K9 Translators

Does tethering your dog actually help them learn something?  This week, Tara and Laura cover the popular training technique of tethering.  They deconstruct the method, explain why it isn’t effective, and discuss how it can have a negative impact on our dogs.  Many dogs with different behavioral attributes will react to this technique in different ways, but they strive to help owners understand the...

Is a lab the right dog for your home?  For the first guest of the year and this season, Tara and Laura welcomed Margaret Huston from Heart of Texas Lab Rescue.  Margaret shared her background in the animal rescue field, how they determine dogs to bring into the rescue, and the process for adoptions.  They discussed how the stereotype that a lab is always a great family dog can be inaccurate and ho...

Why do you think that dog is the alpha?  In this first episode of season 4, Tara and Laura break down the difference between being an alpha and being a protector.  They debunk the common myths associated with behaviors that make an “alpha” in a pack and explain how most of the time the dog owners believe is in that role is incorrect.  They also explain why this term of needing to be the “alpha” of...

What are you hoping for in the new year?  This shortened episode is the last of this season and the year of 2025, so Tara and Laura talk about what they hope to see in the new year in regards to dogs and their owners.  Try to take a moment to reflect on your year with your dog and determine what goals you have for 2026 with your pup.  We hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year! Sponsored by K9...

Monkey see, monkey do?  This week, Tara and Laura discuss some of the top social media trends they have seen with dogs and their owners.  They cover multiple trends, past and current, and why they are not all appropriate.  Sometimes it is better to stop and think of the impact these trends can have on your dog before just trying something you see on social media. Sponsored by K9 Workingmind This e...

Helping veterans match with service dogs is an amazing calling.  This week, Tara and Laura welcomed Ryan Woodruff from Clear Path for Veterans to talk about their canine program.  They discuss Ryan’s background that led him to his calling and the process they use to help match the perfect service dog to help our veterans in this country.  What an amazing passion to have and one that we share!  Be...

Why does my dog ignore me?  This week, Tara and Laura address a common problem seen between owner and dog that can be extremely frustrating most of the time.  They explain the different reasons that a dog would choose to ignore their owner and the different scenarios this behavior is seen the most.  They offer advice on how to make sure communication between handler and dog is clear and challenge...

Why is control aggression so difficult?  This week, Tara and Laura pick apart one of the most difficult types of aggression to work through, why it can be so difficult, and why it isn’t something to just sweep under the rug.  They give examples of ways that owners may miss subtle ways their dogs are gaining confidence in their control and the importance of consistency when dealing with a control a...

What are your holiday plans?  This week’s episode, Tara and Laura re-cover things to consider with the holiday season upon us.  They go over plans to consider if you are traveling with your dog, boarding your dog, having someone stay over to watch them, having family visit, or dealing with distractions such as decorations.  It’s always best to prep and be overly prepared for anything instead of sc...

What is causing the aggression epidemic?  In this episode, Tara and Laura break down the different reasons why people are seeing a rise in behavior and aggression cases.  They explain which types of aggressions are becoming more prevalent, why this is happening, and how it can lay heavy on the positive and force-free dog training community. Sponsored by K9 Workingmind This episode was edited and m...

Is that behavior acceptable just because it is a lab?  This week Tara and Laura discuss the double standard that has been witnessed when it comes to behaviors of certain breeds, such as a lab.  They talk about personal experiences with their owns labs and their potentially inappropriate behavior that was allowed to happen only because of their breed.  Breed stigmas and stereotypes are not accurate...

Is prepping for going a hike with your dog necessary?  This week Tara and Laura cover all the things to consider when taking your dog on a hike to make sure they are safe and don’t get injured.  There are many scenarios that need to be considered, precautions that prove necessary, and ways to keep your dog safe so that everyone can have a great time. Sponsored by K9 Workingmind This episode was ed...

