Eau Claire Hometown Media

Helping your dog find a spot to relax, settle and chill out is important.  Certified Wisconsin dog trainer Heather discusses finding your dog’s “parking spot” and the whys and how.  There are many reasons to teach this behavior so you have a command for when settling your dog down is necessary. Whether at home, in public at a friend’s place or even in the office. 

With respiratory viruses among dogs on the rise, some people may want to keep their pooch at home.  If that is the case, socialization for your puppy is still very important and Heather touches on things that can still be done at home.  Having your puppy learn how to act in group settings remains important even if they are more home bound for the time being. More Shows Here

Heather touched on “come when called” and instructing your dog to respond to commands in an earlier episode.  On this episode, she discusses the five mistakes to avoid when teaching commands to your dog. More Episodes Here

Oh BLEEP! My Dog Bit Someone, what should I do?  Heather takes us through what dog owners need to be prepared for.  No matter preventative steps taken, dog bites can always occur.  Some 4.5 million dog bites happen per year. #dogs #puppies #dogtraining #animals #wisconsin #eauclaire

La Crosse area certified trainer Kerrie Hoar joins the program again (check out episode #68) and expands on that episode. You’ve added a rescue dog to your family, what are the next steps once the dog is in the home. Some of the steps are similar to any new dog, but others have caveats unique to rescue dogs. Recognizing when the dog is afraid is essential. What are signs to look for? When is profe...

Giving a rescue dog a forever home is rewarding experience. Heather is joined by La Crosse area accredited dog trainer Kerrie Hoar on this episode. Kerrie is the owner of the Crimson Hound, dog training service. The two discuss rescue dogs on this episode and what goes into adding one to your family. What are key things to know when adopting a rescue dog? Have an idea of how you see the dog workin...

Fanna Easter, a certified dog trainer (among other certifications) from Louisiana joins Heather for this episode. Yes, many of the same physical and mental issues impacts dogs as well.  In some cases the remedies are similar and in other ways they are different.  Compulsive disorder is another example. What is compulsive disorder in dogs? How do they differ from these two dog lovers also dive into...

Picture this scenario. You are out and about with your dog perhaps, walking in the neighborhood, and along comes another human with their “off-leash” dog who comes charging. “Its okay, he’s friendly” is likely what you’ll hear and many times nothing bad happens. However, potential does exist for injuries. Heather gives you the dos and don’ts that you should do. Both for the person with the leashed...

Heather, from emBark in Eau Claire, WI, takes us through training our dogs for desired behaviors. Not just what to do, but the psychology behind it. On this episode Heather talks with Brian Munro, from Munro Training in South St. Paul and this time they are talking about arousal, excitement and play for dogs. Included are discussions on how your dog’s behavior and interests are likely to change as...

For two years Heather has dived into aspects of dog behavior and psychology but amazingly the topic of CATS has been missed.  That changes on this episode. With many families having dogs and cats in their homes, Heather discusses the relationship and dynamics of having dogs and cats living together. Management tactics and tips.

Dog training is, in shocking reality, a lawless industry.  Little to no government regulation exists.  So Heather takes this episode to explain what to look for in a dog trainer.  What type of education exists for dog training and the best way to find someone who has the true experience and actual credentials. Even though the field isn’t officially regulated, certifications and extensive training...

Dogs, as we know, are hardly ever “lonely child” so what goes into raising dogs that are siblings from the same litter?  Its something that many dog trainers strongly encourage people NOT do. Why is that? What are ways to still do it and create independence between the dogs

Dose of Dog presented by emBark in Eau Claire, WI Its true, your dog doesn’t come with a hard copy “user manual”.  That said, through signals and cues your dog tells you what it needs.  Your dog is pre-disposed to do certain things depending on breed, environment and genetics.

Dog owners are increasingly wanting to take their companion everywhere they go.  In theory thatsounds fantastic and isn’t necessarily a bad intention.  That said, Heather is here to touch on key points to consider in relation to five places specifically. 1)     Parades 2)     Picnics 3)     Games 4)     Campgrounds 5)     Restaurants

What is better than one dog?  Howabout two (or more) dogs!   Having more than one dog in your home can be fulfilling and fun, however there are very important things to keep in mind and common issues that need to be managed.  What are some of the issues to look out for?   What are the proper ways to manage multi-dog dynamics. The impact different breeds have on the dynamic. Where/When do conflicts...

Heather takes us through the dos and don’t for your dog around those that are strangers to them.  What are typical behaviors we may see from dogs when they around humans that are unfamiliar to them.  Dog body language is key.  The role genetics and upbringing have. Why experiences and providing experiences are helpful. And Heather explains why her opinion on “let the dog smell your hand” has chang...

Headed off for work, school or just running out for an errand? That can be a big deal for a dog that deals with separation anxiety when you aren’t around. Dawn Olson, a certified separation anxiety dog trainer, joins Heather to discuss handling dogs that deal with separation anxiety.  A very real problem for humans that impacts dogs as well. What does separation anxiety look like and ways to...

Sometimes, for a number of reasons, humans need to “let go” of their dog and find their dog a new home. Its an emotional time for the human and the dog. Heather takes us through the process of “re-homing” your dog.  Its an opportunity as opposed to a negative. More Shows: Dose of Dog presented by emBark (echometownradio.com)

Many times we find ourselves wondering, “should my dog be doing that?” Heather takes us through what is natural and healthy and when it may become an issue. 1. Eating Grass 2. Humping/Mounting 3. Food cashing/storing 4. Herding/Chasing More Shows: Dose of Dog presented by emBark (echometownradio.com)

What exactly are service dogs, their roles and the laws surrounding them. Many misconceptions exist and we’re here to clear them up. Lydia Holen, a local certified service dog trainer, hops on this episode with Heather to cover the topic. Service dogs serve a valuable purpose for those with a wide range of disabilities, allowing them to live with a degree of independence. Service dogs are trained...

The similarities between human-to-human relationships and human-to-dog relationships are endless A good human relationship is built on knowing your partner’s needs early. The same applies to being a good dog owner. Heather takes us through the importance of noticing your dogs needs/wants and ways to improve being on the lookout for them. Observe! Observe! Observe! More Shows:   Podcasting | E...

Winter Fun at Home with Your Dog - With colder weather here, things to do with your dog inside your home that benefits them - Using things like “hand targets”, “chin rests” and “paw crosses”

Heather is here again busting more myths when it comes to training your dog.  - Harness Myths - Handling 'stronger' breeds with a heavy hand - Puppy Training - Breeds that 'can't learn' https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Puppy_Socialization_Position_Statement_Download_-_10-3-14.pdf

Heather is here to discuss the behavior of dogs. More specifically, why do dogs act the way the do.  She takes us through the science and psychology and how she utilize this in training. The behavior of dogs and why your dog acts the way they do, isn't all that dissimilar to that of any human relationship.

Athena Diesch-Chham is a clinical social worker in Minnesota who holds a specialty as a “veterinary social work”. She joins Heather to discuss the real emotional grief that comes with dealing with the loss of a pet. Grief is not neat and tidy and its different for everyone. The grief that comes from the loss of a pet is very real. Restorative Path Counseling https://www.amazon.com/Cherished-Writer...