Explore every episode of the podcast Pod to the Rescue

Struggling to introduce your dog to your cat, chickens, or other animals?

In this episode of Pod to the Rescue, we break down exactly how to safely integrate dogs with other species—using the same science-backed methods zoos use for big cats.

Our guest, Sarah Dugger, is a behavior consultant with experience training everything from household pets to Amur leopards and mountain lions. And the surprising truth? The principles are the same.

You’ll learn:

• How to introduce dogs to cats safely

• What to do if your dog fixates or chases

• How to manage introductions with chickens or livestock

• Why “they’ll work it out” can go very wrong

If you’re bringing home a new dog—or already struggling with multi-pet dynamics—this episode will give you a clear, humane roadmap.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insights

Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

Pattern games are one of the most powerful (and underused) tools in modern dog training—and in this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to use them in real life.

Following our conversation with Control Unleashed creator Leslie McDevitt, Emily, Jenni, and Libby dive into the *practical* application of pattern games with rescue dogs, foster dogs, and client cases.

We cover:

• What pattern games actually do in your dog’s brain

• Why predictability is critical for rescue dogs

• How to use games as an emotional barometer

• Real-life examples with fearful, reactive, and overwhelmed dogs

You’ll learn how to implement:

• Up/Down for grounding and check-ins

• Ping Pong for movement and energy release

• 1-2-3 for navigating overwhelming environments

• Look At That for changing emotional responses

We also explore why these aren’t “just distractions”—they’re tools for building skills, resilience, and communication.

If you’ve ever felt like your dog is overwhelmed, reactive, or struggling to adjust, this episode gives you actionable ways to support them!

Links and Resources

Resilience Rainbow: https://journal.iaabcfoundation.org/the-resilience-rainbow/

Train Me Please on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/trainmeplease

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insights!

Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/

Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/

Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/

Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

What if helping a stressed or reactive dog didn’t start with obedience—but with predictability?

In this episode of Pod to the Rescue, we’re joined by renowned trainer Leslie McDevitt, creator of the Control Unleashed program, to explore how Pattern Games can transform the lives of shelter, rescue, and pet dogs alike.

These simple, repeatable exercises help dogs process their environment, reduce anxiety, and build resilience—whether they’re navigating a chaotic shelter, adjusting to a foster home, or learning to walk calmly through the world.

We break down some of Leslie’s most powerful games—like the 1-2-3 game, Up/Down, Give Me a Break, and LATTE—and explain how they:

• Reduce reactivity and overwhelm
• Build trust between dogs and humans
• Teach calm behavior without pressure
• Help dogs generalize skills across environments

If you work with rescue dogs—or love one who struggles with the world—this episode is packed with practical, compassionate tools you can start using today.

Links and Next Steps:

On-Demand Webinars from Leslie McDevitt

Leslie’s Friends of Control Unleashed Facebook Group

Lick and Learn

Connect With Us:

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @podtotherescue for weekly behavior insights

Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/

Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/

Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/

Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

Potty training is one of the biggest challenges for new dog adopters—but even “house trained” dogs can have accidents in a new home.

In this episode, professional dog trainers Emily and Libby break down how to potty train puppies and rescue dogs using science-based methods, including management strategies, reinforcement timing, and realistic expectations.

Learn why dogs have accidents, how to prevent them, and how to build reliable potty habits without punishment.

Click to download the free potty training log!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why even “house trained” rescue dogs often have accidents

• The puppy potty schedule that sets dogs up for success

• What to do if your dog won’t pee or poop after adoption

• The role of stress, parasites, and medical issues in accidents

• Why punishment can make potty problems worse

🎙️ Connect With Us:

• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insights

• Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/

• Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/

• Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/

• Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

What do we really mean when we say “behavior”?

In this powerful kickoff to Season 6 of Pod to the Rescue, we’re joined by world-renowned behavior scientist Dr. Susan Friedman, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Utah State University and founder of Behavior Works.

Together, we explore:

• Why behavior is an evolved adaptation

• The truth about reinforcement and punishment

• Why “scolding” isn’t necessary for learning

• How to build a “trust account” with your dog

• The ABC model (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence)

• Why confidence is a label—and what it actually looks like

• Errorless learning and how to reduce mistakes in training

• How positive reinforcement builds resilience

Whether you're a new adopter, foster, shelter professional, or trainer, this episode will fundamentally change the way you see behavior.

Because rescuing the dog is just the first step.

Follow Dr. Friedman’s Behavior Works page on Facebook and check out her website: https://behaviorworks.org/
Connect With Us:Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insights

Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/

Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/

Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/

Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

You have a new foster or adopted pet, and the holidays are here. What next? In this episode, Emily and Libby walk you through the steps to take to make sure your new furry family member is safe and happy while you celebrate.

