This episode is sponsored by Pupford. You can shop the low-calorie Pupford treat collection here and 100% of the commission from your purchase will go to Dogs Anonymous, a non-profit helping pups and people who need it the most.

Welcome to unPACKed, an open-minded podcast taking a clinical, *not political*, approach to help pet parents around the world. Join Sailor Jerri and Mattison, certified trainers and canine behavior experts with a combined 3 decades of experience in behavioral dog training.

In this episode, Brittany joins us to unpack what it really means to “get to know your dog as an individual.” Her two littermates, Dax and King, couldn’t be more different: one sensitive and reactive, the other fairly confident.

Together, we explore how stories, expectations, and even our own nervous systems shape the way we see our dogs. From “terminal uniqueness” to resilience and capacity, this conversation dives deep into the messy, nuanced process of truly meeting your dog where they are without overcomplicating what they need.

A grounded, eye-opening discussion for anyone learning to see beyond the behavior and understand the dog in front of them.

Come back next month to hear from Desi, the trainer who worked for four weeks with Brittany to help Dax and King.

To apply for a live unpacking, see photos of the dogs featured in this episode, or read full episode transcripts, visit us at www.unpacked.stream and connect with us on Instagram @unpacked.stream.

unPACKed was created by Jerri Scherff and Mattison Skoog-Simpson, and edited and produced by Mattison Skoog-Simpson.  Visual design by Mattison Skoog-Simpson and theme music by Oleksandr Stepanov.