Raising Happy Dogs with Sarah Hodgson

In this episode of Raising Happy Dogs , Sarah Hodgson explores the emotional and practical journey of bringing a new dog into your life with her client Sara K. She walks you through the highs and hesitations of wanting a dog, how to evaluate online rescue profiles, and why having a trusted sounding board is key to making the right decision. From out-of-state adoptions and transport tips to the fir...

Sarah Hodgson answers your most pressing puppy questions—from barking and bolting to crate woes and cat-chasing chaos. Whether you're dealing with a dog who wants to greet every pup on the street or a one-year-old who still snacks on poop, Sarah shares practical, kind, and effective training tips to bring more peace to your pup’s routine. If you're a first-time dog owner or just trying to curb som...

Sarah Hodgson is joined by Marique Schimmel for a jaw-dropping rescue tale—cross country travel from death row, unexpected puppies, and a crash course in canine behavior. From managing a reactive dog at the door with simple calm techniques to setting up a multi-dog home, Sarah walks you through the chaos and heart of a real-life rescue mission. You'll hear how one planned adoption turned into two—...

Sarah Hodgson reflects on a powerful moment with her daughter Lindsay and their puppy that uncovered a universal truth: we often expect understanding without offering guidance. Through real-life stories and gentle insights, Sarah explores how tiny adjustments can lead to big shifts—in our homes, our relationships, and with our dogs. If you’ve ever caught yourself assuming someone “should know bett...

Sarah Hodgson takes on a brand new round of listener questions, covering everything from picky eaters to overexcited pups. She unpacks the challenges of traveling with dogs who have separation anxiety, and breaks down how much playtime puppies really need. You’ll also hear advice on curbing crate whining, stopping dogs from chasing cats, and what to do if your pup is eating dirt—or waking you up t...

Sarah Hodgson tackles your most pressing dog training questions! From stopping counter surfing to fearful dogs and curbing excessive licking, Sarah provides expert advice and practical solutions to common behavioral challenges. Whether you're dealing with puppy nipping, anxiety-related potty issues, or a dog that just won’t stop jumping, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you and...

Sarah Hodgson is back with another round of listener questions! This week, she tackles the challenge of loose leash walking—why some dogs bite the leash, cling to their owners, and turn walks into a tug-of-war. Sarah breaks down step-by-step strategies to make leash training a positive experience for both you and your pup. Plus, she shares tips on reducing jumping, improving focus, and keeping tra...

Sarah Hodgson tackles the growing issue of off-leash dog encounters and how to handle them safely. She breaks down the different types of off-leash dogs, how to read their body language, and the best ways to react to prevent fights and injuries. You'll also hear a firsthand account from a client whose dogs were attacked by off-leash neighborhood dogs, sharing what happened, how they responded, and...

Sarah Hodgson answers your top dog training questions! From stopping dogs from eating everything on walks to managing food aggression, introducing puppies to cats, and helping fearful dogs gain confidence, she shares expert strategies for common canine challenges. Whether you're dealing with a puppy who cries when left alone or a dog that goes squirrel-crazy on walks, Sarah offers practical, posit...

Sarah Hodgson sits down with Colleen and Eric to share their journey of adopting Lucy, a timid and reactive rescue dog. From her fearful beginnings to her struggles with reactivity on walks and in the home, they discuss the challenges of earning Lucy’s trust and helping her feel safe. Sarah dives into the importance of structure, home setup, and even the role of medication in supporting anxious do...

Sarah Hodgson tackles your top puppy training questions! From curbing excessive biting and barking to helping dogs adjust after a big move, she shares expert advice on creating structure, promoting calm behavior, and setting your pup up for success. Whether you're dealing with an overtired, nippy puppy or trying to ease the stress of a new environment, this episode is packed with practical tips to...

