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

In this week's Digging Deeper Episode of the Dogs of Our Lives podcast, I discuss the importance of recognizing and managing pain in dogs. This episode follows on from my conversation with Dr Robert Falconer Taylor, if you missed that episode I encourage you to give it a listen as he provides some valuable insights into how pain affects dog behavior. https://www.theanimalnature.com/podcasts/the-dogs-of-our-lives/episodes/2148982997 Did you know I have a background in sports medicine?I draw on this experience as a dog trainer and behavior consultant as there are many surprising parallels between human treatment and dog treatment. Listen now to find out how to check for pain in your dog, what you can do to manage their pain and how to be an advocate for your dog. Don't forget to take the "How well do you know your dog?" quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/66ec7fcfbc1d7c432638a1a7 Remember to leave a review on your favourite podcast streaming service and we'll give you a shout-out in the next episode! Find out more:https://www.theanimalnature.com/ Get social!https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/

Have you ever thought this about your dog? I feel like there's something wrong with my dog, but I just can't quite put my finger on it. Believe me, you're not alone because so many dogs have underlying pain or discomfort that goes unnoticed. Dogs are experts in disguising their own pain! In this week's episode, I discuss the connection between pain and behavior in dogs with Dr. Robert Falconer Taylor, a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience. I met Dr Robert via an online community group created by Andrew Hale whom I interviewed last season, you should check out that episode if you haven't already listened to it:https://www.theanimalnature.com/podcasts/the-dogs-of-our-lives/episodes/2148872156 Dr. Robert emphasizes the importance of recognizing subtle changes in a dog's behavior as signs of pain or discomfort, which can affect their mood and overall well-being. He advocates for veterinarians to consider emotional and cognitive factors in diagnosing pain and stresses the role of pet parents in advocating for their dogs. Dr. Taylor also highlights the need for empathic listening and broader communication among veterinarians and pet owners to improve animal welfare. If you'd like to get in touch with Dr Robert or learn more, you can find him via his website, www.petcpd.com Don't forget to leave me your reviews so I can read them out in the next episode! More information: https://www.theanimalnature.com/ Follow over on socials: https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals/ How well do you know your dog test?https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/66ec7fcfbc1d7c432638a1a7

Are you aware of the four levels of cultural awareness in dog-human relationships? If you've been wondering why you can't seem to communicate with your dog or you're struggling to understand what your dog is trying to tell you, then this is a must-listen-to episode. In last week's episode of the Dogs of Our Lives podcast, Chrissy chatted with Alyssa Ralph, a clinical animal behaviorist and canine nutritionist, discussing a holistic approach to animal care. If you missed that episode, catch up here:https://www.theanimalnature.com/podcasts/the-dogs-of-our-lives/episodes/2148974887 Now Chrissy digs deeper into that conversation to highlight the importance of awareness when interacting with your dog, talking about unconscious incompetence, conscious incompetence, conscious competence, and unconscious competence. Don't forget to take the "How well do you know your dog?" quiz:https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/66ec7fcfbc1d7c432638a1a7 As always, we'd love your feedback and remember, if you leave us a review we'll read it out in the next episode!

Have you ever felt something was wrong with your dog but couldn't figure out what exactly? Believe me when I say, you're not alone. In this week's episode, I chat with Alyssa Ralph a clinical animal behaviorist from the UK. Alyssa shares her journey from working in zoos to specializing in aggressive and reactive dog behavior, emphasizing the importance of considering nutrition, physical health, and the emotional well-being of the dog when assessing each case. Incorporating these three elements will help you develop a more holistic approach to dog training and understanding dog behavior. If you'd like to learn more about Alyssa's approach, join her Barky Dog Squad or even just get in touch you can find her at https://www.holisticpetservices.co.uk/ Don't forget to take the "How well do you know your dog?" quiz, the questions and the answers might surprise you! https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/66ec7fcfbc1d7c432638a1a7 We'd love to know your thoughts on this episode, so please help us develop and grow be leaving a comment and a review, thank you!

