Raising Happy Dogs with Sarah Hodgson

In this episode, I explore how winter reshapes a dog’s sensory world and why cold weather can disrupt routines that usually feel easy. I answer listener questions about dogs refusing to potty in the snow, lifting their paws on icy sidewalks, struggling with excess energy, and eating snow nonstop. These aren’t training issues—they’re sensory challenges. I share simple strategies to help your dog fe...

Every year around November, many pets start to unravel—pacing, barking, stealing food, or having accidents seemingly out of nowhere. In this episode, I break down why the holidays are so hard on our animals and how small, thoughtful adjustments can prevent overwhelm. You’ll learn how visitors, noise, routines, and tempting smells trigger stress—and what you can do to create calm, supportive spaces...

In this episode, I sit down with Clara Hewson to discuss the evolution of dog ownership, the importance of muzzles in modern society. How can they give dogs more freedom and safety? Clara shares her experience in founding the Muzzle Movement, stressing the need for muzzles that are comfortable and welfare-friendly. They examine different uses for muzzles, including preventing scavenging, managing...

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a big moment—equal parts excitement and adjustment. In this episode, I share how thoughtful preparation can make those first days smoother for both of you. You’ll learn what essentials to have on hand, how to set up your home for calm and safety, and why small routines and consistent cues help your puppy settle in with confidence. With the right start, you’l...

Bringing a new puppy home is both exciting and unpredictable. In this episode, I explain how a puppy’s temperament, instincts, and environment shape who they become. I share what early temperament tests really reveal, why nipping and chasing are part of normal development, and how to use calm structure to build confidence and trust. With patience, guidance, and clear routines, you can help your pu...

In this episode of Raising Happy Dogs , I sit down once again with holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Feinman , author of Path to Pet Wellness: The Holistic Vet’s Guide to Thriving Pets and Empowered Pet Parents . Together, we explore a new way of thinking about healing, seeing symptoms not as problems to fix, but as messages from the body and spirit. Dr. Feinman shares insights on BEAM (Behavior, Ene...

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most common struggles dog parents face: separation anxiety. You sent in thoughtful, heartfelt questions, and I’m answering them all: when to consider medication, why some dogs panic only when one person leaves, whether getting another dog can help, and what kinds of pre-departure exercises truly make a difference. I’ll share practical ways to help your d...

When a young puppy cries out as you walk away, it’s not disobedience; it’s biology. Before its anxiety, it’s longing. In this episode, I explore what puppies really experience when left alone, how early stress differs from clinical separation anxiety, and simple ways to nurture confidence without over-comforting. Because when dogs feel safe in solitude, they don’t just stop crying, they start grow...

If your dog barks in the car, growls at visitors, or goes wild on walks, you’re not alone. In this listener Q&A, I address five real-world questions about reactivity, ranging from car meltdowns and nighttime barking to leash explosions and unexpected bites. You’ll learn how to recognize the emotions beneath the behavior, create safety through small daily shifts, and turn stressful moments into cha...

Sarah Hodgson continues her deep dive into reactivity with the remarkable story of Hannah and her boxer, Ranger. Once on the verge of being rehomed, Ranger barked, lunged, and snapped his way through daily life—until a few simple shifts changed everything. Sarah shares how reframing his behavior from “bad” to “burdened” unlocked a new path forward. Through structure, safety, and play, Ranger learn...

Sarah Hodgson unpacks the roots of reactivity, explaining why so many dogs bark out of windows, lunge on leash, or guard the front door as if it’s their job. Far from being stubborn or mean, these dogs are overwhelmed, carrying the heavy burden of keeping everyone safe. This episode examines how territorial behavior develops at home, why it often intensifies when on leash, and what approaches are...

Sarah Hodgson explores the foundation of raising a calm, confident dog, creating a safe and secure puppyhood. She shares why puppies struggle when left to sleep alone, how their central nervous system drives behavior, and why sleep is the cornerstone of emotional balance. With simple adjustments like where your puppy rests, what comforts they have nearby, and how you support their early routines,...

Sarah Hodgson reimagines the leash from a dog’s perspective, where every walk is less about destination and more about discovery. She explores why pulling occurs, how to balance sniffing with structure, and simple ways to turn leash time into a shared experience rather than a power struggle. Also included are listener questions tackling real-life challenges, from excited jumping to bolting at the...

