Kathy Santo's Dog Sense

We all love Halloween (some of us more than others)! It's one of the most fun times of the year, but not for everyone 🤷‍♀️!

Whether you like the spooooky 👻 aspect of it or not, if you're a dog owner, then you might be concerned that Halloween may be stressful for your dog. Which means more stress for YOU!

This is especially true if you have bowls of candy at the ready to hand out to trick or treaters (chocolate and candy with xylitol can be lethal to dogs). And once the big day is over, you still can’t let your guard down (be sure to spot that Snickers bar under the leaves before your dog does). 

Keeping your dog safe during Halloween is super important 👊, because you never know where danger lurks!

But don’t be scared! Sarah and I will be sharing our best Halloween safety tips with you today.

So, if you'd like to know how you can keep your pup safe during the spooky season 🎃 (and avoid a trip to the veterinary ER) you need to tune in now!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Halloween stress (00:31)

Don't give candy to dogs! (01:02)

Don't leave your dog alone in the yard (02:22)

Door safety is crucial (03:04)

Keep decorations away from your dog (05:37)

Keep your dog's ID on him (10:20)

Keep your eyes open during your walks after Halloween (12:41)

Additional resources

Check out our Puppy Prep Course here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to a brand new episode of Dog Sense 🙌!

First, let me ask you a question: Does your dog absolutely hate going to the vet 🤔?

You're not alone! A lot of dogs get anxious about going to the vet, and that's understandable.

It’s kind of like when you have to go to an appointment you don’t enjoy (maybe the eye doctor, the dentist, etc.). The difference is that we know WHY we need to go, but we can’t explain the need for ‘vet visits’ to our dogs!   

YOU know the vet isn't going to hurt your dog, but he doesn’t. Plus, his association with the building, the slippery floor, the smells, and all that body handling creates stress even before he walks through the door! 

Also, let’s be honest: Sometimes the procedure WILL be a little uncomfortable, but it’s ultimately for the greater good. The issue is, your canine best friend has no way of knowing that. 

So how can you make his visits to the vet less dread-inducing?

Sarah and I share with you our tips and tricks today, so tune in now to learn how you can prepare your dog for his vet visits 👊!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Does your dog hate going to the vet? (01:04)

What you need to know first (02:06)

Visits to the office (03:26)

Use food and tricks (04:51)

Getting your dog comfortable on the hydraulic tables (06:30)

What about fearful dogs? (08:07)

Additional resources

Check out our Puppy Prep Course here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone and welcome back to a new episode of Dog Sense 🙌!

Sarah and I are back, and today, we're discussing something pretty important: How to feed your dog!

No, we don't mean what food to give your dog, or what vitamins they need. We're leaving that kind of advice to your vet 😉.

Instead, today, we're talking about how you can leverage feeding time to train your dog 💪.

Yes, because simply putting your dog's food in his bowl and letting him chow down on it is doing you both a disservice!

Why 🤔?

We explain in this episode, so tune in now to find out!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

How dog bowls ruin training (00:53)

How to use dog food to build your relationship with your dog (01:34)

Bring your dog's food on your walks (03:43)

Feeding options (05:53)

What about dogs with lower frustration-tolerance? (07:03)

Remote rewarding (08:22)

Nose work games (09:21)

Additional resources

Check out our Puppy Prep Course here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone and welcome back to a brand-new episode of Dog Sense 🙌!

Let me ask you a question: What does your dog's bucket look like 🤔?

And no, we don't mean a literal bucket! We’re talking about his emotional one. 

Throughout the day, things can fill or drain a dog's emotional bucket, and that can result in your dog doing something out of character 🥴.

Just like people, a dog’s emotional  wellbeing impacts how they react to things. So, if your dog is suddenly cranky, ask yourself: How full is my dog's bucket ?

Sarah and I discuss this (and more!) in this week's episode, so tune in to learn more about how you can understand - and manage - your dog’s emotional bucket 💪!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Storytime! (00:59)

What's a dog bucket? (03:10)

How you can drain your dog's bucket (06:33)

Reactivity in dogs (09:05)

Practicing draining the bucket (12:02)

Additional resources

Check out our Puppy Prep Course here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone and welcome back to a brand new episode of Dog Sense 🙌.

Again, we’re joined by Lauren (yayy!!) and we'll be discussing something super fun: Agility classes!

And not ‘at the dog school’ agility classes, but how to do agility at home with your dog 🐶.

Even if you're never going to compete, agility can be a great addition to your dog's training program 💪.

It has so many benefits!! It’s a great form of exercise (for you BOTH!), it requires your dog to be focused and take direction from you (so it’s a great obedience/brain workout, too), and it’s FUN, which means it’s a great relationship boost for you and your best friend. 