You'll learn:

• Why holidays can be stressful and confusing for our dogs (and cats!)
• The Off Duty Hack by Kim Brophey, which helps your dog understand what to do when guests come over
• How to know how much your dog can handle
• Why this time of year is tough on rescues and shelters — and how you can help

This week, Emily and Libby speak with Kathy Sdao of Bright Spot Dog Training.  Sdao’s accessible training technique to help our dogs fit into our human world, and this conversation is lively and full of both science and heart; evidence and experience. Some topics discussed are:

• How to take training out of the science theory realm into the practical, accessible world of humans training their dog

• Helping resolve dogs anxiety by using reinforcers

• How her work with Marine mammals influences her training approach

• Human praise as payment - does it work or not?

• How the Smart x 50 technique can be adapted to a shelter environment
  

Kathy has been passionate about animal training ever since she quit a good job to move halfway around the world to train dolphins at the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory at the University of Hawaii.

Now, 35 years later, she offers her expertise as an applied animal behaviorist to dog owners in Washington State and across the world, to seminar and webinar audiences and to professional training organizations. Kathy has taught 300 seminars, workshops, conferences and webinars; many of these presentations have been professionally recorded and are available for purchase. Kathy’s training philosophy and advice is summarized in her book, Plenty in Life is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace.

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

Canine Adolescence is the transition from puppyhood to adulthood. This fascinating conversation with Sarah Stremming, who is a dog behavior coach and the host of the Cog Dog Podcast, addresses this pivotal age of young dogs. Sarah, Emily, and Libby discuss adolescent canine behavior and how to most effectively observe and address behaviors to nurture confident, healthy dogs. They also discuss:

• How dogs’ responses to environments and caregivers can change during this transitional period

• Some of the difficulties this transition period can create for adolescent dogs

• How to best support the dog through these transitional changes

• How we can work with dogs experiencing threat

• Sarah’s approach to using food when a threat is present

Sarah is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant of nearly two decades, and has 25 years experience of competing in dog sports. You can find Sarah and her online courses at http://www.sarahstremming.com.

Your Dog's Friend

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXYsg9X4m6E

Calm Canine Academy : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mcZ_HoxeSc

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insights

Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/

Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/

Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/

Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

We are thrilled to present today’s guest, Michael Shikashio. Michael is a world-renowned expert on dog aggression and has an incredible wealth of information he generously shares, which is helpful for owners, rescuers, and trainers alike.

In this conversation, Michael, Emily and Libby define aggression, discuss the ways aggression can present in different dogs (and the different levels of assessing their aggression), and so much more. Make sure to listen to the full episodes, as Michael drops important gems throughout the episode.

Michael is an internationally sought out speaker on the topic of aggression - has mentored and presented to thousands of animal professionals. He is the Founder of the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, teaches trainers and consultants in over 25 countries on how to work with aggression cases, and has been featured in countless media, including the New York Times, the New York Post, Web MD, and Women’s Health.
​
Michael Shikashio’s website: https://aggressivedog.com/
Fear Free: https://fearfreepets.com/ and https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants: https://m.iaabc.org/
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers: https://www.ccpdt.org/
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists: https://www.dacvb.org/

🎙️ Connect With Us:

• Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/

• Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/

• Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/

• Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

July 4th can be terrifying for pets — especially dogs with noise sensitivities. Fireworks and thunderstorms trigger stress, fear, and sometimes dangerous flight responses in our four-legged friends. In this live mini episode, we talk about why dogs are afraid of fireworks and thunder, how to recognize signs of fear (even the subtle ones!), and strategies for keeping pets calm and safe.You’ll learn how to spot canine stress signals, understand dog body language during loud events, what calming dog products work for us. We’ll also debunk the myth that comforting your scared dog makes things worse, because it doesn’t!Plus, we share what we’re doing this weekend to prep our own dogs, including:

• Updating microchip info and ID tags
• Using white noise and calming dog music
• Preparing soothing chews and frozen enrichment toys

• Creating safe spaces

Whether your dog hides, trembles, or just seems “off,” this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get through the holiday weekend with less stress for everyone.To participate in Jenni's research study, reach out via her website: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/Link to Lincoln Sound Sensitivity Scale:https://ipstore.lincoln.ac.uk/product...Stress and predictability:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles...🎙️ Connect With Us:Facebook:   / podtotherescue  Instagram:   / podtotherescue  Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

Bringing a new foster or adopted dog into your home is exciting—but when you already have a resident dog, the introduction process requires careful planning. In this episode, we chat with behavior consultant and friend of the pod Elisheba Fay, and dive into strategies for setting both dogs up for success, especially when working with foster or rescue dogs whose histories may be unknown.

We cover what to consider before bringing a new dog home, how to evaluate whether your current pet is ready for a new companion, and how to avoid common pitfalls during introductions.

Whether you're fostering, adopting, or just thinking about adding a second dog to your pack, this episode will help you approach multi-dog households with confidence and compassion.

