Join me in the first of my two-part interview with expert animal trainer Laura Monaco Torelli about making veterinary visits and grooming sessions less stressful for your furry friends. Laura and I dive into understanding dog body language, creating positive experiences, and the vital role of communication between pet parents, vets, and groomers.

Show Notes:

1. In this episode, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Laura Monaco Torelli, an expert animal trainer, who shares her wisdom on understanding your Doodle's needs and stress signals.
2. We discuss how to help your Doodle enjoy a positive experience at the vet by observing their body language and using positive reinforcement techniques.
3. Laura emphasizes the importance of trust between pet owners, veterinarians, and groomers to ensure successful and stress-free visits.
4. We talk about not rushing through the process and staying mindful of your Doodle's stress levels during grooming or vet visits.
5. Laura shares insights on identifying potential stressors for your Doodle and implementing strategies to address them.
6. We highlight the value of visual illustrations and handouts in educating pet owners about their Doodle's body language and stress signals.
7. Laura and I explore the concept of "get it done" and how to balance the needs and wants of your Doodle during grooming or vet visits.
8. We discuss the importance of collaborating with your Doodle's groomer and vet to create a plan that supports your dog's wellbeing and reduces stress.
9. Lastly, we delve into alternative approaches, such as requesting outdoor exams or video snippets, to minimize stress for both you and your Doodle.

Catch part two of our conversation on episode #48.

Learn more from Laura at https://www.lauramonacotorelli.com/

Do you know your doodle's learning style? Take our free quiz to find out and make training together easier and more fun! Visit https://thedoodlepro.com/learning now!

Visit instagram.com/thedoodlepro for behind-the-scenes peeks at the doodles Corinne works with daily!

In this episode of the Doodle Pro Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tonya Lim, the Doggy Doula™ at Family Pupz. Tonya specializes in helping families prepare their dogs for the arrival of a new baby. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:

During the first trimester of pregnancy, Tonya suggests starting to think about what changes may need to be made to your dog's routine and behavior in order to prepare them for the new addition to the family. This could include introducing new commands or behaviors, such as teaching your dog to stay off of furniture or creating a designated space for them in the home.

In the second trimester, Tonya recommends focusing on helping your dog adjust to new equipment or changes in the home, such as baby gates or swings. It's important to anticipate potential behaviors that may be triggered by these changes, such as a dog becoming fixated on a moving swing, and work on training them to engage in alternate behaviors instead.

As the due date approaches, Tonya emphasizes the importance of creating a plan for the dog's care during labor and delivery, as well as for the first few weeks after the baby arrives. This could include having a friend or family member available to care for the dog, or arranging for them to stay at a boarding facility.

When it comes to introducing the dog to the new baby, Tonya suggests starting slowly and keeping the baby elevated and away from the dog's reach. It's important to closely monitor the dog's behavior and provide positive reinforcement for good behavior.

Throughout the entire process, Tonya emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the dog's emotional well-being and being aware of any signs of stress or anxiety. By planning ahead and taking steps to prepare your dog for the new addition to the family, you can help ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.

If you're expecting a baby and need help preparing your dog, Tonya offers virtual doggy doula services through Family Pupz. Listeners of the Doodle Pro Podcast can receive a discount on consultations with the promo code THEDOODLEPRO.

Thanks for listening to this episode of the Doodle Pro Podcast! Don't forget to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow me on Instagram at @thedoodlepro for more cute doodle content.

Do you know your doodle's learning style? Take our free quiz to find out and make training together easier and more fun! Visit https://thedoodlepro.com/learning now!

Visit instagram.com/thedoodlepro for behind-the-scenes peeks at the doodles Corinne works with daily!

Did you know that dog bites are amongst the most common form of injuries among children in the United States? As a dog trainer, I've seen firsthand how this can happen even in households with loving and well-behaved pets and children. That's why it's important for parents to be aware of the risks and take steps to keep their children safe.

During this episode, I was joined by Tanya Lim, a Doggy Doula at Family Pupz who specializes in working with expecting families and new parents to help prepare their dogs for the arrival of a new baby. Together, we discussed the importance of recognizing dog body language and understanding the potential risks associated with young children and dogs interacting.

