The Quirky Dog

This week, Jess and Scott welcome Kari Lavalli to discuss all things PWD. Kari breeds, trains, and adores this breed and shares her extensive knowledge with this entire episode, especially as we take a deep dive into water sports.    Why is a PWD not suited for every home? What is the history behind how fishermen used PWD in a practical sense? Where can you find more info about getting into water...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss boundaries. As time marches on, dog owners seem more and more hesitant to implement boundaries into their dog’s life, which in turn can lead to destructive behavior, increased anxiety, and greater stress for all family members.   What are some simple boundaries one can introduce into life with a dog? Why do dogs need boundaries?    How can introducing boundaries i...

This week, Jess and Scott proudly welcome 8-year-old Harper Justice (along with her mom Taylor) and their incredible Australian Shepherd T. Harper and T have been turning heads all year in the show ring and in this episode, we discuss their many accomplishments in 2023 as well as their plans for 2024.    Does Harper prefer school or conformation? Why is T such an exceptional partner? How can we be...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Andy Deitz and his Belgian Malinois, Christie. Christie is a very accomplished IGP competitor and is truly Andy’s best friend. She is retiring from competition next year but truly made her mark on protection sports when she took the field. What traits according to Andy make Christie dog of the year? How was traveling to Greece to compete at an international...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Jess Ajoux and Perry DeWitt. Not only did Jess win the AKC Nationals with her Border Collie Hallelujah within a year of her pandemic litter, but Perry also won Westminster for the second time with her very special boy Verb. Verb happens to be Lu’s father, so ‘2021 Dog of the Year’ quickly evolved into “Dogs of the Year.”   How have Jess and Perry’s lives loo...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Petra Ford to talk about her dog who just won The Quirky Dog’s 2020 dog of the year. To view The Quirky Dog’s website and a full catalog of episodes, visit:  https://www.thequirkydog.com   To work with Scott and Jess in person within their service area (Portland, ME to Boston, MA to Manchester, NH), email them at studio@thequirkydog.com Have you ever wondere...

This week, Jess and Scott talk about training your weaknesses as it relates to dog training as well as life, especially with the holidays in full force, which can be triggering for so many of us!   How do you identify your weaknesses? Why is focusing on your weaknesses important? Where can you go for more support if you’re ready, willing, and able to train your weaknesses?    For this week’s Holid...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the reputation Jess has poured herself into since moving to New England and beyond for the past 10-15 years. Jess is completely committed to your dog’s success, and this episode mirrors that message every step of the way.   What is a Cookie That! consult? How does Jess feel about medicating dogs for sport? Where do you need to look to actually improve life for you...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome Sriharsa Pradham. Besides being a scientist and sommelier, Sri has been a dedicated and responsible Malinois owner for the past decade. On this episode, he discusses his journey with his dog Tej.     Why did Sri choose the breed Malinois and the sport French Ring?   Are there extra precautions taken when entertaining with Tej?   What has Tej taught Sri?   For this...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the reality of life with your dog as things stand today. As we prepare to enter 2024, now is a perfect time to take a mental inventory of what you have, what you want, and what you might be able to ignore as it relates to your dog’s behavior.    What behaviors are you working around that you would like to improve? Why does intervening not only show respect to your...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the reasons to always prioritize a budget for dog training. While many aspects of the world and the economy seem overwhelming at best these days, dog training is an important expense when it comes to your mental health, the wellness of your dog, and the impact you and your dog have on society.    How much should you expect to spend on dog training?  What if insura...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome Dimitra Kofitsas from Rye, NH to discuss canine physical therapy. Dimitra has owned Tails of Rye for almost 20 years and discusses the ins and outs of the rehabilitation industry in dogs.    How does a facility like Tails of Rye help senior dogs? Why is it important to schedule PT appointments as soon as possible? What does Dimitra love most about her job?   For t...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the reality that some dogs are not a good fit for our modern world. Whether this is based in genetics, early life experiences, traumatic events, or a combination of reasons, often dogs are a bad fit for a household and sometimes a poor fit for society.    What were the details of Scott’s recent bite? If I think I own a “bad dog” then what do I do next?   Why are s...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome photographer Ron Schmidt who is accompanied by his lovely wife Amy. We discuss what the commercial end of dog photography looks like in present day as well as how Ron and Amy are continuing to give back through their work.   What is their favorite part of their job? Where does Ron find his inspiration for new pieces after 20 years in the business?   How can listen...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss their experience this past weekend teaching a seminar for 50+ people and over a dozen dogs in upstate New York. And most importantly, they provide some easy tips and tricks to yes indeed calm your canine!   Why is a crate such a fundamental component of targeting anxiety? What does anxiety look like in dogs? How do I help my dog through his or her anxiety if I als...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by one of their dear clients Emily Ostrow. Emily comes on to discuss her journey with her adorable but challenging rescue, Sandy.   How did pharmaceuticals play a role in Sandy’s story? Why did Emily and her husband feel the need to explore additional resources in relation to veterinary care and training early on?   What has been the single best way to help San...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss how motivation factors into your dog training journey. Many companion dog owners appear to be motivated to train because of pain; whereas, many sport dog trainers are motivated to train because of passion.    Why could changing your motivation for why you train potentially change your entire life? How does your motivation for why you train directly affect your dog...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss what they consider some very important life skills as it relates to handling and medical care. This episode is packed with training suggestions to help you when trying to evaluate and possibly diagnose an issue with your dog.   What is the value of a muzzle for a dog who isn’t aggressive? How can I teach my dog to get his or her temperature taken calmly? Where do...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss triggers. This is somewhat of a buzz phrase in the dog industry, and this episode gives you a bunch of simple and helpful tips to help you address your dog’s triggers.    What is a trigger? Why is it important to monitor a trigger as it expands? How can I best help my dog deal with his or her triggers?   ONLY 4 DAYS LEFT TO ORDER APPAREL FOR THE QUIRKY DOG! CLICK...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Barb Buchmayer who is the trailblazer of positive herding. Barbara has authored a number of books, coaches students virtually worldwide, and presents in-person seminars throughout the US.    How does teaching herding with positive reinforcement differ from how traditional herding is taught?  Why is it so important, especially with high drive breeds, to focus...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the importance of situational awareness, especially when it involves our dogs. It is your job as a dog owner to do your absolute best to be in tune with the environment and energy surrounding you and your dog at all times.    Why is situational awareness absolutely paramount when hiking off leash? If one need to improve his or her situational awareness, where shou...

This week, Jess and Scott are celebrating their 200th episode! What a truly incredible journey it’s been. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your support over the years. We are beyond grateful and promise to only get quirkier over time!   What has been most challenging throughout the past 4 years of podcasting? Who is Chrissy and why is she on the podcast? Where is The Quirky Dog’s...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss aggression cases and how they prepare. Many industry professionals run into aggressive dogs throughout their careers, but some aren’t equipped to handle them. This episode provides tons of tips to keep everybody safe.    Where does equipment beyond a muzzle come into play? Why is it so important to exhibit strict protocols near a dog’s crate? How can a dog with tr...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the hustle bustle of back to school and what impacts this season of life may have on the dog. Kids have been and continue to be heading back to school all throughout our nation, and this episode focuses on facilitating a smooth transition for the dog as well.   How can you prep your dog if you have a kid leaving for his or her first semester of college this year?...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the process of raising littermates. Many owners do not understand what a process this can be, so this episode is dedicated to breaking down the idea of raising two beings who have been bonded since the womb. Why would raising littermates be any different than raising two puppies a similar age? Who should have the final say if a family should raise littermates or n...