K9 Translators

Are you comparing your dogs to each other? Tara and Laura work through the problems with comparisons between current dogs or current and past dogs within a pack and how it can break down bonds, bring about regrets, or build unfair expectations. Every dog has has their own personality and, to be fair to the dog and the human, should be given the opportunity to have their own path without judgement.

This episode is a re-release that goes back and delves deep into the controversial world of human-made tools used for dog training and exploring their potential negative effects on the human-canine relationship. Tara and Laura navigate through the eithical dilemmas and unintended consequences of relying on technology and gadgets rather than the fundamental bond between humans and dogs.

Is your dog challenging you on purpose or is there a reason they only listen to one person in the house? Tara and Laura debunk why many dogs in multi-owner households may see that their dog listens more or walks better for one owner and not the other. They also explain how owners can make this worse and how you can help your dog and possibly even your partner. Sponsored by K9 Workingmind This epis...

How do you know when you are ready to adopt another dog? Tara and Laura discuss ways that a person can know if they are ready to adopt their first dog, add another dog into the pack, or adopt a dog after losing a pack member. There is no rush, because our dogs deserve the most from us and we have to make sure we are ready and able to give them what they need. Sponsored by K9 Workingmind This episo...

Is your dog ready for the holiday season? Tara and Laura remind owners to start now prepping their dogs for the holiday season. This includes preparing for holiday decor, guests, travel, and more during a time that is usually very stressful for everyone involved. Don't wait until the last minute! Prep your dogs now, expose them, and be fair with your expectations based on what you have practic...

Should your puppy be allowed to get excited and/or socialize in public? Tara and Laura work through the importance of balancing proper social skills, teaching your puppy expections, and also allowing your puppy time to have fun. They explain the different expectations for puppies depending on the future goals/jobs their handler has in mind and how that can influence their time in social settings....

Is your dog resource guarding or showing a completely different behavior? Tara and Laura go over the ways that resource guarding gets mislabeled and overused to explain a dog's behavior. These inaccurate labels can cause owners to be treating the wrong problem, not see a positive change, or even make the behavior worse. It is important to know if your dog is actually resource guarding or if yo...

Save the dates for this year's PMAD event! Daytime event: Sunday, September 27th Evening event: Saturday, October 24th This is a re-released episode with our special guest, Courtney Leigh, from season 1 where she talks about the impact of puppy mills on dogs' behavior and the training challenges that arise from their traumatic pasts. Sponsored by K9 Workingmind This episode was edited and...

How do you socialize a shy dog?  Tara and Laura delve into the importance of socializing a dog that has an introvert personality, but stress doing it properly so your dog isn’t overly stressed.  Having a dog that is shy or less social doesn’t mean they shouldn’t go out, but it is knowing how to still practice positive exposure and socialization without flooding them or creating reactivity. Sponsor...

How concerning are behavioral problems with puppies?  Tara and Laura provide examples of true behavioral concerns that can be seen with dogs that are under 6 months of age that are possible red flags for future problems.  They stress knowing the differences between general puppy behavior and true behavioral problems in order to address concerns appropriately and make the right decision for your do...

Should you look into a stay & train to address your dog’s behavior?  Tara and Laura work through different examples of when utilizing a stay and train for a dog is the most beneficial or warranted.  Many owners are told to do a stay and train right away, but don’t see the success after their dog has returned home.  It is important to know if doing a stay and train for your dog will actually he...

Should there be expectations when your dogs go camping with you?  Tara and Laura go over different boundaries, expectations, safety precautions, and general information that every dog owner needs to know prior to taking their dog on a camping trip.  Going on a fun vacation with your dog shouldn’t be overly stressful for either party.  It is important to be prepared for as much as possible while al...

Is that nipping at your heels mean your dog is trying to herd you?  This week, Tara and Laura debunk the myth that dogs are trying to herd people or other animals constantly.  They explain what this behavior actually means and how to know if your dog is truly trying to herd someone or if it is an entirely different behavior that should be addressed.  Many dogs are given a pass for this behavior be...