One of the key takeaways from our discussion was that many dog bites actually occur in the home, and often involve a family pet that is familiar to the child. This can happen when children engage in behaviors that make the dog uncomfortable or when the dog is feeling stressed or overwhelmed. As parents, it's our responsibility to teach our children how to interact with dogs in a safe and respectful way.

Tanya and I also discussed the myth that certain breeds are more likely to bite than others. The truth is, any dog can bite under the right circumstances. That's why it's important to focus on individual dogs and their behavior, rather than making assumptions based on breed.

To help prevent dog bites, Tanya shared some of her tips for preparing dogs for the arrival of a new baby. This includes introducing the dog to baby-related sounds and smells, creating a safe space for the dog to retreat to, and setting boundaries for how the dog and child should interact. By taking these steps early on, parents can help ensure a smooth transition for everyone in the household.

Overall, this was an important conversation that I hope will help raise awareness about the risks of dog bites and the steps parents can take to keep their children safe. If you'd like to hear more from Tanya about her step-by-step plan for preparing dogs for a new baby, be sure to tune in to our next episode. And as always, don't forget to rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform!

Grab Tanya's Free 5-Day Leash Reactivity Email Course 

A starter training plan to help manage, reduce, and eliminate your dog’s leash reactivity at https://www.familypupz.com/free-leash-reactivity-course

Do you know your doodle's learning style? Take our free quiz to find out and make training together easier and more fun! Visit https://thedoodlepro.com/learning now!

Visit instagram.com/thedoodlepro for behind-the-scenes peeks at the doodles Corinne works with daily!

I recently had the fantastic opportunity to chat with the delightful Dr. Zazie Todd, an expert in dog psychology, canine behavior, and positive reinforcement dog training. Her enthusiasm for strengthening the bond between pets and their humans is genuinely infectious! She shares her wisdom on pet-friendly training methods, dog behavior science, and animal welfare in an engaging, supportive, and non-judgmental manner, truly believing that providing quality information can help people improve their relationships with their dogs and lead to happier lives for all.

Our conversation focused on the importance of acknowledging that dogs and other animals have emotions and are sentient beings. Dr. Todd's insightful book, "Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy," offers practical advice for enhancing your dog's well-being and deepening your bond with them through evidence-based dog training techniques. We chatted about the significance of offering positive experiences for dogs and understanding the science behind their behavior.

We touched on the value of positive reinforcement in dog training, highlighting how it is essential to avoid aversive techniques. Our discussion also covered the development of the five domains model of animal welfare and the heartwarming connection between humans and their canine companions.

Dr. Todd emphasized the importance of using reward-based methods, like treat training, when working with dogs, noting that aversive techniques can have negative effects on a dog's welfare and the relationship between the dog and their guardian.

Throughout our conversation, we covered various topics, including understanding your dog's preferences for treats, addressing dogs with sensitive stomachs, and sharing tips for training outdoors. We also emphasized the significance of consistent practice in helping dogs become fluent in a behavior and the vital role that early socialization plays in a puppy's life.

Dr. Todd underscored the importance of socializing puppies during their sensitive period, even with vaccination concerns in mind. She mentioned that the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends good puppy classes for puppies aged seven to eight weeks. These classes should provide positive experiences with a variety of people, animals, objects, and surfaces, helping puppies grow into friendly, happy, and confident adult dogs while preventing potential behavior issues.

In conclusion, my enlightening conversation with Dr. Zazie Todd shed light on the importance of understanding dog psychology, canine behavior, and adopting positive reinforcement dog training techniques to strengthen the bond between pets and their guardians. By providing positive experiences for dogs, acknowledging their emotions, and using reward-based training methods, we can contribute to their overall well-being and happiness.  Let's embrace Dr. Todd's valuable insights and work together to create a happier, brighter future for our beloved furry companions, fostering a deeper connection and lifelong bond with our canine friends.

Follow Dr. Todd at https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/

Do you know your doodle's learning style? Take our free quiz to find out and make training together easier and more fun! Visit https://thedoodlepro.com/learning now!

Test your Doodle Body Language knowledge with our FREE quiz!
https://thedoodlepro.com/body

Visit instagram.com/thedoodlepro for behind-the-scenes peeks at the doodles Corinne works with daily!

