In this insightful interview, Greg Gurel, a seasoned counselor, explores the deep parallels between human relationships and our bonds with dogs. The discussion covers how early attachment, boundaries, and managing fear influence our interactions with pets and ourselves, offering practical advice for personal growth and better dog training.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Counseling and Dog Training

02:06
The Importance of Boundaries in Relationships

06:01
Fear of Losing Connection with Pets

10:03
Navigating Conflict and Connection

14:02
The Role of Awareness in Personal Growth

18:01
Social Media's Impact on Dog Training

21:59
Judgment and Boundaries in Dog Ownership

25:20
The Reality Behind Dog Training

27:00
Social Media's Impact on Relationships

28:42
Parenting and Emotional Connection

29:48
Trial and Error in Dog Training

32:42
The Unconditional Love of Dogs

33:23
Understanding and Managing Anxiety

36:25
Awareness and Overcoming Fear

39:37
Celebrating Small Successes

Summary:
In this episode, Melissa Major speaks with Judith and Jen from Save Texas K9s about the challenges of dog rescue in Texas, the overpopulation crisis in shelters, and the importance of community support. They discuss the organization's mission, the rescue process, and provide valuable tips for potential adopters. The conversation highlights the need for responsible pet ownership and the role of volunteers in making a difference in the lives of dogs in need.

Where to find Save Texas K9s:

Adoptable Dogs:

https://www.petfinder.com/member/us/tx/sadler/save-texas-k-9-s-tx2775/#rescue-info

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/savetexask9s/

Adoption Application:

https://form.jotform.com/232547694860164

Email : [email protected]

Amazon Wish List:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/8P3CF5K9IO6S?ref_=wl_share

Takeaways:

• Save Texas Canines is a volunteer-run organization focused on rescuing dogs from high-kill shelters in Texas.
• The overpopulation crisis in Texas leads to the euthanasia of over 100,000 animals each year.
• Dogs in shelters often face dire circumstances, with limited time for adoption before being put down.
• Community support and awareness are crucial for improving animal welfare in Texas.
• Adoption processes involve careful matching of dogs to potential owners to ensure successful placements.
• New dog owners should allow their pets time to adjust to their new environment without overwhelming them.
• Foster care is essential for the rescue process, providing temporary homes for dogs in need.
• Education on responsible pet ownership can help reduce the number of strays and backyard breeding.
• People can support Save Texas K9s through donations, volunteering, or adopting pets.
• The organization encourages potential adopters to reach out for help in finding the right dog for their home.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Save Texas K9s
03:00 The Overpopulation Crisis in Texas Shelters
06:54 Understanding the Role of Save Texas K9s
16:58 The Rescue Process and Community Involvement
31:01 The Role of Veterinarians in Animal Rescue
34:02 Adoption Process and Resources
35:58 Adopting Across Borders: Challenges and Solutions
38:57 Integrating a Rescue Dog into Your Home
45:07 Ways to Support Save Texas K9s
49:07 Raising Awareness for Animal Welfare
52:03 The Urgency of Animal Rescue in Texas

Summary:

In this episode of the Housewolves podcast, host Melissa Major welcomes Lauren, a passionate dog owner and competitor, to discuss her journey with her three dogs, particularly her Dobermans. Lauren shares her early experiences with dogs, starting with her first pet, a Whippet named Kissy, and how her love for dogs evolved into a competitive spirit. She recounts the challenges and joys of training her Dobermans, Cujo and Killer, and the various dog sports they participate in, including dock diving, barn hunt, and scent detection. Lauren emphasizes the importance of building a bond with dogs through training and sports, highlighting how these activities enrich both their lives and the lives of their owners.

The conversation also delves into the complexities of owning multiple dogs, the financial and emotional commitments involved, and the significance of health testing for breeds like Dobermans, which are prone to specific health issues. Lauren's insights into the Doberman breed, including the differences between show and working lines, provide valuable information for potential dog owners. Ultimately, Lauren reflects on how her dogs have transformed her life, offering companionship, joy, and a sense of purpose.