🐶 In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• What skills your resident dog needs before bringing home a new dog
• How to set up your home for a new foster dog
• Why it’s important to go slow when introducing a new dog—even if your dog is friendly!
• What’s normal and what’s not normal when integrating new dogs

🎙️ Connect With Us:

• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insights
• Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/
• Elisheba Fay: https://www.artandscience.dog/
• Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/
• Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/
• Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

Why is my puppy biting so much? This is a question we get a lot from fosters, adopters, and clients. We’re here to help! Puppy biting is normal, but you don’t have to become a chew toy for your new rescue puppy. In this episode, Emily, Jenni, and Libby discuss everything puppy biting: why puppies bite, how to prevent puppy biting, and how to train your puppy not to bite so much. (Hint: it’s all in the prevention!)

🐶 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Is it normal for puppies to bite a lot? 

• Our tips for dealing with puppy biting 
• Mouthy puppy management and prevention strategies
• Our favorite toys for teething puppies
• How to manage puppy biting with positive reinforcement
• How long the puppy biting stage lasts, and when to call in help

🎙️ Connect With Us:

• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insights

• Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/
• Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/
• Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/
• Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

Dog reactivity is one of the most challenging behavior issues we face in dog rescue, but there is hope for reactive dogs! We’ve helped lots of reactive foster and rescue dogs over the years, and so has Renée Erdman of Bravo Dog Behavioral Health. In this episode, we sit down to talk about reactivity: what it is, what it isn’t, and how to help your dog.

🐶 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What is reactivity in dogs?

• How is it different from aggression in dogs?

• Why we often label this as “leash reactivity”

• How to help your dog’s underlying emotions that lead to reactive behavior

• Which types of training don’t work

• Why our dogs aren’t damaged — and that there is help for reactivity!

🐾 Links & Next Steps:

• Follow Renée Erdman on Instagram and check out her website: https://www.bravodog.ca/

• Enroll in Renée’s free body language and new dog adoption courses.

• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insights

🎙️ Connect With Us:

• Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/

• Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/

• Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/

• Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

Raising a puppy can be one of the most fun and rewarding parts of dog rescue, fostering, and adoption, but it can also be one of the most challenging. We get it, and so does our guest, Kathy Callahan. Kathy has raised a lot of rescue puppies, and her latest book, Welcoming Your Puppy from Planet Dog, provides a life-changing framework for anyone bringing a puppy into their home — as well as practical tips for puppy training and socialization.

In this episode, we discuss Kathy’s background in dog and puppy rescue, how she became a dog trainer, and how she guides clients through the process of puppy training with empathy and understanding first. 

🐶 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What is Planet Dog, and why is it important to understand?

• The role choice and control play in raising puppies

• What is puppy socialization?

• How the experiences of Planet Rescue Dog can shape our puppies

• Why understanding your puppy’s body language matters

• How to teach kids to interact appropriately with puppies

• Some tips for the toughest puppy behaviors, like jumping, mouthing, and biting

🐾 Links & Next Steps:

• Follow Kathy Callahan on ⁠Instagram⁠ and check out her website to learn more about her books and podcast: ⁠https://www.puppypicks.com/
• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insights

🎙️ Connect With Us:

• Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/

• Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/

• Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/

• Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

What makes rescue dogs unique — and why do they sometimes struggle with behavior issues? In this episode of Pod to the Rescue, we explore the behavior of rescue dogs through a trauma-informed, science-based lens. In this season opener, hosts Emily, Jenni, and Libby discuss why we still have a lot to say about rescue dog behavior!

We break down why understanding dog behavior is essential for adopters, foster caregivers, and shelter and rescue professionals — and how rescue dog behavior is often influenced by genetics, early separation, trauma, and inconsistent environments.

If you're wondering “why is my rescue dog afraid?” or “how can I help my adopted dog settle in?”—this episode is for you. Learn the common challenges rescue dogs face and how to support your rescue dog’s behavior with empathy, knowledge, and practical tools.

🐶 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What do we mean by "rescue dog" — and why that matters

• Why dog behavior is the missing piece in many rescue organizations

• How early trauma and stress affect a dog’s behavior long-term

• How to support a newly adopted dog through behavior challenges

• Why building resilience is key to helping a new rescue dog adjust — and how to do it!

• Real-life examples from our rescue, our personal dogs, and tips from the field

• Jenni’s “Resilience Unleashed” course, which uses Control Unleashed to help dogs build resilience

🐾 Links & Next Steps:

• Check out Jenni’s “Resilience Unleashed” course and use PTTR2025 for 20% off: https://elevated-dog-training.newzenler.com/courses/resilience-unleashed

• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insights

🎙️ Connect With Us:

• Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/

• Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/

• Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/

• Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

We’re back with Season 5 of Pod to the Rescue, the podcast for dog lovers, fosters, rescuers and adopters who want to understand and support their dogs better. This season, we’re diving into some of the most-requested dog behavior topics: how to help a reactive rescue dog, managing aggression between two dogs at home, and safely introducing a newly adopted dog to your cat.

As always, we approach these tough behavior issues with a rescue-focused lens and science-based dog training advice. Whether you’re a seasoned rescuer or a first-time foster, you’ll get expert insights and real-life stories to help you help your dog.

