Dog Days

Part 2 of “Hey, Let's Be Careful Out There,” our ongoing safety series — and this one covers a situation almost every dog owner will face at some point: a dog reacting aggressively, whether it's yours or one you run into on a walk. We talk through what's actually happening in those moments, the early warning signs most people miss, and exactly what to do to keep yourself and your dog safe — both o...

Summer is calling — and so is something that would very much prefer to hit "Ignore." Whether your backyard is a year-round playground or a seasonal escape, warm weather means sharing the great outdoors with one of its oldest residents. This week on the Dog Days Safety Series, we're getting up close (but not too close) with one of nature's most misunderstood neighbors: the rattlesnake. We sit down...

Whether they're tracking by sight or by scent, one thing unites every hound: the ability to cover serious ground and make serious decisions — entirely on their own. This episode dives into the AKC Hound Group, exploring the split between sight hounds and scent hounds, what makes them gloriously (and occasionally maddeningly) independent, and how to channel that superpower without losing your mind...

Ever wonder why your dog sprints to the door the moment you put on your shoes? Hint: they didn't read the manual — they wrote it themselves. Your dog has been studying you a lot longer than you've been studying them, and they're very, very good at it. In this episode, we dig into the difference between hard-wired instinctual behaviors (the ones your dog can't help) and learned behaviors (the ones...

Does your dog lose it every time you grab your keys — or have they just figured out that a well-timed meltdown keeps you glued to their side? In this episode, we dig into one of the most misunderstood behaviors in the dog world: separation anxiety. We break down how to tell the difference between a dog who is genuinely distressed when left alone and one who has simply learned that the drama works....

If your dog has ever outrun you, outwitted you, and then magically appeared by your side to work together — congratulations, you might own a Sporting breed. In Episode 5 of our AKC Dog Group series, we're sprinting headfirst into the world of the Sporting Group. The largest of the AKC groups, these 30+ breeds are purpose-built to partner with human hunters. Hard-wired to lure, flush, and retrieve...

We all love positive reinforcement — and for good reason. Rewards are powerful, intuitive, and kind. But any balanced trainer will tell you: sometimes the reward just doesn't cut it. So what then? This episode digs into the full toolkit of dog training theory, exploring the alternatives to positive reinforcement that actually work — and more importantly, why and when to use them. Because the most...

We may be dog people — but really, we're animal people. And that means making room for all of them, even the ones with teeth and talons. In this episode, we dive into one of the most important (and occasionally heart-stopping) realities of life in today’s increasingly crowded world: predators are part of the deal. We focus on two of the most fascinating ones — coyotes and owls — and what it actual...

In this episode, we dive into the art of the introduction—and why you being fully present can make or break your dog’s first impressions. We break down what really happens when your dog meets new people or new dogs, and how subtle shifts in body language (theirs and yours) can be the difference between “aww, new besties” and “okay, this is… tense.” Whether your dog is meeting a new roommate, a new...

In our 20th episode, we’re busting the myth that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks - and showing you why adult dogs often learn faster. We dig into what’s really behind sudden behavior changes (hint: it’s usually life changes like a new baby, a new dog, a move, or even a loss).  Along the way, we share real-life stories of dogs navigating big life transitions - and what their humans did to hel...

In this episode, we wander off the beaten path (and onto the sidewalk, and maybe into a muddy field) to look closely at the tools of dog training. Collars, leashes, interrupters, and shiny new gadgets all claim to “fix” your dog—but we’re here to figure out which ones actually help your dog think clearly and choose well. This isn’t a quick shopping list; it’s a smart, slightly nerdy tour of what w...

In this episode of our Dog Breed series, we’re shining a spotlight on the wonderfully wild Non-Sporting Group. Don’t let the name fool you—these dogs still need exercise… even if some of them would rather supervise from the couch (we’re looking at you, Bulldogs). We break down why this group has become the “miscellaneous drawer” of the dog world, where breeds that don’t quite fit anywhere else end...