So, how can you quickly and easily implement an agility program at home?

We share our tips and tricks today, so tune in to find out!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

How to get started (03:03)

The planks (06:25)

The tunnel exercise (08:44)

Agility for fun (12:31)

Additional resources

Check out our Puppy Prep Course here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to a brand new episode of Dog Sense 🙌!

Today, Sarah, Lauren, and I will be discussing a super important subject: The challenges of puppy class!

Let's say you just got a new puppy, and you need to take him to puppy class ASAP 👊.

After all, you want him to get socialized, become comfortable around other people and dogs, AND learn how to behave. 

As you know, a polite dog is a great dog 💪 (and an amazing companion, as you'll come to find out)!

So, you might be asking yourself some questions, especially if this is your first puppy class ever.

What should I expect? What do I need to prep myself (and my pup) for? And how does this even work?

Don't worry, we're here to help 😉!

Today, we will be answering all those questions (and more) for you, so, tune in now to learn everything you need to know about puppy classes!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Top challenges in puppy classes (01:29)

What does your dog value? (02:03)

Teaching your dog to focus (07:21)

Manage your expectations (11:40)

Let's talk about optimism! (15:39)

Additional resources

Check out our Puppy Prep Course here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to a brand new episode of Dog Sense 🙌.

Today's episode is slightly different, because, DRUMROLL 🥁, we have a guest joining us!!

Yes guys, this is our first Dog Sense guest, and I am soooo excited for you to meet her!

Our guest is none other than the brilliant Lauren Dolan, a head trainer at my New Jersey school.

Just like Sarah and me, Lauren is a canine athlete specialist 💪. And today, we'll be discussing something suuuuper important: Canine fitness.

We'll also be talking about canine gyms (yes, dogs 🐶 CAN go to the gym too) and some beginner exercises you can use to keep your best friend healthy!

So, if this sounds like your cup of tea (like I know it does), tune in now!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Meet Lauren (00:52)

Canine gym (02:00)

Paws up! (05:04)

Pivots and rotations (14:15)

Pick-up sticks (15:55)

A short recap (18:00)

Additional resources

Check out our Puppy Prep Course here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to a brand new episode of Dog Sense 🙌!

Today, Sarah and I will be discussing something every dog owner should be knowledgeable about: How to handle crate rest.

Sometimes, your dog or puppy is put on crate rest by their vet, usually because of an injury or surgery, etc... 

Think of it as bed rest, but for your canine best friend 🐶!

When some dog owners hear that, they panic a bit. 

“How am I going to put my super active eight-month old puppy on crate rest?” they ask 😱

Well, this is exactly what Sarah and I discuss in today's episode 💪!

So, if you want to learn the answer to that question, tune in now!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Crate rest, you said? (01:00)

Use frozen food puzzle toys (03:08)

Target work (06:35)

Training games (13:16)

Additional resources

Check out our Puppy Prep Course here.

Get the best food toy recipes here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

If you're meeting a new dog, you might be wondering: How can I greet him 🤔?

After all, dogs, just like humans, like having their own personal space, and just like with people, you want to respect that 🙏.

Even if the dog is usually gentle and non-aggressive, it is your responsibility as the person in this equation to make sure you don't scare him, because, as you know, accidents are quick to happen 🤷.

This is why you have to make sure to greet a dog THE right way 👊.

What do we mean by that?

Tune in now to find out!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Discussing one of my favorite topics today! (01:36)

Ask for permission (04:38)

The 5-second rule (05:50)

My greeting rules (07:42)

Care for a sniff? (09:46)

Don't squeeze or hug a dog you don't know (11:06)

POORS greeting (12:18)

Additional resources

Check out our Puppy Prep Course here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to a brand-new episode of Dog Sense 🙌!

And, like always, today, we're discussing a suuuper important subject, especially for those of you thinking about getting a new pup: How to have THE best first week home with your puppy 🤩.

Getting a new dog always comes with a lot of (sometimes mixed) feelings. You're super excited because you're adding another member to your family (whoop whoop!!), but you can also feel a bit stressed out about it.

A new dog — and especially a young puppy — is a big responsibility. So, it's totally natural to be worried about every little detail 🤷‍♀️.

And this is exactly why we're here 💪! 

In this week's episode, Sarah and I will be discussing what YOU can do to have an amazing first week home with your new canine best friend 🐶. 

All right, let's get to it!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

What you REALLY need (02:21)

Get the right walking tools (06:14)

Toys for your pup? (08:58)

Puppy socialization (12:35)

Keep the potty schedule airtight (14:43)

Additional resources

Check out our Puppy Prep Course here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Take a look at The Perfect Puppy Checklist here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to a brand new episode of Dog Sense 🙌.