Join Emily, Libby, and new host Jenni for honest, practical conversations about canine behavior, rescue challenges, and what dogs need to thrive.

Season 4 Wrap and What’s to Come

Emily and Libby wrap this season with an exciting announcement, a rescue update from Summit Dog Rescue, a new co-host, and a glimpse of what’s to come in Season 5. Thank you so much for tuning in to this season of Pod To The Rescue, and we’ll see you soon!

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

Canine Adolescence is the transition from puppyhood to adulthood. This fascinating conversation with Sarah Stremming, who is a dog behavior coach and the host of the Cog Dog Podcast, addresses this pivotal age of young dogs. Sarah, Emily, and Libby discuss adolescent canine behavior and how to most effectively observe and address behaviors to nurture confident, healthy dogs. This is the second part of their conversation, so make sure you listen to Part 1 before diving in here. The trio also discusses:

• Breed-specific behaviors in adolescents and how they can express under stress

• The top skills we need to teach adolescent dogs (or puppies moving into adolescence)

• To speculate or not to speculate on your dog’s prior experience

• What happens when you get to the other side of canine adolescence

Sarah is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant of nearly two decades, and has 25 years experience of competing in dog sports. You can find Sarah and her online courses at http://www.sarahstremming.com. 

Your Dog's Friend

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXYsg9X4m6E

Calm Canine Academy : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mcZ_HoxeSc

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

Canine Adolescence is the transition from puppyhood to adulthood. This fascinating conversation with Sarah Stremming, who is a dog behavior coach and the host of the Cog Dog Podcast, addresses this pivotal age of young dogs. Sarah, Emily, and Libby discuss adolescent canine behavior and how to most effectively observe and address behaviors to nurture confident, healthy dogs. They also discuss:

• How dogs’ responses to environments and caregivers can change during this transitional period

• Some of the difficulties this transition period can create for adolescent dogs

• How to best support the dog through these transitional changes

• How we can work with dogs experiencing threat

• Sarah’s approach to using food when a threat is present

Sarah is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant of nearly two decades, and has 25 years experience of competing in dog sports. You can find Sarah and her online courses at http://www.sarahstremming.com.

Your Dog's Friend

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXYsg9X4m6E

Calm Canine Academy : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mcZ_HoxeSc

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

This is a replay of our 2021 interview with aggression expert Michael Shikashio.

We are thrilled to present today’s guest, Michael Shikashio. Michael is a world-renowned expert on dog aggression and has an incredible dearth of information he generously shares, which is helpful for owners, rescuers, and trainers alike.

In this conversation, Michael, Emily and Libby define aggression, discuss the ways aggression can present in different dogs (and the different levels of assessing their aggression), and so much more. Make sure to listen to the full episodes, as Michael drops important gems throughout the episode.

Michael is an internationally sought out speaker on the topic of aggression - has mentored and presented to thousands of animal professionals. He is the Founder of the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, teaches trainers and consultants in over 25 countries on how to work with aggression cases, and has been featured in countless media, including the New York Times, the New York Post, Web MD, and Women’s Health. Credits. Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators.) Original music by Mike Pesci. Graphic design, editing, and production by Alex Lee-Ammons and ⁠For The Love Media, LLC⁠.

It is no secret that shelters can prove to be extremely stressful environments for dogs - even the friendlist, most easy-going dog can experience severe stress or fear in a shelter environment. In this incredible conversation, Emily, Libby and Tom Candy discuss how we can best support shelter dogs in and out of the shelter environment to build confidence, trust, and a sense of play. In this episode, they cover:

• How to work with dogs who display fearful behaviors in the shelter and kennel environments

• How to distinguish a dog’s shelter-based fear from their general fear

• The positive benefits of play for shelter dogs

• The constant game/challenge of cost-benefit analysis for shelter dogs

• COVID-related undersocialized dogs

• The genetic vs. evolutionary origins of shelter dogs’ fear

• How to prepare anxious or fearful dogs for adoption - and, how to prepare their families

This is an excellent conversation for anyone who interacts with shelter dogs in any way; employees, fosters, potential adopters, and more.

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For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

“What supplies do I need for fostering a dog?” “Should you use training tools on rescue dogs?” “What kind of harness should I get for my dog?” You have questions about fostering or adopting a dog, and we have answers! These are the tools and supplies we recommend for rescue dog fosters and adopters. 

Emily and Libby are professionals who have been working in foster-based rescue for a long time, so they have accumulated a lot of “stuff” over the years. Don’t be intimidated by this list! While these are our favorites, there are many affordable options for good-quality supplies. Many items can be found for free or low cost on neighborhood swap groups.

– Slip leads: how, when, and why we still use them (maybe not how you think!)

