Paws & Reward Podcast

In episode 86, Marissa Martino interviews Annika McDade to discuss how establishing clear boundaries with friends, family, and strangers can help protect your dog’s progress, support their behavior, and preserve your relationship with them. From politely managing unsolicited advice to ensuring others respect your dog’s needs, we’ll discuss why advocating for your dog is essential for their comfort and security. Learn how to confidently communicate what your dog requires, whether it’s space, routine, or respect, and how those boundaries benefit not only your dog’s behavior but also your bond with them. Join us for practical tips on handling those tricky social situations while keeping your dog’s best interests at heart!

In episode 85, Marissa Martino interviews Emily Wolf of Summit Dog Rescue and ​Brilliant Pup Behavior to discuss how we can set up our dogs for success when bringing them home for the first time. They discuss what to consider before choosing a new dog or puppy, how to help them transition to your lifestyle with ease, and ways to introduce new elements into their experience slowly. Whether you’re adopting a puppy or welcoming an older dog, this episode talks about the much-needed perspective and support to make the transition easy.  

In episode 84, Marissa Martino interviews Dr. Ariel Fagen about how collaboration between professionals can create a more effective behavior modification journey for dogs and their people. They explore the roles that trainers, veterinarians, veterinary behaviorists, and pet parents play in shaping a dog’s success, and how working together can provide a more holistic approach. Whether you’re a pet owner or a professional, this episode offers valuable insights on creating a unified support system to better understand and meet dogs’ behavioral needs, ensuring long-term success and well-being.

In episode 83, Marissa Martino interviews Karishma Warr of Calm Canine Academy about separation-related behaviors and their impact on the caregiver. They begin by defining what separation-related behaviors are, exploring the subtleties of each category, and discussing the common overlaps that many dog guardians encounter. The conversation then shifts to the key concepts of the behavior modification process, providing listeners with an understanding of what this journey entails. Finally, drawing from Marissa’s personal experience with her own dog and Karishma’s work with clients, they delve into the emotional impact on caregivers and share strategies for self-support throughout the process.

In episode 82, Marissa Martino interviews Tricia Case to talk about her love of designing amazing leashes to navigate the world with our dogs. They talk about the reasons for using long lines, what to consider when using them, and the skills needed for everyone to enjoy their walks. She also offers a discount for our podcast listeners!

Tricia Case is the founder of Trailblazing Tails. She is driven to make the world a better and safer place for children and dogs, and build products that consider the dog's wants, needs, and emotions.

She founded Trailblazing Tails as a dog running service in Los Angeles, CA, and quickly realized how little she knew about the practical application of behavior training. She has devoted her life to learning about dogs and their behavior. She furthers her education through professional conferences, her professional community, classes, and every dog she meets!

In episode 81, Marissa Martino interviews Annika McDade in this three-part series about the emotional experience of caring for, living with, and loving our dogs. In part 3 of the series, they explore the many ways we try to control ourselves, our dogs, others, and the situation as we navigate life with our dogs.  

Annika McDade is the Founder of Canine Connection Training & Coaching. She is a triple-certified Behaviour Consultant & Life Coach with a passion for helping people connect to themselves, their dogs and their deepest desires. She is a multidimensional being with a compelling history as a world traveler, wolf trainer, energy worker and ever learner.

She combines the unique balance of science-based dog training with self-development, holistic wellness & spiritual curiosity when working with her clients. Her desire is to create a space where you can come as you are. A place where you can feel supported & understood, and explore the teachings your dog brings forward for you in your life.

Annika is invested as much in the transformation of her clients as she is in their pets. With a strong belief that our dogs come into our lives for a reason, she feels if we remain curious, open-hearted & self-aware, our dogs have much to teach us, about us. 

In episode 80, Marissa Martino interviews Annika McDade in this three-part series about the emotional experience of caring for, living with, and loving our dogs. In part 2 of the series, they explore the many ways grief shows up while caring for our beloved dogs. They also explore the intersection of grief and hope, why it's critical for us to feel our experience, and where we focus our mind. 

