Raising a puppy can be one of the most fun and rewarding parts of dog rescue, fostering, and adoption, but it can also be one of the most challenging. We get it, and so does our guest, Kathy Callahan. Kathy has raised a lot of rescue puppies, and her latest book, Welcoming Your Puppy from Planet Dog, provides a life-changing framework for anyone bringing a puppy into their home — as well as practical tips for puppy training and socialization.

In this episode, we discuss Kathy’s background in dog and puppy rescue, how she became a dog trainer, and how she guides clients through the process of puppy training with empathy and understanding first. 

🐶 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What is Planet Dog, and why is it important to understand?

• The role choice and control play in raising puppies

• What is puppy socialization?

• How the experiences of Planet Rescue Dog can shape our puppies

• Why understanding your puppy’s body language matters

• How to teach kids to interact appropriately with puppies

• Some tips for the toughest puppy behaviors, like jumping, mouthing, and biting

• Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/

• Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/

• Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/

• Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

What makes rescue dogs unique — and why do they sometimes struggle with behavior issues? In this episode of Pod to the Rescue, we explore the behavior of rescue dogs through a trauma-informed, science-based lens. In this season opener, hosts Emily, Jenni, and Libby discuss why we still have a lot to say about rescue dog behavior!

We break down why understanding dog behavior is essential for adopters, foster caregivers, and shelter and rescue professionals — and how rescue dog behavior is often influenced by genetics, early separation, trauma, and inconsistent environments.

If you're wondering “why is my rescue dog afraid?” or “how can I help my adopted dog settle in?”—this episode is for you. Learn the common challenges rescue dogs face and how to support your rescue dog’s behavior with empathy, knowledge, and practical tools.

🐶 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What do we mean by "rescue dog" — and why that matters

• Why dog behavior is the missing piece in many rescue organizations

• How early trauma and stress affect a dog’s behavior long-term

• How to support a newly adopted dog through behavior challenges

• Why building resilience is key to helping a new rescue dog adjust — and how to do it!

• Real-life examples from our rescue, our personal dogs, and tips from the field

• Jenni’s “Resilience Unleashed” course, which uses Control Unleashed to help dogs build resilience

We’re back with Season 5 of Pod to the Rescue, the podcast for dog lovers, fosters, rescuers and adopters who want to understand and support their dogs better. This season, we’re diving into some of the most-requested dog behavior topics: how to help a reactive rescue dog, managing aggression between two dogs at home, and safely introducing a newly adopted dog to your cat.

As always, we approach these tough behavior issues with a rescue-focused lens and science-based dog training advice. Whether you’re a seasoned rescuer or a first-time foster, you’ll get expert insights and real-life stories to help you help your dog.

Join Emily, Libby, and new host Jenni for honest, practical conversations about canine behavior, rescue challenges, and what dogs need to thrive.

Season 4 Wrap and What’s to Come

Emily and Libby wrap this season with an exciting announcement, a rescue update from Summit Dog Rescue, a new co-host, and a glimpse of what’s to come in Season 5. Thank you so much for tuning in to this season of Pod To The Rescue, and we’ll see you soon!

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

In this second-to-last episode of the season, Libby and Em talk with Zak George. Zak is a celebrity dog trainer and YouTube star who has trained thousands of dogs throughout his career. Their conversation and Zak’s approach revolves around creating a relationship with the dog first, before diving headfirst into training. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about this warm and friendly approach to training, and see how a relationship-first approach could change your relationship with your dog. In this episode, they discuss:

Zak is the author of Zak George’s Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog. 

You can visit his website and find all of his resources here.

His YouTube channel, Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution, is the number one destination for dog training content in the world, with more than ten million views annually. His first book, Zak George's Dog Training Revolution, was published by Penguin Random House in 2016.

Zak has also starred in two of his own dog training shows, Animal Planet’s show Superfetch and the BBC’s Who Let the Dogs Out. He has appeared as an expert on various other Animal Planet shows such as Dogs 101 while his expertise has landed him on may national talk shows and news programs such as Late Night with David Letterman, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Early Show on CBS, Fox and Friends, and Rachael Ray.

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

Canine Adolescence is the transition from puppyhood to adulthood. This fascinating conversation with Sarah Stremming, who is a dog behavior coach and the host of the Cog Dog Podcast, addresses this pivotal age of young dogs. Sarah, Emily, and Libby discuss adolescent canine behavior and how to most effectively observe and address behaviors to nurture confident, healthy dogs. This is the second part of their conversation, so make sure you listen to Part 1 before diving in here. The trio also discusses:

Sarah is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant of nearly two decades, and has 25 years experience of competing in dog sports. You can find Sarah and her online courses at http://www.sarahstremming.com. 

