Sodapup Enrichment Lab Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Hello, and welcome to the first episode of the Sodapup Enrichment Lab podcast where host, Chris Chandler speaks with Adam Baker, founder of Sodapup, about the focus of the Enrichment Lab Podcast and what listeners have to look forward to in future episodes. Come along for the ride and meet every day dog lovers from around the globe to learn their tips and tricks for food-based enrichment with their dogs.

Unleashing Holiday Cheer for Pets

In this episode of the Soda Pup Enrichment Lab podcast, host Chris Chandler and guest Adam Baker discuss exciting new holiday products for pets, including treat dispensers, slow feeder bowls, and innovative Jelly Shots, gelatin treats for dogs. They explore the benefits of food enrichment for dogs, emphasizing the importance of mental stimulation and healthy eating habits. The conversation highlights various seasonal products designed to enhance the feeding experience for pets, encouraging creativity and fun during the holidays.

Takeaways

An enriched pet is a happy pet.

The new red Honey Pot is a popular item.

Slow feeder bowls help dogs eat at a healthier pace.

Dogs prefer to use their brains to get food.

The Gnome treat dispenser is versatile and cute.

Jelly Shots, a gelatin snack, are a fun treat for dogs.

Different dogs have different food drives and frustration tolerance which should inform your choice of enrichment activities for them.

Seasonal products can be used year-round.

Using various bowls keeps feeding interesting for dogs.

Soda Pup offers a wide range of holiday-themed products.

Sound Bites

"We have a red honey pot!"

"The gnome is super cute!"

"We have jelly shots for dogs!"

"Fill up those stockings!”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Soda Pup Enrichment Lab

02:03 Holiday Product Preview

05:56 The Benefits of Slow Feeder Bowls

09:59 Innovative Treat Dispensers

14:00 Jelly Shots and Lick Mats

17:51 Exploring Seasonal Products

21:59 Conclusion and Holiday Wishes

Links to products

Honey Pot eCup

https://sodapup.com/products/large-honey-pot-durable-pup-x-rubber-treat-dispenser-enrichment-toy?_pos=1&_sid=7af1c8d71&_ss=r

Santa Slow Feeder eBowl

https://sodapup.com/products/santa-design-ebowl-enrichment-slow-feeder-bowl-for-dogs?_pos=1&_sid=c08f536d0&_ss=r

Pine Tree Slow Feeder eBowl

https://sodapup.com/products/tree-design-ebowl-enrichment-slow-feeder-bowl-for-dogs?_pos=3&_sid=0a81af987&_ss=r

Gnome Treat/Food eDispenser and Chew Toy, rubber

https://sodapup.com/products/gnome?_pos=1&_sid=63cad84a7&_ss=r

Snowman Treat eDispenser and Chew Toy, rubber

https://sodapup.com/products/mkb-snowman-durable-rubber-chew-toy-treat-dispenser-large-red?_pos=1&_sid=de7bb84d5&_ss=r

Christmas Tree Treat eDispenser and Chew Toy, rubber

https://sodapup.com/products/mkb-christmas-tree-durable-rubber-chew-toy-treat-dispenser-large-green?_pos=1&_sid=3fd8e8860&_ss=r

Gift Box Treat eDispenser and Chew Toy, rubber

https://sodapup.com/products/sp-gift-box-durable-rubber-chew-toy-treat-dispenser-red?_pos=1&_sid=0bb794e6d&_ss=r

Candy Cane Chew Toy, nylon

https://sodapup.com/products/sp-candy-cane-chew-toy-red?_pos=1&_sid=4581cf55c&_ss=r

Christmas Tree Chew Toy, nylon

https://sodapup.com/products/mkb-christmas-tree-ultra-durable-nylon-dog-chew-toy-for-aggressive-chewers-green?_pos=4&_sid=3fd8e8860&_ss=r