Have you ever wanted to develop a deeper, more spiritual connection between you and your dog? In this week's episode of The Dogs of Our Lives, I'll be digging deeper into this topic following my interview with Dr Chris Pachel in the previous episode. If you'd like to listen to that first you can find it here: https://www.theanimalnature.com/podcasts/the-dogs-of-our-lives/episodes/2148962283 To properly develop a spiritual connection and understanding of our dog, we must first do the work on ourselves. I talk about the different ways we can receive information, how to process that, and then use it to better communicate with our dogs. It's a fascinating subject that not only benefits us as humans but also improves the relationship we have with our animal companions. You can learn more on my website: https://www.theanimalnature.com/animal-communication Now, let me ask you, How well do you know your dog? Take the quiz to learn more, both the questions AND the answers might surprise you. https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/66ec7fcfbc1d7c432638a1a7 As always I'd love to hear from you, whether that's about podcast episodes or any questions you might have, please get in touch via my website or any of my social channels.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Dogs of Our Lives Podcast! In this first episode, Chrissy interviews Dr Chris Pachel, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist from Portland, Oregon. Do you truly understand your dog's behavior? How can you learn more about your dog and understand their needs better? Dr Pachel discusses his journey into veterinary behavior, the importance of a holistic approach to animal care, and the challenges of integrating behavioral education into veterinary schools. He emphasizes the significance of understanding the emotional and physical well-being of both animals and their caregivers. Dr. Pachel also touches on the role of personal growth and the need for veterinarians to seek support to avoid burnout. For more information or to contact Dr Pachel you can visit his website here: https://www.drpachel.com/ Don't forget to take the "How Well Do You Know Your Dog?" quiz! You might gain some valuable insights for you and your dog: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/66ec7fcfbc1d7c432638a1a7 We'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, so please leave a review and let us know about any topics you'd like us to discuss. https://www.theanimalnature.com/

We did it! Not only did we complete our first season, we made it into the top 50% of podcasts! I am so grateful to all of you who have downloaded the first season of the Dogs of Our Lives podcast, it means so much to me to be able to share my important message about dogs, dog training and dog behavior. I talked with so many amazing guests, including some of my clients, veterinarians, ethologists, canine massage therapists and more! We'll be back next year with another round of interviews, solo episodes with me sharing all my knowledge about dog training and behavior and heaps more juicy subjects we can get stuck into! I can't wait for you to join me then. Don't forget to subscribe to the show so you'll get notified when we drop the first episode of season 2.Why not sign up for the Nature of Animals mailing list, so you definitely won't miss a thing?! https://www.theanimalnature.com/contact

In today's Dogs of Our Lives episode, Chrissy talks with Bridgette Chesne about why a dog is for life, not just for the Holidays in our special holiday episode. Bridgette shares her tips about bringing a dog or animal companion into your home during the holidays, thanks to her many years of experience working in the Humane Society of Boulder Valley and the Veterinary Behavior Center. She shares her own experiences as a dog guardian and how she became certified in Predation Substitute Training. If you're interested in learning more about Predation Substitute Training, or perhaps you'd like to attend a workshop, then you can contact Bridgette via email [email protected] I hope you enjoy this episode and you come away with actionable tips about adopting a dog this holiday season. Please help us share the stories featured on the Dogs of Our Lives podcast by leaving a review, commenting your thoughts and sharing episodes with your friends and family. Stay up to date with everything going on at The Nature of Animals on our Instagram and Facebook pages https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/ https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals

