The Bitey End of the Dog

Dog training gets messy when we treat methods like identities and disagreement like a moral failing. I sit down with Jay Jack for a candid, sometimes blunt conversation about what actually helps dogs and what helps trainers grow. We talk about the real cost of staying inside a single “camp,” how cross-training in sports like MMA changed the level of skill overnight, and why dog training needs more...

For millions of people in Ukraine, air raid sirens have become part of daily life. They interrupt work, school, sleep, and any sense of normalcy. They also affect the dogs who share that experience, living with the same unpredictability and chronic stress as the families who care for them. In this episode, we’re joined by Ukrainian dog trainer Nadiya Prokopyeva, now based in Romania, to discuss wh...

A sweeping plan to remove India’s free-living dogs is racing ahead on shaky ground and the consequences could hit far beyond one country’s borders. We sit down with anthrozoologist and behavior expert Sindhoor Pangal to explain why uprooting tens of millions of dogs from their neighborhoods won’t curb bites or rabies, and how it actually increases danger for people and animals alike. We trace Indi...

What if many dog behavior problems aren't actually problems at all, but symptoms of unmet welfare needs? In this thought-provoking conversation with applied ethologist Kim Brophey, we explore how the LEGS model (Learning, Environment, Genetics, Self) has evolved to reshape our understanding of canine behavior and welfare in modern environments. Kim explains why behavioral diversity serves as...

In this fascinating conversation with Dr. Maggie O'Brian, one of North Carolina's few board-certified veterinary behaviorists, we have an enlightening discussion about the clinical side of animal behavior. Dr. O'Brian takes us through the reality of treating complex behavior cases, where the line between medical and behavioral issues often blurs. She shares surprising insights about...

Ever wondered why some dogs transform from perfect companions at home to reactive dynamos the moment a leash gets clipped on? Jessica Wheatcraft returns to discuss the complex world of leash reactivity with clarity and compassion that both dog guardians and professionals will appreciate. This conversation goes beyond simplistic solutions by exploring the subtle body language cues that signal stres...

Ever wondered why your perfectly planned training techniques sometimes fall flat, despite your best efforts? The missing piece might not be in your training toolkit at all. It could be your emotional state. Max Seifert, certified dog behavior consultant and creator of the Connection Over Control approach, takes us deep into the fascinating world of emotional regulation in dog training. While tradi...

When two legends of dog behavior sit down to share their wisdom, you listen. In this special mid-season bonus episode, I'm joined by Dr. Patricia McConnell and Dr. Karen London, two pioneers whose books, research, and teaching have shaped modern dog training for decades. What makes someone successful in the challenging field of professional dog training? As we discover through candid stories...

What drives some dogs to react aggressively toward strangers while being perfectly lovely with their families? In this enlightening conversation, Lisa Mullinax draws from her two decades of experience working with over 4,500 dogs to unpack the complexities of stranger-directed aggression. Rather than relying on vague labels like "protective" or "territorial," Lisa focuses on ob...

Have you ever noticed how your dog's behavior seems to mirror your own emotional state? It's not a coincidence. The connection between human mental health and canine behavior runs deeper than most of us realize, and Kerrie Hoar is bringing this crucial relationship into focus. Kerrie joins us to share her groundbreaking work at the intersection of dog training and mental health support....

The unpredictable nature of dog bites creates a legal labyrinth that can overwhelm even the most responsible owners and professionals. Attorney and dog trainer Heidi Meinzer pulls back the curtain on what really happens when teeth meet skin, revealing critical insights that could save your dog's life and protect your financial future. From the moment a bite occurs, you're facing a cascad...

What if we could drastically reduce the 4.5 million dog bites that happen annually—half of which affect children—through innovative education that teaches kids to "speak dog"? That's exactly what the Be BiteSmart initiative aims to accomplish. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, one of the world's most celebrated veterinary behaviorists, and Vivian Zottola, anthrozoology consultant and behavi...

