Join the women behind the magic of Dog Gone Seattle, the largest foster-based dog rescue in the Pacific Northwest, and hear the behind-the-scenes chronicles of rescue, the comedies and the errors, the celebrations and the abject failures, and everything in between, including expert opinions on all things Dog.
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3.7 — “Science Says” - Stress, Welfare, and Punishment: Dogma vs. Reality with Dr. Melanie Uhde
Season 3 · Episode 7
Thursday, January 1, 2026 • Duration 01:32:03
“Science” is often invoked in dog training discussions to signal intelligence, moral superiority, and to shame those who advocate for balanced approaches. In Episode 3.7, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh sit down with neurobiologist and dog trainer Dr. Melanie Uhde to examine what science actually says about stress, punishment, welfare, and learning—and what that means for modern dog training.
Together, they unpack the studies most commonly cited to condemn punishment, explaining why many fail to reflect real-world training and why metrics like cortisol or body language alone don’t capture long-term outcomes such as confidence, resilience, and success in real homes. They differentiate acute vs. chronic stress and explore stress inoculation, highlighting research that shows how appropriate stress can build coping skills and improve behavioral and neurological outcomes.
The conversation also tackles aversive control, discussing why—when applied correctly—it can be more reliable, persistent, and generalizable than reward-only approaches. Finally, they connect the science to everyday life with dogs, addressing puppies, fosters, fearful dogs, and why aversive control shouldn’t be treated as a last resort. This is a nuanced, evidence-based discussion focused on moving past ideology and toward training that genuinely improves dogs’ lives in the real world.
15:03 Methodological issues with frequently cited studies
26:51 Welfare conclusions
37:08 The case for stress
44:26 Implications for epidemic of anxious dogs
49:56 The role of ENS
53:13 The case for punishment
58:14 How to prevent fallout from punishment
01:04:30 Why punishment should not be a 'last resort'
01:11:20 Advice for adopters
01:15:33 Simply daily habits for the average dog owner to build dog's resilience
01:20:08 Final last questions
3.6 — Starting with Science: A Primer on Operant Conditioning (and Where We Stand on Training, Officially)
Season 3 · Episode 6
Sunday, December 28, 2025 • Duration 01:10:00
Recorded six weeks ago—if that gives any indication of how busy things have been — Episode 3.6 is short, sweet, and sets the table for the Season 3 finale with Dr. Melanie Uhde.
Before taking listeners all the way to Science Town, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh start with the basics: operant conditioning, the four quadrants, and what “punishment” actually means—hint: the dog decides, and it’s not a squirt bottle (at least not for Jenny’s GSD, Mando).
Beyond terminology, this episode marks the first time balanced training is the main topic of discussion. Against the backdrop of an ideological war between training camps (and after experiencing some truly unhinged reactions to their willingness to stop behaviors that were quite literally going to get dogs killed), Ashlyn and Jenny discuss why balanced training is not only necessary, but often life-saving. They share real-world examples drawn from a statistically significant sample size (yes, they’re being scientific now) and explore whether lived experience can meaningfully influence the broader conversation. Or not—because, Jenny wonders, is it not just all the dogs on drugs?
The episode also includes highlights from the Michael Ellis / Melanie Uhde Aversive Control seminar, including a gummy-adjacent encounter with a local trainer/breeder that very nearly didn’t make the cut.
And for listeners less invested in the science and training discussion, skip ahead to Questions: resident nutrition savant Ashlyn shares some truly useful recommendations—especially for large breeds—you won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned for Behind the Scenes where the banter is real, and listeners will understand why Shadowfax will never be invited to a podcast recording again.
3.5 — Dogs Biting Kids + 9-5 Crazy F*cking Shit List = Big Feelings
Season 3 · Episode 5
Friday, November 21, 2025 • Duration 01:41:40
Season 3 Episode 5:Feral, F-bomb heavy, and full of chaos.
Hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh start off “normally” enough—updates on the Dog Detective Case Files, Fixers Collective, and some behind-the-scenes strategery involving a spreadsheet so convoluted Jenny had to learn something called Javascript just to make it work. But then… Jenny goes off the rails. Spreadsheet-induced madness? Or just every day insanity of running the largest dog rescue in the PNW? You decide.
Main topic: Dogs biting kids. Not great. Often complicated, but sometimes just screamingly obvious bad (human and/or canine) parenting.
Lately, every day (9-5 and then some) has been full of Crazy Shit so this episode throws the usual segments into a blender and hits puree. (Cue the F-Bombs.) From “Dangerous Dog" designations who "just need a CGC" to maniacal keyboard warriors and delulu adopters sending novels to an overflowing inbox, the drama is real and the feelings are big.
Grab your popcorn if you're here for the soapbox. Otherwise, skip to the Questions for super useful info on Nutriscan testing for food allergies.
3.4 — The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (Dog Rescue Edition)
Season 3 · Episode 4
Monday, November 3, 2025 • Duration 01:11:52
Apologies for the delay — after intaking 30 dogs in just four days, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh have had their hands (and homes) full. In Episode 3.4, they catch up on 3.3 Case Files (Luna, Rex, and Claudette) and take listeners behind the scenes of Not Your 9 to 5, where round-the-clock care at the Community Center is now part of the job.
The main discussion covers wins, losses, and downright WTF moments — including one tearful Zoom call (awkward, and probably fueled by sleep deprivation) and a very unfortunate-looking dog. On the Shit List this week: an adopter/surrenderer in serious contention for Shittiest Shit Listee, breaking contracts and basic decency. The silver lining? An OG foster swoops in to save the day. Finally, in Questions, they tackle Smegma — a word that they wish didn’t exist.
3.3 — Dog Detective Case Files: Luna, Rex and Clyde
Season 3 · Episode 3
Sunday, October 12, 2025 • Duration 01:04:43
Rescue dogs don’t come with a sign on their heads listing all their most important information It’s often the rescuer’s job to figure it out — piecing together clues from stakeholders, vet records, and in-person evaluations to paint a picture of each dog’s past, present, and future.
In Episode 3.3, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh dive into three remarkable cases: Luna, a returned cattle dog (adopted as a puppy) with “debilitating anxiety”; Rex, an owner-surrendered shepherd arriving beyond emaciated with no clear medical explanation; and Clyde (Claudette), an unexpected quasi-feral shelter intake.
They also recap a whirlwind stretch of over 30 new intakes — complete with the usual chaos (hello, kennel cough — see Not Your 9 to 5) — and skip the “Shit List” this week in favor of celebrating collaboration. Partnered rescues helped save 15 more lives, and that’s worth spotlighting.
This episode pulls back the curtain on detective work in rescue, highlights the power of partnership, and delivers the usual side of chaos, humor, and emotional endurance — all in a day’s work for a rescuer.
3.2 — Senior Adopters: Balancing Limits, Hard Truths, and Potential Payoffs
Season 3 · Episode 2
Monday, September 22, 2025 • Duration 01:22:50
In Episode 3.2, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh are back with another dose of chaos and candor. They kick things off in Not Your 9 to 5, celebrating their first spay/neuter clinic: 31 dogs fixed in a single day — a win for rescue, a loss for Ashlyn’s back.
The main topic tackles adopting to seniors, and why some rescues just won’t do it. It’s not about ageism; it’s about reality — fixed incomes, mobility struggles, and the hard truth that sometimes dogs outlive their humans. Complicated? Absolutely. But also: Some of the most special homes you’ll ever find. Jenny and Ashlyn unpack the fine line between discriminating and discrimination (and why being discerning is literally part of the job), sharing tips for navigating placements with older adopters.
On the Shit List, Jenny wades into the awkward waters of anxiety and placement regret after an adopter spiraled into panic attacks before the dog had even decompressed. (Pro-tip: it’d be nice to know ahead of time when someone’s one popped collar away from a full-blown crisis).
Finally, in Questions, they share a few red flags and low-key red flags reading between the lines on adoption apps. Some might surprise you!