– Harnesses: Balance Harness (https://www.blue-9.com/products/bhb), Ruffwear Front Range (https://ruffwear.com/products/front-range-everyday-dog-harness), Alpine Harness (https://www.alpineoutfitters.net/products/copy-of-urban-trail-adjustable-harness-half-back-shorty-custom-crafted), Perfect Fit (https://perfect-fit-dog-harness.com/)

– Leashes: Blue-9 Multi-Function Leash (https://www.blue-9.com/products/lsh?variant=40875501093062), biothane leashes (https://www.trailblazingtails.com/collections/long-line-and-short-leash-collection) (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GFR9YJ3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1)

– Management tools: X-pen (https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/midwest-black-e-coat-exercise-pen-wdoor-for-dogs), baby gates

– Crates: car crate is a must-have for transport, wire crate is good for management at home

– Treat pouch: Doggone Good (https://www.doggonegoodclickercompany.com/Rapid-Rewards-Pouchtrade_p_216.html) , Ruffwear (https://ruffwear.com/products/home-trail-hip-pack)

– Treats: Happy Howie’s (https://www.happyhowies.com/), Real Meat (https://www.realmeatpet.com/foods.html), Ziwi Peak (https://us.ziwipets.com/)

– Clicker: (https://shop.clickertraining.com/products/iclick-original-clicker?variant=8050243397) Can also use a marker word or click with your tongue

– Puzzle/enrichment toys: Toppl (https://www.westpaw.com/products/toppl-treat-toy), Kong (https://www.kongcompany.com/), Lickimat (https://lickimat.com/)

– Targets/mats: You can use a towel, a bathmat, a dog bed, anything! 

– Muzzles: a useful tool to have, but needs careful sizing and training before you need it. Check out the Muzzle Up! Project (https://muzzleupproject.com/)

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

If you try one training method with your new rescue dog, try this one! This week, Emily and Libby speak with Kathy Sdao, world-renowned dog trainer, speaker, writer, and educator. Sdao’s accessible training technique, SMARTx50, is a powerful tool that distills behavior science into the lay person's terms, making it accessible for our human learners: dog rescuers, fosters and adopters. They discuss how to use SMARTx50 to help our dogs fit into our human world, and this conversation is lively and full of both science and heart; evidence and experience. Some topics discussed are:

• How to take training out of the science theory realm into the practical, accessible world of humans training their dog

• Helping resolve dogs anxiety by using reinforcers

• How her work with marine mammals influences her training approach

• Human praise as payment - does it work or not?

• How the Smartx50 technique can be adapted to a shelter environment

Kathy has been passionate about animal training ever since she quit a good job to move halfway around the world to train dolphins at the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory at the University of Hawaii.

Now, 35 years later, she offers her expertise as an applied animal behaviorist to dog owners in Washington State and across the world, to seminar and webinar audiences and to professional training organizations. Kathy has taught 300 seminars, workshops, conferences and webinars; many of these presentations have been professionally recorded and are available for purchase. Kathy’s training philosophy and advice is summarized in her book, Plenty in Life is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace.

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

Puppy socialization is critical for a dog’s healthy development, but what happens if there is a highly contagious respiratory illness being passed around the dog community? Emily and Libby address this current situation by re-airing this episode so you can make a good decision by weighing the costs and benefits of puppy socialization, and how to have healthy play with other puppies amidst illness. Some topics discussed are:

• The first 12 weeks of a puppy’s life are the "critical window" for socialization 

• What proper socialization is, and is not

• Why exposure alone is not socialization 

• Practical ways to help puppies form positive associations with the world around them

• What flooding is and why it’s problematic

• The dilemma of too much vs. too little exposure

• How rescues and shelters can work with adolescent dogs who missed socialization

This is a wonderful conversation for anyone working with puppies on a regular basis or new adopters.

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. Our webmaster is Nadia Magallon of Rewarding Dog Training.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

When SDR rescued a dog with hearing impairment, they turned to Tiffany Baker for her expertise on the most effective ways to work with deaf dogs. We hear about Blue throughout the episode as SDR’s case study, and in this episode Emily, Libby and Tiffany also cover topics like:

• How she uses control unleashed for deaf dogs

• Pattern games and why the framework of predictability is important for all dogs - especially deaf dogs

• “Up Down”

• Tactile cues for deaf dogs

• Pairing deaf dogs with hearing dogs

Tiffany Baker is a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant and the founder and owner of Boss Babe training. She has been working with dogs for over seven years, and specializes in aggression with a focus on families with disabled pets.

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.

Libby and Emily sit down with Annie Phenix, an award winning author and trainer who is known for her methods that train for behavioral concerns without using fear, force, pain, or intimidation.  This conversation is underlined by the importance of trust, joy, and love in our relationships with our animal friends. They also talk about:

• Building trust with our dogs

• How we can use somatic therapy on our dogs

• Ways to work with new and foster dogs to reduce agitation, stress, and separation anxiety

• Bringing joy into the ways we train our dogs

• “Sample days,” or case studies, into different dogs’ lives

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

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Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. Our webmaster is Nadia Magallon of Rewarding Dog Training.

