The Dog Gone Positive Way

We're going back to the early 2000s for a special throwback episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way! In this throwback television interview on Daytime, airing on WFLA News Channel 8 out of Tampa Bay , we're talking about one of the biggest decisions you'll make as a future dog guardian: choosing the right dog for your home and lifestyle. Should you get a puppy or an adult dog? What should...

In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way , I examine the shocking animal-cruelty case involving a Connecticut woman accused of repeatedly using a shock collar on a caged dog. I also discuss the USDA’s newly announced plans to strengthen oversight of federally regulated dog breeders—and what those protections do and do not guarantee. Finally, I explain how to find a truly evidence-based dog tra...

In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way , I’m reviewing a training short from a balanced dog-training company that uses a shock collar as part of its training approach. We’ll break down what’s happening in the video, why the dog’s behavior may look like “success,” and what we need to consider when punishment or discomfort is being used to change behavior. Does a dog complying mean the dog und...

In the final part of my conversation with Peggy Frezon, author of Goodbye to a Good Dog , we discuss a deeply personal question many people face after losing a beloved pet: Should I get another dog—and how will I know when I’m ready? There is no correct timeline and no single answer. Some people welcome another dog quickly, while others need more time or decide not to adopt again. A new dog can ne...

How do we honor a beloved dog after they’re gone? In Part 4 of my conversation with Peggy Frezon, author of Goodbye to a Good Dog , we explore the many meaningful ways people keep their pets’ memories alive. From photographs and memorials to sharing stories and continuing traditions, everyone finds their own personal way to remember the dog they loved. Peggy also shares how her Christian faith bri...

In Part 3 of my conversation with Peggy Frezon, author of Goodbye to a Good Dog , we discuss one of the most painful decisions a pet owner may ever face: knowing when it is time to say goodbye. How can you tell whether your dog still has a good quality of life? Are the difficult days beginning to outnumber the good ones? We talk about recognizing changes in comfort, mobility, appetite, enjoyment,...

My wheelchair repair nightmare continues. In Part 2, I took my chair to another medical equipment specialist who told me the problem was fixed. Unfortunately, it wasn't. When you depend on a wheelchair every single day, a failed repair isn't a minor inconvenience—it affects your independence and your ability to function. Follow Dog Gone Positive Training and The Dog Gone Positive Way for m...

In Part 2 of my conversation with Peggy Frezon, author of Goodbye to a Good Dog: Healing, Comfort, and the Hope of Heaven After the Loss of Your Pet , we have an honest discussion about anticipatory grief—the sadness and fear that can begin while a beloved pet is still with us. We also explore the many different ways people experience grief. Some people openly express their emotions, while others...

In Part 1 of my conversation with author Peggy Frezon, we discuss her new book, Goodbye to a Good Dog: Healing, Comfort, and the Hope of Heaven After the Loss of Your Pet . Peggy shares how she and her husband began rescuing senior dogs, why these often-overlooked dogs deserve loving homes, and what they have taught her about love, loss, and saying goodbye. Although adopting a senior dog may mean...

A Palm City, Florida, woman is facing 72 charges after 36 Border Collies were rescued from horrifying living conditions. Authorities say the dogs were confined inside a home filled with feces, urine and debris—and reports indicate that Animal Services had responded to concerns at the property numerous times since 2020. In this short episode, I discuss the suffering these dogs endured, the difficul...

This week's episode is different. I'm stepping away from dog training to share something very personal that's happening to me right now. This documents my experience with @DMEofAmerica and what has happened since my wheelchair repair was attempted. What was supposed to be a routine repair to my rigid manual wheelchair has turned into a nightmare that has completely disrupted my indepen...

n Part 4 of my Balance Training series, I explore one of the most controversial questions in dog training: Is balance training animal abuse? We discuss why some trainers believe positive reinforcement is only effective for puppies, what the science tells us about training adult dogs, and how simple tools like a clicker can help capture and reinforce the behaviors you want—without using fear, pain,...