In this week's episode, my guest Dr. Em from Vet Med Corner, shares doggone great advice on how to keep your Doodle healthy and happy. With science-based tips, including assessing prescription dog food and maintaining a healthy weight, Dr. Em provides long-term solutions to keep even the most finicky eaters on track for optimal health. Host Corinne Gearhart's remaining Top Ten questions about how to nourish our Doodles are answered, providing invaluable insights for keeping your furry friend fit, strong, and most importantly, happy! So, grab your pup, put on your headphones, and tune in to this paw-some episode!

• Question #5: Where Should We Go for Reputable, Reliable Advice?
• Question #6: What are some of the highlights from WSAVA.org’s guidelines?
• Question #7: Is “Human-Grade” Dogfood Special?
• Question #8: How Can I Get My Doodle to Eat the Right Food?
• Question #9: Is It Okay to Use Meal “Toppers”?
• Challenge #10: How Do I Figure Out Exactly How Much I Should Feed My Doodle?

QUOTABLE:

• “The majority of experts will agree on the majority of things. If you find a lone voice going against the majority of experts, the likelihood of them being correct is incredibly low.” (Dr. Em)
• “What you see in a (dog food) ingredient list doesn’t necessarily equate to what’s being absorbed ...” (Corinne)
• “The ingredient list really has very little correlation to the quality of pet food … What really matters is the bioavailability and your pet’s ability to absorb into their bodies the nutrients that those ingredients are made up of.” (Dr. Em)
• “We practice positive reinforcement and force-free training methods. I’m not hearing not to use food in training, but I’m going to be planning … and using that kibble purposefully throughout the day, raising the value of nutritious food and mixing it in.” (Corinne)
• “The prescription weight loss formulas help to maintain muscle mass while helping (dogs) lose fat.” (Dr. Em)

RELEVANT LINKS/RESOURCES:

• Pt 1 of our interview on Ep #42
• More of Dr. Em’s thought leadership and link available here.
• Read Petfoodology, the comprehensive pet nutrition blog published by Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
• Learn about the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
• Calorie Calculator

Do you know your doodle's learning style? Take our free quiz to find out and make training together easier and more fun! Visit https://thedoodlepro.com/learning now!

Test your Doodle Body Language knowledge with our FREE quiz!
https://thedoodlepro.com/body

Visit instagram.com/thedoodlepro for behind-the-scenes peeks at the doodles Corinne works with daily!

Answers are coming fast and furious on part one of Corinne's interview with Dr. Em of Vet Med Corner, known for her popular – and trustworthy – weekly YouTube advice program. The Canadian veterinarian is answering Host Corinne Gearhart’s Top Ten questions about how to nourish our Doodles in the perennial quest to keep them fit, strong and – most of all – happy!

• “People can call themselves dog nutritionists, pet nutritionists – anything – and none of those titles are protected at all. Any person can slap that label on themselves and run.” (Dr. Em)

You’ll learn how to assess prescription dog food, whether it’s worth the expense, and why consulting reputable sources is so important. Dr. Em also shares her thoughts on how to help our pets maintain a healthy weight; highlights helpful tools and resources; and offers science-based tips that will keep even the most finicky eaters on track for long-term vibrancy and great health!

KEY TOPICS:

• Word to the Wise: Check the credentials on your “pet nutritionist.” Anyone can claim that label without having to meet any regulatory requirements. Look for an international diplomate or PhD training.
• Question #1: Is It True that Vets Only Get One Hour of Nutrition Training?
• Question #2: What’s the Deal with Prescription Dog Food?
• Question #3: Are Veterinary Foods Superior?
• Question #4: Is There Really a Difference Between Puppy and Adult Dog Foods?

Tune in for part two next week to learn answers to questions like:

• Where Should We Go for Reputable, Reliable Advice?
• Is "Human-Grade" dogfood special?
• How can I get my Doodle to eat the right food?
• Is it okay to use "toppers" to dress up a meal?
• How do I figure out exactly how much to feed my Doodle? 