Have you ever dealt with a dog who experienced separation anxiety? Separation anxiety can present in dogs in myriad behaviors, and this can have a major impact not only on the dog but on the humans caring for those dogs.

In this episode, Libby and Emily dig into this issue with Jenni Pfafman. Jenni is a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer with years of experience working in-person and virtually with dogs who deal with separation anxiety. The conversation opens with a case study about a recent SDR rescue pup, and how Jenni walked Emily through the process of managing - and decreasing - the dog’s separation anxiety. In this episode, they also discuss:

• How to help dogs’ nervous systems relax

• How to make a decision to use medication for dogs with separation anxiety

• To crate or not to crate? When to crate a dog for safety vs. avoiding destruction

• Going slow to go fast

• Dogs experiencing separation anxiety from other dogs

  
  

  
  

  For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

  Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

  Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. Our webmaster is Nadia Magallon of Rewarding Dog Training.

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  Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/suppor

In this episode, Emily and Libby talk about their own rescue experiences, including “foster failures” and finding lifelong companions. At Summit Dog Rescue, we do things a bit differently; one of those things is how they advocate for modern ethical training methods backed by science. They talk about training faux pas that they used to use - methods that can even be harmful for the dog - because “it’s what people were doing.”

They talk about why they use the methods they do and the proven track record of success. They talk about the importance of mission, education, and their support of spay and neuter programs as a way to stop the cycle of needless dog deaths in America.

Learn more about Summit Dog Rescue here.

Credits. Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators.) Original music by Mike Pesci. Graphic design, editing and production by Alex Lee-Ammons and For The Love Media, LLC.

Michelle Stern cares about supporting parents, supporting kids, and helping dogs feel safe emotionally and physically; these three passions position her perfectly to work with families who are integrating their dogs into homes with children. This episode will support any listener who is, or plans to, integrate their dogs and children together in a way that is healthy and balanced.

In this conversation they also cover:

• The behavior changes that can occur as a dog adjusts to a home

• What a “yes space” is and why it is impactful

• How blue painter’s tape can support your child’s boundaries

• Ways to encourage calm and sleep for your dog

• Meeting the needs of your children AND your dog

• Finding age-appropriate ways for your child and dog to interact

• The gift of growling

Michelle Stern is a certified professional dog trainer, dog behavior consultant, certified family dog mediator, mom, and former classroom teacher. Her podcast is the Pooch Parenting Podcast, and you can learn more at PoochParenting.net.

You can find the ABCs of Growling here.

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For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. Our webmaster is Nadia Magallon of Rewarding Dog Training.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

 We’re kicking off Season 4 with SDR’s education coordinator, Deb Matlock. Deb explains humane education’s focus as one that promotes empathy and compassion; whether it’s about dog training or environmental issues, this way of education indicates a focus on how we connect in a way that develops empathy and compassion.

Deb, Libby and Emily cover:

• How Humane Education can create a higher quality of life for dogs

• The Five Freedoms (standards of care for captive animals)

• The changing cultural standards for dog training

• How to compassionately introduce better training techniques to misinformed humans

Learn more about Deb Matlock: https://wild-rhythms.com/

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. Our webmaster is Nadia Magallon of Rewarding Dog Training.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/suppor

Hey listeners, we're back! We have some exciting episodes planned for this season, including interviews with Annie Phenix, Kathy Sdao, and more industry veterans as well as up-and-coming trainers and rescuers. Make sure you subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! And share with your rescue friends to make sure they don't miss it, either.

In advance of releasing our much-anticipated Season 4 of the podcast, we're replaying some of our best conversations on Pod to the Rescue. Enjoy, and stay tuned - Season 4 drops on October 4, 2023!

Why are dog behavior problems increasing in recent years? How do changes to their social bonds and environment affect rescue dogs? What does it mean to see our dogs as they really are: captive animals? In this thought-provoking episode, Emily and Libby speak with Kim Brophey about her groundbreaking LEGS model of dog behavior, her new course, “The Dog’s Truth,” and why this information is crucial for shelters, rescues, and adopters.

www.familydogmediation.com

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com 

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by James Ede of Be Heard. Our webmaster is Nadia Magallon of Rewarding Dog Training.

[Breed description handouts coming soon! Check back on our website.]

Do you want to pet all the dogs? So do we! But we don’t… and here’s why. Emily and Libby welcome Elisheba Fay back to Pod to the Rescue to talk about petting our own dogs and dogs that are new to us, like foster dogs and newly placed rescue dogs. They talk about consent tests when petting dogs, dog body language, how to know if your dog wants to be petted, what to do about dogs who feel conflicted about human attention, and how to deal with your dog who won't leave you alone when you're busy on a Zoom call. This conversation is important for dog bite prevention and is a must-listen for anyone who wants to save dogs!

www.artandscience.dog

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by James Ede of Be Heard.

