The Golden Sheltie Podcast

The foundation of a strong service dog team starts long before training — it starts with finding the right dog. In this episode, Nathalie and Dakota talk about what makes a good service dog prospect, the common misconceptions people have when choosing a dog, and how to set yourself up for success from the very beginning. They cover temperament testing, evaluating puppies vs. adult dogs, what to lo...

⚠️  Listener Discretion Advised:  This episode includes sensitive conversations about mental health, psychiatric disabilities, and stigma within the service dog community. Please take care while listening. Emotional Support Animals and Psychiatric Service Dogs are often talked about like they’re the same — but they’re not. In this episode, Nathalie and Dakota break down the legal differences, the...

Halloween is full of costumes, candy, and spooky surprises—but for service dogs, it can be overwhelming if they’re not prepared. In this episode, Nathalie and Dakota break down everything you need to know to keep your service dog safe, confident, and stress-free this spooky season. We cover:🍬 A fun and easy Halloween “candy corn” treat recipe your dog will love👻 How to train around costumes, kid...

“Fake spotting” is one of the most controversial topics in the service dog community. In this episode, Nathalie and Dakota dive deep into what fake spotting actually is, why it’s so divisive, and how social media has shaped the conversation—for better and for worse. They share their honest perspectives on filming fake teams, community reactions, and where the line is between raising awareness and...

In this episode, we’re tackling some of the wild, misinformed, and downright rude comments we’ve received on social media. From being called “Karens” to people spreading myths about service dogs and our work, we set the record straight with facts, humor, and a little bit of honesty. We break down the most common misconceptions, explain why these comments can be harmful, and share how we navigate n...

In this episode of  The Golden Sheltie Podcast , Nathalie and Dakota share practical tips and lessons they’ve learned as service dog handlers. From navigating crowded public spaces and handling unwanted attention to setting boundaries and advocating for themselves, they discuss the strategies that help make everyday life with a service dog more manageable. Whether you’re a new handler, experienced...

In this episode of  The Golden Sheltie Podcast , Nathalie and Dakota open up about their real experiences as service dog handlers and the unique struggles they encounter when navigating public spaces. From the constant stares and invasive questions to people trying to pet their dogs without permission, they share the realities that come with being out in the world with their Service Dogs. They div...

In this very first episode of The Golden Sheltie Podcast, we’re introducing ourselves, Nathalie & Dakota, and of course, our dogs Pluto the Golden Retriever and Fidget the Sheltie. We’ll share a bit about our journeys as handlers, what inspired us to start this podcast, and why we believe the service dog community deserves more honesty, advocacy, and real conversations. Consider this your back...