Sarah Hodgson unpacks one of the most common canine quirks, barking! From dogs who sound the alarm at every passerby to pups who greet guests like rockstars, Sarah shares why barking happens and how to respond without losing your cool. You’ll learn why rest cycles matter, how environment shapes behavior, and simple strategies like leash control, redirection, and the “party in the kitchen” game. Wh...

Sarah Hodgson shines a spotlight on one of the most overlooked yet powerful cues in dog training: Wait . Unlike stay , which asks for stillness, wait teaches your dog to pause, a moment of mindfulness before action. Sarah breaks down why wait is essential for impulse control, leash manners, and everyday harmony. You’ll learn when and how to use it, why it helps dogs develop frustration tolerance,...

Sarah Hodgson unpacks one of the most important (and misunderstood!) cues in dog training: Come . Over time, many dogs start to associate recall with the end of fun, confinement, or frustration, making them hesitate when it matters most. Through real-life stories and simple, joy-based training techniques, Sarah shows you how to rebuild Come as a word your dog loves to hear. From anchoring it in po...

Sarah Hodgson takes you inside two urban dog cases she has encountered, first we have Henry the reactive beagle and Cassie the overwhelmed dog who just moved into the city. Through these real-life stories, she breaks down how stress, fear, and sensory overload shape behavior, and what you can do to help. Tune in to learn how the “canine arrow,” red-yellow-green zones, and simple games can turn rea...

Sarah Hodgson explores what barking and guarding behaviors are really about—from post-trauma triggers to resource guarding and mealtime meltdowns. Through listener questions and real-life stories, she reframes barking not as defiance, but as a dog’s attempt to feel safe and understood. Sarah dives into the difference between behavior and belief, unpacking why our dogs may act out when they feel ov...

Sarah Hodgson unpacks one of the most misunderstood parts of dog parenting: housebreaking. Sharing a story about a dog who refused to pee on walks (and the frantic client who spent three hours waiting), Sarah highlights why housebreaking isn’t just about stopping accidents, it’s about teaching clear, consistent habits. From understanding your dog’s natural rhythms to defining safe spaces and manag...

Sarah Hodgson reveals the unexpected secret to raising a confident, well-adjusted puppy: sleep. Drawing from her years of imprinting young pups in her own home, she explains why a solid sleep schedule is the foundation for calmness, confidence, and easier training. Sarah also answers your top questions about setting up your home, introducing puppies to kids, preventing separation anxiety, and more...

Sarah Hodgson shares a story we can all relate to, a well-meaning dog parent struggling with nonstop whining and a pup that “just doesn’t get it.” But it’s not that the dog didn’t understand it’s that the human wasn’t listening in the right way. From the overlooked moments of quiet communication to the Five Key Talking Points of every dog. Sarah unpacks how dogs use posture, stillness, and subtle...

Sarah Hodgson sits down with Laurie Hood, founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge, to talk about the power of compassion and the urgent need for change in animal welfare. Laurie shares her journey from animal lover to legislative advocate, the challenges of rescuing at scale, and why empathy is key to lasting reform. From puppy mills to policy-making, you'll learn how real progress starts with education,...

Sarah Hodgson breaks down the pros and cons of today’s most popular dog training options, from private sessions to group classes to board-and-train programs. Whether you’re looking for personalized support, opportunities to socialize your pup, or a structured head start on routine-building, you’ll get clarity on what makes the most sense for you and your dog. Sarah also answers a listener question...

Sarah Hodgson tackles your most relatable dog training questions—from puppies who pee with excitement to dogs who bark at the TV (or rollerbladers!). Whether you're dealing with leash pulling, introductions, or sudden nighttime growling, Sarah offers compassionate, practical solutions to everyday behavior struggles. If you’ve ever wondered “Is it just my dog?”—this episode will reassure and empowe...

Sarah Hodgson sits down with holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Feinman, founder of Holistic Actions. Together, they explore how true healing begins with energy, balance, and love. Dr. Jeff shares his personal health journey that led him to challenge conventional medicine and embrace a holistic approach—one that prioritizes behavior, energy, appetite, and mood (BEAM). From practical tools to deeper in...