Dog Training DisrUPted

If you have ever felt as though you have tried everything and are failing your dog, you are not alone!  Kat shares her own personal challenges of trying to help Gunnar, her aggressive dog, and Scarlett, her dog with anxiety.  Kat is the host of her own podcast, The Breakthrough Podcast, so she is well versed at sharing stories that will capture your heart and make you laugh at the same time.  Find...

One of the most important approaches of UPWARD Dogology is "Never rush to your end goal". Sound obvious? In this episode I use the example of working with an aggressive dog to show how trainers commonly focus on the dog liking them or using treats to increase comfort, which can cause increased frustration for both the dog and their human. For more links to social media, interviews, and p...

In the last decade or more there has been huge changes and advancements in the dog world at large and within the behavior/training sector. Thanks to influential organizations such as The Fear Free Movement, the popularity of negative reinforcements has decreased dramatically.  Because Conditioning methods rely on reinforcements, this leaves positive reinforcements to carry the weight. Is this a re...

The passion Marianne Cox has for street dogs worldwide shines through in this interview. She is devoted - no boundaries, no borders, no limits. Street Dog Hero has grown rapidly in a few short years because of their dedication, and their impact reaches far beyond their hometown of Bend, Oregon, USA.  https://www.instagram.com/streetdoghero/ https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=street%20dog%20hero...

Michael Baines, founder of The Man That Rescues Dogs Foundation, knows how to run a dog rescue and devotes his life to it.  Located in Thailand, TMTRD Foundation has made a huge impact on the local community because of Michael's straight-forward, honest and charismatic approach. This interview is full of surprises - especially the answer to the infamous Tail-End question! https://www.facebook...

Michael Schneider, founder of Pilots to the Rescue, combines his love for flying with his passion for helping animals of all kinds (including us two-leggers).  Our chat with Michael takes us into the world of flying dogs out of the worst situations, to their rescuers, who then find their furever homes.  The rewards far outweigh the challenges - find out why! The SnipPet piece talks about why the d...

Tamara, of Thai Street Paws Rescue, is bloody determined to change the lives of dogs in remote Thailand. Hailing from Australia, she has made Thailand her home, where she started a fast growing rescue organization that not only helps the dogs and the local community, but you will be surprised by what other creatures she has hanging around her home! Are you itching to be part of the solution? Want...

Dr. Jeff Baier, a veterinarian in Colorado for 30 years, takes us into the world of Planned Pethood International, a not-for-profit organization providing low-cost health care to people and organizations and promoting spay and neutering through campaigns, education and application.  Jeff also volunteers at wildlife rescues for animals of all kinds. The SnipPet Tip is on how not only dogs, but clie...

This episode is intense - Tania Schmitt does not fuck around when it comes to her passion for rescuing Galgos, Podencos and other dogs in need in Spain. Why do these dogs need rescuing - especially by an organization in Montreal? Find out as Tania shares the realities of the situation in Spain. The SnipPet Tip is on the need, or not the need, to rehome your home due to behavoiral concerns or perso...

Nikki is not only a certified veterinarian technician, but also a research nut - especially when it comes to canine health and nutrition. She is chalk full of cool advice (the "who knew?" kind of tips and info).  She digs deep in her research and talks with vets and canine nutritionists and then puts it all into an easy to understand "nutshell". There is so much info, especiall...

Our featured guest is Kerk Murray,  whose story is somewhat opposite of "rags to riches".  He is the author of "Pawprints on our Hearts" and the founder of the non-profit organization, Lexi's Legacy Foundation, dedicated to helping rescue organizations thrive and over-come challenges.  Kerk's acute business skills combined with his "light-bulb" moment of rea...

Season 4 introduces us to people who volunteer and work with dogs in a variety of ways. Billie hosts these eye-opening and entertaining Q and A, conversational style interviews with her co-host, David L. Helsel, rescuer and volunteer. Each interview is followed by a SnipPet piece on a dog related topic relevant to the interview. In this episode, we interview Furry Hobos N Hiway Heros , a non-profi...

"Do you eat potato chips? Do you know anyone who eats potato chips?"  Everyone loves potato chips, yet the packaging, when not properly stored or contained, has killed more dogs than, well, most people would even realize. Who knew?  Well, not most people, which is why Bonnie Harlan is passionate out spreading awareness on dangers of pet suffocation. Bonnie is a renowned speaker and advoc...

