"What's good for me is good for my dog, and what's good for dogs is good for the world."

"I'm here to take the pressure off, for you and your dog."

"I make everything much simpler even though I know so much more now."

"I'm not really a trainer. I'm primarily a learner. The dog is the teacher."

"Since working this way, 60-70% of behavior issues have gone away without any training."

So many golden nuggets in this episode ...

I had the pleasure of talking with Matt Beisner, a certified professional dog trainer and a family dog mediator based in Austin, Texas.

We discussed how Matt's personal mission is to support human transformations with their dogs, which in turn benefits the dogs themselves.

Matt shared his own journey of overcoming a deep-seated fear of dogs and recovering from alcohol addiction, both of which profoundly influenced his approach to dog training. We also touched on the common feeling of isolation among dog owners, the importance of taking pressure off both humans and dogs, and the holistic approaches that consider the wellness and genetic predispositions of dogs.

Matt also spoke about the resistance he's faced within the professional community and his dedication to continually evolving and learning. Lastly, we discussed his upcoming project, the Dog Pupil Evolution conference, aimed at supporting human change to better help dogs.

Tune in for an honest, enriching conversation about making the world a better place for both dogs and their humans.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:32 Matt's Background and Mission

01:32 Overcoming Fear and Personal Transformation

03:35 Challenges and Support in Dog Training

12:22 Simplifying Dog Training

16:03 The Zen Dog Philosophy

17:09 How to Connect and Upcoming Projects

Find out more and connect with Matt:

Website: https://www.thezendog.com

Bio: Matt Beisner, founder of THE ZEN DOG, is a world renowned consultant, speaker and certified professional dog trainer, star of Dog: Impossible on Disney+ and expert on Netflix’ Inside the Mind of a Dog.

Based in Austin, Matt specializes in common, confusing, reactive and aggressive behaviors. His humane approach is guided by evidence-based positive reinforcement, to help humans get their dog's needs met and improve quality of life as a whole.

Social media links: IG: matt_beisner
FB: Matthew Beisner

As always, all about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

All about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

In this episode, I had a delightful conversation with Catherine, a passionate dog walker and a certified canine first aid instructor from Nottingham, UK. Catherine shares her fascinating journey from dog grooming to dog walking, driven by her love for canines and a personal experience with her own dog's health scare. We dive deep into the importance of knowing your pet’s vital statistics, how to perform basic first aid, and the everyday adventures of a professional dog walker. Whether you're a dog owner or just a dog lover, Catherine's insights and stories are sure to enlighten and entertain you!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:06 Catherine's Background and Canine First Aid

02:32 Importance of Knowing Your Dog's Vital Signs

04:17 How to Measure Your Dog's Vital Signs

06:11 Transition from Dog Grooming to Dog Walking

08:13 Dog Walking Business Insights

11:30 Additional Services and Responsibilities

12:57 Favorite Aspects of Dog Walking

14:28 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Find out more and connect with Catherine:

Website: https://www.muttleys.me.uk

Bio: I started Muttleys in 2016 to fulfil a lifelong passion to work with dogs.
As well as offering a professional Dog Walking Service, I regularly run accredited Canine First Aid Courses in Nottingham, where I live with rescue tortoise Spike and giant cockapoo Rufus.

Social media links:https://www.threads.net/@muttleysdogwalkingandfirstaid?invite=0

https://www.tiktok.com/@muttleysnottingham?_t=8qqK8u2u7F3&_r=1

https://www.facebook.com/muttleysnottingham

Tessa Savelkoel - PuzzleDog: Brain Games for Dogs

In this delightful conversation with Tessa, based in Nova Scotia, Canada, we explore her innovative business, Puzzle Dog.

Tessa shares her journey from the Netherlands to Norway, and finally settling in Canada, where she started incorporating the Dutch method 'Herschenwerk' into canine mental stimulation.

We dive into the benefits of mental enrichment for dogs, the differences between Herschenwerk and Ace Freework, and how to set up puzzle sessions for various needs, from adolescents to senior dogs. Tessa also highlights the importance of bonding and communication with our pets.

For anyone interested in enhancing their dog's life through mental puzzles, Tessa's insights are invaluable. Tune in to learn more about creating a more fulfilling and engaging experience for your furry friends!