In this episode, we’re hanging out with the brainiacs of the dog world: the herders. These are the overachievers who don’t just need a walk around the block—they need a job, a puzzle, and maybe a performance review. We share real-life stories about meeting the needs of these furry physical and mental athletes—so they’re not just tired, but satisfied. Along the way, we might have to level up our ow...

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Daugherty, Executive Vice President of San Diego Humane Society, for a candid conversation about dogs and modern animal welfare. We explore the challenges facing shelters today, why dog welfare is often misunderstood, and the complex decisions organizations must navigate to keep animals safe and healthy. Brian shares real stories of both hardship and hope, h...

Welcome back to the second episode of our Socialization series! This time, we’re diving into the pack mentality. We’ll explore how to spot those all-important cues that tell you when your furry friend is ready to mingle (or when they’d rather not). Plus, we’ve got tips on keeping the party vibes going, whether you're on-leash or off. Tune in to discover how to let your pup’s personality shine like...

Welcome to the first episode of our two-part series on Socialization. Just like humans, dogs have their own unique social styles—some are extroverted party animals, while others prefer the calm of small gatherings. In this episode, we explore what socialization truly means for your furry friend and why it’s crucial to their well-being. Join us as we uncover the triggers that can make your dog feel...

Dogs weren't born with leashes attached - yet in busy, bustling places like Southern California, leashes are part of everyday life. But what if you could tap into the magic of off-leash freedom without sacrificing safety or sanity? In this episode we explore how to "unleash" your dog's inner wild, while staying responsible in the real world. Whether you're dreaming of beach runs, trail adventures,...

In this episode, we climb into our crate training skills and answer the most common questions about crate training your dog. We explore the benefits of crate training through every stage of your dog's life and offer practical tips to make the training process enjoyable for everyone—pets and people alike. We cover everything from safety and security to fostering independence and confidence. Tune in...

The dogs are getting in on the Trick or Treat fun ... and we're gathering our favorite Tips, Tricks, and Treats to share with the pack. Dogs - just like humans- need to keep things interesting to stay engaged. Even basic obedience work can become a fun and rewarding game for your pup if you make it that way. Of course, it wouldn't be Halloween without a little something scary ... can I get a knee...

In this episode, we offer insights into one of the most misunderstood dogs around today ... our beloved pit bulls. And come to find out, they're not a single breed, but a group of 5 breeds that have certain characteristics in common. We unravel the complicated background surrounding these beautiful beings, and hopefully provide some truth to counter the myths about these amazingly lovable and incr...

This is the second in our series on the reactive dog. In this episode, we discuss the various stages of life: puppy, adolescence, and adulthood. We discuss why reactivity might appear and what you can do to help bring your dog back to a calmer state of mind - or better yet, help them not over-react in the first place. As always, the heroes of our podcast are the dogs, and we’ll share stories of ou...

This is the first in our series where we explore the reactive dog. Whether they are frustrated, excited, or unsure, dogs have triggers that launch them into orbit - just like people. Once that trigger is pulled, the fight or flight reflex kicks in - Game On. Unlike people, dogs can't always reason their way past it. Understanding what triggers your dog can help you manage and change those habits....

We are so excited about our collaboration with one of the country's foremost veterinary clinics, The Drake Center, and we're lucky enough to have them right here in Encinitas, CA. Join us for the first in an ongoing series of discussions with Dr. Kristie Leslie. Dr. Leslie is one of the amazing veterinarians at The Drake Center, and she has a special interest in dog behavior. In this episode, we f...

In this episode, we dive into the world of dog fostering and celebrate the super-heroes of the rescue system … the Fosters. If you’ve ever considered joining the ranks of this amazing army of canine champions, we help simplify the complex world of rescues and why things work the way they do. We explore what it takes to be a successful foster and ensure that the experience is rewarding for the huma...

Today's episode is all about the wags, the wiggles, the winks, and the woofs - basically, those things your dog does that make you ask … are they happy, hungry, or plotting to take over the couch?  We’re here to help you decode those unique non-verbal cues they share with us. That tail wag might be saying “Wheeee! Let's party!” or perhaps it hints at something more mischievous, like, “Let’s take t...