Krista is a certified health and wellness canine consultant, and the host of her podcast Wag Out Loud. As an animal lover since a wee-tot, and, as an adult, losing her dog to cancer, she dedicated her life to learning everything there is to know about the health and wellness of dogs, so she can help others make the best decisions for their dogs. Krista takes a holistic approach and believes that e...

Karen Grange is full of surprising and thought provoking info for anyone wanting to start or volunteer with a dog rescue.  Is it all it is cut out to be? Well, that depends on your expectations and your perception of people! The SnipPet is back by popular demand - a short piece on a random topic (commonly associated with the interview).  In this episode, the SnipPet discusses the benefits of teach...

Chica Curtis is well seasoned with the Mexican community and the dogs that hang out with them. The SnipPet Tip is back by popular demand - a short piece on a random topic (commonly associated with the interview).  The SnipPet Tip: Often rescuers and those "naturally good with dogs" achieve their goals with techniques that are often ineffective with these dogs once homed.  Why is this? an...

In this episode we get back to grassroots of why we love dogs - they heal us, ground us and bring out the best in us.  We are relaxed and can be ourselves around them.  We have the expert on meditating with dogs as our guest. In fact, James Jacobson wrote the book on it! "I have been interviewed on CNN, appeared on The Tonight Show, and have been written about in national newspapers such as T...

In this episode, I refer to a scientific study conducted by The Dog Rehoming Project, on the need for rescue organizations to focus on the post adoption process. Is the excessive pre-adoption form an indication of the number of returns, and is this excessive form the solution? Rescue orgs and dog experts are promoting a change in mindset that focuses on patience and compassion , yet can these phil...

In this episode, I talk about the reliance on gadgets to address behaviors and problems. These gadgets are not necessarily aversive or harmful, such as a slow-feed bowl, but are they preventing a holistic approach, communication and bonding? Some gadgets are aversive, yet are considered non-aversive simply because of the way they are marketed., such as the no-bark collar. How are these tools harmi...

UPWARD Dogology episodes contain a “JOURNEY” and a “SnipPet”  The Journey describes the process, challenges and successes with a client and their dog. The SnipPets are tidbits of info, tips, “what’s trending”, opinions and advice from experts on anything and everything dog related. In this episode Billie takes us through the Learning Journey of Cam and Lynn and their dogs Molly and Max. Molly is a...

UPWARD Dogology episodes contain a Learning Journey and a SnipPet. The Journey describes the process, challenges and successes with a client and their dog. The SnipPets are tidbits of info, tips, “what’s trending”, opinions and advice from experts on anything and everything dog related. Learning Journey: In this episode, Billie introduces us to Kelvin and his dog, Zeus. Zeus is nervous of new peop...

UPWARD Dogology episodes contain a Learning Journey and a SnipPet. The Learning Journey describes the process, challenges and successes with a client and their dog. The SnipPet Pieces are tidbits of info, tips, “what’s trending”, opinions and advice from experts on anything and everything dog related. In this Learning Journey , Billie introduces us to Roxanne and her dog, Dezi. Dezi got a bit of a...

UPWARD Dogology episodes contain a Learning Journey and a SnipPet. The Journey describes the process, challenges and successes with a client and their dog. The SnipPets are tidbits of info, tips, “what’s trending”, opinions and advice from experts on anything and everything dog related. In this Learning Journey , Billie introduces us to Dana and Leslie with their adopted dog, Sasha, who has been r...

UPWARD Dogology episodes contain a “Journey” and a “SnipPet”  The Journey describes the process, challenges and successes with a client and their dog. The SnipPet Pieces are tidbits of info, tips, “what’s trending”, opinions and advice from experts on anything and everything dog related.  In this Learning Journey , Billie introduces us to John and his dog, Samson. John has had Samson since puppyho...

UPWARD Dogology episodes contain a “Journey” and a “SnipPet”  The Journey describes the process, challenges and successes with a client and their dog. The SnipPet Pieces are tidbits of info, tips, “what’s trending”, opinions and advice from experts on anything and everything dog related. In this Learning Journey , Billie introduces us to Jane with her dog Buttons. Jane adopted Buttons as a mature...