Explore every episode of the podcast Kathy Santo's Dog Sense

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

Today's episode is another super special one, because, yesss, it's part 3 of our amazing Q&A! 💪

If you've watched part 1 and 2 (if you haven't yet, what are you waiting for?? 🙈) then you know what's waiting for you: A lot of laughs and new things to learn from our awesome trainers!

Are you ready to learn some new things? 🥳

All right, let's dive in.

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Welcome to part 3 of our Q&A! (00:46)

"My dog pulls at some dogs and people during walks. What can I do?" (01:39)

Some housebreaking questions (05:03)

"Why is my dog peeing in his crate?" (13:01)

"How can I stop my dog from jumping on the sofa?" (16:30)

"Should my dog be heeling for the entire walk?" (18:43)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone, Sarah and Kathy here! 🙌

And today, we're back with another amaaazing episode of Dog Sense.

What are we discussing, you ask? 🤔

Well, today, Sarah and I are talking about .... drum rolls please 🥁 .... doorway protocols!

Does your dog go running towards the door whenever you open it? 🥴

Does he not understand that sliding your glass door open is NOT 🙅 an invitation to run outside? 

If you've answered "yes" and "YES!!!" to both questions, then your dog needs to learn doorway protocols. 👊

Are you ready for this?

Let's dive in! 🎧

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

What are doorway protocols? (01:19)

The first step (03:28)

Start practicing opening the door (05:14)

Move the practice to your backyard (07:25)

Always test your dog's understanding (10:02)

Doorway bump (12:23)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Today's episode is another suuuuuper special one. 🤩

Why is that?

Because .... *DRUMROLL* 🥁.... It's part 2 of our Q&A!!

If you've been following us then you know that two weeks ago, we had a Q&A session with all of our  NJ senior trainers where we answered your most burning questions!!! 💪

And the good news is: There's more where that came from! 🥳

Let's dive in! 👇

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Answering your first question (01:17)

"My dog barks at us loudly when she wants to play, what do I do?" (03:57)

A couple more questions about barking (08:53)

One last round of questions (15:26)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook 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 quick question before we start. 

Is your dog afraid of the car? Does he get agitated every time you even think about taking him on a ride? 🤔

If you've answered "yes" and "YES!", then you're in the right place, because your dog might have car fear/phobia 😯, and that is exactly what Sarah and I are discussing today. 

Dogs can sometimes struggle with feeling comfortable inside a car, so if your canine friend freaks out whenever you want to take him for a drive, make sure to tune in to this episode.

In it, Sarah and I will be sharing some tips and tricks you can start using today to make your best friend feel more comfortable inside your car. 💪

Ready?

Let's dive in! 🎧

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Car phobia (00:51)

What if your dog can't get into the car? (01:54)

Use a crate (04:21)

Your dog is in the car, now what? (08:46)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook 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 a suuuuuper special one. 🤩

Why is that?

Because .... Drum roll please! 🥁 

It's Sarah and my first ever Q & A episode featuring ALL THE NJ KSDT SENIOR TRAINERS!!! 🎉

Yes friends, you've asked and we listened!

We’re so excited to showcase all of their training knowledge, expertise, and PASSION for dogs *and* our training system. 

Are you ready?

Let's dive in! 👇

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Is my puppy's biting normal? (01:51)

Help, my dog doesn't eat consistently! (10:24)

At what age will my dog stop sleeping in her crate at night? (14:02)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

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

Today's topic is something you're going to love (but your dog may not!): “Dog bath time!!” 🛁

Yes friends, the dreaded bath.

Does your dog run away every time he sniffs even a hint of shampoo? 

Does he stand there hating his life while you're trying to get him as clean 🧼 as possible, as quickly as possible?

Well then, you're in the right place, because Sarah and I have got some amazing tricks for you. 😉 

Once you start using those tricks, not only will your dog tolerate bath time, he will absolutely love it! 🥰

So, are you ready?

Let's dive in! 🎧

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Today's topic (00:50)

Let's start with puppies! (01:27)

Our tips to make your dog love his bath (08:55)

There is nothing wrong with using a groomer (14:12)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to another episode of Dog Sense! 🙌

Today, Sarah and I (plus our superguest, Stacey Samela 😎), will be discussing a subject near and dear to our hearts: Therapy dogs!