Snowflake eChew, nylon

https://sodapup.com/products/sp-snowflake-ultra-durable-nylon-dog-chew-toy-for-aggressive-chewers-white?_pos=3&_sid=8b31422ca&_ss=r

Snowman Chew Toy, nylon

https://sodapup.com/products/mkb-snowman-ultra-durable-nylon-dog-chew-toy-for-aggressive-chewers-white?_pos=2&_sid=8b31422ca&_ss=r

Keywords

Soda Pup, pet enrichment, holiday products, dog toys, slow feeder bowls, treat dispensers, jelly shots, lick mats, pet care, dog health

Keywords

dog enrichment, pet photography, Labrador care, dog nutrition, creative dog meals, enrichment ideas, dog care tips, pet lifestyle, dog training, dog owner advice, Sodapup, lick mats

Summary

In this episode of the Enrichment Lab, host Chris Chandler welcomes Sanne Romijn, a dog enrichment content creator, dog photographer, blogger, and R+ (positive reinforcement) trainer from the Netherlands. They discuss Sanne's journey into dog enrichment, the importance of offering variety in dog meals, and how to creatively engage dogs through food. Sanne also talks about how providing these activities for her dogs enhances her own creativity. The conversation emphasizes that enrichment doesn't have to be complicated and encourages dog owners to find joy in the process of caring for their pets.

Find Sanne Romijn–Dog Mom, Dog Photographer, Blogger, R+ Dog Trainer and Behaviorist

linktr.ee/dogblognl

Website: dog-blog.nl

IG: @dogblognl

All the images in the YouTube episode of the podcast are courtesy of Sanne.

Takeaways

Enrichment can be simple and doesn't have to be elaborate.

Dogs enjoy the process of enrichment regardless of presentation.

Variety in food is key to keeping dogs engaged.

Using seasonal ingredients can enhance dog meals.

Photography can be a fun way to document dog enrichment activities.

Patience and creativity are essential in dog photography.

Dogs have individual preferences for food and treats.

Engaging dogs in natural behaviors is enriching for them.

Enrichment can be a shared joy between dogs and their owners.

It's important to ensure dogs receive balanced nutrition.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Enrichment and Guest Background

09:52 Creating Engaging Meals for Dogs

16:01 Understanding Dog Nutrition and Preferences

26:01 Final Thoughts on Enrichment and Personal Reflections

Additional information:

More information about PMOC as mentioned in the episode: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/proopiomelanocortin-pomc-gene-mutation

Always check with your vet about foods that are safe/unsafe for dogs.

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets

Season 1 Episode 2 of the Sodapup Enrichment Lab Podcast welcomes Meghan Wolfgram, the Founder and CEO of Swift Paws.

Summary

In this episode of the Soda Pup Enrichment Lab podcast, host Chris Chandler speaks with Meghan Wolfgram, founder and CEO of SwiftPaws, about the importance of pet enrichment. They discuss various methods of enrichment, including food-based techniques and the concept of layering activities to enhance a pet's daily experience. Megan shares her journey into the world of pet enrichment, her experiences with her own dogs, and the significance of understanding the predatory cycle in engaging pets effectively. The conversation emphasizes the need for mental and physical stimulation in pets' lives and offers practical tips for pet owners. In this conversation, Chris and Meghan delve into the importance of enrichment for pets, discussing various tools and methods to enhance a dog's life. Meghan shares her journey in creating SwiftPaws and the development of lure coursing as a sport accessible to all breeds. The discussion emphasizes the joy of discovering new activities with pets and the significance of understanding individual dog needs, especially for anxious dogs. The conversation wraps up with personal reflections on dog breeds and the happiness that comes from enriching a pet's life.

Takeaways

Enrichment is essential for a pet's mental and physical well-being.

Food-based enrichment can take many forms and should be tailored to individual pets.

Layering activities can help pets engage in a more fulfilling way.

Anticipation and novelty can enhance a pet's experience.