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:13 Tessa's Background and Business

01:01 The Concept of Puzzle Dog

02:33 Benefits of Mental Stimulation for Dogs

02:57 Differences Between Puzzle Dog and Other Methods

05:37 Setting Up Puzzle Sessions

06:33 Building a Stronger Bond with Your Dog

11:11 Practical Tips for Starting Puzzle Sessions

13:40 Frequency and Duration of Sessions

16:05 Helping Adolescent Dogs

17:46 Conclusion and Contact Information

Find out more and connect with Tessa:

Website: www.puzzledog.ca

Bio: I copied the introduction Ingrid wrote ☺️
I would like to introduce you to Tessa Savelkoel.  Together with her canine companion, Puck, they host Puzzle Dog (https://www.puzzledog.ca/).  Tessa's mission is to promote the mental and physical well-being of dogs with Puzzles and Sensory Rooms.  She is a mentor and instructor with Hersenwerk for Dogs and a licensed Dynamic Dog practitioner.  Currently, she resides in Nova Scotia, Canada, and teaches online worldwide.

A free gift for you: Tessa's mini course “Canine Puzzle Fun mini course - the secrets of a successful puzzle session’. This is the link: https://www.puzzledogacademy.ca/courses/puzzle-fun?coupon=SoulTouched

Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/puzzledog
IG: @puzzlepuck

All about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

All about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

Don't forget to check out the shop at https://shop.soultouchedbydogs.com if you love wearing your love for dogs on your sleeve.

Today's episode: Canine First Response Teams to the Rescue with Kimmy Brown

In this episode of the Soul Touched by Dogs Podcast, I chat with Kimmy, a dedicated canine first responder based in Maine, USA. She shares her incredible journey from a therapy dog handler to becoming a crucial part of first response teams for critical incidents.

We discuss the unique roles these specially trained dogs play in providing comfort to those affected by trauma, the extensive training processes for both handlers and dogs, and the deep emotional connections formed.

Kimmy also offers insights into the qualities that make a good canine first responder, her self-care strategies for handling emotionally intense situations, and the rewarding nature of this work. Whether you're a dog lover, interested in therapy and response teams, or just someone who wants to hear an inspiring story, this episode offers a heartwarming and insightful conversation.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:24 Meet Kimmy: A Canine First Responder
00:46 The Role of Canine First Responders
03:08 Kimmy's Journey into Canine Therapy
08:22 Training and Certification Process
11:53 Characteristics of a Good Therapy Dog
17:45 Emotional Impact on Dogs and Handlers
21:15 How to Get Involved
23:10 Conclusion and Contact Information

Find out more and connect with Kimmy:

Website: https://www.kimberlyhelene.com/

Bio: Meet Kimberly Brown
Kimberly Brown is a dedicated Public Speaker, K9 First Responder, Fitness Competitor, and Wellness Coach, committed to strengthening communities through impactful initiatives. As a representative of K9 First Response, Maine, she plays a crucial role in providing emotional and psychological support to first responders and communities during critical incidents. Her passion for health and wellness extends beyond her professional life, as she actively competes in fitness events and empowers others as a Wellness Coach. Kimberly’s dynamic approach and deep commitment to service in helping others through her specially trained K9’s make her a powerful advocate for resilience and well-being in both body and mind.

Free gift:
7 Daily Practices:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/oT3lJVG/7DailyPractices

Reduce Anxiety:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/JRH4aLw

Social media links:
Facebook K9 First Response  
Instagram K9 First Response

All about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

Browse calendars, t-shirst and hoodies at our shop https://shop.soultouchedbydogs.com

In this episode, I sit down with Drayton, a seasoned dog trainer from Red Bank, New Jersey.

Drayton shares his 24-year journey in dog training, starting as a dog walker in New York City to becoming certified at the Academy for Dog Trainers.

He's been a strong advocate for positive, force-free training methods and emphasizes dealing with behavior in a humane way.

Drayton speaks passionately about his efforts to debunk misconceptions about Pitbulls, including his documentary 'The Pit Bull Hoax' and his involvement in 'Beyond the Myth.'

We delve into the adverse impacts of breed-specific legislation and discuss the importance of education over fear and prejudice.