Takeaways:

• "I always wanted a dog, but my parents thought it was going to be a shiny new toy that loses its shine."
• "He changed my life. He is my once in a lifetime dog."
• "The bond you create with your dog is amazing."
• "I have met so many people because of this dog and I have learned so many things and skills because of this dog."
• "Dobermans are one of those breeds that do have a lot of health issues."
• "You can test for DCM, but even if you have a sire and a dam who have been normal, they can still produce it."
• "I don't know how to teach a dog to settle, but I expect them to be able to do it."
• "I think the Doberman community can be pretty harsh and nasty compared to other breed communities."
• "It's important to find a dog that fits your lifestyle and needs."
• "Life's really hard right now, but at least I have Kujo."

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Lauren and Her Dogs
01:33 How Lauren Got Started with Dogs
05:51 Transitioning to Dobermans and Dog Sports
09:00 The Impact of COVID on Dog Training
12:46 Exploring Dock Diving and Other Sports
19:12 The Joy of Scent Detection
23:15 Adding a Third Dog to the Family
29:00 The Financial Commitment of Dog Sports
37:23 Understanding Doberman Health Issues
49:34 The Life-Changing Impact of Kujo

Summary:

In this episode of the Housewolves podcast, Melissa Major interviews Mackenzie Pavkovich, a passionate dog handler and trainer. Mackenzie shares her journey from being a dog lover to becoming a professional handler, detailing her experiences with various breeds, her transition into dog sports, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding dog behavior, the thrill of working with high-drive dogs, and the personal growth that comes from pursuing one's passion. Mackenzie also offers valuable advice for aspiring dog handlers and reflects on the impact of dogs on her life.

Takeaways:

• Mackenzie has always been a dog lover and caretaker.
• Her journey into dog training began during the COVID lockdown.
• She discovered balanced training to manage her rescue dog.
• Mackenzie went all in on dog handling and training.
• She learned a lot from her bond with working dogs.
• Detection work gave her a sense of purpose.
• Transitioning to IGP training was a significant step.
• Handling different breeds taught her about their unique traits.
• Aspiring handlers should gain hands-on experience with dogs.
• Mackenzie and Eric built a life together centered around dogs.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Mackenzie Pavkovich
01:06 Mackenzie's Early Love for Dogs
05:01 Transitioning to Professional Dog Handling
11:03 Working with Detection Dogs
16:15 Exploring IGP and New Training Opportunities
20:20 Dog Breeds and Their Unique Traits
24:04 Advice for Aspiring Dog Handlers
28:01 Personal Journey and Life Changes
33:55 The New Puppy Adventure
37:02 Balancing Motherhood and Dog Training
41:01 Future Aspirations and Inspirations

Summary:

In this episode of the Housewolves podcast, Melissa Major interviews Julia Major, a dog handler and trainer, who shares her transformative journey into the world of dog training. Julia discusses her experiences with rescue dogs, the challenges of training high-drive breeds, and the importance of building a strong bond with dogs. She emphasizes the need for consistency in training, the impact of social media on expectations, and the rewarding nature of dog sports. Julia also reflects on the mental health benefits of working with dogs and offers advice for aspiring handlers, encouraging them to embrace their unique journeys and focus on personal growth.

Takeaways:

