The Dogs of Our Lives

That's a wrap on Season 3 and our special summer working dog series. In this final recap, I leave you with a reminder of what we've discussed (if you've missed any episodes, I highly encourage you to take a look through the episode list, as there are some really juicy conversations!) But what I want to highlight are the key differences between welfare and well-being for your dog, and why they matter. It's so important to treat your dog as an individual and meet all of their needs, not just the basics. Take the time to go deeper, and truly understand your companion animal, trust me, it'll be worth it! Stay tuned for Season 4 and many more fantastic conversations. I'd love to know what you'd like to hear on Season 4. If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment or get in touch via my website or socials: https://www.theanimalnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/ https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/ Thanks for listening to The Dogs of Our Lives Podcast!

Ever wondered if you should bring a working dog into your home? This episode of the Dogs of Our Lives podcast is going to be a must-listen for you. This week, I chat with Jean Donaldson, a pioneer in force-free positive reinforcement dog training. She has over 30 years of experience in dog behavior and training and is the Founder and Director of the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers. Jean also has several award-winning books, including The Culture Clash and Oh Behave! She shares her journey, career highlights so far and her insights into working and sporting dogs, which is especially important for anyone thinking about bringing any type of working breed dog into their home. This episode is part of our working dogs summer series, where I explore many aspects of training and behaviors that are specific to working dog breeds. Learn more about Jean at https://academyfordogtrainers.com/ I'm honored that Jean holds me in such high esteem as a behavior consultant and dog trainer, so if you'd like to learn more about my services, please check out my website: https://www.theanimalnature.com/

In this week's episode of this special working dog summer series of the Dogs of Our Lives podcast, I chat with a great friend of mine, Cheryl Parker, about her journey in dog agility. If you've ever thought about agility training for your dog, then this is a must-listen episode with Cheryl and her multi-award winning dogs Cheryl, an athletic trainer turned PA, started agility with her Cocker Spaniel Cooper in 2005, competing since 2010. She discusses the importance of building trust, desensitization, and positive reinforcement. Cheryl shares her experience with Sammy, a rescue with an eye-opening story about a hidden tooth issue causing anxiety, and her current dog Earl, who is still a work in progress with his agility journey! She emphasizes the physical, mental, and emotional care of agility dogs, including stretching, proper nutrition, and rest. Cheryl highlights the wonderful community aspect of agility and advises new participants to start with basic obedience and desensitization training before they get into agility training classes. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your fellow dog lovers! https://www.theanimalnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/

Welcome back to another episode of our special Working Dog Summer Series. If you've ever been interested in training your dog to be a search and rescue dog, then this episode is perfect for you! Even if you want to use some search and rescue techniques to enrich your dog's life, you'll hear some juicy nuggets to take away from this episode. In today's episode, I talk with Niamh Coleman about canine search and rescue, highlighting the training, physical, mental, and emotional needs of search and rescue dogs. Niamh, with over 20 years of experience, discusses the different types of search and rescue, including air scent, trailing, water recovery, and human remains detection. She emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement, proper conditioning, and trust between the handler and the dog. Niamh also shares her journey, including her involvement with the Bonner County Sheriff's Department and the significance of the dog's role in the search process. If you'd like to get in touch with Niamh, you can contact her via her website: https://www.canineconnectionco.com/ Don't forget to leave a review for the Dogs of Our Lives podcast and share with your fellow animal lovers! https://www.theanimalnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/

If you're concerned about buying a dog from a breeder, specifically a working dog.I'd encourage you to listen to this episode with Kim Crawmer, a certified dog trainer and breeder of Maremma livestock Guardian dogs. We discuss Kim's journey from breeding Cocker Spaniels to focusing on Maremma’s, emphasizing the importance of proper socialization, health testing, and training. She highlights the differences between Livestock Guardian dogs and herding dogs, the challenges of integrating these dogs into new environments, and the critical role of early socialization. Kim also addresses common myths about these dogs, stressing the need for responsible breeding and support for clients. You may also believe you should get your dogs from rescue centers, but purchasing dogs from ethical breeders, especially working dogs, has its benefits and place in certain situations. If you're enjoying this special series about working dogs, I'd love it if you could share this podcast with other dog and animal lovers so I can continue to get the word out about kind and ethical dog guardianship. Find more about The Nature of Animals here: https://www.theanimalnature.com/ Don't forget to follow us on our socials too! https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/ https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/

