Do you dread clipping your dog's nails? How about giving ear medicine, or brushing out a mat? In this episode we talk about an approach called "cooperative care," which reduces stress by giving dogs more agency during each task: They can choose to participate for a reward, and communicate when they need a break. The expert in this subject is Dr. Deborah Jones—a dog trainer with a background as a psychology professor—who has a great little book called "Cooperative Care: Seven Steps to Stressfree Husbandry." It's a terrific way to deepen the trust between you and your dog.

In this episode, we explore Doggie Language by Lili Chin, a beautifully illustrated guide that helps dog owners understand canine body language and behavior. We discuss key signs of stress, happiness, and curiosity in dogs, and how better communication can strengthen the human-animal bond.

When 2020 ushered in an era of remote work, dogs everywhere rejoiced! Suddenly, all the humans were around a lot, allowing for a daily routine filled with walks, play and simple companionship. Unfortunately for our canine friends, many employers are shutting down the remote option and insisting on a return to the office. That's a big adjustment for a dog who's never spent much time alone! In this episode, we tackle the challenges of helping your dog adjust to a new normsl. We share expert tips on reducing anxiety, building independence, and keeping your dog happy while you're away. Should you hire a dog walker? Try doggy daycare? Arrange something with your neighbors? Tune in for strategies to make the transition smoother for both you and your pup!

Does your dog snarf up a bowl of kibble in 20 seconds and then look up at you asking what's next? If "what's next" includes things like barking, pulling, lunging, jumping up or being anxious, we always suggest saving at least some of the "gold" in that nutritious bowl to use creatively to encourage the behavior you'd like to see.  That can mean turning those meals into natural "foraging" activity (scatter feeding, stuffed toys, puzzle toys) or using it as you actively engage with your dog in training and play that builds your connection. The trainers from Absolute Dogs in the U.K. coined the term "Ditch the Bowl" as shorthand to refer to this approach of using a dog's regular food to teach, enrich, and build the bond with your dog. (For some extra fun, check out their "Sexier Than A Squirrel" challenge — a series of games that build upon each other.)

We've long been taught that our dogs need "a walk." But the kind of walk we're often giving them — say, 20 minutes around the block at a fast pace — may end up creating more problems than it solves as we forbid meaningful interaction with the environment. (Don't sniff that! Don't eat that! Don't chase that! No, you can't say hi.) It may all end up leaving our dogs with the question: "What the heck is this walk for, anyway? Why are we walking?" In this episode, we discuss how doing things to add a sense of purpose to your dog's walk answers that question for them — resulting in a more confident dog, a more trusting relationship between you, and quite often an end to challenging behaviors like barking, lunging and pulling. 

 In this episode, we discuss the different factors that go into choosing the right dog. What breed might be the best match for your lifestyle and setup? Should you dive in and get a puppy or would an adult be the smartest choice? If you hope to adopt a great rescue dog, where do you start? If you're choosing a purebred, how can you be sure (and why SHOULD you be sure) you've got a responsible breeder? And finally . . . should you ever just go with your heart and take that dog who, on paper, seems like a terrible idea but you simply cannot stop thinking about? We hope you enjoy this conversation, and it helps give you a bit more fodder to ponder the next time you approach one of the most exciting decisions we have in life: adding a new dog to the family.  

Do you know how to really PLAY with your dog? The answer is more complicated - and important - than it might seem. True social play between you and your dog can be a powerful tool in building connection and trust, and it can be a much-needed reprieve for a dog living here in our human world. Dr. Amy Cook is the expert on human-canine play, and her "Play Way" approach is our topic for this episode.  

LINKS:

Video of Dr. Cook demonstrating some elements of "The Play Way"

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=681929543785963 

Graphic illustrating highlighting key Play Way concepts

https://blog.doggiedrawings.net/post/614077754120519680

Kathy's article on play in Whole Dog Journal

Have you ever been surprised by a growl as you tried to take something from your sweet dog? Taken aback when your usually friendly dog bared her teeth as the neighbor's dog came near her toy? Resource guarding is both completely natural AND can be a big problem! We see folks worrying too much in some cases, and not enough in others. In this episode we use Jean Donaldson's book "Mine" as a jumping off point for a discussion on resource guarding: what to watch for, how to use management to prevent issues, how to handle emergencies, and how to keep your dog from becoming a problematic guarder. 

Does punishment work with dogs? Dr. Ian Dunbar has spent five decades at the forefront of the industry as a vet, researcher and trainer, and he's channeled it all into his new book, "Barking Up The Right Tree." In this episode, we focus on the one chapter that is a master class on punishment. Rather than addressing the morality or ethics involved, Dunbar goes straight to the science: Is it effective? When we yell, jerk on the leash, buzz or shock our dogs, what does it teach them? Listen to find out. 

On this podcast, we often talk about authors — and this time, the author is one of us! "Welcoming Your Puppy from Planet Dog: How to Go Beyond Training and Raise Your Best Friend" is Kathy's new puppy guide.  Take a listen to learn why she says your training success will skyrocket if you make this one key mindset shift: think of your puppy as a baby you kidnapped from another planet. While the book offers many tips and techniques regarding the various challenges of puppyhood, the fundamental key is that starting with empathy just may be the best training tip there is.