Drayton also touches on his new book, 'The Puppy Parent’s Handbook,' aimed at guiding new puppy owners with humane and effective training methods. You'll hear fascinating insights into the world of dog training and advocacy, making this episode a must-listen for all dog lovers.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:07 Guest Background and Experience
01:30 Advocacy for Pit Bulls
04:00 Debunking Myths and Misconceptions
09:08 Training Philosophy and Methods
11:06 Challenges in Dog Training
15:37 Media Influence on Dog Training
17:48 Remote Consultations and Services
18:36 New Book Announcement
19:24 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Find out more and connect with Drayton:

Website: Urbandawgs.com
The book: https://a.co/d/aK1Hy4y

Bio: Drayton Michaels, CTC has been working with dogs professionally for over 20 years. He is a staunch advocate of force free positive reward based dog training. In 2009 he released the Pitbull Hoax documentary, which was the first ever documentary defending Pitbulls. Drayton works with roughly 400 dogs a year, conducts on average 3 to 4 puppy kindergarten classes every month.

Social media links:
@urbandawgs IG
@moderndogtraining YouTube
@draytonmichaels Facebook

The Pitbull Hoax video: https://youtu.be/KtqXudr7qAQ?si=aVo5mmIVdRLsnb-w

All about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

Today: Dr. Marlene Siegel - Vital Wellness: Healing Pets Naturally

In this episode, I had an enlightening conversation with Dr. Marlene Siegel, a holistic veterinarian based in Tampa, Florida.

We dived deep into what holistic veterinary care truly means, clearing up common misconceptions that it's 'woo woo' medicine. Dr. Siegel explained her approach to bioregulatory medicine, which takes into account the entire biology of the animal, focusing on both deficiencies and toxicities that affect overall health.

We touched on the importance of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids, and the pitfalls of synthetic additives in pet foods. Dr. Siegel also emphasized the significance of a healthy gut and the alarming rise in chronic degenerative diseases due to modern lifestyles and environmental toxins.

She shared actionable steps for pet parents, from education and testing to diet and detoxification practices.

Tune in to learn how to support your pet’s health and longevity naturally!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:31 Understanding Holistic Veterinary Medicine
03:06 The Importance of Vitamins and Minerals
06:25 The Role of Fatty Acids in Pet Health
08:02 The Decline in Pet Lifespan
11:31 Steps to Improve Pet Health
15:43 Detoxification and Healing
19:40 Empowering Pet Parents
20:18 Final Thoughts and Resources

Find out more and get in touch with Dr. Marlene:

Website: https://www.drmarlenesiegel.com https://www.evolovestore.com

Bio: Dr. Marlene Siegel is a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine for over 20 years and has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 40 years. She is a respected author, international lecturer, researcher for integrative veterinary technologies, and a clinical practitioner. She has special expertise in Ozone Therapy, Photodynamic Therapy, and Detoxification. Her veterinary hospital has the widest array of alternative therapies in the world.

Dr. Siegel’s focus is on BioRegulatory Medicine—identifying the root cause of disease and establishing safe and effective solutions. As a problem solver, she has developed online courses for pet parents to learn how to integrate a holistic lifestyle and therapies for their fur babies. Additionally, Dr. Siegel offers online courses for veterinarians who want to integrate these services into their mainstream practices. She also developed her own raw food and essential supplements company and is preparing to launch S’Paws Family Wellness Centers, which are detox centers for pets and their human parents.

Free gift: https://courses.transformingvetmedicine.com/free-ebook-1143

Social media links:https://www.facebook.com/DrMarleneSiegelHolisticVet
https://www.instagram.com/drmarlenesiegel/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarlenesiegel/

Never miss a treat at Soul Touched by Dogs .. sign up for the weekly newsletter and free virtual events at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

Today's episode

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Noelle, a pet minder and dog wellness expert based near Perth, Western Australia. Noelle specializes in caring for dogs with challenges such as anxiety and reactivity and merges healing practices with her pet minding services.

We discussed how stress is often a shared experience between dogs and their owners and how addressing human stress first can lead to better outcomes for both.

Noelle shared insightful tips on calming practices before walks and explained the unique retreats she offers that focus on nature, healing, and fun for both dogs and their owners.

Tune in to discover a fresh, holistic approach to improving the well-being of both you and your dog.