How can I get my dog involved in a game?  This week Tara and Laura discuss the importance of playing games to help build focus and motivation from your dog.  They give multiple examples of simple games to play with your dog at home or in public settings.  Even if your dog doesn’t know how to play, that doesn’t mean you can’t try to get them engaged and do something fun and engaging with them that...

This week's episode is an encore performance with Courtney Leigh who works to bring awareness to the horrible natures of puppymills and runs the events held here in the Austin area for Puppymill Awareness Day and more. Marks your calendars! Puppymill Awareness Day is Sunday, September 28th from 9am - 12pm at the Centennial Plaza in Round Rock. Boots and Bling is Thursday, October 30th at 7pm a...

What does it mean for a dog to have omega syndrome?  This week Tara and Laura break down the concept of omega syndrome and how owners can cause it.  They explain the behaviors associated with it and the extremes in reactions that occur with a dog that has omega syndrome.  Many people may not realize they are causing this to happen, so it is important to know how you may be contributing to the wron...

Can it really happen to your dog?  This week Tara and Laura were excited to welcome Sara to come and talk about her dog, Duck.  They reminisced on the journey Sara and Duck went through to help with Duck’s aggression and reactivity and the incredible progress they both made as a team.  Sara discussed the struggles when Duck unexpectedly lost her sight at a young age, the adjustments made, and how...

How do you know what your dog really thinks of you?  This week Tara and Laura explain how a dog owner can tell if your dog actually enjoys being with them or not.  Many owners think their dog doesn’t love them because they aren’t overly affectionate, but there are other ways to know if your dog wants to be with you.  Every dog is different and knowing how to understand their body language is imper...

Can a stay and train fix your dog’s behavior?  This week Tara and Laura work to explain why a stay and train may not be the best option if your dog is showing aggression.  They caution owners on believing a “guarantee” for behavior changes and explain how teaching obedience in these programs is completely different than eliminating an aggression issue.  They break down each type of aggression to d...

How should dogs and children interact?  This week Tara and Laura address the important topic of educating children about how they should interact with dogs.  There are so many videos, news stories, and bad experiences with dogs and kids that could have easily been avoided with proper interactions and getting involved before something happens.  They explain how it is the adult’s responsibility to p...

This week, Tara and Laura were honored to welcome their sound editor, Lisa, to talk about her journey and experience with dogs.  They discussed how she started using service dogs and her background training her service dogs, as well as others.  The idea that every dog can teach you something new is a huge theme, and this was true for Lisa who came from a background of using force tools and is lear...

Is your dog trying to tell you something?  This week Tara and Laura explain what it means for a dog to “nope out” of a job or something you had planned for them.  They break down the signs to watch for when asking your dog to do something and how you can be sure to listen to them before they get too frustrated.  Knowing your dog, being able to read their body language, and not being selfish and fo...

How different is a differently-abled dog?  This week Tara and Laura address differently-abled dogs, the myths that surround these dogs, and simple ways to help train them.  They discuss personal experiences with their own dogs and debunk some of the stigmas against these dogs.  Differently-abled never means disabled. Sponsored by K9 Workingmind This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoma...

How can you help your dog keep healthy joints?  This week Tara and Laura expanded on another question sent in from our Q&A episode about building muscle and joint support in dogs.  Whether your dog is a young puppy or a senior pet, it is still important to keep their joints healthy and work to build proper muscle that can support them.  Tara and Laura discuss different things you can do to hel...

How do you know a new dog is the right fit?  This week Tara and Laura expanded on a question sent in from our Q&A episode about accepting a new dog into an already established pack.  They explain what behaviors you should be monitoring, how to recognize if something isn’t working or there is too much stress, and how to help manage a new dog in a pack as well.  Sponsored by K9 Workingmind This...

Why can’t my dog just get over it?  This week Tara and Laura talk about how to do proper exposure work with your dog ranging from experiencing strange items, people, dogs, and situations.  They explain the most effective way to help your dog overcome something that makes them uncomfortable and also ways that could make it worse. Sponsored by K9 Workingmind This episode was edited and mastered by T...