Welcome to Season 3 of The Dogs of Our Lives podcast with me, Chrissy Messick. This summer I'll be focusing on working dogs. If you've ever experienced "challenging or difficult" behavior from your animal companion, especially if you have a working dog breed, then this season is exactly what you need. The series will explore the multifaceted lives of working dogs, delving into their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Topics include ethical breeding, rescue dogs, and the complexities of supporting these animals. I want to remind you that every dog is unique and deserves to fulfil its purpose, whether as a working dog or a companion. My aim is to highlight the importance of understanding and meeting the diverse needs of these dogs to help them thrive and enhance the human-dog bond. As always, I love to hear your feedback and your own stories, so please share your thoughts or leave us a review after listening. I'd love to share them in the next episode! https://www.theanimalnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/

What a season 2 it has been! In this season of The Dogs of Our Lives Podcast, we have explored a variety of topics ranging from dog nutrition, pain management in dogs, humane education, and even busted some myths surrounding dog medication! Not only that, but we have delved into some challenging and difficult topics and listened to real-life stories about the relationship between humans and their animal companions. If you've ever wanted to learn how to communicate better and form a deeper connection with your dog, then the episodes in this series are exactly what you need. For season three, the podcast will slow down to release episodes every other Tuesday, focusing on a series about working dogs, including their needs, breeds, and roles, and how to live with them. If you'd like to hear about any specific stories, breed-specific coaching or anything else you'd love to learn about from The Dogs of Our Lives Podcast, then be sure to leave your comments and suggestions! https://www.theanimalnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/

Do you want to develop a deeper connection and understanding of your dog? If you are feeling frustrated by traditional training methods and want to explore a more holistic approach, then this is the episode for you. In this week's episode of the Dogs of Our Lives Podcast, I chat with Annika Alcorso (né McDade), a triple-certified Professional Behaviour Consultant & Coach with a passion for facilitating a deep connection between dogs and their people. Annika is a former dog trainer now focused on human coaching and animal communication, emphasising the importance of mindset changes, energy work, and intuitive communication in building a deeper bond with dogs. She shares her journey from working with sled dogs and wolves to her current practice, highlighting the significance of self-awareness and the dog's well-being. Annika also discusses the challenges of the dog training industry, her dog Cedar's impact on her life, and her upcoming projects, including a TV series and a podcast. https://www.canineconnectiontraining.ca/ I really enjoyed chatting with Annika about all things animal communication and the bond we can foster with the dogs in our lives, especially. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, and I'd love to hear your thoughts. https://www.theanimalnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/

Have you ever wondered what exactly is animal communication? How does animal communication work? Can anybody communicate, telepathically, with their animal companion? You'll get the answers to all of these questions in this week's episode of the Dogs of Our Lives. I chat with JoLee Wingerson, a certified animal communicator, who has worked with many animals and their humans over the past 24 years. She has some interesting and surprising insights into the world of animal communication, which I found fascinating and enlightening. Animal communication is a bit of a controversial topic, so I'd love to know your thoughts on the subject.Leave a comment with your experience, or even if you're just interested in learning more, and I'll get back to you. Would you like to get in touch with JoLee? Here is her website: https://pet-communication.com/ https://www.theanimalnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/

Have you recently lost an animal companion? Are you in the difficult position of knowing your dog is about to transition? This special Dogs of Our Lives Podcast episode is a MUST-LISTEN for anyone who has recently said goodbye to their dog, is going through the process, or is anticipating them leaving. This week, I chat with Andrew Hale, a former Dogs of Our Lives podcast guest and fellow dog behavior consultant. Andrew sadly lost his beloved companion and friend of 14 years, Arthur, his rescue spaniel/collie mix.He has been processing his feelings of grief AND relief that have surfaced, and he has kindly agreed to share that process with us. Andrew also emphasizes the importance of talking, accepting and understanding the emotions that arise and sitting with them to fully process what you are feeling. I truly hope that you find value in this episode and it helps you process the difficult emotions that arise from losing an animal companion. If you'd like to learn more or reach out to Andrew, you can find him at Dog Centred Care.https://dogcc.org/ As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast and especially the topic of this episode. I'd love it if you'd leave a review, and hopefully I'll be able to read that out in the next episode. https://www.theanimalnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/

Do you feel the pressure to be a good dog guardian? Sometimes society, culture and even our community put so much pressure on us as dog guardians that it often becomes an overwhelming experience. In this week's episode of The Dogs Of Our Lives podcast, I chat with Marissa Martino, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, human coach and founder of Paws and Reward https://pawsandreward.com/ We talk about the importance of regulating our own emotions so we can better adapt and cope with our dogs (sometimes) challenging behaviors. We look at why animal shelters are struggling and what you can do to help (especially if you've ever thought about adopting a dog) Marissa also shares her own vulnerable experiences of dog guardianship and how her dogs have taught her so much throughout her life. This is a juicy episode, so sit back and relax with a cup of your favourite drink and enjoy the conversation! https://www.theanimalnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/ Don't forget to comment with your reviews, thoughts or what you'd love to hear more of on The Dogs of Our Lives podcast. We'll read out the reviews in the next episode too, so stay tuned!