QUOTABLE:

• “I do not have time, funding or the knowledge to make medications myself, to make foods myself or make machines that read bloodwork. I need products in order to support my patients.” (Dr. Em)
• “We use our education and our reading and consulting with experts in order to formulate the best treatment plans we can.” (Dr. Em)
• “(Look) for people with actual expertise and be really critical about where information is coming from.” (Dr. Em)
• “The majority of experts will agree on the majority of things. If you find a lone voice going against the majority of experts, the likelihood of them being correct is incredibly low.” (Dr. Em)

RELEVANT LINKS/RESOURCES:

• More of Dr. Em’s thought leadership and link available here.
• Read Petfoodology, the comprehensive pet nutrition blog published by Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
•  Learn about the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. 

Do you know your doodle's learning style? Take our free quiz to find out and make training together easier and more fun! Visit https://thedoodlepro.com/learning now!

Visit instagram.com/thedoodlepro for behind-the-scenes peeks at the doodles Corinne works with daily!

Enjoy our free gift to you. The Doodle Coat “Must Haves” Cheat Sheet at https://thedoodlepro.com/musthaves/

If you’ve ever wanted to know what your Doodle groomer is really thinking (or why you’re having difficulty getting on the same page), this episode of The Doodle Pro™ Podcast is for you! Host Corinne Gearhart welcomes River Lee, a sought-after speaker and owner of The Savvy Groomer, who is lifting the curtain on what goes on behind the scenes. You’ll get answers to questions like: 

• How often should Doodles be groomed and starting at what age?
• Why does grooming cost so much?
• What level of skill do dog stylists require – and what occupational stress do they endure? 
• What are current trends shaping the grooming industry?
• Why do groomers hate Doodles? (Spoiler Alert: They don’t.)
• How can Doodle Parents make life easier all the way around?

River, who is both a master grooming technician and business coach, shares insights into why Doodle hair maintenance isn’t as straightforward as you might imagine; how a pandemic influx of large, high-maintenance dogs and shop closings/retirements has generated a grooming vacuum; and where we can do better in terms of setting up our Doodles, our groomers and ourselves for success. As you’ll learn, it all starts with defining terms clearly, communicating consistently and setting realistic expectations all the way around. “If you build a relationship with your groomer, you’re going to be so much happier,” says River. “We all love the dogs. It’s a matter of coming together and bridging the gaps!”

Want to know how to brush the RIGHT way before your next grooming appointment? Then click here to listen to Episode #6 and find out everything you need to!

KEY TOPICS:

• Question #1: What are the trends in the grooming industry as a whole and why is it so hard to get an appointment?
• Question #2: Why is Doodle grooming so expensive?
• Question #3: What do requests for hand scissoring mean in terms of groomers?
• Question #4: How has the Doodle Deluge impacted groomers? :
• Word of Advice: If your dog isn’t accustomed to grooming from a young age, they will always be stressed by the environment (and likely their coat badly matted as well).
• Question #5: What does it mean to emphasize “humanity over vanity”?
•  Question #6: Why is the “blow-out” so important (and challenging)?
• Question #7: What can Doodle Parents do to prepare their dogs for the groomer?
• Question #8: What are the top tips for keeping our Doodles from getting shaved?
• Question #9: What’s the optimal grooming schedule for committed Doodle Parents?
• Question #10: What are we doing that drives Doodle groomers crazy?

Do you know your doodle's learning style? Take our free quiz to find out and make training together easier and more fun! Visit https://thedoodlepro.com/learning now!

Test your Doodle Body Language knowledge with our FREE quiz!
https://thedoodlepro.com/body

Visit instagram.com/thedoodlepro for behind-the-scenes peeks at the doodles Corinne works with daily!

Test your dog body language knowledge with our FREE quiz at https://thedoodlepro.com/body

Doodles speak a different dialect than other breeds- we are here to help you decode their ways of communicating with us and other dogs!

When you post that adorable photo of your doodle on social media, do you see what others are seeing? Can you read the doggie body language? (If you’re not sure, try taking the free quiz at this link!) This episode of The Doodle Pro™ Podcast – the first of a two-part exploration – is all about understanding the ways in which our treasured pets communicate with us, other humans, and their doggy friends!  Emily Martin, owner and head trainer at Pawsitively Pets, is teaching us how to start reading the look in our Doodle’s eyes, the anxiety behind certain body movements or facial expressions. You’ll come away with actionable tips, great resources and lots to think about the next time you’re watching your doodle interact at the dog park. And don’t miss Episode #39, the first half of our interview which is full of lots more lessons about how you can learn to speak fluent Doodle. It just takes awareness and some practice!