In this episode of the Dogs of Our Lives podcast, Chrissy talks with Anja Zakelj, a certified canine massage therapist from Slovenia. Chrissy and Anja discuss how dog massage therapy can help with behavior issues and also deepen your connection with your dog. Anja talks about the benefits of canine massage, including pain relief, increased mobility, and deeper human-dog connections. Anja and Chrissy highlight the significance of addressing "silent pain" in dogs, which can manifest in behavior changes. Anja offers practical tips for starting dog massage, such as starting with gentle touch and paying attention to the dog's feedback. Anja's upcoming online course, which starts on November 11, aims to teach dog owners these techniques. Here is the link to the course: https://wigglebeat.com/beginners-course/ If you'd like a free manual about how to detect "silent pain" then you can download that here:https://wigglebeat.com/silent-pain/ As always we'd love to hear your feedback about this episode and any other previous episodes of the Dogs of Our Lives podcast, feel free to leave a review and comment as well as reaching out on our social networks The Nature of Animals.

In this week's episode, Chrissy chats with Dr Marc Bekoff about understanding your dog through the eyes of a field biologist and ethologist in which they discuss his extensive work on animal behavior and emotions. Marc emphasizes the importance of understanding the commitment required to care for a dog, likening it to having a child. He stresses the need for dog literacy and responsible guardianship, advocating for careful observation and understanding of individual dog behaviors. Marc and Chrissy also highlight the significance of accurate terminology in animal behavior studies, particularly regarding dominance and social hierarchies. Marc shares insights from his fieldwork and collaborations with Jane Goodall and other experts. As always I'd love to hear your thoughts about the episode and if any of the topics resonated with you.Leave a comment or join the conversation on my Instagram or Facebook page, The Nature of Animals. More about Marc: A professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Marc has published 31 books (or 41, depending on how you count multi-volume encyclopedias). He has won many awards for his research on animal behavior, animal emotions (cognitive ethology), compassionate conservation, and animal protection, has worked closely with Jane Goodall as co-chair of the ethics committee of the Jane Goodall Institute, and is a former Guggenheim Fellow. He also works closely with inmates at the Boulder County Jail. In June 2022, Marc was recognized as a Hero by the Academy of Dog Trainers. His books include The Animals' Agenda: Freedom, Compassion, and Coexistence in the Human Age, Canine Confidential: Why Dogs Do What They Do, Unleashing Your Dog: A Field Guide to Giving Your Canine Companion the Best Life Possible, and A Dog's World: Imagining the Lives of Dogs in a World Without Humans. Marc’s latest books are Dogs Demystified: An A to Z Guide to All Things Canine, the second edition of The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy―and Why They Matter, and Jane Goodall at 90: Celebrating an Astonishing Lifetime of Science, Advocacy, Humanitarianism, Hope, and Peace. He also publishes regularly for Psychology Today. His homepage is marcbekoff.com. Fun fact: In 1986 Marc won the Master’s Tour du Haut, aka the age-graded Tour de France.

In this episode, Chrissy talks with Dr Jennifer Fick, a veterinary orthopedic surgeon. They discuss Jennifer's personal and professional perspective on TPLO surgery for cruciate ligament injuries, and perhaps just as importantly, TPLO recovery for dogs like Charlotte (a german shepherd) who need mental stimulation. If you want better tools to aid in your dog's recovery from TPLO surgery, this FREE mini-guide is EXACTLY what you need: https://www.theanimalnature.com/pl/2147656156 They also cover Jennifer's journey to becoming a mobile surgeon, her experiences with her dogs Charlotte and Elsie, and the challenges of dealing with canine hemangiosarcoma. Additionally, they address Proposition 129 in Colorado, which proposes the creation of mid-level veterinary practitioners, and the concerns about patient safety and veterinary standards. If you want to learn more about Prop 129, here are the details: https://www.avma.org/news/colorado-ballot-measure-calls-nonveterinarians-diagnose-do-surgery As always, if you'd like to stay in touch, please connect via Jenny's website: https://www.svvs.vet/ And of course, https://www.theanimalnature.com/ for all things positive reinforcement dog training and behavior with Chrissy, as well as the usual social channels: https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals Thanks for listening!

