Dog Lovers Unleashed™ - Fetching Your Dog's Best Life

In this episode and the previous one, I talk with Jeff Feuerwerker (aka “Jeff, the dog trainer”) about puppy biting, or nipping as he calls it.  Jeff goes into great detail about the bigger picture and why this happens.  It is so chock full of good information and “a-ha moments” that I made it into a 2 part episode series.  Whether you currently have a puppy who is nipping or not, this information is very interesting and useful for all dog parents.  But, for those with pups who are biting or if you will be getting a puppy soon, this is truly a “must-listen.” 

In this episode and the next, I talk with Jeff Feuerwerker (aka “Jeff, the dog trainer”) about puppy biting, or nipping as he calls it.  Jeff goes into great detail about the bigger picture and why this happens.  It is so chock full of good information and “a-ha moments” that I made it into a 2 part episode series.  Whether you currently have a puppy who is nipping or not, this information is very interesting and useful for all dog parents.  But, for those with pups who are biting or if you will be getting a puppy soon, this is truly a “must-listen.”

In this episode, I continue talking with a dog finder specialist, Devon Thomas Treadwell, who co-founded a non-profit organization called The Retrievers.  In this part 2, she gives more great information on how to find lost dogs.  We also discuss the dogs that are the biggest flight risks.  And we delve deep into prevention strategies, which is hugely important for all dog lovers because we sure do NOT want to lose one of our precious dogs!  Listen in and learn some valuable information that you hopefully won’t need, but at minimum, you certainly can pass along over the years to many fellow dog parents!

To finish out the series in this episode and the next episode, I talk with a dog finder specialist, Devon Thomas Threadwell, who co-founded a non-profit organization called The Retrievers.  There is a wealth of information contained in these episodes to help dog parents out there find their lost dogs and bring them home safely.  There are valuable tips and things I never knew that we can do to prevent our dogs from ever being lost in the first place, as well.  The discussion of dog behavior and the well-tested strategies shared in these episodes are so interesting.  I hope you find it as interesting, educational and enlightening as I did. 

In this episode (028), we finish up the story of Beckett and how his parents ended up finding and saving him!  The strategy that works is so counter-intuitive.  I think it’s something that every dog parent should know, just in case.  And if you hear of a dog being lost after listening to this series, then you’ll have great information to pass along that will help in the efforts of bringing that dog home safely.  I’m hoping this helps many dogs and their people...with a strong rippling effect of passing along very important information to help when this tragedy becomes a reality for dog parents out there. 

In this episode (027), we begin a 4 part podcast series all about lost dogs.  What to do if your dog gets lost, what to do ahead of time with the hope that this never happens to you, because as dedicated dog parents, it's good to be prepared, just in case this horrible nightmare happens.  We start off by sharing a story of a lost dog named Beckett who lives in Iowa.  In parts 1 and 2, I talk with his mom and dad about our shared experience in rescuing Beckett.  It’s a very interesting and eye-opening story with a happy ending, which every dog lover will enjoy. 

In this episode (026), I talk with Stephanie Seger (the “Big Dog Mom”) who has become a dog nail trimming expert.  In part 2, we continue talking about tips and strategies we can use to make the nail trimming experience with our dogs more positive and less of a struggle.  And we also discuss a challenge that we all should do and then report the results back to Stephanie!  I can’t wait to find out how all of our dogs respond to this challenge.  It should be interesting! 

In this episode (025), I talk with Stephanie Seger (the “Big Dog Mom”) who has become a dog nail trimming expert.  Stephanie teaches dog parents how to get their dogs to actually LOVE having their nails trimmed.  We talk about all things nails, from why it’s so important to keep our dogs’ nails trimmed, to best supplies to have on hand for nail trimming, to tips and strategies we can use to make the experience more positive and less of a struggle.

In this episode (024), I finish my talk with Andrea Giordano, a dog trainer who owns a dog training center called Dogs Among Us, LLC in New York.  In addition to her local, hands-on training, Andrea is teaching dog owners online about how to create an ideal workplace environment with your dog, whether that be at an office outside your home or in your home office.  In this Part 2, Andrea shares her picks for the top 3 most important skills that dogs should have to be effective office mates in both offices with other people in them and for those of us who work from home. Since I work at home with my 4 dogs, I personally found this interview to be very helpful in thinking about how to make my work days with my dogs more effective and efficient.  Let’s just say it definitely got my wheels spinning on habits I could teach my dogs. ;-)

In this episode (023), I talk with Andrea Giordano, a dog trainer who owns a dog training center called Dogs Among Us, LLC in New York.  In addition to her local, hands-on training, Andrea is teaching dog owners online about how to create an ideal workplace environment with your dog, whether that be at an office outside your home or in your home office.  Andrea and I dive into an interesting discussion around “obedience” training vs. a more compassionate approach of viewing training as helping our dogs develop good habits and manners. In Part 2 of the interview (episode 024), she also shares her top 3 most important skills dogs should have to be effective office mates in both offices with other people in them and for those of us who work from home.  Since I work at home with my 4 dogs, I personally found this interview to be very helpful in thinking about how to make my work days with my dogs more effective and efficient. Let’s just say it definitely got my wheels spinning on habits I could teach my dogs.

