Kelsea Imanuel: WebsiteInstagram

Today's Topic: In the first part of our 2-part series on Leash Reactivity, we discussed a whole host of topics with certified professional dog trainer, the founder of Perfect Pals Dog Training, and the co-creator of the most comprehensive digital dog training course on the subject, "Help! My Dog Is Reactive On Leash!", Erin Gianella, including how common leash reactivity is, how it's different than general reactivity, what a dog wants when they are reacting, distance-increasing behaviors vs. distance-decreasing behaviors, being proactive vs. reactive, and perhaps most importantly, some management strategies people can use to prevent their dog's practicing of unwanted reactive behaviors, such as whining, growling, barking, lunging, etc. In today's episode, we go a bit deeper and discuss alternative behaviors you can teach your dog, how training can differ if you've discovered that your dog is wanting to increase distance from vs. decrease distance to the trigger, what counterconditioning and desensitization are, whether a dog can be "cured" of leash reactivity, and much much more! Guest Bio: Erin Gianella's journey to become a dog trainer began in 2014 when she noticed her own dog, Gus, having separation anxiety issues. She became more and more curious and passionate that she decided to leave the corporate world and learn as much as she could about being a dog trainer. Erin studied at the Karen Pryor Academy and became a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. Erin started Perfect Pals Dog Training in 2021 based in Denver, CO. She offers private training using positive reinforcement, science based methods. Along with training, Erin also incorporates enrichment and management into the training plan to ensure all needs are being met. She is passionate about helping people build a bond with their dog and having them become a part of the family. Connect With Erin Gianella: WebsiteInstagram"Help! My Dog Is Reactive On Leash!" Course (Use promo code "PODCAST10" for 10% off!

Today's Topic: Living with and taking care of a reactive dog can be difficult enough when they're inside the home, or out and about in the world, with you, but what if your dog is reactive INSIDE THE CAR? This type of reactivity can create unique, unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations for even the most empathetic and diligent of dog parents. That's why we invited certified professional dog trainer, the owner and head trainer at Sit Pretty Behavior & Training, and the creator of Chaos In The Car, a webinar designed for pet parents whose dog is growling, barking, lunging, or otherwise behaving chaotically when in the vehicle, Vanessa Charbonneau, to the pod, to discuss what car reactivity is, and how it is different from generalized fear/anxiety around the car experience, why she thinks "reactivity" is a misnomer, the unique challenges of dealing with car reactivity compared to other forms of reactivity, management strategies to help deal with car reactivity, her typical force-free training plan for car reactivity, and so much more! Guest Bio: Vanessa Charbonneau is a registered veterinary technologist and multi-certified dog trainer, who specializes in working with dogs with fear, reactivity and aggression. She works tirelessly to educate dog owners on the power of positive reinforcement training, while using humane, science-based training methods. She is one of the first trainers in Northern British Columbia to become accredited by the BC SPCA’s AnimalKind program with her business Sit Pretty Behavior & Training. Vanessa lives in Prince George, BC, with her husband, two daughters, and cattle dog mix. Connect With Vanessa Charbonneau: WebsiteInstagramChaos In The Car Webinar

Today's Topic: When your dog REALLY wants something from you, whether that thing is your attention, your food, your affection, or an adventure outside, your dog may use the one thing that comes naturally to him/her to get it: BARKING. But for some dogs, they may learn (over time, and due to some of our inadvertent reinforcing behaviors), that this is a pretty reliable method to get what they want, when they want, resulting in a pathological behavior known as demand barking. And while some may be able to live with it, others absolutely cannot, especially if their dog has a loud and high-pitched bark that can be SUPER ANNOYING to those in the household, and potentially those that live nearby. So, how do you train your dog to stop (or reduce) this behavior, without resorting to methods used to startle, intimidate, hurt or instill fear in our dogs? That's why we invited certified professional dog trainer and the founder of Positive Partners Dog Training, LLC, Brianne Harris (CPDT-KA®), to the pod, to discuss how to use positive reinforcement techniques to reduce this behavior, why ignoring the demand barking just doesn't work, why teaching the "quiet" or "speak" cues is not a practical solution for even the most committed of dog parents, what "extinction bursts" are, why we should be slot machines instead of a vending machine to our dogs, and so much more! Guest Bio: Brianne Harris (CPDT-KA®) is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers. She is also an evaluator for the AKC's Canine Good Citizen programs and for the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Brianne specializes in helping busy people fit dog training into their daily lives without it feeling like a burden! Her passion is working with dogs with BIG feelings - her favorites are reactive dogs, fearful dogs, and teenage dogs! Brianne and Positive Partners Dog Training, LLC are based in Banner Elk, NC. Her team serves the High Country of North Carolina with private and group lessons for dogs of all ages and types! Connect With Brianne Harris: WebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitterTik Tok