Sarah Hodgson is joined by therapist, parenting expert, author, and dog lover Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW, to explore a growing concern—children’s fear of dogs. Stefani shares her personal journey of helping her own daughter overcome dog anxiety, the power of education, and how her books provide kids with practical tools to feel more comfortable around dogs. Together, they discuss why modern dogs can s...

Sarah Hodgson discusses the change in podcast name from Life Unleashed to Raising Happy Dogs and answers listener questions on some of the most common dog training struggles. From calming an antsy pup and navigating puppy adolescence to tackling potty training in bad weather, managing multi-dog households, and much more. Sarah shares expert insights to help you create a happy, well-adjusted dog. W...

Sarah sits down with Kim Katzovitz, proud mom to a spirited five-month-old Standard Poodle, River! Together, they reminisce about the journey from an eight-week-old bundle of energy to a well-mannered pup. Discover the transformative power of positive reinforcement, the importance of schedules, and the joys (and challenges!) of raising a social, adaptable dog. Whether you’re navigating puppyhood o...

Sarah answers listener questions covering some of the most common puppy training challenges. From navigating puppy adolescence and recall struggles to how to prepare for a new puppy, separation anxiety, and multi-dog household dynamics, Sarah shares expert advice to help you build trust and confidence with your dog. Whether you're raising a brand-new puppy or fine-tuning training with an older dog...

In this episode of Life Unleashed , Sarah Hodgson chats with Margie, a real estate agent from New Hampshire, who recently brought home her tiny Havanese puppy, Atticus, on a snowy winter day. Margie shares her whirlwind experience of being completely unprepared, overwhelmed, and learning the ropes of modern puppy care. Sarah dives into the essentials—creating a rhythm, meeting a puppy’s five basic...

In this episode of Life Unleashed, Sarah Hodgson answers your questions about common puppy challenges. Learn how to desensitize your dog to squirrels, curb nipping and leash biting, and stop demand barking—all while creating a stronger bond with your puppy.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.su...

In this episode of Life Unleashed, Sarah Hodgson dives into the whirlwind of raising two puppies at once. Joined by her client Dan, she discusses crate training strategies, why schedules matter, and how to foster independence while building trust. Whether you're juggling one puppy or two, you'll find actionable advice and heartwarming stories to guide your training journey! This is a pub...

In this episode of Life Unleashed , Sarah Hodgson tackles listener questions about common puppy challenges. Discover tips for preventing barking when chatting with neighbors, helping your puppy feel secure when left alone, teaching your pup to stop biting toes, and MUCH more! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit r...

In this episode of Life Unleashed , Sarah Hodgson shares expert advice on making the holidays enjoyable for your dogs and guests alike. Learn how to prepare your dog for the hustle and bustle of festive gatherings with practical tips to reduce stress and encourage calm behavior. From creating cozy spaces to engaging activities, Sarah’s holiday hacks will help you and your dog celebrate the season...

In this episode of Life Unleashed , Sarah Hodgson returns from her book-writing hiatus to explore the intricate connections between anxiety, aggression, and hyperarousal in dogs. Sarah breaks down the science behind these behaviors and offers practical insights to help dogs achieve balance. Discover how modern living impacts our dogs and learn  tips for creating a more harmonious life together. Do...

Does your dog bark incessantly at the doorbell? Maybe they're chasing squirrels or lizards while you're trying to go on a relaxing walk. In this episode, Sarah answers viewer questions and explains how one simple game can help your dog desensitize to all sorts of distractions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episod...

We're all feeling some strong emotion going into this week's holiday. This podcast invites you to look at this season's celebration from your dog's point a view. I offer tips to make the festivities joyous no matter how many paws you walk on! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydog...

In this episode of Life Unleashed, Sarah breaks down the differences between positive and negative reinforcement training, how negative reinforcement can damage your dog's psyche, and the ways positive reinforcement shapes your dog's future for the better. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghapp...

Why won't my dog listen to my commands? How do I potty train my dog in a high rise building? Is it possible to get my dog to stop barking? These questions and many more get answered on this week's episode of Ask Sarah! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com