In today's episode, Chrissy hosts Andrew Hale, a UK-based animal and canine behaviorist, to discuss the emotional and social aspects of dog behavior, and just as importantly, how that affects us as care givers. Trust me when I say you do not want to miss this episode if you are even slightly interested in behavior, for those listening with children, it's a must-listen! Andy shares his personal journey, including childhood trauma and its impact on his work. We emphasize the importance of understanding behavior from a deeper perspective, rather than just addressing symptoms. Andy advocates for a dog-centric approach, focusing on the dog's emotional experience and needs. He highlights the significance of secure attachment, processing, engagements, and exits. Hale also discusses the role of guilt and judgment in professional development and the need for compassion and resilience in the field of dog training. If you'd like to find out more, you can get in touch with Andy via his website: https://dogcc.org/ As always, don't forget to let us know your thoughts on this episode by leaving a comment, review or feedback on the website: https://www.theanimalnature.com/ or via my socials: https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/

On today's episode, I speak with Jamie Flanagan, a dog trainer specializing in dogs that show aggressive and reactive behaviors and we're asking a very important question:Does Positive Reinforcement Really Work For Dogs Displaying Fearful and Reactive Behaviors? Jamie, who runs Training Wheels in Broomfield, Colorado, discusses her background, including her time at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley and her transition to dog training. She emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and the challenges of working with sensitive dogs. Jamie shares her personal experience with her own reactive dog, Riot, and the decision to euthanize him. She also highlights the need for patience in behavior modification and the importance of comforting fearful dogs without reinforcing fearful behaviors. If you'd like to get in touch with Jamie, please visit her website: https://www.trainingwheels.dog/ As always, we'd love to hear your feedback about today's episode so why not join the community on Instagram and Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/ https://www.facebook.com/thenatureofanimals Would you like to know about positive reinforcement training techniques? Head on over to my website: https://www.theanimalnature.com/

In today's episode, I speak with Gigi Moss, a local legend in the Boulder Valley community, about navigating your dog's vision loss with resilience and compassion. Gigi had to adapt to her dog's eyesight loss which also impacted her training techniques. Gigi has been a dog trainer for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience, but helping her dog through vision loss was ironically eye-opening for her and her dog training methods, realising that teaching our dogs to be more resilient is essential. If you are going through a similar experience of change, then I encourage you to leave a comment and to get in touch with either me or Gigi https://gigimoss.com/ As always you can contact me via my website https://www.theanimalnature.com/ or join the community on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/

In today's episode, I talk with Emily Tronetti who has a doctorate in humane education for humans and non-human animals. Humane education is an educational practice that inspires critical thinking and taking compassionate action for humans, nonhuman animals, and the earth we share. We discuss the benefits of humane education and critical thinking and why they matter for you and your dog, or companion animal. We talk about how the animals in her life have helped her cope with her depression and anxiety thanks to their intuitive nature, unique intelligence, and unconditional compassion. If you felt inspired by this episode then please let me know by leaving a comment or you can connect with me via my Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/ I'm sure Emily would also love to hear from you, so please feel free to connect with her via her website: https://coexistence.consulting/ She's also on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emily.tronetti/ and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-tronetti/

This week I talk to Mary about the surprising parallels between human and animal adoption and how that has impacted her dog training and behavior consulting approach. Mary also shares her insights into her experience with the ASPCA, her journey into dog training and behavior consulting, and how her pup Buster has helped her slow down. If you'd like to connect with us then head on over to my website: https://www.theanimalnature.com/ Join my amazing community on my Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/ You can reach out to Mary via her website: https://www.maryangilly.com/

The Personal and Professional Realities of Running a Rescue. In today's episode, I chat with Emily Wolf from Summit Dog Rescue about running a successful rescue. We discuss how running a rescue is not all rainbows and unicorns, but a huge professional and personal challenge, that has proven to be extremely difficult at times. If you've ever thought about adopting a dog from a rescue, then this episode is for you. If you'd like to learn more about Summit Dog Rescue, check out their website: www.summitdogrescue.org and be sure to check out their podcast: Pod To The Rescue. Don't forget to join the Nature of Animals community on our socials too by visiting https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/

