Choosing the Right Service Dog Puppy

In this episode of the Collab Dog Training Podcast, Lisa Gallegos (@liveapawsomelife) tackles one of the most heartbreaking mistakes she sees: people putting down deposits on puppies from breeders that aren’t suitable for service dog work. Lisa breaks down how to evaluate breeders, what red flags to look out for, and why your puppy’s genetics and early environment matter just as much as training.

Whether you’re new to self-training, considering a therapy dog, or preparing for public access, this episode will help you make confident, informed choices before you bring home your future service dog.

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🎓 Learn more about my online courses at Collab Dog Training

✨ Share this episode with someone considering a service dog

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YouTube: Collab Dog Training

In this episode, I’m joined by Ginger, Atlas Assistance Dogs team facilitator and founder of Confident Paws Dog Training. We dive into the realities of self-training a service dog—especially during the challenging adolescent phase. Ginger shares her journey with Olaf, a resilient Golden Retriever in training, and opens up about what’s made the biggest difference in staying on track despite health challenges, setbacks, and imposter syndrome. We talk about temperament, choosing the right breeder, what it really takes to train in public, and how to deal with judgment and the pressure to be perfect. Whether you're considering self-training or are deep in the process, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement from someone who's living it every day.

📲Connect with Ginger

Website: https://www.confidentpaws.com

Instagram: instagram.com/confidentpawstraining

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Instagram: @liveapawsomelife

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YouTube: Collab Dog Training

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your training progress or wondered why your dog seems “unmotivated,” this episode is a game-changer. We’re diving deep into one of the most important—but often overlooked—elements of behavior change: reinforcers.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to identify what truly motivates your dog (hint: it’s not always food), why reinforcers are the key to long-lasting behavior, and how to fade out treat-based rewards over time without losing progress.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• The difference between naturally occurring vs. contrived reinforcers and punishers
• How to observe and test what really motivates your dog
• Tips for avoiding unintentional punishers that can derail progress
• A step-by-step framework for fading out food treats and building real-world reliability

Whether you’re training a service dog, a family pet, or even coaching humans, understanding reinforcers is everything. Grab your pen—or better yet, your training treats: and let’s get into it.

Get my free body language course: https://collabdogtraining.com/body-language/

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YouTube: Collab Dog Training

If your dog can't seem to focus or you're not making progress in your trainiong, it may not be a training issue—it could be an under-enrichment or welfare issue.

In this episode, we break down the 13 essential categories of canine welfare that must be met before you can expect reliable behavior.

From nutrition and sleep to sensory enrichment and emotional safety, we’re covering it all. Plus, grab the free Notion tracker linked below to assess your dog’s needs and finally make training EASIER.

🎧 Perfect for self-trainers, service dog handlers, and anyone who’s asked: “Why won’t my dog listen?”

Download the free service dog habit tracker here: https://creative-knitter-8785.kit.com/habit-tracker

My ABSOLUTE Favorite book on Enrichment called "Canine Enrichment for the Real World" for those who want to dive deeper into this topic: https://amzn.to/43KZ2ir

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Instagram: @liveapawsomelife

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YouTube: Collab Dog Training

In this episode, I’m joined by Tara, founder of Zen Dog Grooming and my go-to expert when it comes to cooperative care. We talk about how learning cooperative care completely transformed the way I train—not just for grooming or vet visits, but for everyday life, service dog prep, and even things like stairs and public access work.

We share personal stories (like how my dog Dodger went from terrified of stairs to jumping into the lake!), explore how filming your training sessions can level up your skills fast, and discuss why understanding your own dog’s body language is the real foundation of success in any training plan.

Plus, we introduce our upcoming group coaching program: Hassle-Free Handling—a live coaching program, launching this September to help guardians and trainers build real-life handling skills using science-based, force-free methods. Whether you have a service dog in training, a therapy dog, or just want to help your pet feel more comfortable with grooming, vet care, and public life… this one’s for you.

🎧 Ready to build trust, confidence, and resilience in your dog?

Join the waitlist for Hassle-Free Handling here: https://collabdogtraining.com/hassle-free-handling

Follow Tara on Instagram: http://instagram.com/zendog.fearlessgrooming

📲 Connect with me on social:

Instagram: @liveapawsomelife

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YouTube: Collab Dog Training

Is CBD Good for Dogs? What Every Dog Guardian Should Know

Thinking about adding CBD to your dog’s routine—but not sure if it’s actually helpful? In this episode, I explore how CBD can support your dog’s behavior, focus, and emotional regulation—not just their physical health.