If you’d like to listen to, rate or review previous episodes of The Doodle Pro™ Podcast, please visit us here. The full show notes and transcript of this episode are available at this link.

FOLLOW OUR GUEST:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL

FOLLOW THE SHOW:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

Do you know your doodle's learning style? Take our free quiz to find out and make training together easier and more fun! Visit https://thedoodlepro.com/learning now!

Test your Doodle Body Language knowledge with our FREE quiz!
https://thedoodlepro.com/body

Visit instagram.com/thedoodlepro for behind-the-scenes peeks at the doodles Corinne works with daily!

Test your dog body language knowledge with our FREE quiz at https://thedoodlepro.com/body.

Doodles speak a different dialect than other breeds- we are here to help you decode their ways of communicating with us and other dogs!

“I found it so reassuring that you've worked with all these different species and, now that you specialize in pet training, you’ve validated sometimes our doodles are harder.” - Corinne Gearhart

“People need to learn how to speak dog. We are living with these wonderful four-legged friends every day and if we aren't speaking their communication and having a trusted relationship back and forth, there's something missing.” - Emily Martin

SUMMARY:

When you post that adorable photo of your doodle on social media, do you see what others are seeing? Can you read the doggie body language? (If you’re not sure, try taking the free quiz at this link!) This episode of The Doodle Pro™ Podcast – the first of a two-part exploration – is all about understanding the ways in which our treasured pets communicate with us, other humans and their doggy friends!  Emily Martin, owner and head trainer at Pawsitively Pets, is teaching us how to start reading the look in our doodle’s eyes, the anxiety behind certain body movements or facial expressions. You’ll come away with actionable tips, great resources and lots to think about the next time you’re watching your doodle interact at the dog park. And don’t miss Episode #40, a follow-up that will be full of lots more lessons about how you can learn to speak fluent doodle. It just takes awareness and some practice!

If you’d like to listen to, rate or review previous episodes of The Doodle Pro™ Podcast, please visit us here. And a full transcript of this episode is available at this link.

“(Dogs) all speak dog. Yes. But there's going to be some differences in the way that they speak and the way that they communicate.” (Emily)

“Once you're fluent in dog body language, you can't stop hearing what the dogs are trying to say to you or to whoever they're around. And it's impossible to ignore what they're saying once you know it.” (Corinne)

FOLLOW OUR GUEST:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL

FOLLOW THE SHOW:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

Do you know your doodle's learning style? Take our free quiz to find out and make training together easier and more fun! Visit https://thedoodlepro.com/learning now!

Test your Doodle Body Language knowledge with our FREE quiz!
https://thedoodlepro.com/body

Visit instagram.com/thedoodlepro for behind-the-scenes peeks at the doodles Corinne works with daily!

Have you wondered why your dog is always scavenging for food or eats forbidden things off the ground? Some doodle mixes are even more prone to never being satisfied and will eat everything in sight- safe or not. Learn why in this part 2 of my interview with the author of "Don't Eat That", trainer Simone Mueller.

Learn answers to questions like: 

• Why is my dog always scavenging for food
• Why does my dog eat everything
• My dog eats everything off the ground
• Why dog eats rocks
• Why does my dog eat my pads
• Why does my dog eat everything in sight
• My dog eats poop on walks
• How to stop dog from scavenging at home
• How to stop dog scavenging on walks
• Muzzle to stop dog scavenging
• Why do dogs scavenge

Have a Doodle who likes to hunt or herd?  Play our guest's free Stalking Game with your Doodle at https://predation-substitute-training.com/giveaway

Do you know your doodle's learning style? Take our free quiz to find out and make training together easier and more fun! Visit https://thedoodlepro.com/learning now!

Test your Doodle Body Language knowledge with our FREE quiz!
https://thedoodlepro.com/body

Visit instagram.com/thedoodlepro for behind-the-scenes peeks at the doodles Corinne works with daily!