When your beloved dog growls, lunges, or even bites someone, it creates a unique kind of heartbreak. You're caught between protecting the people you care about and understanding the dog you love. In this candid, illuminating conversation, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Jacqueline Drake shares her expertise on navigating the emotional complexity of dog-to-human aggression cases. Drawing fro...

If you've ever experienced the heartache of your dogs fighting under your roof, you know how this situation can leave you feeling helpless, frustrated, and deeply conflicted. Take heart – there are solutions, and this episode offers a comprehensive roadmap to understanding and resolving these challenging dynamics. Christina Young, certified dog behavior consultant and co-instructor of the Agg...

Dr. Hauser pulls back the curtain on one of the most overlooked factors in pet behavior problems—physical pain. This eye-opening conversation reveals how arthritis affects not just senior pets but surprisingly young animals too, with research showing 40% of dogs between 8 months and 4 years have joint issues that often go completely undiagnosed. The discussion challenges common misconceptions abou...

Chirag Patel brings his decades of behavior expertise to unpack the complex topic of aggression in dogs, exploring why labels are less useful than understanding behavioral function and how human-centered perspectives often complicate our work. • Defining aggression as subjective – what falls under this label depends on the observer's learning history and context • Looking beyond topography (w...

In the season finale of The Bitey End of the Dog, we sit down with Dr. Daniel Mills, a leading authority in clinical animal behavior, to unearth the complexities of canine aggression. Dr. Mills challenges the conventional wisdom that labels dogs as aggressive, advocating instead for an objective observation of their behaviors.  Our journey continues with an exploration of the emotional lives of do...

What if you could turn your dog's natural sniffing instinct into a powerful tool for behavior modification and enrichment? Join us as we explore this intriguing idea with Nancy Reyes, a dog training expert with over thirty years of experience. Nancy takes us through the captivating evolution of nose work—a sport initially developed to help shelter dogs that has now garnered widespread recogni...

In this episode, I chat with Christine Neumeyer-Smith, a master groomer, behavior specialist, AND certified professional dog trainer, to uncover the secrets of making grooming a stress-free experience for dogs. Christine's journey from a boarding kennel intern to a leading expert in the field is nothing short of inspiring. We tackle the communication gaps between groomers and trainers and rev...

What if you could unlock the secrets of your dog's behavior through their gut? In our latest episode, we welcome Sarita Pellowe, an esteemed dog trainer and researcher, to guide us through the fascinating world of the gut microbiome and its profound impact on canine behavior. Sarita demystifies the vast and diverse ecosystem residing in your dog's gut, explaining how these microorganisms...

Kathy Callahan joins us for this episode to chat about the enriching world of puppy fostering, focusing on the critical aspects of puppy socialization and building resiliency. Her personal stories are filled with practical advice on setting up a positive environment to ensure puppies grow into well-adjusted dogs, making this episode a must-listen for anyone eager to foster and socialize a puppy ef...

What are the emotional challenges faced by both professionals and pet owners? This episode promises to shed light on this intriguing question as we sit down with Valerie Bogie who has a unique breadth of experience in both animal care and veterinary social work. With over two decades of experience, Valerie shares her incredible journey from feeling overwhelmed and bullied in the workplace to findi...

Unlock the secrets to understanding and treating trauma in dogs with our special guest, Caroline Alupo, an authority in dog behavior and canine trauma. Caroline breaks down the similarities and differences between human and canine trauma, highlighting common symptoms like hyper-vigilance and avoidance behaviors, while explaining why traditional training methods might fall short in addressing these...

What unique challenges do shelter animals face in their journey to find a forever home? Tune in to this enlightening conversation with Dr. Sheila Segurson, America's first veterinary behaviorist to specialize in animal shelters, as she walks us through her groundbreaking work and daily responsibilities at Maddie's Fund. Dr. Segurson shares her experiences consulting with shelter organiza...

Ever wondered how structured routines and dog training can transform lives? Join us in this enlightening episode as we welcome Mattison Simpson, a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant who found her true calling during a five-year prison sentence. Mattison shares her incredible journey from being overwhelmed by prison conditions to finding purpose through rehabilitating retired greyhound r...