POD MENTIONS:
Sparks K9 Seattle Animal Foundation Sardis Raptor Center Old Dog Haven 2.4: Fungus Among Us -- Healing Yeasty Dogs from the Inside Out [DGS Podcast] The Anxious Generation (Jonathan Haidt) [Amazon]
PARNTER MENTIONS:
Double Down Dog Training Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) A Dog’s Best Friend START Rescue Tail Lights Rescue Project Fixers Collective [Instagram] Saving Great Animals Forever Home Dog Rescue Seattle Veterinary OutreachCrossroads VetNirvana K9 Training
3.1 — Spay Aborts: The No-Brainer No-Kill Can't Handle
Season 3 · Episode 1
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 • Duration 01:07:29
Season Three, LFG! In episode 1, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh dive straight into a hot-button topic: spay aborts. Why so controversial? In today’s rescue climate, it should be a no-brainer. But with big names like No-Kill Austin Pets Alive pushing a twisted, delusional narrative (and dirty-deleting their infamous video when the internet clapped back), someone’s gotta say it: we’re not sipping that Kool-Aid!
Before we go full soapbox, though, in Not Your 9 to 5, we talk Strep Zoo (yep, add it to the ever-growing rescue worry list) and our 3 a.m. VEG adventure that, thankfully, had a happy ending.
And yes—the Crazy Folder is back. This one’s a doozy: Ashlyn unleashes her best “howler” to deliver Tammy’s unhinged message to volunteer Juliana. Spoiler: Tammy wanted a manager. Ashlyn was more than happy to oblige. Go home, Tammy—you’re drunk. (Or just a batty bitch.)
Season Two Finale! In episode 29, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh gear up for a week in Savannah at the IACP conference—with two husbands and five young kids in tow. Between the usual chaos and conference prep, they share rescue updates and dive into the saga of Enzo’s, ahem, “ball situation” (medically: scrotal hematoma). This inspires a slightly uncomfortable trip down rescue memory lane, featuring legends like Dicer the Doberman and Pepsi, the infamous Giving Tuesday tearjerker. This one is a short, sweet, and delightfully awkward episode that might have you wondering what it’s like to ice your dog’s bits. Par for the course of a day in the life!
2.28: Mega Esophagus - Special Needs, but Make it Vertical!
Season 2 · Episode 28
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 • Duration 01:46:20
In episode 2.28, Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh reflect on their conversation with Jon and the everyday chaos of running the largest dog rescue in the Pacific Northwest; it's been a wild week of returns, intakes and adoptions (and yes, all at once.)
In Not Your 9 to 5, the team mourns the unexpected loss of DGS alum Gina. In the main segment, a long-running medical mystery finally gets a name: Mega Esophagus. What is it? Why does it sound made up? And is the answer a certain little blue pill?
Plus, the Crazy Folder returns with, of course, a Doodle, and the Shit List hits close to home. Literally. In Questions, Ashlyn tackles your dog's chi.
It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and just a little unhinged—classic rescue life!
2.27: The Calm in the Chaos—Jon Nordin on Love, Rescue, and a Life of Service
Season 2 · Episode 27
Saturday, July 19, 2025 • Duration 02:12:22
Jon Nordin didn’t start the dog rescue—but he married the woman who did. A Ranger-qualified Army paratrooper with a background in logistics and calm under fire, Jon thought he was buying a companion German Shepherd named Rolex. Instead, he got a once-in-a-lifetime dog who nearly broke him... and saved his life.
In this episode, Jon opens up about what it’s been like to support Jenny's mission from the very beginning—through marriage, three kids, late-night emergencies, medical crises, countless shituations, and his least-favorite foster dog ever (looking at you, Brigid). He shares how his military training kicks in at unexpected times (like the Bothell 4th of July Parade) and spills the tea on what really happened with Gracie.
This is a story about service beyond the uniform—answering a different kind of call, and about how one very challenging dog (and one very determined woman) set into motion a life of purpose, sacrifice, and second chances—for both people and dogs.