00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome
00:19 Guest Introduction and Business Overview
01:55 Understanding Stress in Dogs and Humans
05:28 Breaking the Cycle of Stress
08:51 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned
11:38 The Importance of Individualized Dog Care
14:40 Retreats and Online Programs
17:51 Conclusion and Contact Information

Find out more and connect with Noelle:

Website: https://www.noellesanimalcare.com.au

Bio: Dedicated rescue dog parents hire me to end their struggle with their challenging furbabies, and finally feel empowered and proud as dog parents to create a life together they love, because they are concerned about their dog's reactivity and constantly worry about their wellbeing.

They are sick and tired of trying all these methods that hadn't work for their dog and feel the impact it has on both their quality of life.

So I help them gain calm and confidence to make their furbaby's care effective, fun and enjoyable.

Bottom line, these rescue dog parents achieve a calmer more joyful life with their pups with more ease, both bringing their best for a stronger bond and happier experiences together guaranteed

Online interactive workshop : "Live an easier happier life with your furkid without stress ruining your efforts with your dog"  3 dates and times Thursday 6.45pm AWST, Saturday 12.30pm AWST, Sunday 8.30am AWST (GMT+8) every 1st week of the month

A gift for you : Paws of Serenity, 14mins of blissful mindfulness to share with your dog
https://tinyurl.com/PawsOfSerenity

Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/noellesanimalcare
https://www.facebook.com/dogsattheirbestwa
https://www.facebook.com/group/dogsattheirbest
https://www.instagram.com/dogs.at.their.best

All about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

Fostering Harmony: Conversations on Pet Parenting with Vrushali & Blossom

In this heartwarming episode, I chat with Vrushali who is passionate about creating loving and harmonious relationships with our furry companions.

Vrushali, a remote consultant from India, supports career-oriented pet parents in the US and Europe.

She shares her journey with her dogs, Blossom and Marshall, and offers tips on integrating rescue pets into your family, emphasizing the need for compassion and quality time. In my conversation with Vrushali, we explore the importance of giving dogs space, love, and discipline tailored to their unique needs.

Vrushali also provides insights into common mistakes new pet parents make and offers gentle approaches to better understand and train dogs. She offers invaluable advice on fostering beautiful relationships with your dog. Tune in for essential tips and heartfelt stories to help you create a stress-free and loving environment for your furry friend!

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:27 Vrushali's Background and Work
01:05 Understanding Pet Parents' Needs
02:18 Common Questions from Pet Parents
05:42 The Journey of Adopting Marshall
09:09 Common Mistakes in Dog Training
09:27 Understanding Your Dog's Behavior
10:36 Starting Training from Day Zero
11:16 The Concept of Discipline
11:53 Tailoring Training to Your Dog's Needs
13:14 Non-Negotiables in Dog Training
14:12 Listening to Your Dog
14:42 Where to Find More Resources
17:08 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Find out more and connect with Vrushali:

Website: https://vrushaliandblossom.com/does-a-rescue-dog-need-training/

Bio: Early on, I decided if my child can be well mannered without having candy everytime he throws a tantrum, then my dogs don't need treats either. We welcomed Golden Retriever puppy girl Blossom in April 2018 and Marshal, our very own rehomed adult Catalan Sheepdog rescue, our secret Santa in December 2018. The no-treats formula took time, modification, patience and hard work on my part- but I can confidently attest- it worked for us!
I like to say "I had 6 months of hard work for many many honeymoon years!"

My name is Vrushali, Operations Manager with Blossom my Telepathy energy partner at vrushaliandblossom.com

Together we are your personal mentors for properly goofing off. Sifting through a superficial lifestyle to get to the sparkle of living a rich, meaningful life. With a little help from your very own fur buddies.

Lead magnet: 1. Purchase of the 9$ guidebook includes a 45 minute discussion (with complimentary 7 days chat support) with me about dog parenting!
https://airtable.com/app3SxMslk20TkTsh/pagKRXb9KIQkYLqRs/form

2. For Anke's listeners, like a post on my IG and then DM me with any dog parenting concerns you may have at no-cost!

Social media links:

LI for career-oriented dog parents: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vrushalijadhav/
IG for dog parenting fun: https://www.instagram.com/vrushali_2woofs/
YT for dog parenting informative + lifestyle videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsVtQnCCRZkJZDbn1sgJCOw

Find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

In this episode:

Unveiling the Wonders of ACE Free Work: Transformative Dog Training Insights with Jo from Paw and Order Noosa

In this engaging episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jo from Paw and Order Noosa, based in beautiful Queensland, Australia.