This one is such an exciting one!!

This week, Sarah and I will be discussing something every dog owner should know: How to safely travel in your car with your dog 🌳🚗!

Yes, believe it or not (and I hope that you do actually believe it), traveling in a car with your canine best friend isn't as straightforward as you might think 🙅‍♀️.

In fact, even a 10-minute trip to the vet will need planning and preparation. So, a long trip with your dog will need even more work 👊!

And well, we thought , why not help you with that 😉?

Are you ready?

Let's dive in!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Safety first (02:10)

Storytime! (05:11)

Don't forget IDs (08:34)

Keep some water on you (13:40)

Additional resources

Get the best food toy recipes here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to a brand-new episode of Dog Sense 🙌.

We can't really describe how exciiiited we are about this one, you guys!!

Why?

Simply because, today, Sarah and I will be discussing one of my all-time favorite subjects: Adventure walks 🥳!!

If you remember, a few episodes ago, Sarah and I discussed the concept of adventure walks and how important they are, especially for puppies 🐶.

Adventure walks are a great way to get your pup accustomed to the world 🌍 around him by discovering different environments.

And that's not the only reason you should be adding adventure walks to your training!

Want to learn more 😉?

Well then, let's dive in!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Why you should be having adventure walks with your puppy (01:01)

Adventure walks 101 (03:43)

Keep a discreet eye on your puppy (07:52)

Vary where you're going (11:00)

When you can start adventure walks (11:53)

Additional resources

Get the best food toy recipes here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to a brand new episode of Dog Sense 🥳!

Sarah and I are so excited to be with you again, especially because we're discussing something a lot of our students go through: Separation anxiety in dogs.

If you've ever had a dog with separation anxiety, then you know it can be a real struggle 😟. 

Even just stepping out of your home for a 10-minute grocery run can become stressful, because you just know your dog is going to be extremely stressed out because you left him home alone 😔.

And sure, it takes a lot of work and a lot of commitment, but separation anxiety in dogs can be helped 💪.

If this speaks to you, don't lose hope just yet 🙏!

We are here to help, which is why, in today's episode, we'll be sharing with you our favorite tips and tricks to deal with a dog with separation anxiety, so tune in now to find out more 🙌!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Is it separation anxiety or something else? (00:57)

What causes separation anxiety? (05:20)

Things not to do (06:13)

Fixing separation anxiety (09:40)

Our quick tips and tricks (10:32)

Additional resources

Get the best food toy recipes here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hi everyone, Kathy and Sarah here. 

And today, we're back with a brand-new episode of Dog Sense 🎉!

If you've listened to our episode about bringing a new dog into your household, then you probably remember we promised we'd do one about living in harmony with multiple dogs 🤭.

And today is the BIG DAY! You’re about to learn our best tips and tricks for creating harmony in a multi-dog 🐩🐕 household.

If you've lived with more than one dog, then you know the struggle is real 🥴. It can be messy and hectic, and, for some, pretty overwhelming.

However, we're here to help!

So, if you're living with more than one dog, this episode is for you! 

Tune in now 🙌!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

The biggest problem with owning several dogs (01:53)

Individual time is a must! (03:42)

Different rules for different dogs is okay (08:29)

Some more tips (11:23)

Feeding your dogs: together or apart? (16:59)

Dog play (19:04)

Additional resources

Get the best food toy recipes here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hi everyone, Kathy and Sarah here. 

Welcome back to a new episode of Dog Sense 🥳.

Today, we'll be talking about solutions for a very common puppy challenge: How to prevent him  🐶 from eating everything while on a walk.

Puppies are like toddlers 👶, which means that they love nothing more than picking up random stuff on the ground and trying to eat it. And in the canine world, goose poop and chicken bones are haute cuisine!

Of course, that can be pretty dangerous, especially if it’s something he can get sick from!

What can you do about this 🤔?

Sarah and I give you some awesome tips and tricks in this week's episode of Dog Sense, so tune in now 🙌!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Use food (02:18)

Blocking (03:10)

Context clues are important (04:50)

Use body handling (07:18)

Additional resources

Get the best food toy recipes here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone and welcome back to a brand-new episode of Dog Sense 🙌!

Today, Sarah and I are here to discuss a pretty exciting subject: How to introduce a new dog 🐶 to your household!

A dog coming to an already established dog's home is a big event! 

It can be pretty stressful too, which is exactly why you'll need to follow a few steps before introducing your dog to his new companion.

Dogs, just like people, can be wary of strangers. This means they need to get comfortable around each other, and that can be done in a lot of different ways 💪.

Curious how you can make the transition as smooth as possible?