• Julia Major shares her journey into dog training.
• The importance of building a connection with dogs.
• Transitioning from a corporate job to dog training changed her life.
• Rescue work provides valuable experience with different dog behaviors.
• Training high-drive dogs requires patience and understanding.
• Social media can create unrealistic expectations for dog handlers.
• Every dog handler's journey is unique and should be celebrated.
• The bond between a handler and their dog is built through trust and experience.
• Consistency in training is key to success in dog sports.
• Finding the right dog for the right purpose is crucial.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Julia Major and Her Journey
03:00 The Impact of Dogs on Life Choices
05:57 Transitioning from Corporate to Dog Training
08:49 The Importance of Dog Training and Rescue Work
11:59 Building Relationships with Dogs
14:57 The Journey into Dog Sports
17:54 Finding the Right Dog for the Right Purpose
21:01 The Challenges of Training High-Drive Dogs
24:03 The Role of Dogs in Mental Health
26:57 The Importance of Consistency in Training
29:55 The Journey of Self-Discovery through Dog Training
33:00 The Reality of Dog Sports and Competitions
36:06 Advice for Aspiring Dog Handlers
38:53 The Importance of Trust in Dog Training
41:58 The Journey of Building a Connection with a New Dog
44:55 The Life of a Dog Trainer
47:57 The Future of Dog Training and Competing
51:00 Parting Thoughts and Reflections

Join Melissa Major of BC Westcoast K9 Services to get savvy tips on finding a pet obedience dog trainer. It's a confusing world out there when it comes to training and so many people waste time and money and get nowhere, or their problem get worse!!

Follow these 3 important factors:

1. Has the trainer trained the desired behaviour you seek in their dogs?
2. Will the trainer invest their time in you as your coach?
3. Do you see progress every week?

Download a resource Guide on Tips to Find a Dog Trainer Here.

Riley started training her German Shepherd Dog to be a certified Service Dog at 8 months old. Her journey spanning over 4 years pushed her to her limits. There were moments of success and triumph, but not before nearly giving up on her dog and hitting a wall with training.

Validating at the JIBC in 2022, Riley received some of the highest praise from the validator. Hear her journey in detail and learn more about what a recognized service dog is in the Province of British Columbia, Canada.

Dr. Radica Raj started practice as a Veterinarian in general practice but soon embarked on a more fast-paced career in Veterinary Emergency Medicine and Critical Care in Ontario.

Within a year of practice in this field she was inspired to start her own emergency facility and subsequently opened a second general practice. While this path provided the stimulus and the challenges she had yearned for, she soon realized that there had to be a better quality of life for terminally-ill patients, for the geriatric patients disabled by osteoarthritis and for the paralyzed patients that could not walk.

Determined to explore these avenues and find answers, she successfully completed her post-graduate diploma in Veterinary Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCVM) with the Chi Institute in Florida. She then completed a program in Animal Chiropractic at Options for Animals in Kansas and obtained an animal chiropractic certification from the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA).

She then started Phoenix Rising Integrative Veterinary Care thereby opening the door to an integrative veterinary clinic on Vancouver Island. She ensured that her services were integrative by performing surgery on her patients through another clinic even as she practised wholistic medicine.

Dr. Radica Raj has experience handling emergencies, surgical and internal medicine cases as well as chiropractic, acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and Regenerative medicine i.e. PRP, prolotherapy, etc. On account of this, you will find that she is more than willing to collaborate with your family veterinarian and specialists involved in dealing with your pet’s health.

Her scope of practice includes Internal medicine, Surgery, Emergency, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine.

She is now also certified in Canine Rehabilitation.

https://phoenixrisingvet.com

Cindy Hughes is the owner of Muddy Love Pet Photography. Cindy has loved animals ever since she was a small child.

Over the years Cindy has volunteered her time for rescue organizations including the BCSPCA, Best Friends Animal Society and Soi Dogs. Cindy now calls the Sunshine Coast her home  and is mom to 3 dogs and a horse. 

Cindy joins us on this podcast to talk about her brave rescue of a little dog in Thailand whose life she changed by slowly earning his trust and bringing him back with her to Canada.

www.muddylove.com 

Shelby Eckford is the owner of Westbrook Goldens.

Westbrook Golden Retrievers is a small home based hobby breeder located on 5 rolling acres in beautiful Langley British Columbia. Their dogs and puppies are raised in their home along side their family. All of the dogs used in their breeding program have their appropriate health clearances, and have obtained their CKC and/or AKC championships. They strive to produce dogs that are exceptional family members but can also excel in other venues such as the conformation ring, field trials, or obedience.