We’ll cover:

• How pain, digestion, and anxiety impact training
• Signs your dog may be experiencing discomfort (hint: it’s not disobedience)
• The science behind CBD’s calming effect on the nervous system
• When to consider CBD vs. when to consult a vet behaviorist
• My favorite ways to use CBD during training, travel, and stress
• What to look for (and avoid) when choosing a high-quality CBD product

You’ll also hear personal stories from my work as a professional dog trainer—and how I went from skeptical to seriously impressed once I found the right product.

🪴 Want to try CBD for your dog?

I recommend Petals & Tails—a woman-owned brand with third-party tested, full-spectrum CBD products.

Use my code LISA15 for 15% off your first order: https://bit.ly/PetalsAndTails

🎥 Prefer to watch with visuals?

Check out the full YouTube version of this episode here:

👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBoOfyWR0XU

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🖥️ Courses & Resources: https://collabdogtraining.com/courses

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⚠️ Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary or medical advice. Always consult your vet before adding supplements to your dog’s routine. If your dog is experiencing severe behavioral issues, consider reaching out to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.

📲 Connect with me on social:

Instagram: @liveapawsomelife

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YouTube: Collab Dog Training

In this episode, I’m joined by Katrina Baldry—founder of Bold Lead Designs and the Mobility Dog Resource Group—to break down what you really need to know about mobility harnesses. We’re talking proper fit, pressure distribution, ethical design, and why those cheap Amazon harnesses just don’t cut it. Whether your dog is helping with counterbalance, momentum pulling, or light bracing, this episode gives you the knowledge to make safer, more informed decisions for both you and your dog.

We also discuss:

• Red flags to avoid when shopping for a harness
• The difference between rigid and flexible handles (and when to use each)
• How a dog’s anatomy affects harness fit—and performance
• Why proper fitting prevents long-term injury
• Tips for selecting the right dog for mobility tasks
• How to match harness and handle types to your needs

Want to see what we’re talking about?

📺 Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBoOfyWR0XU

🦮 Explore Ethical Gear:

Bold Lead Designs: https://boldleaddesigns.com/

🎁 Use code REFMRHG5PWWNZ to get $10 off your first Bold Lead Designs order when you spend $50 or more (new customers only)

📚 Learn more from Katrina and her team:

Mobility Dog Resource Group: https://mobilitydogresources.org/

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✨ Explore More from Collab Dog Training:

🖥️ Service Dog Courses: https://collabdogtraining.com/courses

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/liveapawsomelife

🐶 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisagallegosonline

📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lisagallegosonline/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisagallegosonline

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian, behaviorist, or medical professional for your individual situation.

📲 Connect with me on social:

Instagram: @liveapawsomelife

TikTok: @lisagallegosonline

Facebook: @lisagallegosonline

Pinterest: @lisagallegosonline

YouTube: Collab Dog Training

Did you know your dog can smell your stress before you even feel it? In this episode of The Collab Dog Training Podcast, we dive into the science and structure behind cortisol medical alert training — and how to build a solid foundation for success.

You’ll learn how to safely collect cortisol samples, create positive scent associations using pairing games, and why you should always train the alert behavior separately.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your training plan, this episode gives you actionable steps you can begin today — without rushing your dog or guessing your way through it.

• Why cortisol is a powerful target scent for medical alert dogs
• How to collect consistent, clean samples (and why it matters)
• Simple scent pairing games to start building odor value
• Why environment generalization is key to long-term success
• The #1 mistake people make when training alerts — and how to avoid it
• 
  

🎓 Explore All Online Courses:

Want to train smarter, not harder? Check out the full course library here 👉 collabdogtraining.com/courses

🔍 Want a Full Blueprint for Training Your PSD?

The Psychiatric Service Dog A-Z Blueprint gives you a clear, proven roadmap for training tasks, public access, and long-term success — even if you're overwhelmed or starting from scratch.

👉 Click here to learn more

🎧 Subscribe to The Collab Dog Training Podcast so you never miss an episode on service dog skills, task training, and building calm, confident dogs.

💬 If you enjoyed this episode, rate, review, or share it with a fellow handler!

📲 Connect with me on social:

Instagram: @liveapawsomelife

TikTok: @lisagallegosonline

Facebook: @lisagallegosonline

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YouTube: Collab Dog Training

Check out my service dog online courses: www.collabdogtraining.com/courses

📲 Connect with me on social:

Instagram: @liveapawsomelife

TikTok: @lisagallegosonline

Facebook: @lisagallegosonline

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YouTube: Collab Dog Training