The Quirky Dog

This week, Jess and Scott discuss questioning your veterinarian or behaviorist before you begin administering a prescribed drug to your dog, especially as it relates to behavior. Big Pharma has a clear agenda that has recently been spilling over from the human world into the dog world. Of course while many drugs can be lifesavers and greatly enhance one’s quality of life, maybe we shouldn’t we be...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome Paul Bourgeois and his retired Malinois, Rroddie. Paul has an incredible history as a canine handler and spent many years on active duty overseas, and he has also worked for the secret service domestically. Paul recently started dating the famous Sara Carson, and this episode touches on their relationship and takes a deep dive into Paul’s fascinating past. What ar...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss some very simple principles when it comes to owning dogs. Sometimes owners, trainers, and behaviorists can overcomplicate matters when in fact dog ownership and management can be easier than many realize?    What is a simple way to use a leash that can help you with your dog’s behavior?   Why is structured feeding so important?   How can owners learn more about so...

This week Scott and Jess warmly welcome Denise Fenzi. Denise has been very active and successful in obedience, conformation, agility, and protection sports, and she recently joined the flyball community. Denise is the founder of Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, which is hands down one of the best resources for dog sport enthusiasts internationally.   What similarities do trainers from different training...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss one of the most important decisions one can make as a dog owner, which is how to pick a vet. In this day and age, it is wise to have your dogs registered at multiple local vet offices. Vets are in higher demand than ever before, so having access to sound medicine and compassionate staff should be of utmost importance.   What is the most critical component to consi...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss toxic positivity in the dog training world. While positive reinforcement training offers many benefits, the dog training public frequently voices concerns over effectiveness of this methodology as well as the judgement that comes from members of the purely positive camp. What is toxic positivity as it relates to dog training? Why do some dogs and owners seem to re...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the concept of utilizing your dog as your therapist. In this day in age we can use as much mental health support as we can get. This episode unpacks the positives and the negatives of this set up.    Why do dogs make good therapists?   How can using your dog as your therapist have negative impacts on your dog?   What does an effective therapist offer whether dog o...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the very controversial issue of Kristi Noem shooting her personal dog. This episode exposes the public outrage of Kristi's actions and provides a myriad of alternative and more ethical options for frustrated dog owners.    What is a specific circumstance when shooting a dog could make sense? Why is behavioral euthanasia administered by a veterinarian a much more h...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome Orysia Dawydiak, author of Livestock Protection Dogs Selection, Care, and Training. Guardian breeds are an important part of society and are still actively working on many farms in the United States and beyond. This episode discusses the nuances of choosing, raising, and working with a livestock protection dog.  Why do guardian breeds do better in a working home t...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss territorial aggression. While there are many different types of aggression, territorial aggression seems to be the most common amongst our clients. If my dog has territorial aggression, how can I prevent a potential lawsuit? Why does my dog only act aggressive when on our property or in our vehicle? Where does territorial aggression come from? To learn more about...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome Beth O’Connor, owner of Cultured Canines in Calgary, Canada. Beth’s Border Collie, Quill, recently earned his CKC Versatility Gold title, and he is the very first Border Collie to have ever done so. This episode covers dog training from top to bottom and offers many gems along the way! What requirements are necessary for a dog to earn his or her Versatility Gold t...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss when telling your dog no may be in your best interest as well as your dog’s best interest. This is a highly debated topic in dog training, and this episode explains why this communication between owners and dogs is both relevant and important.   What are some situations where you should say “no” to your dog? How frequently should you be saying “no” to your dog?  ...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome Teresa Hanula and the one and only Leonard- the painter, the traveler, the trickster, the disc catcher, the Guinness Book record holder, and the lover. Leonard's art is displayed internationally, and he is definitely a one of a kind artist!   How does Leonard paint? Where can people purchase Leonard's art?   What is the best part of Leonard's style?   To learn mor...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the rise of aggression in dog sports. Whether your dog has human or dog aggression, you are putting others at a huge risk by allowing your aggressive dog to participate in competitions in any dog sport.    If your dog has an issue with other dogs, what kind of control should you have in a competitive environment?    Why has aggression in dog sports escalated so mu...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the concept of a dog that appears to be untrainable. Often dog training clients will voice their concerns that their dog is too stubborn or not smart enough for training to be successful. This episode unpacks that theory.    What does an untrainable dog look like?   How would a dog become untrainable?    Where should owners look for help if they are worried they o...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome animal communicator Shannon Cutts, host of Let’s Talk To Animals podcast. Shannon is a highly sensitive animal intuitive who specializes in one on one virtual sessions with all types of species and recently just returned from a bucket list trip to the Galapagos.  How was Shannon called to this career path?   Why is it important for Shannon to listen to the pet’s p...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss how to introduce your dog to a select group of dogs that your friends and/or family own. Some owners want their dogs to have a long term relationship with certain dogs even with dogs that aren't necessarily social or may seem somewhat introverted. How do you begin to expand your dog's circle?   What is the best method to mix high energy and low energy dogs?   Why...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the changes we have seen in dog ownership over the last 50 years. This episode talks about the culture of dogs in the US in the 1980’s, early 2000’s, and today and compares various aspects of the three time periods.   How did dog officers change the way dog ownership has evolved?   Where have we seen the most drastic changes in spending over the past 50 years?   W...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome Jamie Robinson, founder of Service Dog Games International. Jamie is introducing a new area in dog training that allows service dogs to finally achieve the recognition they deserve.   What is the specific criteria for having a service dog?   Can you title more than one service dog through Service Dog Games International?   Where is the best resource to learn more...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss taking your dog to work. In this day and age, many employees want at least a hybrid option of work and home if not for a complete work from home position. Many workers who do go into an office want to bring their dogs. We unpack some of the basics of what taking your dog to work should actually look like in this episode. What equipment should I consider bringing t...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome one of their cherished clients to discuss her own journey with her German Shepherd. Lola had major issues with anxiety, reactivity, and handling. Kelly discusses how a consistent training program made life significantly better for not only Lola but for the entire family.    Why did Kelly decide it was best to wean Lola off of Prozac with the help of her veterinari...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the concept of eye contact. While getting and maintaining your dog’s attention is definitely an integral part of successful dog training, attention games are often misused in real world settings and this episode dissects exactly that.   Where in training does it actually make sense to teach your dog to focus on you? Is teaching focus really necessary for an engage...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome Abby Cline and Bonnie Scott who are both wildly entertaining humans as well as full-time professional stunt dog performers. Abby and Bonnie dive deep into the highs and lows of their careers on this episode and provide a ton of comedic relief along the way!    Where can you find Abby and/or Bonnie throughout this upcoming season?   How does traveling with your dog...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss what to do when you have issues with dogs you don’t own. These types of issues can arise with neighbors, on the street, in parks, at training facility, and in the woods. Repeated negative interactions can be stressful to say the least.   What are some simpl solutions to keep a neighborhood dog off your property? Why is preparation of utmost importance when taking...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss dog walking. Many of their clients have used a dog walking service over the years and this episode talks about the best practices to find a reliable dog walker who will keep their dog(s) safe and in a comfortable head space.    What are the benefits to hiring a dog walker versus using a doggy daycare service? Why is consistency important when it comes to the actua...