Understanding the predatory cycle can inform enrichment strategies.

Routine feeding can be enhanced with training and enrichment activities.

Chewing is a natural behavior that can help dogs relax.

Different pets have different preferences for enrichment activities.

Engaging pets in play can lead to a more satisfying life.

Pet owners should explore various enrichment tools and techniques. Enrichment is essential for a pet's happiness.

DIY activities can be just as effective as products.

Understanding your dog's preferences is key.

Lure coursing can be adapted for all breeds.

Start small when introducing new activities.

Different dogs require different approaches to enrichment.

Food-based enrichment can be simple and homemade.

Engaging dogs in play can convert prey drive to play drive.

Observation of your pet's behavior is crucial.

Creating joyful experiences strengthens the bond with your pet.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Soda Pup Enrichment Lab Podcast

01:01 Introducing Megan Wolfgram and SwiftPaws

04:42 Understanding Pet Enrichment

06:51 Meghan's Journey into Enrichment

08:50 Food-Based Enrichment Techniques

15:21 The Concept of Layering in Enrichment

19:19 Engaging Pets in the Predatory Cycle

22:23 Understanding Enrichment Tools for Pets

28:13 The Journey of SwiftPaws and Lure Coursing

35:03 Creating Joyful Experiences for Dogs

38:10 Personal Reflections on Dog Breeds

Study--pets and animals prefer earned rewards:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24096703/

Predatory cycle:

Here’s a good one that discusses predatory behavior and feeding cats:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7415653/

And here's a very recent one about predatory sequence in dogs that also references a bunch of earlier research: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159124002508

Sodapup products in SwiftPaws store including products mentioned on podcast: https://swiftpaws.com/collections/chew

Contact Meghan Wolfgram, SwiftPaws

Facebook (Business Page): @SwiftPaws

Facebook (Meghan's Entrepreneur Page): @MeghanWolfgramCEO

LinkedIn: SwiftPaws

Instagram: @swiftpaws_offcial

Pinterest: @swiftpaws_official

TikTok: @swiftpaws

Twitter: @_swiftpaws

Youtube: @swiftpaws

Keywords

pet enrichment, SwiftPaws, dog training, food-based enrichment, mental stimulation, layering activities, predatory cycle, dog sports, pet wellness, enrichment products, pet enrichment, dog training, SwiftPaws, lure coursing, DIY pet activities, dog treats, pet care, dog behavior, pet products, canine enrichment, Sodapup

This podcast episode features Liyisa Li, the creator behind the IG account Lil.Appa which features extraordinarily beautiful imagery of Appa's enrichment meals.

Keywords

dog enrichment, pet care, dog training, healthy treats, pet community, Instagram dog, dog photography, pet nutrition, dog behavior, enrichment tools

Summary

In this conversation, Liyisa shares her journey of enriching her dog Appa's life through creative and engaging food preparation. She discusses the importance of local sourcing for treats, the role of enrichment in training, and how it has fostered a sense of community among dog owners. Liyisa emphasizes the joy of watching Appa use his brain to solve food puzzles and the satisfaction she derives from creating visually appealing meals for him. The conversation highlights the balance between fun and functionality in pet care, showcasing how enrichment can enhance the bond between dogs and their owners.

Find Liyisa and Appa at linktr.ee/lil.appa.

All the images in the YouTube episode of the podcast are courtesy of Liyisa Li.

Takeaways

Enrichment is crucial for keeping dogs mentally stimulated.

Local sourcing of treats enhances the quality of pet care.

Using kitchen scraps can be a sustainable way to enrich a dog's diet–although please consult your vet or other resources since not all human foods are safe for dogs.

Enrichment tools can aid in training and reduce anxiety in dogs.

Community sharing on platforms like Instagram fosters connections among pet owners.

Bulk preparation of meals can save time during busy weeks.

Observing a dog's problem-solving skills can be rewarding for owners.

Understanding a dog's preferences can help tailor enrichment activities.