Therapy dogs are amazing! And if you've been thinking about training your best friend to become one, then you're in the right place. 🤩

You might be asking yourself questions like, "Can my dog become a therapy dog?", "How can I train him to become one?", or even "Is my dog right for this?"

After all, you can't just take your dog to a school or a nursing home for a visit and call it a day. 🤷

Therapy dogs need specific training that takes time and a lot of patience. 💪

So, if you'd like to do some good with your canine best friend, but don't know where to start, tune in now! 🎧

Ready? Let's dive in!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Therapy dog vs. service dog vs. emotional support dog (02:23)

The right team also matters (08:19)

What about certifications? (12:51)

Is your dog right for it? (21:27)

Additional resources

Learn more about therapy dogs here.

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook 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: Does your dog get along with children?

If your answer was a resounding "no", then this episode is for you, especially if you’re a parent. 👊

You can't simply introduce children to a dog and hope everything goes smoothly. 🤷

Not only do you have to teach your children to be safe around dogs, but you also have to build tolerance for kids in your dog.

And friends, both of these things take time, patience, and a lot of vigilance! 💪

But don't worry, because we're here to help!

Today, Sarah and I will be sharing our tips and tricks, so tune in now! 🤩

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

This week on Dog Sense (01:16)

Story time! (02:27)

What to do when you have a new baby coming home (06:07)

The influence of friends (10:32)

Body language courses can help (13:38)

Things children CAN do (15:47)

Hide and Seek (20:15)

Setting your dog up for success (22:16)

Practice, practice, and practice... (25:17)

What about adult rescue dogs? (28:24)

What if your dog is afraid of children? (31:46)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

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

But before we get to it, we want to wish you a happy new year!! 🎉🥳 2022 is here, and we hope you're as excited about it as we are.

And to start the year right, Sarah and I will be sharing with you some tips on how to work with a fearful, or nervous dog.🐶

Plus, we're once again joined by the amazing Stacey, so you already know this is going to be a great episode!! 👊

Want to boost your canine best friend's confidence?

Tune in now! 💪

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Canine gym for cautious dogs (04:01)

What is canine gym equipment? (05:25)

Visual barriers (08:45)

Achievable goals for dog owners (10:03)

Set up a camera! (11:52)

Make sure to check on your dog's bucket (13:02)

Keep your dog moving! (14:31)

Don't flood your dog (16:23)

A trick for owners of sound-sensitive dogs (17:41)

Remember, the dog makes the timeline (20:07)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone, Kathy and Sarah here! 🙌

We're back with another super fun episode of Dog Sense.

Are you excited? Because we are!! 🤩

And, guess what? 

We are once again joined by the amazing Nikki, so, you already know it's going to be a great episode! 💪

Today, the three of us will be discussing puppy fitness, or, as one of my students refers to it: Pumping iron for puppies.

Puppy fitness classes are always fun, and they help give dogs a sense of accomplishment by doing something new with their owners.

Plus, they're also suuuuuper important for your puppy's health. 👊

So, how can you introduce puppy fitness exercises to your canine best friend's routine? 🤔

Give this episode a listen to find out.

Are you ready?

Let's dive in! 👇

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Why we love puppy fitness (02:10)

At-home puppy fitness tips (05:21)

A few examples for you (09:53)

Find what's valuable for your dog! (12:15)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

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

I'm here not only with Sarah today, but also with the brilliant Stacey Samela, a senior trainer at our school and someone who has been with me since I opened it!!

And even though it’s her first time on the show, we’ve been training together for over a decade! And when we’re together, we tend to have a lot of fun!

Today, Sarah, Stacey, and I are going to be discussing something super important: Our top training tips and tricks for reactive dogs!

So, whether your dog is an intense “starer,” terrified of the vacuum cleaner, or just overly friendly, this episode is for you.

Ready?

Let's dive in! 👇

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

What does "reactive" mean? (01:50)

How you react matters! (05:04)

How to practice with your reactive dog at home (08:25)

Practicing calm (14:24)

Get off territory (17:46)

Story time! (19:32)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hey everyone, welcome to another episode of Dog Sense!

