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Good Dogs! ™

Science Podcasts

This show explores all aspects of communication between people and dogs — whether they are K-9 partners in military work, purpose-bred and trained service dogs, competitors in dog sports, or pets — from a newly-adopted senior dog to a young puppy. The show’s philosophy is that dog training is people training: people need to understand dogs from the canine perspective so they can live and work together harmoniously. Tracie has numerous guests and co-hosts, including Carol Borden, the Founder/Director of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, which are purpose-bred and trained working dogs. Many GOOD DOGS! shows originally featured three veteran trainers — Gayle Watkins, Lise Pratt and Marcy Burke — who bred agility performance Golden Retrievers. Theme song “My One Best Friend” by Jasmine Tea.

Location:

United States

Description:

This show explores all aspects of communication between people and dogs — whether they are K-9 partners in military work, purpose-bred and trained service dogs, competitors in dog sports, or pets — from a newly-adopted senior dog to a young puppy. The show’s philosophy is that dog training is people training: people need to understand dogs from the canine perspective so they can live and work together harmoniously. Tracie has numerous guests and co-hosts, including Carol Borden, the Founder/Director of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, which are purpose-bred and trained working dogs. Many GOOD DOGS! shows originally featured three veteran trainers — Gayle Watkins, Lise Pratt and Marcy Burke — who bred agility performance Golden Retrievers. Theme song “My One Best Friend” by Jasmine Tea.

Language:

English


Episodes
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What "Alpha Dog" Really Means

5/20/2024
#6073-REV: Trainer Marcy Burke says people don’t really understand what an “alpha dog” really means since an ”alpha dog” is never aggressive — because they don’t need to be! Marcie discusses what makes an “alpha dog” tick.

Duration:00:20:12

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Car Manners for Dogs

5/13/2024
#6070-REV: Gayle Watkins talks about car manners. How to teach a dog to be calm in a vehicle and how you want him to behave begins with someone else driving while you have a collar, leash and treats. She emphasizes the importance of a crash-tested harness.

Duration:00:22:24

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Let Your Dog's Personality Flourish

5/6/2024
#6068-REV: Trainer and Golden breeder Lise Pratt speaks about letting your dog’s individual personality quirks flourish. What less-than-perfect behavior can you allow? How to manage behavior that could make other people uncomfortable? Dogs only understand black and white --- not gray --- so you have to be consistent in what, when and where you allow behaviors.

Duration:00:19:03

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The Challenge of Training Small Dogs

4/29/2024
#6060-REV: Trainer and Golden Retriever breeder Marcy Burke says to make training the “wee ones” a game! It needs to be fun for both of you --- and should include a mountain of very small delicious treats to reinforce commands --- especially the basic “Come!” command.

Duration:00:22:18

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Importance of a Good First Meeting Between Dogs

4/22/2024
#6072-REV: Dogs will not forget a bad first meeting with another dog — so we have to make sure it never happens! Gayle Watkins talks about the importance of introductions between dogs — and how we can cause dog aggression between dogs because we are nervous and communicating tension down the leash with how we set up the meeting. Best advice for a successful first meeting is to have both dogs on leash and go for a walk. Keep moving, keep the dogs on the outside and the people next to each other. The dogs should not touch, but walk side by side at a distance from each other and very quickly they will have their noses down and will ignore each other.

Duration:00:28:51

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Dog parks: Wonderful or Terrible?

4/15/2024
#6026-REV: What’s the truth about dog parks? Are they fun or dangerous? Maybe a little of both! Gayle Watkins warns about the serious dangers in a dog park, offers potentially life-saving advice and cautions to never take a puppy before 9 months of age because puppies are not socially wise until then.

Duration:00:31:36

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Understanding Dog Friendships

4/8/2024
#6077-REV: Dog friendships are misunderstood by people. Gayle Watkins discusses whether dogs have individuals they really like — or can't stand? Can a dog have a favorite friend, a “bestie?” What makes dogs good friends? How to judge compatibility. Play styles. Does breed matter in choosing a playmate?

Duration:00:21:25

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What To Do About Extreme Separation Anxiety

4/1/2024
#6044-REV: Does your dog have separation anxiety issues?! What if you had three dogs going berserk when you left the house — even if only to take out the garbage?! Jessica has three rescued dogs with this issue: Felix (German Short-Haired Pointer), Bailey (American Eskimo dog) and little Charlie (Yorkshire Terrier). Marcy suggests that to turn down the emotional volume Jessica first should visit a board certified veterinary behaviorist to discuss what medications she might use short-term, so that she can begin to change the scenario about her departures.

Duration:00:40:47

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Preventing Aggression Between Dogs

3/26/2024
#6065 REV: Golden Retriever breeder and trainer Dr. Gayle Watkins explains a dog’s “prey drive” — especially when re-directed at other dogs. The dog’s brain focuses only on the prey. They cannot see or hear you trying to stop them when their brain is filled with "feel good" neuro-chemicals. Preventing aggression towards other dogs means “interrupting the hunt” right before it starts, right at the trigger point, to get the dog’s attention back on you.

Duration:00:24:18

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The Professional Puppy Evaluator

4/17/2023
Mallory Galatzer-Levy (The Right Paw in Auburn, MA) discusses evaluating puppy personalities in Shikari Vizsla litters to determine best fit for potential owners

Duration:00:17:53

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Be Careful When You Call a Dog “Aggressive”

2/27/2023
Housecall veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sarah Cutler on handling "aggression issues" with dogs, avoid demonizing dogs, who are usually reacting from fear

Duration:00:17:32

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How to Stop a Barking Dog

2/13/2023
Carol Borden offers tips on how to stop a dog's frequent barking by changing dog's focus, offering treats, practicing frequently in low key situations

Duration:00:13:07

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The Perfect Dog Harness — Made in Italy!

1/30/2023
Stephanie Rousseau on shortcomings of flat collars with a leash, slip collars, prong collars and "anti-pull" harnesses, and why she prefers ergonomically perfect Haqihana harness

Duration:00:16:50

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Notice the “Question Mark” Above Your Dog’s Head

1/16/2023
Carol Borden on what can lead to a service dog "washing out" of her training program, and treating reactive issues to feared objects with "bridging" technique

Duration:00:09:11

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Get That Puppy INTO Bed With You!

1/2/2023
Stephanie Rousseau ("How to Raise a Puppy: Dog-Centric Approach") on inviting new puppy into your bed, how co-sleeping is normal and healthy for all mammals, how dogs are "social sleepers"

Duration:00:14:22

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Don’t Judge a Dog by the Cover

12/14/2022
Ethologist Kim Brophey confirms certain dog breeds are genetically inclined toward certain behaviors

Duration:00:17:57

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Don’t Give Puppies as a Christmas Gift!

11/28/2022
Carol Borden explains why the winter holidays are the worst time to bring a puppy into a household, too much social activity when a puppy needs predictable routine, close attention

Duration:00:13:38

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Children Are Little Aliens!

11/14/2022
Carol Borden and Tracie discuss how children can be threatening or distressing for a dog, and how to eliminate risk of dog bites

Duration:00:18:29

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Practice Counting Your Dog’s Toes

10/31/2022
Carol Borden on acclimating your dog to the vet clinic by getting dog used to being handled, give treats, have positive attitude, and advocate for your dog with staff

Duration:00:17:33

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Is Your Dog a Scaredy Cat?

10/10/2022
Carol Borden on how to handle a dog who is fearful, mitigate his discomfort with whatever frightens him, patiently introducing one piece at a time

Duration:00:16:15