Your Dog's Friend

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXYsg9X4m6E

Calm Canine Academy : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mcZ_HoxeSc

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

Canine Adolescence is the transition from puppyhood to adulthood. This fascinating conversation with Sarah Stremming, who is a dog behavior coach and the host of the Cog Dog Podcast, addresses this pivotal age of young dogs. Sarah, Emily, and Libby discuss adolescent canine behavior and how to most effectively observe and address behaviors to nurture confident, healthy dogs. They also discuss:

Sarah is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant of nearly two decades, and has 25 years experience of competing in dog sports. You can find Sarah and her online courses at http://www.sarahstremming.com.

Your Dog's Friend

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXYsg9X4m6E

Calm Canine Academy : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mcZ_HoxeSc

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

This is a replay of our 2021 interview with aggression expert Michael Shikashio.

We are thrilled to present today’s guest, Michael Shikashio. Michael is a world-renowned expert on dog aggression and has an incredible dearth of information he generously shares, which is helpful for owners, rescuers, and trainers alike.

In this conversation, Michael, Emily and Libby define aggression, discuss the ways aggression can present in different dogs (and the different levels of assessing their aggression), and so much more. Make sure to listen to the full episodes, as Michael drops important gems throughout the episode.

Michael is an internationally sought out speaker on the topic of aggression - has mentored and presented to thousands of animal professionals. He is the Founder of the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, teaches trainers and consultants in over 25 countries on how to work with aggression cases, and has been featured in countless media, including the New York Times, the New York Post, Web MD, and Women’s Health.

It is no secret that shelters can prove to be extremely stressful environments for dogs - even the friendlist, most easy-going dog can experience severe stress or fear in a shelter environment. In this incredible conversation, Emily, Libby and Tom Candy discuss how we can best support shelter dogs in and out of the shelter environment to build confidence, trust, and a sense of play. In this episode, they cover:

This is an excellent conversation for anyone who interacts with shelter dogs in any way; employees, fosters, potential adopters, and more.

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For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

“What supplies do I need for fostering a dog?” “Should you use training tools on rescue dogs?” “What kind of harness should I get for my dog?” You have questions about fostering or adopting a dog, and we have answers! These are the tools and supplies we recommend for rescue dog fosters and adopters. 

Emily and Libby are professionals who have been working in foster-based rescue for a long time, so they have accumulated a lot of “stuff” over the years. Don’t be intimidated by this list! While these are our favorites, there are many affordable options for good-quality supplies. Many items can be found for free or low cost on neighborhood swap groups.

– Slip leads: how, when, and why we still use them (maybe not how you think!)

– Harnesses: Balance Harness (https://www.blue-9.com/products/bhb), Ruffwear Front Range (https://ruffwear.com/products/front-range-everyday-dog-harness), Alpine Harness (https://www.alpineoutfitters.net/products/copy-of-urban-trail-adjustable-harness-half-back-shorty-custom-crafted), Perfect Fit (https://perfect-fit-dog-harness.com/)

– Leashes: Blue-9 Multi-Function Leash (https://www.blue-9.com/products/lsh?variant=40875501093062), biothane leashes (https://www.trailblazingtails.com/collections/long-line-and-short-leash-collection) (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GFR9YJ3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1)

– Management tools: X-pen (https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/midwest-black-e-coat-exercise-pen-wdoor-for-dogs), baby gates

– Crates: car crate is a must-have for transport, wire crate is good for management at home

– Treat pouch: Doggone Good (https://www.doggonegoodclickercompany.com/Rapid-Rewards-Pouchtrade_p_216.html) , Ruffwear (https://ruffwear.com/products/home-trail-hip-pack)

– Treats: Happy Howie’s (https://www.happyhowies.com/), Real Meat (https://www.realmeatpet.com/foods.html), Ziwi Peak (https://us.ziwipets.com/)

– Clicker: (https://shop.clickertraining.com/products/iclick-original-clicker?variant=8050243397) Can also use a marker word or click with your tongue

– Puzzle/enrichment toys: Toppl (https://www.westpaw.com/products/toppl-treat-toy), Kong (https://www.kongcompany.com/), Lickimat (https://lickimat.com/)

– Targets/mats: You can use a towel, a bathmat, a dog bed, anything! 

– Muzzles: a useful tool to have, but needs careful sizing and training before you need it. Check out the Muzzle Up! Project (https://muzzleupproject.com/)

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support