As always, Sarah and I are here to share some super useful dog tips with you. Plus, today, we're once again joined by Nikki, so you know this is going to be a fun episode! 🤩

Now, let me ask you a question: When you hear the word “socialization”, what's the first thought that comes to you?

For most people, it's puppy 🐶 socialization! And yes, socializing a young puppy and exposing him to the world is suuuper important.

But, there's another category of dogs that also need socialization: Adult rescues!

After all, you can't just bring your newly adopted dog home and invite 52 people (and their dogs!) over the house that day, even if you're excited about them meeting him or her! 🤦

So, how do you properly socialize an adult dog when you're well beyond the critical socialization window? 🤔

Well, this is exactly what Sarah, Nikki, and I discuss in today's episode of Dog Sense, so tune in now to learn more!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Socializing an adult rescue dog (00:48)

The first 24 hours (02:30)

Give your dog personal space (05:01)

Don't label your dog (07:08)

Slowly bring your dog to different places (09:27)

Go through a puppy socialization chart (10:17)

Introduce your rescue dog to what's around him (13:55)

Final thoughts (14:54)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hey everyone, Kathy and Sarah here! Welcome to another episode of Dog Sense. Yayy! 🙌

Today, we're joined by one of the trainers from our school, the amazing Nikki. 💪

She's here this week to discuss a topic near and dear to our hearts... Why students (even those whose dogs attend FastTrack) should be attending our group classes! 👊

I have sooo many feelings about this, and for a good reason: Group classes are super important for owners to learn how to communicate and handle their dog properly to progress their training.

And that's why we want you to attend them!

Plus other (fun!) reasons, which you'll find out about in today's episode of Dog Sense. 😉

Let's dive in!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

What's FastTrack? (01:15)

Why you should be attending your dog's training classes (03:10)

"I don't wanna go to class because I'm embarrassed." (05:07)

Another reason people don't come to class (07:52)

Dog training class should be fun! (08:48)

Just come to class! (10:30)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

There's a particular struggle that owners have regarding dog-dog communication.  

Every dog owner needs to know not only what their dog is saying to other dogs, but what the other dog is saying to THEM! 

So… How DO you actually introduce dogs who may not have great social skills?! 🤔

(Spoiler alert: you can't just schedule a playdate and call it a day!)   

Before you even tune in to the episode, I’ll share a little secret with you: It's all about body language. 🤯

I know, I know... we go on and on about that, but it’s literally the primary way your dog communicates with you (we talk about barking in another episode….😇)

Sure, we'd love a talking dog — who hasn't dreamed of having one as a child? 🙊 —, however, body language is all we have for now, so you need to become fluent in his native language. 😉

So, what's your dog saying when he's meeting another puppy? And how can you learn his language when Duolingo still hasn't come out with a “dog” option?

Find out in today's episode of Dog Sense!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

How does your dog react when he sees another dog? (01:08)

The approach (02:22)

The nose to nose greeting (03:27)

What about disengagement? (05:53)

Neutral walks? (07:57)

You have to be present (09:49)

Moving on to the backyard (11:56)

No toys should be involved! (12:24)

End it on a good note (15:16)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

The kids wanted a dog. Tale as old as time, right? And they literally begged you for one for years... And one magical day, the dog of their dreams FINALLY appeared. So now they’re dog owners!! 

But…. where are they? 

They're with their friends. 

They’re at sports practice. 

Where they’re NOT is home with their dog. 

But you are. You and your loyal canine companion…..that your KIDS wanted….. 😬

I’m sure you’ve heard that saga before. (Maybe you’re there right now!)

But help is on the way! Because if you’ve been looking for ways to get your kids involved in dog training, look no more. 🙌

In this episode, Sarah and I share tips and tricks to make dog training fun and engaging for both your kids and the dog. 🐶

Spoiler alert - these tips are for all ages, from toddler to high school!

And, as a dog trainer, I know I’m biased, but I gotta say, if you notice your kids have a passion for dogs, please encourage them to follow it! It’s how *I* got started!  Being a dog trainer is so very rewarding. 🥰 For us, it’s a family thing.

OK, let’s get to it!