When is the right time to reach out to a veterinary behaviorist? That's just one of the questions we talk about in today's episode of The Dogs of Our Lives podcast. I chat with Dr Ariel Fagen, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist based in Boulder, Colorado, who has also recently started practicing in Hawaii. We discuss the difference between a primary care vet and a veterinary behaviorist, when to seek advice and some of the tools she uses to assess and treat the dogs she sees. If your dog is displaying signs of unwanted behaviors, it may be due to an underlying health issue. Listen to this episode to learn more, you may find it very insightful as to why your dog is displaying unwanted behaviours. You can get in touch with Dr Ariel Fagen via her website: www.vetbehaviorcenter.com Don't forget to leave your reviews so we can shout them out in the next episode! https://www.theanimalnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/

Do you really understand your dog? The tougher question may also be, do you understand yourself? If you've been wondering how to form a stronger bond with your dog but are unsure how, then my signature course may be exactly what you need! Understanding You & Your Dog: Where Traditional Training Ends, True Connection Begins - YourPath to Thriving with Your Dog. Join the Waitlist! In this week's Dogs of Our Lives Digging Deeper Episode, I chat with one of my clients, Jamie Preira. She talks about the transformation that has taken place between herself and her dog, through training, understanding behavior and the signs that her dog was trying to communicate to her. Jamie says that the whole process has changed her life. Not only has Jamie's relationship with her dog changed, but there have been positive and surprising ripple effects throughout her personal life that have benefited her and those around her. I'd love to know your thoughts and if you relate to any part of the conversation today. https://www.theanimalnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/

Dogs are wonderful creatures that bring unlimited joy into our lives. We OWE it to them to provide them with a life full of enrichment and understanding. Sign up for my last LIVE masterclass, Beyond Obedience: The Art of Trust & Partnership with Your Dog, it's completely FREE, and you'll get an exclusive bonus for showing up live on the 21st April.https://www.theanimalnature.com/masterclass-registration-page In this week's episode, I chat with Lindsey Fontana-Dreszer, founder and owner of Dogby Box, a subscription-based service that provides enrichment activity boxes that aim to deepen the bond between you and your dog. We discuss why understanding dog behavior and dog body language is important for prevention in dog training. Lindsay shares her journey from advertising to dog training, influenced by her experiences with her own dogs, Hazel and Gracie. Remember to always stay curious and proactive in dog care, which will help prevent behavioral issues and foster a stronger human-dog relationship. Find out more or order your subscription box here: https://dogbybox.com/products/discovery-kit?selling_plan=689250435372&variant=50227676512556 Don't forget to leave us a review, and we'll give you a shout-out in the next episode!https://www.theanimalnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/

Wondering if your dog needs medication to improve their behavior and well-being? In this Digging Deeper episode of The Dogs of Our Lives podcast, I delve further into the topic of dog medication following on from my conversation with Dr Stacey Jones last week. If you haven't yet listened to that episode, head over to episode 24 to listen in full. Our conversation was truly enlightening.https://www.theanimalnature.com/podcasts/the-dogs-of-our-lives/episodes/2149006598 I discuss 4 clear signs that will help you understand whether your dog needs medication and how to ask for help from veterinary professionals. P.S. I am beyond excited to announce my first masterclass: Beyond Obedience—the Art of Trust & Partnership with Your Dog. You can find all of the details here: https://www.theanimalnature.com/masterclass-registration-page If you want to build a deeper connection and understanding of your dog, you definitely won't want to miss this masterclass! Plus, there's a free bonus to those who show up live! If you're not sure whether you need this masterclass (personally, I think you should watch anyway), you can take my quiz to find out exactly how well you know your dog:https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/66ec7fcfbc1d7c432638a1a7 Keep in touch:https://www.theanimalnature.com/https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/

