The Dogs of Our Lives

Welcome to Season 2 of The Dogs of Our Lives Podcast! In this first episode, Chrissy interviews Dr Chris Pachel, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist from Portland, Oregon. Do you truly understand your dog's behavior? How can you learn more about your dog and understand their needs better? Dr Pachel discusses his journey into veterinary behavior, the importance of a holistic approach to animal...

We did it! Not only did we complete our first season, we made it into the top 50% of podcasts! I am so grateful to all of you who have downloaded the first season of the Dogs of Our Lives podcast, it means so much to me to be able to share my important message about dogs, dog training and dog behavior. I talked with so many amazing guests, including some of my clients, veterinarians, ethologists,...

In today's Dogs of Our Lives episode, Chrissy talks with Bridgette Chesne about why a dog is for life, not just for the Holidays in our special holiday episode. Bridgette shares her tips about bringing a dog or animal companion into your home during the holidays, thanks to her many years of experience working in the Humane Society of Boulder Valley and the Veterinary Behavior Center. She shares he...

In this episode of the Dogs of Our Lives podcast, Chrissy talks with Anja Zakelj, a certified canine massage therapist from Slovenia. Chrissy and Anja discuss how dog massage therapy can help with behavior issues and also deepen your connection with your dog. Anja talks about the benefits of canine massage, including pain relief, increased mobility, and deeper human-dog connections. Anja and Chris...

In this week's episode, Chrissy chats with Dr Marc Bekoff about understanding your dog through the eyes of a field biologist and ethologist in which they discuss his extensive work on animal behavior and emotions. Marc emphasizes the importance of understanding the commitment required to care for a dog, likening it to having a child. He stresses the need for dog literacy and responsible guardiansh...

In this episode, Chrissy talks with Dr Jennifer Fick, a veterinary orthopedic surgeon. They discuss Jennifer's personal and professional perspective on TPLO surgery for cruciate ligament injuries, and perhaps just as importantly, TPLO recovery for dogs like Charlotte (a german shepherd) who need mental stimulation. If you want better tools to aid in your dog's recovery from TPLO surgery, this FREE...

In today's episode, Chrissy hosts Andrew Hale, a UK-based animal and canine behaviorist, to discuss the emotional and social aspects of dog behavior, and just as importantly, how that affects us as care givers. Trust me when I say you do not want to miss this episode if you are even slightly interested in behavior, for those listening with children, it's a must-listen! Andy shares his personal jou...

On today's episode, I speak with Jamie Flanagan, a dog trainer specializing in dogs that show aggressive and reactive behaviors and we're asking a very important question: Does Positive Reinforcement Really Work For Dogs Displaying Fearful and Reactive Behaviors? Jamie, who runs Training Wheels in Broomfield, Colorado, discusses her background, including her time at the Humane Society of Boulder V...

In today's episode, I speak with Gigi Moss, a local legend in the Boulder Valley community, about navigating your dog's vision loss with resilience and compassion. Gigi had to adapt to her dog's eyesight loss which also impacted her training techniques. Gigi has been a dog trainer for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience, but helping her dog through vision loss was ironically eye-opening f...

In today's episode, I talk with Emily Tronetti who has a doctorate in humane education for humans and non-human animals.  Humane education is an educational practice that inspires critical thinking and taking compassionate action for humans, nonhuman animals, and the earth we share. We discuss the benefits of humane education and critical thinking and why they matter for you and your dog, or compa...

This week I talk to Mary about the surprising parallels between human and animal adoption and how that has impacted her dog training and behavior consulting approach. Mary also shares her insights into her experience with the ASPCA, her journey into dog training and behavior consulting, and how her pup Buster has helped her slow down. If you'd like to connect with us then head on over to my websit...

The Personal and Professional Realities of Running a Rescue. In today's episode, I chat with Emily Wolf from Summit Dog Rescue about running a successful rescue. We discuss how running a rescue is not all rainbows and unicorns, but a huge professional and personal challenge, that has proven to be extremely difficult at times. If you've ever thought about adopting a dog from a rescue, then this epi...

Life After Divorce: Building Confidence with a Reactive Dog with Rebecca and Teague. In today's episode, I talk with Rebecca about how her divorce impacted her relationship with her dog Teague. We discuss how living with a reactive or sensitive dog can cause anxiety and self-doubt, the struggles of managing a reactive dog in a single-family household and the importance of community to help build c...

This latest episode of the Dogs of Our Lives podcast centers around the themes of grief, loss and the importance of companion animals in providing comfort and purpose during difficult times. Chrissy chats to Joanna who she shares her personal experience of losing a loved one and navigating that with the support of her animal companion. Chrissy and Joanna talk about the need for empathy, trust, and...

Welcome to Episode One of the Dogs of Our Lives Podcast with me, your host, Chrissy Messick. The Dogs of Our Lives podcast is all about living, learning, and growing with dogs. In this episode, I will talk to you about my personal journey as a dog owner, and  trainer,  how the dogs in my life made me a better parent and how my childhood influenced the person I am today. In future episodes of the D...

Welcome to The Dogs of Our Lives Podcast hosted by Chrissy Messick, founder of the Nature of Animals, dog training and behavior consulting expert. This trailer introduces the first season of the brand-new podcast, The Dogs of Our Lives, where I will chat with clients, colleagues, and professionals in the field about their unique experiences with their dogs. Together we will explore the impact dogs...