Key points discussed

Dogs just love the fall (00:00)

Involving your toddler (02:00)

Say the commands together (02:54)

What about grade school children? (03:27)

How to use “keys” (05:25)

Tips for older children (06:40)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Sarah and I are super extra excited about this topic 🙌!

Having been a professional dog trainer for decades, there are  things I consistently see dog owners (even seasoned ones) do that are a hard “No” in my book.

And when asked “Why are you doing that?” The most common reasons we hear are: “That’s how we’ve always trained/fed/walked our dog”, or “we searched for advice on the internet and that’s what we were told to do!”  🤷 

Side note: Here at Dog Sense, we reaaaaally don't like/agree with most of the dog training advice that’s online (except ours, of course!).

And that’s exactly why we decided to do this very important episode 💪!

So, if you'd like to know what your favorite dog trainers are really thinking, tune in for this candid and ‘filter-free’ episode 😇!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

The importance of regular training (00:46)

Talk to your trainer! (01:58)

Is keeping your friends and family informed critical? (04:34)

Find your tribe (06:44)

The pandemic didn't ruin your dog (08:03)

Don't handicap your dog/yourself with a label (10:07)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone, Kathy and Sarah here 🙌!

Like every week, we're back with a new episode of Dog Sense, and our answers to your most burning questions 🔥🔥!

This week's question? How to keep your dog safe during the holidays!

Yes, believe it or not, the holidays can be full of hidden dangers, and you have to get on top of that 💪!

I'm talking guests coming in and out of the house 🙀, I'm talking decorations laying around 😩, I'm talking ‘dangerous for dogs’ food everywhere 😱!!

And yes, even if you have an older dog who's been with you for years, you might want to give this episode a listen too, because you never know what you could miss.

So, without further ado, let's dive in!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Decorate with awareness (01:56)

Keep your guests informed (04:58)

Don't bump your dog's training off the list (06:13)

Keep an eye on your dog (08:00)

Take advantage of frozen food toys (09:02)

Get a pet sitter if you need one (10:38)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook 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 joined by a very special guest - Lauren Tobin-Dolan, our head trainer at the school! We're super excited to have her back on the show 🎉.

Lauren is here to discuss a topic we hear about all the time: How to get your dog or puppy to love his crate!

If your dog doesn't like his crate, there’s usually a pretty quick fix for it! Perhaps the type of crate you’re using isn't RIGHT for him. Or maybe the crate isn't in the right spot in the house? 

“But Kathy”, you may ask, “WHY does my dog need to be crated?” 🤔

I know, I know. It's easy for new puppy or dog owners to feel guilty about crating. But having a crate is incredibly useful for soooooo many reasons that we’ll be covering in today’s episode.

Plus ( if you do it right), putting your dog in a crate can actually be a positive experience for him! Sometimes, it's the best way to soothe him if he’s too cranked up.

So, tune in to learn our top tips and tricks on how to get your puppy (or dog) to LOVE his crate 😍!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

How to choose the right type of crate (01:40)

Why some dogs don’t love crates (07:04)

The best way to make your dog love his crate (08:28)

Why placement is crucial (14:53)

How to get your dog to settle and self-soothe (16:26)

Why crates are necessary (19:04)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs 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 again joined by the super talented  Nikki, who is one of our amazing trainers at our NJ school.

This week, we'll be discussing a super cool class that we teach in our NJ school: Dog Park Class!

Why a dog park class, you ask?

Well, as you'll learn in this episode, we're not big fans of dog parks. They can be really scary to some dogs, and they can even overhype others. Some dogs can get bullied, and some can even become bullies and … and we don't want any of that happening to YOUR dog!

Our dog park classes are safer and educational for both dogs and owners. 

How does our unique dog park class work?

Tune in now to find out!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Dog groupings (02:36)

The benefits of dogs playing together (03:52)

Who needs to come to dog park class (07:32)

Tips for a perfect play session (10:05)

Take a break during play! (13:53)

Declining play (16:00)

What the tail means (17:55)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs 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! Yayyy 🎉!!

Today, Sarah and I (and Nikki, who is one of my trainers at the school AND our guest for today) will be discussing something every dog owner should know: How to stop your dog 🐶 from jumping on people (and you!) when meeting and greeting.