In Part 3 of my Balance Training series, I take a closer look at what pet owners should consider before hiring a dog trainer. We discuss certifications, what they really mean, how to verify them, why training philosophy matters, and the questions every pet owner should ask before trusting someone with their dog. I also share lessons from a real Florida case that highlight the importance of doing y...

What does it really mean to build a strong relationship with your dog? In Part 2 of this series, I dive deeper into why trust, communication, and positive reinforcement create more reliable behaviors than fear or intimidation ever can. We take a closer look at aversive training tools, including shock collars, prong (pinch) collars, and choke chains, and discuss how these methods can damage the bon...

What exactly is "balanced" dog training, and what does that term really mean? In Part 1 of this series, I take a closer look at balanced training, punishment, and the potential impact aversive training methods can have on the relationship between you and your dog. We discuss how trust can be affected when punishment is used, why this can create liability and safety concerns, and why it&#...

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat stroke in our pets. In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way , we're discussing one of the most serious warm-weather emergencies affecting both dogs and cats. You'll learn how to recognize the early warning signs of heat stroke, which pets are at the highest risk, what to do if you suspect your pet is overheating, and—just as importantly—w...

Fireworks may be fun for us, but they can be frightening for our pets. In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way , I discuss noise phobia in dogs and cats and share practical ways to help your pet feel safer during the Fourth of July and other loud events. We cover the signs of fear and anxiety, how to create a safe space at home, whether a ThunderShirt may help, and when it's time to talk...

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but house training can feel overwhelming if you don't have a plan. In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way , I'm sharing my 5-Step House Training Guide to help set your puppy up for success using positive reinforcement. I'll walk you through the foundation of successful potty training, including creating a consistent routine, recognizing your puppy's sig...

When Tony suddenly became sick, we found ourselves making an unexpected trip to the emergency veterinarian. In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, I share Tony's pancreatitis diagnosis, what his bloodwork revealed, and how to better understand the lab results your veterinarian may discuss with you. We also dive into one of the most debated topics in pet nutrition: prescription diets ver...

Join me for a fun behind-the-scenes look at everything I brought home from this year's Global Pet Expo! In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, I'm digging through my swag bag and sharing some of the treats, samples, and pet products I picked up from vendors at one of the pet industry's biggest events. From tasty treats to exciting finds, you'll get a firsthand look at what c...

🐾 In Part 2 of this dog nutrition series, I'm sharing my real-life experience transitioning my dogs to fresh food and some of the challenges we encountered along the way. One of the biggest lessons? Slow transitions matter. Tony experienced significant gas. Love also struggled with digestive changes and developed loose stools during the transition. I discuss why these issues can happen, how a dog...

🐾 Is fresh dog food really healthier? What’s the difference between raw, air-dried, and gently cooked meals for dogs? In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, we break down some of today’s most talked-about feeding options for dogs — including raw food diets, air-dried food, and gently cooked meals. I also share my thoughts and experiences with two popular brands: • Sundays for Dogs (air-dri...

Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through the end of November — and preparation can save lives. In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way , we talk about what every pet parent and family should do BEFORE a storm is headed their way. We discuss hurricane preparedness kits for both people and pets, including food, water, medications, crates, leashes, first aid supplies, important paper...

What if you could control rats WITHOUT using toxic poison around your pets, home, or wildlife? In Part 2, David Dorfman breaks down his non-toxic DIY system, including: • pheromone-based deterrent spheres • sealing entry points around the home • screening & prevention methods • waste/bag removal • nationwide shipping options • local service coverage in and around LA A safer approach for pet pa...

What if the products being used to control rats are actually putting pets, wildlife, and even entire ecosystems at risk? In Part 1 of this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way , Maria speaks with David Dorfman about a father-son business focused on a safer, non-toxic approach to rodent control using a pheromone-based deterrent. They discuss: • Why dogs may actually be one of the biggest attractant...