My Soul Dog

There is nothing in a dog's DNA that says they should sit stay, walk nicely on a leash, come when called or any of the other things we as humans want them to do.  So, each skill must be taught.  A well-trained dog is something to be admired. Did the well-trained dog get that way because the dog is smarter? Is the person smarter? Nope, neither of these are correct.  The answer is in this podca...

It is that time of year when the creepy crawly, the tick, comes out to play.  YUCK!  Nothing makes me squirm more than ticks!  Vets are peddling pesticides which may be harmful to your pet.  Luckily there are natural products that prevent ticks as you venture out this Spring.  They are not only good for your dog, but good for you.  Here are my top three picks and a bonus product to help your dog l...

Yes, positive reinforcement does involve treats.  I hear all kinds of things such as, "My dog is not treat motivated" or "When can I stop giving treats?"  I talk about treats and stories I hear time and time again from students in my classes.  

"My dog is digging craters in the backyard." "My dog is chewing the house up." "My dog is crazy!" "My dog ___________ (fill in the blank of undesirable behavior) Dogs were not meant to "hang out" while you work and then hang out while you relax and watch TV.  Having meaningful engagement with your pup will reduce both your dog's and your frustratio...

Ruby was flown to the U.S. and her journey isn't over.  She is a mystery and if you can solve it, her mom would be so grateful.  Ruby's mom Nichole talks about Ruby and all she has been through in only 3 years.  That's right, Ruby is only 3 years old but has enough of a story for a lifetime.  How can so much happen to one little girl in such a short period of time?  Ruby's stor...

As the weather gets nicer, more and more people want to go for walks with their dogs.  Unfortunately, this is one of the things that frustrates dog owners most.  Loose leash walking is a SKILL to be TAUGHT.  Your dog is not born knowing how to do this.  Here are some tips and things to think about when wanting a nice, loose leash for an easy-going enjoyable walk.  

Gross, just GROSS!  This week I am talking with my dog's favorite groomer, Brytany about dog lice.  It was interesting to learn how many people don't know much about it or knew that it even existed.  It is so easily missed! Listen and learn so you can be aware of the signs, know what to do if you see them and how to keep your dog protected!  

“I wish my I didn’t practice having my dog come to me” said no one EVER!   Having your dog come to you not only feels good but is also a safety issue.  If your dream is to have an off leash dog, then you had better have a reliable recall established.  This takes time and practice.  There is nothing in your dog’s DNA that dictates they should come to a human when they utter certain sounds.  This is...

You are lucky if you have one "soul dog" in your life.  My hope is you have more than one, but not every dog wants that or will be that for you.  No matter how much you wish to connect with your dog it may or may not be reciprocal.  How do you create a meaningful connection with your dog?  Take a listen of the how to's and don't do's in this podcast.  Enjoy! 

No one "soul dog" story is the same.  The story of Jeanie and Jack is no different.  Jeanie was Jack's 5th home and that home would be on a fishing boat in Alaska.  What a story and what an adventure these two had together.  What goes into having a dog live on a boat with you? What if your dog goes overboard? Where do you potty your pup? So many questions!  Jeanie answers them all a...

Put an idea into my head and I will run with it.  It's a blessing and a curse.  My friend Beth, a search and rescue professional, came over with a few boards she called a "scent wall". This is used in search and rescue.  Listen how this idea of a scent wall became what I call a Sniff Tank!  It took several months to make in my spare time, and the dayCARE pups are loving it!  Who kne...

Nope, not me, I am certainly not having a baby now or ever, but many, many people do who own dogs.  It is not wonder why many dogs have problems when the new addition comes into the home.  New smells, new sights, now sounds and much less attention.  Listen now for tips on how to make the transition for your dog pleasant for everyone to include the dog.  Share this with your friends and family who...

We have had a cold snap in the PNW and your dog is not happy about it either unless you have a Huskey, Bernese Mountain Dog or a Eurasia.  For all others, it's COLD!  Downright frigid!  With temps below 0, what do we do with our dogs? In Episode #38, I share three new things for dogs I have discovered, tried and loved.  I also recommend tips for weathering this weather.

Beer + Dog Park = What Could Go Wrong? A new business in our local area cropped up and people have been sending me links to it like crazy. I didn't think dog parks could get worse? Turns out, they CAN!  Here's what is brewing in my area.  Do you have one too?  I sure hope not! 

New to the Island of Misfits, a California Deafie has entered the building.  This is the first deafie I have owned and I am convinced he came into my life to make me a better trainer.  I discuss some interesting facts you might not know about deaf dogs, celebrity deaf dogs and what the future holds for me and this deaf boy.  This is the beginning of our journey and YES, you can still talk to them....

With the respiratory illness scare and headed into winter, it's not a bad idea to give your pup's immune system a boost!  Here are the things I am doing for my pups in my home and in my studio.  All ideas are easy to get and administer.  You just can't go wrong helping your pup be as healthy as possible.  

I was bombarded with my thoughts on the new canine respiratory illness right before leaving for the Thanksgiving holiday.  People were on edge, and I was feeling it.  Social media is blowing up over this new scare and I am not sure it's warranted.  Here are my thoughts.  

Beth Everson joins me, Stephanine, is discussing all things Malinois.  This particular breed is incredible, when in the proper hands, but so many are landing in shelters and rescues around the country. Why?  Beth talks about how she lives with Neeka, her Mal and what her days looks like.   **DISCLAIMER** Neeka is a wonderful pup who has NO aggression towards people. She has drive and fixates on ob...

Could sleep deprivation be affecting your pup?  I think it did mine?  Let's talk about sleep and your pup and ways you can improve and things to think about.  You and your dog might both sleep better. 

I had to be a part of this great idea, Sniffspot.  What a wonderful thing it is to see your pup run off leash in a safe, fully fenced environment.  I have been fussing over this project for several weeks now and it's almost ready! Let me tell you all about it. 

The rise of DNA tests for dogs is wonderful and I am in full favor.  Simba is a rescue and looks like no other pup so I decided to get a test and see what he makes him, him.  Well, it was a huge surprise!  Take a listen to all that makes Simba, Simba and perhaps his is just the right mix for you! 

Blue-gree algae will kill your pup.  Summer is here and dogs are getting into the lakes and rivers as they should.  It is important to look for the signs blue-green algae could be present as well as, notice if the environment will foster this type of bacteria.  Once exposed, your pup will die quickly if not treated.  Beware! 

There is so much conflicting information out there on when to spay or neuter your pup.  The vets, these days, are telling pup parents to wait 14,16,24 months before spaying or neutering.  They report the pups reach their full height and it will decrease likelihood of injuries later.  However, people have historically altered their pups as early as 8 weeks.  What is a pet parent supposed to do? I h...

Spring is full of hope and that is exactly what I have for my newest addition, Simba.  He is my current project, fostered through Spokanimal.  He was shutting down at the shelter so it was best to get him out of there as he is only a puppy at, 5 months.  It's been an eventful first few days but all signs point to this being a fabulous puppy.  

So you like dogs and want to add one, should you?  Let me tell you about two very similar conversations I had this week about two families wanting to add a plus one.  The results are not the same, but the conversations are of the same flavor.   If anything, I hope you learn a little bit about what to consider when adding a dog into the home.  When is it the right time? Who should you add? We are t...