Annika McDade is the Founder of Canine Connection Training & Coaching. She is a triple-certified Behaviour Consultant & Life Coach with a passion for helping people connect to themselves, their dogs and their deepest desires. She is a multidimensional being with a compelling history as a world traveler, wolf trainer, energy worker and ever learner.

She combines the unique balance of science-based dog training with self-development, holistic wellness & spiritual curiosity when working with her clients. Her desire is to create a space where you can come as you are. A place where you can feel supported & understood, and explore the teachings your dog brings forward for you in your life.

Annika is invested as much in the transformation of her clients as she is in their pets. With a strong belief that our dogs come into our lives for a reason, she feels if we remain curious, open-hearted & self-aware, our dogs have much to teach us, about us.

In episode 79, Marissa Martino interviews Annika McDade in this three-part series about the emotional experience of caring for, living with, and loving our dogs. In the first episode, they explore the prevalent emotion of guilt. Marissa and Annika share their personal experiences with guilt in their relationships with their dogs. They also provide common pet parent examples and ways to support yourself through this emotion.    

Annika McDade is the Founder of Canine Connection Training & Coaching. She is a triple-certified Behaviour Consultant & Life Coach with a passion for helping people connect to themselves, their dogs and their deepest desires. She is a multidimensional being with a compelling history as a world traveler, wolf trainer, energy worker and ever learner.

She combines the unique balance of science-based dog training with self-development, holistic wellness & spiritual curiosity when working with her clients. Her desire is to create a space where you can come as you are. A place where you can feel supported & understood, and explore the teachings your dog brings forward for you in your life.

Annika is invested as much in the transformation of her clients as she is in their pets. With a strong belief that our dogs come into our lives for a reason, she feels if we remain curious, open-hearted & self-aware, our dogs have much to teach us, about us. 

Join Marissa Martino interview Juliana DeWillams of JW Dog Training talk about the critical skill of behavior management. Juliana and Marissa define management, share some examples of what active and passive management strategies look like with your dog, and how these strategies can help support your dog's behavior and your relationship. 

Juliana is the Owner and Head Trainer at JW Dog Training. She has been training dogs since 2014 after she graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy.

Juliana enjoys applying her knowledge of canine behavior and the science of learning when working closely with pet parents to improve their dog's behavior. Watching the training plan strengthen the bond between owner and dog -- whether it's a puppy, adolescent, or adult dog-- is her favorite part of the job.

You can regularly catch Juliana on TV, radio, and online programs. She has shared her dog training expertise on WTOP and Good Day DC, and she was a regular guest on The Pet Show with Dr. Katy for many years.  Juliana currently co-hosts the Live from The Ranch online broadcast with Ken Ramirez. She has also provided quarterly free seminars and webinars for dog owners through the non-profit Your Dog's Friend.

In episode 77, Marissa Martino interviews Jessica Dolce about a very important topic in our profession, compassion fatigue, or what we're now calling it - empathetic distress. We explore what empathetic distress is, why it is common to experience as a caregiver, and what to do to avoid burnout. 

This episode is for anyone who cares and feels a lot and takes care of animals (and their people), whether you're a dog trainer, animal welfare professional, or a devoted pet parent. 

Jessica Dolce, MS CCFE, is a Certified Compassion Fatigue Educator, receiving her training from TEND Academy. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with and for animals to The Compassion in Balance® Program, her online education platform for animal welfare professionals. Jessica is also an instructor at The Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida and has worked with organizations around the world such as the IAABC, National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, HSUS, Animals Asia, and the ASPCA. She holds a Master of Science in Adult and Higher Education degree and certificates in mindfulness facilitation, positive psychology coaching, and Mental Health First Aid. She lives in Maine with her husband, dogs, cats, and ducks.