If you've ever had a dog jump on you and you weren’t expecting it (or wanting it!), no matter the size of the dog, it can be an “overwhelming” experience. 

Plus not jumping on people is Basic Manners 101! Every puppy and dog should be taught not just what NOT to do (jump on people without being invited), but also what TO do (so they can earn awesome rewards🥰). 

Now SOME people may say “Oh I don’t mind if your dog jumps on me. I love it!”  But that doesn’t help you solve the problem. Because if your dog jumps on someone and knocks them down, or your puppy puts muddy paw prints on someone’s clothes, it won’t be a great experience for them OR you!

I know you’re thinking “Kathy, can you PLEASE teach me to train my dog that jumping on people to say “hi” is a big no-no!!  Because the holidays are just around the corner!” 😱

Well since you asked, tune in now to find out!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Why do dogs jump? (03:06)

Make yourself better than the environment (05:44)

Managing your older dog's jumping (06:35)

Teach your dog how to appropriately greet people! (09:11)

What to do when your dog jumps on people (12:21)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

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

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

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

Hey guys, we're back with a new episode, and today, Sarah and I will be discussing something many of you have asked us about: Why do dogs bark 🤔?

To know the answer, you have to learn to ‘speak’ dog (and since we’re fluent, we can help!).

And we understand that you just want him or her to BE QUIET, but understanding the ‘WHY’ helps create better - and more one term! - solutions.  

The truth is that your dog's barking is his way of communicating with you and with the environment around him. Understanding the underlying ‘why’ of his barking is the key to your success! 

So, if you want to learn the answers (and solutions!) to why your dog barks at you, the neighbors, dogs, or ANYTHING, and how you may have inadvertently TAUGHT him to do it, tune in now!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Does your dog bark when you come home? (01:46)

Demand barking (06:17)

Territorial barking (12:00)

Barking during walks (16:55)

Additional resources

Learn more about the Puppy Prep Course: https://bit.ly/3egb3S3

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

In today's episode of Dog Sense, Sarah and I will be discussing a super exciting topic: How to feed your dog 🙌!

Feeding your dog is one of those basic skills you have to learn (and actually, it’s not as straightforward as you might think) before bringing your new best friend home.

However, we're not going to be talking about nutrition. We will leave that to the nutritionists 🙏. 

Instead, we'll be discussing some practical things: Ways you can feed your dog, what equipment you need, and really, does the type of bowl you use really matter 🤔?

Yes, it does! Not all bowls are made equal (for example, none of my dogs eat in plastic bowls, and it's not because they're fancy dogs). 

So, if you want to learn everything about how to properly feed your dog, what type of bowl to use, and when to use food toys, this episode is for you 👇!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

All about bowls (01:48)

What about food toys? (05:37)

How to combine feeding and training (07:41)

What about free feeding? (15:30)

Additional resources

Check out AVSAB’s statement on early puppy socialization: https://bit.ly/3eG5I6D

More about puppy growth plates here: https://bit.ly/3fyy4jt

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

Today, we're talking about something crucial for your puppy's growth: the amount of exercise they need to be a happy and healthy dog 🐶.

Just like us, puppies benefit from an increase in activity. However, there has to be a balance between exercising body and brain. Too much exercise (and the wrong type!) can lead to problems for growing puppies.

And exercise shouldn’t just be about going on long walks with your best friend. It also should be about challenging your puppy’s brain!!

The amount of exercise your puppy needs depends on a few variables, including his age,  breed, and size. 

In addition to who your puppy is, make sure you pay attention to the environment! A 15-minute walk around the block in Arizona in January is not the same experience as the same walk at the same time in Colorado! 

So, how much exercise does your puppy actually need? 

We answer this question (and more) in today’s episode of Dog Sense, so tune in now 🙌!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Guidelines for puppies 8 to 12-week old (03:16)

Types of walks you can do with your dog (06:25)

What toys can you use to play with your puppy? (09:08)

What about 12 to 16-week old puppies? (15:19)

Exercise for 8-month old puppies (20:57)

Additional resources

Learn more about the Puppy Prep Course: https://bit.ly/3egb3S3

Learn everything you need to know about puppy vaccination now: https://bit.ly/3eG5I6D

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

The logistics of flying with your puppy can be stressful, and then there’s the emotional strain……😱.  

