Think Like a Dog

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Millie is joined by her client, Cece DeSimone, for their third session, to discuss her experiences with dog training, focusing on her dog Mabel and a new foster dog, Batman. The session covers various training techniques, behavioral challenges, socialization with other dogs, crate training, and managing excessive chewing behavior. The conversation emphasizes...

Send us Fan Mail In this session, Millie is joined by her client, Barbara, to discuss her two dogs, Tuca and Bruski, and the challenges she’s been facing with their behavior. Together, they discuss understanding leadership, consistency, and the importance of setting structured routines and boundaries. The conversation covers everything from Tuca’s need for guidance and structured play to Bruski’s...

Send us Fan Mail In this second consultation, Millie and Addie’s owner, Nancy, discuss the progress and ongoing challenges in Addie’s training journey. The conversation focuses on leash reactivity, communication between dogs and their owners, and the role of structure and boundaries in supporting a dog’s growth. Nancy shares updates on Addie’s walks, her use of the loop, and her reactions to other...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog, Millie discusses training goals and challenges with Tanya and her energetic husky, Denali. Adopted from a shelter, Denali faced early behavioral hurdles that left Tanya looking for effective ways to build consistency and structure. Their conversation covers everything from creating routines to mastering leash skills, and how the right commands...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Think Like a Dog podcast, hosts Andreia and Millie break down the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways our dogs communicate with us. They dive into listener-submitted training videos, chatting through what body language really means during play, how connection can make or break training, and why distractions matter more than we think. They also get into how socia...

Send us Fan Mail In this client consult, Millie works with Sara and her 4½-year-old Bichon, Charlotte, to tackle a swirl of issues: leash reactivity toward dogs and people, door/window “bouncer” behavior, sock/paper eating, and an intense attachment that’s taken over daily life. We lay out a structure-first plan that replaces guilt-driven routines with fair, clear boundaries, so Charlotte can turn...

Send us Fan Mail This episode of Think Like a Dog with Andreia and Millie focuses on senior dogs and the unique care they require. The discussion highlights why training remains valuable for them at any age, the medical considerations that come with growing older, and the ways their behavior may change over time. It also covers how senior dogs adjust when new pets are introduced into the household...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog, Millie connects with Cece DeSimone to discuss her dog Mabel’s behavioral challenges, including resource guarding, jealousy, and walking difficulties. They explore effective training techniques such as crate training, structured feeding routines, and strategic socialization. The conversation highlights the importance of setting clear boundaries,...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog, Millie conducts a virtual consultation with Nancy, focusing on her dog Addy’s leash reactivity and overall behavior. The discussion covers Addy’s training background, current challenges on walks, and difficulties maintaining composure around other dogs. Millie provides detailed guidance on improving leash walking skills, implementing impulse co...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog, Andreia and Millie discuss the emotional and often misunderstood topic of rehoming pets. Whether it’s due to life changes, behavior challenges, or unexpected circumstances, they explore the valid reasons families may need to make this tough decision and how to do it responsibly. They share practical tips for preparing dogs for a new home, from...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog, Andreia and Millie discuss one of the most important foundations of dog training, understanding the why behind your dog’s behavior. They explore how recognizing the root of behavior can shape more effective training strategies and help you build a deeper connection with your dog. The conversation covers why structure, leadership, and clear comm...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Think Like a Dog podcast, Millie and Andreia answer listener questions and share thoughtful guidance on common training challenges. They cover crate training, potty routines, communication with other dog owners, and ways to help dogs with fear or anxiety. Throughout the conversation, they focus on what it means to truly understand your dog’s perspective, why...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Savanna Woodall consults with Millie about her dog Maya, a rescued German Shepherd mix navigating separation anxiety, behavioral struggles, and chronic health issues like kidney disease. Together, they dive into Maya’s daily routine, the importance of setting clear boundaries, and how to create a calm, consistent environment to help her thrive. They discuss the em...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog, we're joined by Ridge from Pack Leader University for a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood training tools out there: the prong collar. Ridge breaks down how prong collars actually work, when and how to use them properly, and why they’re often unfairly labeled as harsh. We explore key topics like proper fit, conditioning, and the...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with the Mirror Image K9 Extended family to tackle real-life training challenges. This conversation dives deep into prepping a dog for an upcoming move, managing crate anxiety, introducing a new impact crate, and helping dogs adapt to major changes like travel and new environments. We also explore topics like balancing crate and place training, handlin...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog , Andreia and Millie take on the complex and often misunderstood topic of dog bites. They explore why dogs bite, how to prevent it, and what to do if it happens—all through the lens of compassion, education, and real-life experience. From decoding dog body language to recognizing early warning signs, they break down how human behavior can impact...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Think Like a Dog podcast, Andreia and Mirror Image K9 delve into the intricacies of dog training commands, emphasizing the importance of consistency, enforcement, and the mindset behind commands. They discuss the significance of the 'place' command, how it differs from 'stay', and the role of treats and toys in training. The conversation...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog Podcast , Millie and Andreia take a deep dive into the dog adoption process from a rescue organization’s perspective. They tackle common misconceptions about adoption requirements, the role of structured walks in setting up a dog for success, and the adopter's responsibility in ensuring a strong match. The discussion emphasizes the importan...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog , Millie and Andreia dive into the crucial role of structure in dog training and why clear rules, boundaries, and routines are essential for a well-balanced dog. They break down common misconceptions about dog behavior, the importance of crate training, and why providing clarity and direction prevents behavioral issues before they start. Millie...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like A Dog , hosts Andreia and Millie dive into key aspects of dog training and behavior. They explore how to address puppy whining, the importance of early exposure and socialization, and managing different rules for guest dogs. The discussion also covers emotional responses in dogs, cobbing behavior, and when to intervene in interactions. With a focus on...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog , Andreia and Millie are joined by Kaitlyn, an Ozzie Albies Foundation adopter, who adopted Dennis through the Best Chance Program . Together, they dive into Dennis' journey—from his rough start as a scared, anxious pup to his transformation into a confident and happy dog. Kaitlyn shares the challenges she faced bringing him home, how she h...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog, hosts Andreia and Millie welcome special guest Amy Creaven to dive into the crucial role of muzzles in dog training and behavior management. Together, they unpack the mission behind Trust Your Dog, break down the stigma surrounding muzzles, and highlight the benefits of custom-fit options. The conversation sheds light on the importance of prope...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Maisie MacKnight shares her journey with her dog Jingle, focusing on the transition from physical health to mental well-being. They discuss the challenges of dog training, the importance of establishing a structured routine, and the relationship dynamics between owner and dog. The conversation emphasizes the need for coping mechanisms, assessing progress, and...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Think Like a Dog podcast, Andreia and Millie delve into the intricacies of leash training, emphasizing the importance of leash pressure as a communication tool between dog and owner. They discuss various techniques for teaching dogs commands, the role of the loop in training, and how to effectively condition dogs to understand leash pressure. The conversatio...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Millie and Lucey discuss how to prepare Atlas, a reactive dog, for a big transition to apartment living in Chicago. Lucey shares their current routines, challenges, and strategies, including leash training, muzzle conditioning, and creating calm moments of connection during walks. Together, they explore practical tips like using commands such as "place"...