Jo shares her inspiring journey into the world of dog training, initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic with the innovative Animal Centered Education (ACE) Free Work method developed by Sarah Fisher.

We discuss the principles behind ACE Free Work, a technique that uses different sensory stimuli and environments to help dogs feel safe, relaxed, and naturally expressive. Jo delves into the practical aspects of setting up free work stations, recognizing individual dog needs, and the incredible benefits this method brings, especially for reactive dogs.

By providing dogs with choices and observing their behaviors, caregivers can build stronger bonds, enhance trust, and potentially uncover hidden health issues. Jo's ongoing educational journey with Sarah Fisher aims to bring this unique approach to dog training in Australia, and she shares insightful advice for both novice and seasoned dog caregivers.

Tune in to discover the magic of free work and how it can transform your relationship with your dog.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:11 Location and Business Background
01:09 Specialization in Animal Centred Education (ACE)
02:41 Understanding ACE Free Work
03:54 Practical Applications of Free Work
06:01 Observation and Engagement Techniques
08:03 Learning and Teaching ACE Free Work
10:04 Empowering Dog Owners
10:36 Interactive Games for Dogs
11:21 Understanding Free Work
11:51 Recognizing Dog's Finishing Cues
13:07 Setting Up Free Work Stations
13:22 Consulting a Professional
14:19 Customizing Free Work for Your Dog
15:11 Affordable Free Work Solutions
15:32 Incorporating Different Elements
16:25 Chewing as a De-stressor
17:01 Building Trust and Bonding
17:48 Introducing Dogs to Each Other
18:34 Finding More Information
19:35 The Magic of Free Work
19:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Find out more and connect with Joanne:

Website: https://www.pawordernoosa.com.au

Bio: I am the only authorised Australian offering Animal Centred Education (ACE) FREEWORK.
I live with my dog Keetah (black labrador) and my Cat named Cat Burton in beautiful Noosa in Qld Australia.
I offer one to one in home Canine Education sessions centred around Freework.
Practicing a more dog centred rather than task orientate approach dog training.
Lead magnet: Paw & Order Noosa monthly newsletter with give aways with each edition

Social media links: https://www.facebook.com/pawnorder/
https://www.instagram.com/pawandordernoosa/
@joanneburton3137 youtube

All about Soul Touched by Dogs - free live masterclasses, The Weekly Treat newsletter, the podcast and more - at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

A Journey of Fostering: Love, Loss, and Lessons

In this episode of the Soul Touched by Dogs Podcast, I engage in a heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Cindy, a passionate dog lover and rescuer, living near Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Cindy shares her deeply personal journey of coming into the world of dog fostering, starting with her accidental adoption of a dog named Snuka during college.

We explore the emotional rollercoaster that fostering can be, as Cindy recounts her family's experiences in dealing with the grief of losing a pet and the therapeutic role fostering new dogs played in their lives.

Cindy discusses how her family navigated fostering challenges, the impact of adopting pets after experiencing loss, and the bittersweet journey of letting go.

She provides insight into the fostering process, its emotional demands, and the lessons learned in balancing family life with fostering responsibilities.

Cindy also shares details about her newsletter 'Like People, Like Pets' on Substack, aiming to inspire potential fosters and adopters by showcasing the enriching symbiotic relationships between humans and pets. Tune in to hear how fostering can teach valuable life lessons and foster family bonds, even through tumultuous times.

00:00 Welcome to the Soul Touched by Dogs Podcast
00:24 Meet Cindy: A Passionate Dog Lover
01:42 Cindy's Journey with Dogs
04:57 The Challenges and Joys of Fostering
09:24 The Emotional Impact of Fostering
11:56 Insights on Fostering and Adoption
22:51 Connecting with Cindy and Final Thoughts

To find out more and connect with Cindy:

Website: https://cindyojczyk.substack.com/

Bio: Cindy Ojczyk muses about the parallels between people and pets in her weekly newsletter, Like People, Like Pets, at cindyojczyk.substack.com. She lives with her husband in Minnesota, U.S, two rescue pets, and a revolving door of foster animals. Her two adult children live independently with their own menageries.

Social media links: / cindyocheck 
  / cindy.ojczyk