Today's Topic: When your dog starts to exhibit resource guarding tendencies, it can start to feel like you're dealing with a completely different dog. And what can make the situation worse, is a lot of the advice out there telling dog parents to exert their dominance over the dog to make them bend to their will, which can often make the situation worse. That's why we invited certified professional dog trainer and the founder of Big Momma's Dog Training, Nicole Costanza, to the pod, to discuss if a dog is born with resource guarding tendencies compared to a dog developing them due to the environment they found themselves in, why some dogs develop resource guarding tendencies later in life, effective training tips on how to deal with resource guarding, whether that resource is a bone, a food bowl or even a human, the most common and misguided myths on how to deal with resource guarding, and so much more! Guest Bio: Nicole Costanza has been professionally dog training for nearly 9 1/2 years and has multiple certifications, including being an AKC CGC Evaluator and Certified Trick Dog Instructor. She has taught myriads of group classes and private lessons throughout the years. She is one of the few dogs trainers in Monmouth County, New Jersey who assists with dogs and their owners who experience reactivity issues. Nicole also works with service dogs and their handlers to better understand the laws regarding SDs and task training. She is also a therapy dog handler. Nicole and her Bernese Mountain Dog, Baymax, love bringing smiles to everyone's faces. Nicole was born in Tennessee and raised on the Pasta Bar Ranch in Cohutta, Georgia, where her love of dogs began. Her parents volunteered the ranch as a way station for dogs destined for various no-kill shelters in the Tennessee valley when space was in short supply. They housed as many as fourteen dogs at a time. Her best friends had four legs, wagging tails, and tons of love to give. Her business, Big Momma's Dog Training, which was founded in January of 2019, has been featured on the AKC's website (information about resource guarding), on Chewy.com's blog (Chihuahuas), News 12 New Jersey (Dogs and their anxiety related to fireworks), and in the Monmouth Health and Life Magazine (her dog and business were mentioned). Connect With Nicole Costanza: WebsiteFacebookInstagramEmailText

Today's Topic: When you're dealing with a fearful or anxious dog, it can sometimes feel like you've hit a wall, and the traditional tools that you're using are only getting you so far, resulting in a relationship with your dog that can feel belabored, frustrating, or just plain, UN-FUN. That's why we invited the founder and creator of "The Play Way", a new therapeutic approach for resolving behavior issues through social interaction and dog empowerment, Dr. Amy Cook, to the pod, to discuss how playing with your dog can help you better assess whether your dog is at or near their threshold, where she sees the "The Play Way" living among the more traditional tools available to treat fearful and anxious dogs, how to start playing with your dog in an appropriate and safe way, the pitfalls of "monologuing", how this methodology fits into what she calls "positive dog training 2.0", and so much more! Guest Bio: Dr. Amy Cook is an Applied Animal Behaviorist, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the IAABC, a longstanding professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), and was one of the first trainers nationally to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through independent evaluation. Dr. Cook received her Ph.D. in Psychology from UC Berkeley, with her research focusing on the dog-human relationship and the impact that social support can have on stress. Dr. Cook is the founder and creator of the Play Way, a therapeutic approach for resolving behavior issues in dogs through social interaction and dog empowerment, and she is a popular instructor for the online school The Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, where she also teaches a course in active management games for dogs, and in a play-based approach to resolving sound sensitivity. She has been training dogs for over 30 years, and has specialized in the rehabilitation of shy and fearful dogs for over 20 years. Amy has worked for the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society, the San Francisco Animal Care and Control, has provided behavioral evaluations for shelters and rescues throughout the Bay Area of California, and was a member of the anti-cruelty team for the ASPCA, working in triage sheltering and rehabilitation for large rescue cases. Amy gives seminars all over the country and is a frequent conference presenter. She also competes in sports with her dogs, and has titled in Competition Obedience, Rally, Agility, Barn Hunt, and Nosework. Connect With Dr. Amy Cook: WebsiteInstagramOnline Courses w/ Dr. Amy Cook

Today's Topic: Leash reactivity is one of the top dog behavioral issues that clients come to us for, and for good reason: here, in Denver, we're (almost) ALWAYS outside...and with our dogs. So, for anyone who expects their outings with their dog to be fun, pleasant and peaceful experiences, they may quickly find themselves seeking behavioral solutions for their dog's reactive behaviors, as a dog that exhibits leash reactive behaviors can make those outings a tad less fun, a bit less pleasant, and a lot less peaceful. That's why we've we've invited our first return guest, certified professional dog trainer, the founder of Perfect Pals Dog Training, and the co-creator of the most comprehensive digital dog training course on the subject, "Help! My Dog Is Reactive On Leash!", Erin Gianella, KPA CTP, to the pod, to discuss what leash reactivity is, the dangers of labeling your dog as reactive, practical management strategies you can use with your reactive dog today, and much much more! Guest Bio: Erin Gianella's journey to become a dog trainer began in 2014 when she noticed her own dog, Gus, having separation anxiety issues. She became more and more curious and passionate that she decided to leave the corporate world and learn as much as she could about being a dog trainer. Erin studied at the Karen Pryor Academy and became a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. Erin started Perfect Pals Dog Training in 2021 based in Denver, CO. She offers private training using positive reinforcement, science based methods. Along with training, Erin also incorporates enrichment and management into the training plan to ensure all needs are being met. She is passionate about helping people build a bond with their dog and having them become a part of the family. Connect With Erin Gianella: WebsiteInstagram"Help! My Dog Is Reactive On Leash!" Course