In this week's episode, we'll bust some myths surrounding dog medication. So if you've ever had any questions about dog medication and how it works, this episode of The Dogs of Our Lives podcast is for you. I talk with Dr. Stacy Jones, a veterinarian at the Veterinary Behavior Center in Boulder, Colorado. Stacey emphasizes the use of medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, dispelling myths about their use and highlighting their role in reducing anxiety and improving quality of life. We also discuss the misconceptions around veterinarians' financial motivations when prescribing medications: spoiler alert, that's another myth! Not only do we dispel some myths around dog medication, but we also talk about the importance of the role of the family when treating dogs and their behavior.The animal guardians need to understand what is going on with their dogs, how to treat them, and how to care for them long-term. It's such an interesting topic of discussion relating to dog behavior, so I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Don't forget, if you leave us a comment and a review, I'll read it out in the next episode! How Well Do You Know Your Dog? Take the quiz to find out, the questions and answers might surprise you!https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/66ec7fcfbc1d7c432638a1a7 Learn more: https://www.theanimalnature.com/https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/

I discuss humane education in this week's Digging Deeper episode of The Dog of Our Lives podcast. I really want to emphasise its role in developing critical thinking, empathy, and ethical decision-making. I believe I developed empathy for animals while growing up on a farm and seeing first-hand the treatment of the animals around me at the time. But what exactly is humane education? I talk about five key points to better understand the idea of humane education, which include daily modeling of respectful animal interactions, addressing biases, experiential learning through farm sanctuaries, thoughtful observation of animals' natural behaviors, and building community support systems. These practices foster a humane approach, reinforcing respect for all living beings and creating a cultural shift towards ethical treatment of animals. If you'd like to learn more, I'd encourage you to listen to my interview with Emily Tronetti: https://www.theanimalnature.com/podcasts/the-dogs-of-our-lives/episodes/2148999390 If you're enjoying The Dogs of Our Lives Podcast, I'd love you to leave us a review, and I'll give you a shout-out in one of our episodes! Don't forget to take the "How Wll Do You Know Your Dog?" quiz, the questions and the results may surprise you! https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/66ec7fcfbc1d7c432638a1a7 Stay up to date with The Nature of Animals via my website:https://www.theanimalnature.com/ Or on our socials:https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/

What is humane education? In this week's episode, Emily Tronetti returns to take a deeper dive into the importance of humane education in fostering compassionate coexistence with animals. If you didn't catch her previous interview with me, you can find it here: https://www.theanimalnature.com/podcasts/the-dogs-of-our-lives/episodes/2148811341 Emily, an educator and consultant, defines humane education as teaching critical thinking, empathy, and compassionate action. She emphasizes the need for daily interactions that model these values, such as reflecting on biases and promoting thoughtful observation of animals. We also touch on the impact of societal norms and the importance of community support in promoting humane practices. Emily's upcoming book chapter on humane education is set to release on March 11, she recommends buying it from bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/p/books/exploring-topics-in-non-human-coexistence-passion-praxis-and-presence-erin-jones/21727368?ean=9781590567395 If you'd like to learn more or get in touch with Emily you can find her at https://coexistence.consulting/ As always we'd love to hear your thoughts about any of our Dog of Our Lives podcast episodes, so please leave us a review and we'll be sure to read them out in the next episode! https://www.theanimalnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/ P.S. Don't forget to take our "How Well Do You Know Your Dog?" quiz!https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/66ec7fcfbc1d7c432638a1a7

Do you know about the gut-brain axis? In this week's Digging Deeper episode of The Dogs of Our Lives podcast, I explore the gut-brain axis and its impact on dog behavior. This topic is a follow-up to my conversation with canine nutritionist, Dr Alexia Mellor.In that episode (number 20) we discussed so much, but gut health came up a lot which is why I wanted to dig a little deeper into the connection between gut health and behavior. I talk about five factors affecting gut health and behavior: pain, inflammation, malabsorption, microflora imbalance, and metabolic dysfunction. As always, I am an advocate for a holistic approach where we need to consider diet, stress, and environmental factors. Don't forget to leave us a review and comment for a chance to be featured in one of our episodes! You can learn more and stay in touch here: https://www.theanimalnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/ https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/

Could your dog food actually be harming your dog's health and affecting their behavior? In this week's episode of the Dogs of Our Lives podcast, I chat with Dr. Alexia Mellor a canine nutritionist, also known as the Mystic Dog Mama. She emphasizes the importance of fresh food for dogs, noting that processed kibble may lead to gut imbalances and behavioral problems. Alexia discusses the role of energetics in nutrition, the significance of gut health, and the benefits of bone broth. She also highlights the integration of energy work and animal communication in holistic pet care, stressing the importance of trusting one's intuition and inner wisdom. If your dog has been showing signs of challenging behavior, maybe it's time to look at their diet. Find out more at https://mysticdogmama.com/ Don't forget to leave us a review and let us know what you thought of this episode. Take the quiz! "How Well Do You Know Your Dog?"https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/66ec7fcfbc1d7c432638a1a7