But it’s not all bad news! You can make the experience a LOT better (if not enjoyable) with some tips and tricks that we’re sharing today.

There’s no reason you can’t travel with your best friend. However, it does require pre planning and an understanding of the current pet travel regulations. 

Listen in to learn how to make your puppy love his carrier, and how to do some very important pre-flight prep. 

We also want you to know that cargo CAN be an option…as long as you get the aisle seat… Tune in to find out why!  

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Acclimating your puppy to the carrier (01:48)

What you can put inside the carrier (02:36)

Puppy airport etiquette (04:13)

Cargo options (06:22)

Additional resources

Learn more about the Puppy Prep Course: https://bit.ly/3egb3S3

Everything you need to know about the ESA guidelines here: https://bit.ly/3nPClTp

Discover some cargo pet options: https://bit.ly/3h0vk0W

I love puppies, you love puppies, everyone loves puppies 🙌!  That’s why a tough day can be brightened just by watching puppies play together (that’s why the entire team at the dog school are so happy all the time)!

However, even the cutest, most adorable puppy can grow up to become an adult dog with…….. ‘issues’. 

So, how can you make sure this doesn’t happen 🤔? 

Well one big step in the right direction is by doing lots of safe and intentional early socialization. And when I say “early”, I do mean “before all vaccinations are done”. 

However, there’s a fine line between socializing your puppy and accidentally making the world a little bit too exciting or scary!!

So, then this begs the question: “What IS proper socialization?”  Where should you start? And how do you create balance while socializing your puppy?

We answer all these questions (and more!) in this week's episode of Dog Sense. 

Tune in now to learn everything you need to know about fear periods, when to start socializing your puppy, and the importance of adventure walks.

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

What is proper socialization? (00:52)

When should I start socializing my puppy? (03:27)

What are fear periods? (06:51)

Adventure walks (11:00)

The second fear period (13:44)

Our advice (17:19)

Additional resources

Learn more about the Puppy Prep Course: https://bit.ly/3egb3S3

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

Learn everything you need to know about puppy vaccination now: https://bit.ly/3eG5I6D

Anyone‌ ‌who‌ ‌has‌ ‌known‌ ‌me‌ ‌for‌ longer ‌than‌ ‌5‌ ‌minutes‌ ‌will‌ ‌know‌ ‌that‌ I don't love talking about myself (I’d rather talk about YOU and your DOG!), but this needs to be done, so here we go: The Kathy Santo origin story!

Many people ask me how I started in this industry, or “When did you know that you wanted to be a dog trainer?”.  My answer is usually along the lines of “from the minute I met my dog!”  Which is true.  But more specifically, it all started with some deli meat (sorry, mom!), my childhood Great Pyrenees “Teddy”, and a six-year-old (me!), wanting desperately to prove my parents wrong!

It’s not an exaggeration to say that after that first dog training experience with Teddy, I knew that it was what I wanted to do forever! I wanted to learn everything I could about dogs so that I could communicate even better with them.  And possibly get my dog to do some even cooler tricks……..

And even though I’d never met a dog trainer (plus I was 6, and you don’t have that big of a friends circle at that point, right?), I still had this burning, never-ending passion for training.  And pretty soon, I announced to anyone who would listen that it’s what I wanted to be when I grew up.  

My attempts at training (and eventually my ‘system’) went through trial and error (more errors than trials in the beginning), but every step of the way was great, because I was doing something I loved!

So, if you want to learn more about how my career as a dog trainer began and evolved, the infamous deli meat incident (again, sorry mom!), and how I went from backyard training by myself to a 16,000 sq ft facility with 50+ team members, tune in to this week's episode now!

Key points discussed

• Intro (00:00)
• How it all started (01:32)
• Moving into competition obedience (05:32)
• When I started training student’s dogs (10:30)
• The therapy dog program (16:34)
• The book deal (20:46)
• TV and radio appearances (25:08)
• Making the right decision (27:39)
• Back to the present (32:16)
• Puppy Prep School (35:14)

Additional resources

Check out Kathy’s book here: https://amzn.to/3mMjR5R

Learn more about the Puppy Prep Course: https://bit.ly/3egb3S3

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