Life After Divorce: Building Confidence with a Reactive Dog with Rebecca and Teague. In today's episode, I talk with Rebecca about how her divorce impacted her relationship with her dog Teague. We discuss how living with a reactive or sensitive dog can cause anxiety and self-doubt, the struggles of managing a reactive dog in a single-family household and the importance of community to help build confidence. If you are living with a reactive or sensitive dog and would like to learn more about training techniques, dog behaviour and more then head on over to my website: www.theanimalnature.com Join me on Instagram for some social fun! https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/

This latest episode of the Dogs of Our Lives podcast centers around the themes of grief, loss and the importance of companion animals in providing comfort and purpose during difficult times. Chrissy chats to Joanna who she shares her personal experience of losing a loved one and navigating that with the support of her animal companion. Chrissy and Joanna talk about the need for empathy, trust, and emotional healing, and discussed the unique ways Joanna formed such a strong bond with her dog Lolo. They also discussed the challenges of socializing reactive dogs and the importance of shifting the traditional mindset towards a more collaborative and respectful relationship with dogs. Please enjoy this episode: How to Survive the Loss of a Loved One With the Help of Your Animal Companion. To find out more about animal training, communication and behaviour head over to my website: www.theanimalnature.com Join me on Instagram for some social fun!https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/

Welcome to Episode One of the Dogs of Our Lives Podcast with me, your host, Chrissy Messick. The Dogs of Our Lives podcast is all about living, learning, and growing with dogs. In this episode, I will talk to you about my personal journey as a dog owner, and trainer, how the dogs in my life made me a better parent and how my childhood influenced the person I am today. In future episodes of the Dogs of Our Lives podcast, I will invite guests to talk about their personal experiences of owning dogs and to have real and vulnerable conversations. It's only fair that I do the same in this episode. I will discuss my family and childhood trauma, my career in sports medicine and how my two boxer pups changed the entire trajectory of my life. I hope this episode will inspire you to talk about your life influences and to think about how your own experiences impact your personal growth and development. https://www.theanimalnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/

Welcome to The Dogs of Our Lives Podcast hosted by Chrissy Messick, founder of the Nature of Animals, dog training and behavior consulting expert. This trailer introduces the first season of the brand-new podcast, The Dogs of Our Lives, where I will chat with clients, colleagues, and professionals in the field about their unique experiences with their dogs. Together we will explore the impact dogs have on our lives, and how that affects us as humans and our own interactions, with not only dogs, but the people around us. Be sure to join us for the first episode launching on June 4th. https://www.theanimalnature.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thenatureofanimals/ Transcript: Do you have? Or have you ever had a dog that has come into your life? And turned it completely upside down? Did they come into your world and change your life, teach you lessons or change your perspective about dogs or life in general? Or would you love to have a dog in your life to learn and grow with? If you're looking for real life stories, real people, real dogs, inspiration and all the feels from humans and their dogs, then you are in the right place. Welcome to the Dogs of Our Lives Podcast. I'm Chrissy Messick, founder of the Nature of Animals, where we help to create genuine and deeper connections between dogs and their humans through training, support and beyond. After seven years of owning my dog training business, I have seen people's lives change because of their dogs and it's my passion to make a difference in people's and dogs’ lives. Join us as we dive into real life tales of transformation. You'll hear journeys of challenging behaviours to heartwarming successes and everything in between. Get ready for personal stories from clients, colleagues and professionals related to all things dogs. You'll be inspired to understand your dog better and come away with tips and insights to make a difference in you and your dog's lives. Be sure to tune in and subscribe to the Dogs of our Lives on your favourite podcast app. You and your dog will be happy that you did. I look forward to sharing with you.