Do you have a dog who is jumping and mouthing a lot? Plays a little too rough? Can’t calm down and uses his mouth as a default behavior? This episode is for you! Emily and Libby interview Ferdie Yau of Behavior Vets about the “Shelter Shorts” video series featuring Chewy, a shelter dog with a big arousal biting problem.

Shelter Shorts from Behavior Vets: 

Part 1 - Arousal Biting Pt 1: https://youtu.be/z0xAFKoOKIo

Part 2 - Arousal Biting Pt 2: https://youtu.be/W0ByjxeHy58

Part 3 - Nosework: https://youtu.be/3JYbtyAiC5g

Part 4 - Cooperative Care: https://youtu.be/mMosZb_3Xto

Part 5 - Play and Impulse Control: https://youtu.be/_NbEeq3nw14

Part 6 - Behavior Training Summary: https://youtu.be/ONl-VAWQHqI

Part 7 - Choosing the Right Reinforcer: https://youtu.be/kYZg0WKpJIs

More about Ferdie: https://behaviorvetsnyc.com/our-team/1421-2/

Arousal with Elisheba Fay: https://www.podtotherescue.com/understanding-arousal.html

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook

Pod To The Rescue

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by James Ede of Be Heard.

What are we talking about when we talk about dog training? Why should we train our dogs, anyway? Is puppy class enough training for my dog? And what kinds of skills should we prioritize when training our rescue dogs? Emily and Libby discuss these questions and more with Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Eileen Koval, owner of Confident Canines in Las Vegas, Nevada. They talk about top skills for dogs to learn, including leave it, watch me, drop it, come, and “do nothing,” why it’s important to teach your dog to influence their environment and control outcomes, and how to avoid dog training mistakes.

This rich conversation was inspired by Eileen’s blog post, “Does My Dog Need Training?” https://www.confidentcaninesdogtraining.com/post/does-my-dog-need-training

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com 

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by James Ede of Be Heard.

Why are dog behavior problems increasing in recent years? How do changes to their social bonds and environment affect rescue dogs? What does it mean to see our dogs as they really are: captive animals? In this thought-provoking episode, Emily and Libby speak with Kim Brophey about her groundbreaking LEGS model of dog behavior, her new course, “The Dog’s Truth,” and why this information is crucial for shelters, rescues, and adopters.

www.familydogmediation.com

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com 

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by James Ede of Be Heard. Our webmaster is Nadia Magallon of Rewarding Dog Training.

[Breed description handouts coming soon! Check back on our website.]

This week, Emily and Libby interview Zazie Todd, PhD, about her new book "Purr: The Science of Making Your Cat Happy." This episode (and the book!) is filled with tips and ideas for cat lovers seeking to provide the best life possible for their cat - from kitten raising to rescue and shelter cat enrichment.

https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/p/home.html

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by James Ede of Be Heard.

Is your rescue dog afraid of fireworks? Or maybe you have a new dog, and you're not yet sure how they'll react. There's still time to help your dog feel more comfortable this year! Listen now to this re-released episode about noise phobia and the 4th of July. Also applies to fear of thunderstorms and other loud noises that scare your dog.

We LOVE long lines, and we sing their praises every chance we get. So does Tricia Case, founder of Trailblazing Tails, makers of high quality leashes and long lines. We talk about the why, how, when, and where of long lines. Be sure to listen for a Trailblazing Tails coupon code!

https://www.trailblazingtails.com/

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by James Ede of Be Heard.

Burnout and compassion fatigue are all too common in animal care workers, but we don’t talk about it enough. Laura Henderson is a licensed professional counselor who has worked with the Denver Dumb Friends League as a consultant and mental health coach. She speaks with Emily and Libby about secondary trauma in shelter and rescue workers, how to spot compassion fatigue in ourselves, and ways we can use self-care to help lighten the heavy load we sometimes carry when working with animals.

To learn more about Laura Henderson and her work or to contact her for workshops: https://www.laurahendersoncounseling.com/

More compassion fatigue resources: https://jessicadolce.com/resources/

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk: https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by James Ede of Be Heard.

Whether you’re fostering or adopting, bringing another dog into your home is an exciting time! Dr. Patricia McConnell is back to talk with Emily and Libby about integrating multi-dog households. They discuss the common myths we face when bringing a second (or third or fourth) dog home, why that sweet rescue pup who was described as “good with other dogs” in the shelter is now growling at your resident dog, best practices for introducing new dogs to one another, and some skills to cultivate as a multi-dog guardian.

To learn more about Dr. Patricia McConnell, visit her website: https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/about-patricia/

ASPCA webinar: https://www.aspcapro.org/webinar/20140129/multi-dog-households#video-player

Parallel walking: https://youtu.be/sZVJyE-KLS0

Trauma, Decompression, and Going Slow with Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB: https://www.podtotherescue.com/dr-patricia-mcconnell1.html

Management with Mary Angilly CTC, CPDT-KA: https://www.podtotherescue.com/management.html

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by James Ede of Be Heard.