Enrichment can prevent destructive behaviors in dogs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Liyisa and Appa

01:58 The Journey into Enrichment

04:52 Unique Treats and Local Sourcing

09:57 Preparation and Creative Presentation

14:54 The Role of Enrichment in Training

20:00 Community and Sharing Experiences

24:46 Final Thoughts on Enrichment

Keep your dogs safe!

Always check with your vet about foods that are safe/unsafe for dogs.

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets

Source:

https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-9vbbr-18d3758

Keywords

dog training, enrichment, canine behavior, positive reinforcement, dog trainer, balanced training, dog needs, canine enrichment, dog owner education, dog training classes, dog training, dog nutrition, enrichment, playtime, daily routine, creativity, dog behavior, positive reinforcement, dog health, pet care

Summary

In this episode of the Soda Pup Enrichment Lab podcast, host Chris Chandler speaks with dog trainer Kara Godebu about her journey in dog training, the idea that training dogs is about training people, and the concept of enrichment for dogs. They discuss the four quadrants of dog training, the significance of understanding a dog's biological needs, and practical ways to implement enrichment in daily life. Kara emphasizes the need for creativity in training and the importance of meeting individual dog needs to foster a fulfilling relationship between dogs and their owners. In this engaging conversation, Kara Godebu shares her insights on enriching the lives of dogs through play, training, and nutrition. She emphasizes the importance of creativity in daily routines, the role of food in building relationships, and the need for variety to keep dogs mentally stimulated. The discussion also touches on the balance between holistic and traditional approaches to dog care and nutrition, highlighting the significance of understanding individual dog needs and preferences.

Kara Godebu is a dog trainer in Longmont, CO. Her training business is DK Canine Training.

Website: www.dkcaninetrainingcom

Instagram: @dkcaninetraining and @godebudogs

Mentioned in the podcast:

The Forever Dog by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker & Rodney Habib

The Forever Dog Life by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker & Rodney Habib

Takeaways

Kara has been involved with dogs for 17 years.

Training people is as important as training dogs.

Classes provide accountability for dog owners.

The four quadrants of dog training include positive and negative reinforcement and positive and negative punishment.

Enrichment should fulfill dogs emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Dogs need to engage in natural behaviors to be fulfilled.

Understanding a dog's individual needs is crucial for training.

Creativity in training helps address unique dog behaviors.

Daily enrichment can include physical exercise and mental challenges.

A dog's job is to work with their owner in daily life. Engaging playtime can be a fun and enriching experience for dogs.

Daily training can be integrated into regular activities for mental stimulation.

Food is a powerful tool for building relationships with dogs.

Hand feeding meals during training can enhance the bond between owner and dog.

Variety in training and routines keeps dogs mentally engaged.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in a dog's overall health and well-being.

A balanced approach to dog nutrition can prevent health issues.

Dogs thrive on creativity and variety in their daily lives.

Understanding a dog's individual needs is key to effective training.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dog Training and Enrichment

02:08 The Role of People in Dog Training

07:23 Understanding the Four Quadrants of Dog Training

12:01 Defining Enrichment for Dogs

19:32 Biological Fulfillment and Natural Behaviors

25:59 Implementing Enrichment in Daily Life

30:40 Creating Engaging Playtime for Dogs

31:53 Enriching Daily Training Techniques

37:11 Food Enrichment and Nutrition for Dogs

44:21 Finding Balance in Dog Nutrition

50:43 The Importance of Variety in Dog Care

This podcast is not meant to make veterinary recommendations. Please consult with your vet regarding your pets nutrition and health needs.

Join us for a conversation with Katie Iles, the creator behind @indifrenchielife on instagram

Sodapup Enrichment Lab podcast with guest Taylor Finton, author of Happiest Dog on the Block.