In this episode (022), I share my knowledge as a canine physical therapist on the topic of playing fetch with our dogs safely.  From an exercise physiology standpoint, I talk about the biomechanics involved in the activity of fetching and how to start and build up safely in a manner that will minimize risks of injury.  I address how to implement this for old or deconditioned dogs as well as dogs who have much more conditioning, muscle, and endurance.  While it’s centered around the game of “fetching,” the scoop in this episode really applies to all activities and I think it is very important for dog parents out there to know!  So listen in and enjoy! 

In this episode (021), I talk with Michelle Stern, who is a dog trainer with a background of being both an educator and a mom.  She blends her interests in an incredible way - to teach parents how to create safety and get rid of the chaos that naturally exists when raising both dogs and young children.  We talk about strategies and putting systems in place to ensure that both the dogs and the children are safe and happy. There are so many valuable tips and suggestions offered in this episode.  You just need to listen to it! Also, Michelle offers an online class in which she teaches and supports parents who are raising both dogs and young children. As I state at the end of the podcast, I believe that her class is a MUST for all parents who have dogs and young children co-existing.  What she teaches would have saved the life of my uncle’s daughter. I can’t stress enough just how valuable and important Michelle’s expertise is and how taking her course will definitely reduce the chaos and improve safety, but it may be priceless for some in preventing devastating injuries or worse.  Two thumbs up for Michelle Stern!  

In this episode (020), I talk with Julie Naismith, who is a dog trainer with a special focus on helping dogs with separation anxiety.  She teaches dog parents all over the world through her online community, courses, and through her recently published book Be Right Back, how to handle and resolve separation anxiety in a very loving and compassionate way.  Julie clarifies the difference between separation anxiety and hyper-attachment. We also discuss subtle signs of pain in dogs and how pain tends to increase the dog’s anxiety and why it is very important to work with the dog’s veterinarian when dealing with separation anxiety.  Even if your dog doesn’t have separation anxiety, it’s a very interesting and enlightening episode which may help you be an even better dog parent!

In this episode (019), I talk with Dr. Amanda Pittman, who is an integrative medicine veterinarian.  She owns the Animal Wellness and Rehabilitation Center in Knoxville, TN, where she provides all aspects of veterinary medicine, as well as acupuncture, and rehabilitation services.  We discuss what integrative medicine is all about, including topics of acupuncture, chinese herbal approaches to care, food therapy, exercise, and more.

In this episode (018), I talk with Karen Armsey, the head of H.A.B.I.T (Human Animal Bond In Tennessee) about therapy dogs and how it’s a win all around for the dogs, the dog parents, and the people who benefit from getting to interact with the dogs.  We talk about how to get started with volunteering with your dog, how doing this work together improves the bond with your dog and enriches your dog’s life, and the different environments in which therapy dogs can be found. Karen shares some heartfelt stories of what a massive difference animal-assisted therapy dogs make in the lives of so many humans undergoing various forms of stress.  Resources are provided on how to get started if you are interested in exploring this fun and meaningful way of giving back.

In this episode (017), I continue the interview with Dr. Daly and Dr. Csiszer, two board certified orthopedic surgeons, all about hip dysplasia, including treatment options - both surgical and non-surgical.  We discuss the pros, cons, and various considerations and risks of each surgical technique. We also talk about medical or conservative management, meaning no surgery, and how well dogs can do without surgery.  We talk at length about total hip replacements in dogs and discuss pain medications, supplements, and some alternative treatment approaches. This 3-part series is a MUST-LISTEN if you have a dog with hip dysplasia.

In this episode (016), I interview Dr. Daly and Dr. Csiszer, two board certified orthopedic surgeons, all about hip dysplasia, including treatment options - both surgical and non-surgical.  We discuss the pros, cons, and various considerations and risks of each surgical technique. We also talk about medical or conservative management, meaning no surgery, and how well dogs can do without surgery.  We talk at length about total hip replacements in dogs and even touch on pain medications, supplements, and some alternative treatment approaches. This 3-part series is a MUST-LISTEN if you have a dog with hip dysplasia. 

In this episode (015), I interview Dr. Daly and Dr. Csiszer, two board certified orthopedic surgeons, all about hip dysplasia in dogs, including treatment options - both surgical and non-surgical.  We discuss the pros, cons, and various considerations and risks of each surgical technique. We also talk about medical or conservative management, meaning no surgery, and how well dogs can do without surgery.  We talk at length about total hip replacements in dogs and even touch on pain medications, supplements, and some alternative treatment approaches. This 3-part series is a MUST-LISTEN if you have a dog with hip dysplasia.  

In this episode (014), I discuss hip dysplasia and answer the 3 most commonly asked questions about hip dysplasia.  Can dogs live a long, happy life with hip dysplasia? Is hip dysplasia curable? And, should I walk my dog who has hip dysplasia?  These questions are addressed along with simple, yet important topics such as euthanasia not being an appropriate option for hid dysplasia in dogs and avoiding the cycle of pain and inflammation.

In this episode (013), Caroline Wilkinson and I discuss living mindfully with our dogs.  Enjoy some simple, yet eye-opening tips on canine enrichment ideas and ways to enhance our bonds with our dogs.