The Quirky Dog

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the topic of puppies! While in your mind a puppy may simply seem like pure joy and minimal hassle, that isn’t reality for everyone. On this episode, they dive into what to expect if your family is expecting a puppy!   What types of factors should you take into consideration when deciding if a puppy is right for you? Where is the best place for an average family to...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the power of dog training tools. While some dog professionals would never consider even walking a dog from a flat collar, other dog trainers are well versed in their tool usage. When it comes to dog owners, we try to help you streamline the complexity.    Who are the people trying to ban tools in North America? Why does it matter that you have a wide knowledge of...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the law of attraction as it pertains to dog training. There has been a significant amount of conflict in 2023 so far about training methodologies, industry regulation, equipment bans, and verbiage in dog training. This episode is intended to break that cycle and serve as an inspiration. Why is it important to focus on what you WANT from your dog? How can we use to...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Penny Scott-Fox who is a talented dog trainer, a fundamental figure in scent work, and an important advocate for the correct placement of shelter dogs. Scott and Penny first met over a decade ago when becoming certified in nose work together, and today we discuss all of the exciting twists and turns that sport has taken over the years.    What are the benefi...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss extremes as they relate to the viewpoints of what is and what isn't ethical dog training. The world is a hard place, but the dog world certainly doesn’t have to be. We open up about why it is so important more now than ever before to have respectful and productive conversations about dogs and their welfare.    Why is it enlightening to ride the middle these days?...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Melissa Stagnaro who is Vice President of American Rettungshunde Sport Association. This organization combines aspects of competitive obedience, agility, and search work like air scenting and tracking into a competition that is loads of fun for both dogs and owners.      When did the concept of outlining sport search and rescue skills first begin?   Who is a...

This week, Scott and Jess discuss the very serious issue of resource guarding. Dogs can guard food, toys, people, yards, crates, furniture, or anything else that a dog decides in his or her own head is a resource worth guarding. Tune in as we give you dozens of suggestions promoting safety as well as success.   How can I train this out of my dog? What are some early warning signs of resource guard...

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 internationa...

This week, Scott and Jess discuss how important it is to acknowledge your dog around the holidays! While it may seem obvious to them, it isn’t clear to every family or professional dog facility to prioritize the importance of the holidays in regards to their own dogs and client dogs.    How can I recognize my dog around the holidays without breaking the bank? Why is it important as a family to inc...

This week, Scott and Jess discuss how grateful they are to be working in the industry of dog training. As they approach their busiest season of the year, which of course falls over Christmas and NYE, they pay tribute to all of their current and past clients and all the lessons they’ve learned.    What do we do to help keep our heads clear when we have an extremely challenging case? How do we deal...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by John Wade. Ironically, they first met this well known London Ontario dog trainer the same weekend they first met one another! Tune in this week as the three of them discuss dog training in North America as well as how to best help dog owners receive the direction they need to succeed.   What is the best way to train a companion dog? Why is it so important th...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Mare Potts, a friend of Jess’s from over 25 years ago. Mare is very accomplished in the dog world as well as director of Camp Gone To The Dogs. She is here to share some insider details of what 2023 Camp will look like in Front Royal, Virginia.     What does a camp focused solely on dogs have in store? How many dogs can an owner bring if he/she lives with mu...

This week, Scott and Jess discuss one of the most terrifying experiences a dog owner can ever face… a lost dog. They discuss the best practices to prepare for such unimaginable stress. They also relay actions to immediately take if you do ever lose sight of your beloved dog if you're away from the house or when you realize your dog has ran away from home.   How can you in fact prepare for your dog...

This week, Scott and Jess discuss the pupperazzi! With the holiday season approaching quickly, The Quirky Dog is here to remind you that dogs looking merry and bright in their photos may have more of an impact on others than you realize.   If my dog hates the camera, how can I still get ears up for a photo? How can I get my dog to look where I want?   What if I want my dog to wear a prop for photo...

This week, Scott and Jess discuss Happy Tail Syndrome in dogs. While this may be a topic that many viewers and listeners are unfamiliar with, Scott and Jess have loads of personal experience with Happy Tail Syndrome thanks to their Malinois, Cousteau. They give an overview of what Happy Tail Syndrome has looked like for them and discuss a plethora of treatment options to explore.    What types of...

This week, Scott and Jess discuss the integration of a dog and a cat in a household (or multiple dogs and cats). For those who have experience living with both, we invite you to listen for some tips to create even greater harmony. For those who have never lived with both cats and dogs before, we guide you through various steps to promote the safety and comfort of all.   How can a dog that chases t...

This week, Jess and Scott show up in costume to celebrate Halloween week! They discuss treats, tricks, and any and all topics that fall in between the two for a playful and informative episode.   Why does the way you use food in training actually matter? How does Jess help you teach the 5 most famous tricks to your dog(s) more simply? What benefit does trick training have on your relationship with...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Dawn Gagye, owner of Portrait Couture Studio and co-owner of Canines on Duty. Dawn is a well-known New England photographer and has been taking breathtaking pictures of Jess and Scott’s crew for the past decade.  Why does Dawn feel like every woman not only deserves but actually needs a Portrait Couture session? How can you incorporate your animals into a st...

This week, Scott and Jess discuss the benefits of working your dog through something that your dog wouldn’t normally choose to do. Many people tend to shy away from something that their dog(s) find unfamiliar or unpleasant. Throughout this episode, Scott and Jess discuss why that may not be the best approach.      How can this mindset actually help my relationship with my dog? Why is it a slippery...

This week, Scott and Jess discuss the role of a leash. Most dogs have some sort of reaction to a leash whether it be overexcitement or greater self control or a response that is somewhere in between these two options. We discuss what a leash means to our dogs and the importance of having a routine that works when suiting up your dog to leave the house.    How should a dog respond to a leash? Why d...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined once again by their friend and one of the leading international canine fitness experts, Bobbie Lyons. The North Carolina State accredited program Canine Strength and Conditioning Coaching (CSCC) is explained in detail throughout this entire episode by the program director herself.    Who does Bobbie feel this program can serve? How can canine fitness play a rol...

This week, Scott and Jess discuss quite possibly the hottest topic in dogs today…. Doodles! Regardless  if you love ‘em or hate ‘em, Doodles are here to stay. Tune in to see where The Quirky Dog podcast stands on the topic of Doodledom.    What are some benefits of owning a Doodle? Why does grooming have to be a priority for any Doodle owner? How can we choose a Doodle that would fit best into our...

This week, Scott and Jess discuss different behavioral issues that may pop up over the first two years of a dog's life that then in fact seem to mold into that dog’s temperament. There is a lot of talk in the dog world about when to blame the parents, when to blame the breeder, when to blame the rescue, and when to blame the methods. This week we acknowledge those factors and also discuss how we a...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined once again by Noelle Nasca and her Belgian Malinois, Inga. Noelle and Inga were able to come out and visit us in between the third and forth installment of this series, and Inga just celebrated her first birthday!    How did Inga do at Studio 21 Podcast Cafe when visiting The Quirky Dog set? What was her first experience with an IGP helper like? Why has trainin...

This week, Scott and Jess discuss the importance considering your dog’s immune system throughout the entire year. With a new upper respiratory system illness hitting New Hampshire recently, New England has been on high alert.   What are a few ways to help support a dog’s immune system? How can we protect our young and old dogs? Why can genetics matter when it comes to immune system support?   For...