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 6 of the Sodapup Enrichment Lab podcast. Our guest this week is Shannon Arnie from Tasmania. She is the creator behind the instagram account @echo.and.inyx. Shannon is a wealth of knowledge about food based enrichment. Come listen to her enrichment journey with her Tasmanian Smithfield hearding dog, Echo.

Keywords

pet enrichment, raw feeding, dog nutrition, cat nutrition, Tasmania, botanicals for pets, fresh feeding, animal health, pet care, sustainable feeding, pet enrichment, flower-based nutrition, creative pet food, family involvement, feeding schedules, pet treats, community support, animal nutrition, holistic pet care, pet wellness

Summary

In this conversation, Chris Chandler speaks with Shannon Arney, a pet enrichment enthusiast from Tasmania, about her unique approach to feeding and caring for her pets. They discuss the importance of food-based enrichment for dogs and cats, the variety of foods Shannon provides, and her insights into pet nutrition. Shannon shares her journey of learning about raw and fresh feeding and the role of botanicals in enhancing her pets' diets. The conversation highlights sustainable feeding practices and the joy of providing a diverse and nutritious diet for pets. In this conversation, Shannon shares her journey of creating enriching meals for her pets, including the use of botanicals she grows and produces. She discusses the therapeutic benefits of food preparation for her anxiety, the involvement of her children in pet care, and the importance of community support in pet nutrition. The conversation also covers feeding schedules, treat options, and the various forms of enrichment beyond food, emphasizing that pet care can be both creative and fulfilling.

Takeaways

Shannon lives in Tasmania with her family and pets.

Food-based enrichment enhances pet well-being.

Scatter feeding mimics natural foraging behavior in animals.

Shannon feeds her pets a variety of unique foods.

Wallaby and possum are common in Shannon's pet diet.

Dogs thrive on a diet rich in meat and organs.

Shannon emphasizes the importance of learning about pet nutrition.

“Fresh feeding” can be a way for pet guardians to feed unprocessed foods to their pets without using raw food.

Botanicals can enhance the sensory experience for pets.

Shannon's business offers organic botanicals for pets. Using flowers for pet enrichment can be beautiful and nutritious.

Creative food preparation can serve as a therapeutic outlet.

Involving family in pet care enhances the experience for everyone.

Feeding schedules can be flexible and tailored to each pet's needs.

Treats can be homemade and nutritious, like fish fudge.

Pets enjoy a variety of flavors and textures in their meals.

Enrichment doesn't have to be visually appealing to be effective.

Community support is vital for sharing ideas and inspiration.

Simple ingredients can create enriching experiences for pets.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Shannon and Her Pets

02:17 The Importance of Food-Based Enrichment

05:04 Unique Feeding Practices in Tasmania

09:41 Nutritional Insights for Dogs and Cats

12:40 Learning About Pet Nutrition

16:52 The Role of Botanicals in Pet Diets

23:42 The Art of Flower-Based Pet Enrichment

27:00 Creative Food Enrichment for Pets

32:02 Involving Family in Pet Nutrition

35:00 Feeding Schedules and Treats

37:55 Enrichment Beyond Food

39:46 Community and Inspiration in Pet Enrichment

Where to find Shannon

Instagram @echo.and.iynx

Dogs In The Meadow https://dogsinthemeadow.com.au/

All the images in the YouTube episode of the podcast are courtesy of Shannon.

Resources

https://rawfedandnerdy.com/

https://perfectlyrawsome.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/rawandfresh/?ref=share&mibextid=adzO7l - this is an Australian based Facebook group which has some good information

https://dogsfirst.ie/ - Dr Conor Brady's page

Sardine fudge (as mentioned in podcast by Shannon):

Small tin of sardines in springwater

Egg

A few tablespoons of a flour of choice (I tend to use oat), this is optional and makes it more of a pancake type of texture over omelette if it's left out.

Mix together, and cook - either in the microwave for a few minutes until done, or in the oven.

Always check with your vet about foods that are safe/unsafe for your pets.