When is your dog’s age the reason for their behavior?  This week, Tara and Laura break down the different behaviors and challenges you may see from your dog at the different life stages.  They explain how many behaviors can be overlooked as “puppy behavior” when their dog is already past the puppy stage in life.  Understanding your dog and what behavior is acceptable helps you to set proper bounda...

What does it mean to challenge your dog? This week, Tara and Laura cover a listener-requested topic to expand on what it looks like to challenge your dog, both from the human side and how your dog may perceive this behavior. They discuss how it can affect a dog's behavior, your relationship with your dog, and ways many owners may not even realize they are challenging their dog. Sponsored by K9...

Why are you blaming yourself?  This week, Tara and Laura work to help owners take less of the blame for their dog’s behavior.  Most owners don’t know dog communication or body language, so no owner should blame themselves for something they didn’t know.  Seeking a professional to help with those behaviors can be a great way to educate yourself in order to correct this miscommunication, but it’s im...

Are you uncomfortable with your own training choices for your dog?  This episode, Tara and Laura discuss how some the training techniques and/or gear is being “covered up” or hidden in order to not have judgement from other people.  If you think what you are doing or using with your dog is the right thing, then you shouldn’t feel the need to hide it.  If you do, maybe it is time to stop and think...

What’s the worst that could happen?  This week, Tara and Laura cover why letting little behavioral things go can end up causing major issues later.  The more success your dog gains with a simple behavior can increase their confidence to continue and push farther.  They go over why addressing concerns earlier can make sure the behavior doesn’t become a habit or escalate to something more dangerous....

Is it you or the dog?  This week, Tara and Laura explain why sometimes it seems like every dog you own may have similar issues.  They discuss the importance of knowing a dog’s personality, confidence, and how many owners can cause these issues without realizing it.  Whether it is reactivity, resource guarding, protective behaviors, or anything else, making sure that you aren’t repeating mistakes t...

Can your dog function without you or your other dog?  This week, Tara and Laura cover the topic of codependence and why this can be dangerous for your dog.  Many dogs are unable to be left alone or they don’t know what to do if they aren’t with your other dog, but this can create a very unhealthy relationship for your dog.  They explain why this isn’t cute, but instead problematic for your dog and...

What does your dog think when you move homes?  This week, Tara and Laura work through the difficulties that can come when you are moving with your dog.  Many people believe that dogs struggle to adapt to new homes, so they break down these different perspectives and offer insights into what your dog is actually communicating, or maybe what you are communicating to them instead. Sponsored by K9 Wor...

Do you want to start running or joring with your dog?  This week, Tara and Laura took on a listener requested topic on the best way to teach your dog how to go running or joring with you.  We discussed different types of gear, leashes, how to acclimate your dog to the activity, and the importance of safety when doing these activities with your dog.  It is a great way to bond and enjoy each other’s...

Who wouldn’t want longevity with their pet?  This week, Tara and Laura welcomed Dr. Kevin Toman to discuss his work on helping pets live longer and healthier lives.  We discussed his research on how to increase a dog’s health longevity and how his approach is different from other veterinarians.  If you would like more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Toman, please check out the l...

What dog sport is best for your dog?  This week, Tara and Laura covered all different types of dog sports that are available.  They explained the differences between the sports, which ones may be best for certain dogs, and which sports we don’t typically recommend.  Dog sports are a great way to enjoy time with your dog and build a wonderful bond and teamwork. Sponsored by K9 Workingmind This epis...

Who has impacted your communication the most with your dog?  This week, Tara and Laura were honored to have Turid Rugaas speak about her training methods and discuss why she is all able communication and body language.  Turid has been training without force for years and her methods are what impacted Tara the most when working to teach that communication to other dog owners.  Check out her faceboo...