In this episode (022), I share my knowledge as a canine physical therapist on the topic of playing fetch with our dogs safely.  From an exercise physiology standpoint, I talk about the biomechanics involved in the activity of fetching and how to start and build up safely in a manner that will minimize risks of injury.  I address how to implement this for old or deconditioned dogs as well as dogs who have much more conditioning, muscle, and endurance.  While it’s centered around the game of “fetching,” the scoop in this episode really applies to all activities and I think it is very important for dog parents out there to know!  So listen in and enjoy! 

In this episode (021), I talk with Michelle Stern, who is a dog trainer with a background of being both an educator and a mom.  She blends her interests in an incredible way - to teach parents how to create safety and get rid of the chaos that naturally exists when raising both dogs and young children.  We talk about strategies and putting systems in place to ensure that both the dogs and the children are safe and happy. There are so many valuable tips and suggestions offered in this episode.  You just need to listen to it! Also, Michelle offers an online class in which she teaches and supports parents who are raising both dogs and young children. As I state at the end of the podcast, I believe that her class is a MUST for all parents who have dogs and young children co-existing.  What she teaches would have saved the life of my uncle’s daughter. I can’t stress enough just how valuable and important Michelle’s expertise is and how taking her course will definitely reduce the chaos and improve safety, but it may be priceless for some in preventing devastating injuries or worse.  Two thumbs up for Michelle Stern!  

In this episode (020), I talk with Julie Naismith, who is a dog trainer with a special focus on helping dogs with separation anxiety.  She teaches dog parents all over the world through her online community, courses, and through her recently published book Be Right Back, how to handle and resolve separation anxiety in a very loving and compassionate way.  Julie clarifies the difference between separation anxiety and hyper-attachment. We also discuss subtle signs of pain in dogs and how pain tends to increase the dog’s anxiety and why it is very important to work with the dog’s veterinarian when dealing with separation anxiety.  Even if your dog doesn’t have separation anxiety, it’s a very interesting and enlightening episode which may help you be an even better dog parent!

In this episode (019), I talk with Dr. Amanda Pittman, who is an integrative medicine veterinarian.  She owns the Animal Wellness and Rehabilitation Center in Knoxville, TN, where she provides all aspects of veterinary medicine, as well as acupuncture, and rehabilitation services.  We discuss what integrative medicine is all about, including topics of acupuncture, chinese herbal approaches to care, food therapy, exercise, and more.

In this episode (018), I talk with Karen Armsey, the head of H.A.B.I.T (Human Animal Bond In Tennessee) about therapy dogs and how it’s a win all around for the dogs, the dog parents, and the people who benefit from getting to interact with the dogs.  We talk about how to get started with volunteering with your dog, how doing this work together improves the bond with your dog and enriches your dog’s life, and the different environments in which therapy dogs can be found. Karen shares some heartfelt stories of what a massive difference animal-assisted therapy dogs make in the lives of so many humans undergoing various forms of stress.  Resources are provided on how to get started if you are interested in exploring this fun and meaningful way of giving back.

In this episode (017), I continue the interview with Dr. Daly and Dr. Csiszer, two board certified orthopedic surgeons, all about hip dysplasia, including treatment options - both surgical and non-surgical.  We discuss the pros, cons, and various considerations and risks of each surgical technique. We also talk about medical or conservative management, meaning no surgery, and how well dogs can do without surgery.  We talk at length about total hip replacements in dogs and discuss pain medications, supplements, and some alternative treatment approaches. This 3-part series is a MUST-LISTEN if you have a dog with hip dysplasia.

In this episode (016), I interview Dr. Daly and Dr. Csiszer, two board certified orthopedic surgeons, all about hip dysplasia, including treatment options - both surgical and non-surgical.  We discuss the pros, cons, and various considerations and risks of each surgical technique. We also talk about medical or conservative management, meaning no surgery, and how well dogs can do without surgery.  We talk at length about total hip replacements in dogs and even touch on pain medications, supplements, and some alternative treatment approaches. This 3-part series is a MUST-LISTEN if you have a dog with hip dysplasia. 

In this episode (015), I interview Dr. Daly and Dr. Csiszer, two board certified orthopedic surgeons, all about hip dysplasia in dogs, including treatment options - both surgical and non-surgical.  We discuss the pros, cons, and various considerations and risks of each surgical technique. We also talk about medical or conservative management, meaning no surgery, and how well dogs can do without surgery.  We talk at length about total hip replacements in dogs and even touch on pain medications, supplements, and some alternative treatment approaches. This 3-part series is a MUST-LISTEN if you have a dog with hip dysplasia.  

In this episode (014), I discuss hip dysplasia and answer the 3 most commonly asked questions about hip dysplasia.  Can dogs live a long, happy life with hip dysplasia? Is hip dysplasia curable? And, should I walk my dog who has hip dysplasia?  These questions are addressed along with simple, yet important topics such as euthanasia not being an appropriate option for hid dysplasia in dogs and avoiding the cycle of pain and inflammation.

In this episode (013), Caroline Wilkinson and I discuss living mindfully with our dogs.  Enjoy some simple, yet eye-opening tips on canine enrichment ideas and ways to enhance our bonds with our dogs.