Dogs bark for a reason. Sometimes, they’ve been bred to bark - sometimes, they’re simply communicating! In this episode, Libby and Emily break down barking: why dogs do it, how we can manage the behavior, and more. They break down bark collars, citronella, and how some of the ways we mitigate barking are ineffective at best and cruel at worst. You’ll walk away with practical and easy tips on how to work with dogs who present this behavior.

The book Emily references is called Barking: The Sound of the Language.

We put out the call: what are your questions about all things dogs, training, and rescue? You sure answered! Emily and Libby address listener questions like, “what do I do about resource guarding?” “How do I get a dog ready for a new baby?” And more.

Show Notes: 

www.podtotherescue.com

https://www.dogwise.com/mine-a-practical-guide-to-resource-guarding-in-dogs/

http://lindsaywoodbrown.com/

Behavior Vets and Chewy the dog: https://youtu.be/3JYbtyAiC5g

Family Paws YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsDoHZeiT2t5qQTZ0SYtvatDGr23IqrUz

https://www.familypaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/FPPE-Dog-Baby-Sheet-sm.pdf

https://fearfreepets.com/

Leslie McDevitt’s Pattern Games: https://youtu.be/Mtn-BeI9lHE

In this episode, Libby and Emily sit down with Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Christopher Pachel.

Dr. Pachel’s way of viewing our companion animals is spacious, generous, and compassionate. This is a conversation that has us considering the larger questions of animal behavior, the why of how we train, and more.

Visit the Animal Behavior Clinic here. 

This is episode 2 of our response to the tragic Marshall Fire that devastated our beloved community. 

Dog trainers Mary Angilly and Chrissy Messik speak with Emily and Libby about supporting your animals through the potential loss of home and routine after a natural disaster. Not only were Chrissy and Libby both directly impacted by the Marshall Fire, but they have some great tips for practical and emotional support through this post-fire time, which is applicable across situations that involve upheaval or loss for you and your animals.

Credits. Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators.) Original music by Mike Pesci. Graphic design, editing, and production by Alex Ammons and For The Love Media, LLC.

This episode is a response to the Marshall Fire on December 30, 2021. Emily and Libby speak with four guests:

• Jan McHugh-Smith of the Boulder Humane Society on how they supported response and recovery efforts
• Leslie Irvine a Professor of Sociology at CU Boulder who specializes in conceptions of the self and human-animal relationships
• Lisa Wieland on her experience of evacuating from the firestorm with her 2 dogs from SDR, her cat and her neighbor and neighbor's cat
• Natalie Riggs of Cavies and Canines Rescue on a heroic mass guinea pig rescue 

Credits. Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators.) Original music by Mike Pesci. Graphic design, editing, and production by Alex Ammons and For The Love Media, LLC.

Did you know that leash walking is not a natural behavior for dogs? It may be why your dog is inclined to rip your arm off during your walks! In this training basics episode, Libby and Emily talk about:

• why dogs pull on the leash
• the unbelievably cool statistics about your dog’s olfactory capabilities
• some techniques to work on with your dog

Credits. Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators.) Original music by Mike Pesci. Graphic design, editing, and production by Alex Lee-Ammons and For The Love Media, LLC.

Emily and Libby sit down with trainers and behavioral consultants Marge and Eileen about a much-anticipated topic: puppy socialization! Marge and Eileen talk about:

• The first 12 weeks of a puppy’s life are the "critical window" for socialization 
• What proper socialization is, and is not
• Why exposure alone is not socialization 
• Practical ways to help puppies form positive associations with the world around them
• What flooding is and why it’s problematic
• The dilemma of too much vs. too little exposure
• How rescues and shelters can work with adolescent dogs who missed socialization

This is a wonderful conversation for anyone working with puppies on a regular basis or new adopters.

Jennifer Shryock wants dogs to happily coexist in families with children and babies. She is so passionate about this that she founded Family Paws, an organization that offers resources to dog-loving families. In this informative episode, she talks to Emily and Libby about:

• managing expectations about integration and transition
• differences between prepping for a dog or puppy
• practical tips and tricks too practice with foster dogs
• why dogs kissing babies actually might be your dog’s call for help

Jennifer has an immense amount of compassion not just for dogs but for the families willing to bring them into the folds of their lives. This is a truly uplifting conversation and not to be missed if you have a family, have a dog and are family planning, or want to bring a foster into your family. 

If you have children or want to learn more about how to educate potential adopters with children, learn more about Family Paws here.

Miranda Hitchcock birthed her non-profit after seeing a major gap in accessibility for Spanish speakers in her Texas community. In this interview, Miranda and Libby talk about the non-profit Every Dog Austin, Miranda’s foray into dog behavior and training, and why it’s so important to offer training to a broader socioeconomic and linguistic spectrum. Miranda offers an important perspective regarding rescue and behavior, and how the conversation around the impact on people requires more compassion and understanding.

Learn more about Every Dog Austin: https://www.everydogaustin.org/