Sarah and I tell you all in this week's episode, so, tune in now 😉!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

It's not always love at first sight (01:12) 

Two dogs are seven dogs (04:33)

Keep it off your backyard (06:03)

Don't let your new dog's history hold him back (10:00)

Our best tips (13:13)

Additional resources

Get the best food toy recipes here: https://bit.ly/3wjyAZB

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here: https://bit.ly/3ezkXhK

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training: https://bit.ly/3wVrtrq

Hey everyone! Kathy and Sarah here! 

Have you missed us? Because we sure missed you 😜!

Today, we're back with a brand new episode of Dog Sense, and yet again, it's about something pretty important: How to teach your dog NOT to jump on people when saying hello!

As you know, with people getting vaccinated for COVID, social distancing rules are being loosened, and this means one thing for a lot of dog owners: Their dogs are going to be meeting a lot more people from now on 🥳!

This also means that a lot of dogs will be jumping on a lot of people very soon 🤦‍♀️. 

If that's ever happened to you as a dog owner, then you already know how embarrassing it can be 😖, especially if you own a large breed.

But, no worries, because, as always, Sarah and I are here to help 💪!

If your dog jumps on people when he’s trying to say hi, this episode is definitely for you, so tune in now!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Dog greeting etiquette (01:09)

Our top tips (05:36)

Training games you can use (12:15)

Additional resources

Get the best food toy recipes here: https://bit.ly/3wjyAZB

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here: https://bit.ly/3ezkXhK

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training: https://bit.ly/3wVrtrq

Hi everyone, Kathy and Sarah here! And today, we're back with a brand-new episode of Dog Sense 🙌!!

In it, we're going to be discussing a pretty important subject: Puppy mouthing and biting.

Yeah, you know what we're talking about.

You bring your puppy 🐶 home and you're super excited!! You're already fantasizing about all the adventures you'll go on together, and the whole family is so happy to meet him.

But, after the initial excitement wears off, you start noticing something: *Gasp* Your puppy is a biter (ouch) 😱!!

Which, by the way, is completely normal. Puppies are like toddlers; they love to discover the world with their mouths 🤦‍♀️. All you have to do is teach your pup what's appropriate and what's not.

Not sure how you should go about that?

Kathy and Sarah to the rescue 💪!!

If you want to learn about why puppies bite, how to respond, and how to deter that behavior, tune in now 👇!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

What to do if your puppy bites you (02:23)

Why your puppy is biting (06:43)

The five second rule (15:09)

Additional resources

Get the best food toy recipes here: https://bit.ly/3wjyAZB

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here: https://bit.ly/3ezkXhK

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training: https://bit.ly/3wVrtrq

Everyone loves a good barbecue 🙌! They're fun, you get to hang out with family and friends and cook together, and you get to show off your grilling skills 😉.

However, barbecues are still dangerous, especially with dogs around. Accidents are quick to happen, and you definitely want to avoid that!

How 🤔?

If you don’t know the answer, don't start panicking just yet, we're here to help! 

In today's episode, Sarah and I will be discussing everything you need to know to keep your puppy or dog safe during a barbecue. 

It's all about being proactive and doing your due diligence to prevent anything bad from happening 💪.

So, if you want to learn about the best way to secure your yard, when to have your dog 🐶 join the party, and when to put sunscreen on your dog (yes, they need some skincare too), tune in now, because this episode is for you!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Make sure to secure your yard (02:44)

Remind your guests about the food rules (07:15)

Keep your pup away from the grill (09:28)

Put a life vest on your dog! (11:55)

Practice some firework safety (14:50)

Additional resources

Get the best food toy recipes here: https://bit.ly/3wjyAZB

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here: https://bit.ly/3ezkXhK

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training: https://bit.ly/3wVrtrq

Sure, fireworks 🎆 are exciting, they’re beautiful to look at, and they make us happy. But to a lot of dogs, they’re anything but fun.

In fact, to them, they can be loud, scary, and an absolute nightmare 😔.

Many dogs experience serious anxiety when hearing fireworks, especially if they don’t tolerate loud noises. 

If this is the case for your best friend, don’t worry; we’re here to help 💪!

Both Sarah and I have lived with dogs that were sensitive to fireworks, and we had to work through their fear little by little until they didn’t faze them anymore.

How did we do it?

We answer this question in today’s episode of Dog Sense 🙌!

So, if you want to learn the best way to desensitize your dog friend to fireworks, how you can use music and white noise to help your pup, and why you should take your desensitization practice outside, this episode is for you 👇!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Take it outside (05:05)

Use special treats (06:22)

Tips that have worked for us (08:59)

Additional resources

Get the best food toy recipes here: https://bit.ly/3wjyAZB

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here: https://bit.ly/3ezkXhK

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training: https://bit.ly/3wVrtrq