Sometimes There's Side Eye

This week we are taking a post directly off social media and discussing it in detail.  This post stated that "shelter dogs are not normal" and that they "may never be normal." We both feel that this statement is incredibly damaging to shelter dogs everywhere as well as rescue dogs.  We work our way though some subtext that implies shelter dogs are not safe which we also disagre...

In this episode, Heather is vulnerable enough to share her journey as she learns to bond with her newest dog, Trin. We are talking about why Heather has felt a lot of pressure to bond quickly with her new puppy and how that has been a struggle at times. While Trin is a wonderful puppy, there is a lot that goes into bonding with a new dog far beyond the puppy's personality. We also talk through som...

This week we are talking about not tricking your dog.  We talk through how we can build trust through positive reinforcement, which will enhance your relationship with your dog overall.  Often our tone and intention can play a big role in how we set up our dogs for success both when they have a choice and when they don't. Many times, people aren't tricking their dog on purpose; the things they are...

This week we are talking about scratching the enrichment itch.  Enrichment has become a popular buzzword in the K9 world, but for us enrichment just means fulfilling your dog's natural needs. This can look very different for different dogs. This episode was inspired by Kristi's foster dog Jaxon who was getting lots of different types of enrichment, but his needs were not being met until he...

In this episode we are talking through adding a 3rd dog to your home (or really any new dog to a home with existing dogs).  Obviously expenses, time and space are considerations, but the list is much more than these basics.  Whether you are adopting an adult dog or adding a puppy there are many things to think through beyond the basics like dog personalities and individual needs.  Knowing your exi...

In this episode we are talking all things potty training!  The good, the bad, and the shitty.  We are going over the basics as well as common mistakes, and even some really great insider tips. Although the basics may be the same for big and small breed dogs there are some distinct differences pet owners should keep in mind. We are also discussing the benefits and downfalls of doggy doors, pee pads...

This week we are talking about advocating for our dogs, but we're looking at it from a slightly different angle. We are talking about why advocating can be tougher than expected.  There are a variety of reasons advocating can be difficult including standing up to an authority figure, not knowing how to advocate without causing a scene, along with countless other reasons.   We'll be sharing...

Join us as we explore Kristi's brain, or at least her thought process.  After watching a dog and owner out in public Kristi had a series of thoughts and feelings pile up in rapid succession.  Since these thoughts and questions about dog behavior and dog training are where the idea for this podcast stemmed from, we decided to talk through it here with all of you.  We think you will be entertain...

In this episode we will be discussing the veterinary industry and have a veterinarian guest that we will refer to as the "Dogtor."  She has asked to remain anonymous so she can speak freely and unfiltered with us. We tackle all sorts of topics like pet insurance and why it might be useful for pet parents.  We talk through the cost of diagnostic tests, and how vet care costs and treatment...

In this episode we are talking about grief and are honored to have Dr. Jenn Pereira, who is a licensed professional counselor joining us.  It will come as no surprise that we are going to issue a tissue warning for this episode, but we promise there is also a lot of laughter as well.  We talk about pet loss being a form of disenfranchised grief and how that can affect our grieving process.  Jenn g...

In this episode we're discussing puppy socialization.  We address what it is and what it is not, including the common misnomer that puppy socialization is simply letting puppies play together.  We are also addressing why it is important for current and future training in addition to the lifelong benefits dog's experience through appropriate puppy socialization.  As with any training implem...

We are wrapping up 2023 talking about what we are thankful for. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we thought it was time to share some of the things we've been most thankful for this year with our listeners topping the list! Our thankful lists run the gamut from adding a puppy to the family to celebrating a life well lived at the rainbow bridge.  We are issuing a tissue warning, but th...

In this episode we are talking with special guest Monica Adalsteinsson from Pup + Me Photo about her experience living with her last dog, Odin.  We would like to warn listeners that there may be content in this episode that some individuals may find triggering as we revisit some of her experiences over the years which do include dog bites, etc.  We also want to issue a tissue warning on this episo...

This week we are talking about puppy parties! We've mentioned puppy parties in some of our previous episodes, and since Heather just got back from a puppy party, we are talking through this recent experience.  This fun and lighthearted episode gives a more personalized recap of puppy parties for anyone who may be curious about them. We talk about how stations are set up, what the stations incl...

Are you considering adding a new dog to your family?  In this episode we discuss the many things we personally think through before adding an additional 4-legged family member.  One item that is a high priority on both of our lists is energy level.  Now is not the time to hope your future dog will be your workout coach, inspiring you to a new levels of fitness that you've never experienced bef...

We are wrapping up our series on ethical rescue and breeding with ethical breeder Lorelei.  She tells us about her breeding program and rescue efforts alike.  Lorelei explains how much time and effort she put into selecting purchasers, selecting breeding pairs, and building a strong foundation for her puppies through things like puppy culture. She also shares everything from why she started breedi...

In this episode, we talk about responsible/ethical breeders.  First, we want to say this is an important and beneficial topic for everyone in the dog world; including rescue people, those looking for purebred or mixed breed dogs, and those in the sport and show worlds.  We are talking about some of the ways to define ethical breeders including everything from contracts, education, taking a dog bac...

In this episode we are excited to interview Christy Cole, the president of Desert Harbor Doberman Rescue (DHDR).  We are addressing all sorts of topics with Christy; from how she got involved with Dobermans, to how responsible breeders can help end the need for rescue.  Christy addresses both the immediate needs in rescue, as well as big picture, assessment, and planning.  DHDR is diligently worki...

Do you want to know some of our favorite dog related things? We seem to have a favorite everything!  We are covering everything from favorite podcasts to favorite kennels, life jackets to nail files, and the list goes on.  We even throw in 2 favorite items that aren't even products as a bonus.  Listen to find out what all our favorite things are and why we recommend them.  This episode does no...

In this episode we are tackling the topic of responsible rescue. We acknowledge that this is a difficult topic, but we feel it's important because ethics matter when it comes to rescue. While there can be a lot of grey area and exceptions to the rules in rescue, we also think there can be some solid pillars to look for responsible rescue. Having a nonprofit status, transparency, responsible di...

This week, we are excited to have special guest and traveling guru, Tara McKinny, on the show!  This episode is for everyone, whether you've never traveled with your dog or if you travel consistently with your dog. Tara has so many straightforward and epic ideas to make multidog vacations safe and fun for dogs with different needs/personalities, including dog reactive dogs.  We are talking saf...

In this episode we are talking about puppies again, but this time we are discussing what to consider before, and when you meet your potential puppy.  Getting a puppy is an amazing and joyous time, but full of emotion and sometimes void of logic. It's tough to be logical when you're surrounded by adorable puppies - we get that, we're dog people too!  So we are addressing ways to help se...

The topic of rehoming a dog can be a sensitive one.  However, we believe there are situations where rehoming a dog can be in everyone's best interest.  Join us as we share examples of rehoming successes, that we have been involved in or that have affected us personally.  Explore how quality of life for everyone in your home (both 2 and 4 legged) should be considered when approaching the subjec...

Have you ever thought of fostering, wondered how to better support fosters in your community, or are you curious what all the fuss is about when it comes to fostering?  If so, this is the episode for you!  On this episode we are pleased to introduce you to our first guest, Kelsey Ankrom, who formerly worked as the foster coordinator for Almost There Rescue and is a foster herself.    We'll be...

Join us as we talk about all things cooperative care; from defining what cooperative care is to diving into how we are personally using it in our lives with our dogs, and even ways you can easily start to use it with your own dog(s).  Find out how cooperative care can be used for day to day tasks as well as more substantial procedures in our dogs lives.   Also learn why we think it is so important...