Dog Chats

Episode 29: How Your Dog Perceives the World- Canine Sensory Perception

Did you know that dogs can't see anything that is 12-18 inches in front of their face?  Or that the size of their skull affects their ability to hear different frequencies?  During this episode, Emma and Kirsten share the details of how your dogs are taking in information in their environments by using their visual, olfactory, auditory, taste, tactile and awareness sensory perception faculties.  By understanding how our dogs take in information, we get a clearer picture of how they think and feel.  Ready to see the world through your dog's brain?
 
Interested in learning more about dog behavior?  Check out Kirsten's Canine Behavior Education courses at
www.caninebehavior.com or send her an email at kwhappydogs@gmail.com

Episode 28: Disaster Preparedness- Get a Paw Up

In this episode, Emma and Kirsten dive into essential tips and strategies for preparing your pets for any emergency or disaster. Whether it’s a hurricane, fire, or earthquake, keeping your furry friends safe is a top priority. We’ll cover everything from emergency kits to evacuation plans, and how you can make sure your pets stay calm and secure during stressful times. Tune in for practical, positive steps to ensure your pets are disaster-ready!
Key Takeaways:
Create an Emergency Pet Kit: What to pack for your pets, including food, water, medications, leashes, and identification.
Pet-Friendly Evacuation Plans: How to safely evacuate your pets, whether you're at home, traveling, or at a shelter.
Identification Tips: The importance of collars, microchips, and updated IDs to reunite with your pets if separated.
Pet Safety During Disasters: How to keep your pets calm and comfortable in chaotic situations.
Training & Preparedness: How to teach your pets to handle stress and new environments during an emergency.
Resources Mentioned:
AKC pet evacuation plan
AKC recommended pet emergency kit items

Episode 27: Kim Brophey on Dramatic Change- The Good Life

In this episode, Emma and Kirsten sit down with Kim Brophey, an applied ethologist and a leading voice in the movement to transform the way we understand and interact with dogs. Kim shares her insights on the much-needed paradigm shift in the dog profession world—one that focuses on seeing dogs as sentient beings with their own needs, emotions, and agency. She delves into the concept of a "Good Life" for dogs, discussing how a deeper understanding of canine behavior, communication, and welfare can shape more humane, effective training and caregiving practices. Whether you’re a dog owner, trainer, or just passionate about animal welfare, this conversation offers a thought-provoking look at how we can better meet the needs of our canine companions and reimagine our relationships with them.
The Dogs Truth movie on youtube
https://www.familydogmediation.com/
https://www.instagram.com/familydogmediation/
Check out Kim Brophey's incredible courses here!

Episode 26: A Veterinary Perspective- Special Guest Dr. Kelle Kearney

As Dr. Kelle Kearney says in this episode, veterinarians wear many different hats.  Our veterinarians are such an important part of our dog's team, and they offer so many important insights into our dogs' mental and physical health.  During this episode, Emma, Kirsten and Dr. Kearney unpack topics like how to prep your pup for a vet visit and trends in canine behavior over the past few years.  Listen up for great points to consider in terms of supporting your dog's health and well-being.  
 
Find Dr. Kelle Kearney at https://www.sangeronimovalleyvet.com/

Episode 25: Environmental Changes You Can Make to Support Well-Being

Have you ever been in a new place- maybe a subway in another country or a county fair on a crowded holiday- and been overwhelmed with the sights, sounds and smells around you?  Sometimes our brain is so busy taking in sensory input, it can be hard to relax and process information.  This is also the case for our dogs.  In this episode, Emma and Kirsten discuss the impact of the environment on your dog's behavior and ways you can help to support them so they can learn and thrive.  

Episode 24: Compassion Without Borders’ Cofounder, Dr. Christi Camblor, Shares Heartening Stories of Her Animal Welfare Work on Both Sides of the Border.

Have you ever listened to someone speak about their mission and felt chills and motivation to make positive change happen?  Listening to Dr. Christi during this episode will have you visualizing the power that compassionate care can evoke and give you a better sense of how we can move towards a viable solution for the many dogs in need of medical care and a safe home.  Compassion Without Borders is supporting animals and their humans both in the US and Mexico, and Emma and Kirsten felt so fortunate to learn more about this incredible rescue organization and the work they are doing during this episode.  

Episode 23: Training Techniques Unveiled- Why Positive Reinforcement Leads the Way

Dog training is an unregulated industry where anyone can call themselves a "trainer" and make an eye-catching website in order to sell you their quick fix services- sometimes at great cost to the welfare of your dog.  In a world where we have so many options, it is vital to educate yourself on the types of methods available and to consider how you want to teach and support your dog in a humane way.  In this episode, Emma and Kirsten unpack different training methodologies and ask the question:  "How can we best support our dogs' learning and well-being?"  Buckle your seatbelts because this is a courageous ride into the dichotomy of the dog training world.  Fear not as Emma and Kirsten are yet again your confident and wise guides.

Episode 22: Leashes, Harnesses and Collars- Oh, My!

Have you been given different advice about which equipment to use on your dog?  Is your dog comfortable in their gear when they are heading out for a walk?  Emma and Kirsten explore answers to these questions and offer some guidance about the equipment that is available and why they choose to use it with their own dogs.  In a market with so many choices, it is helpful to hear first-hand from professionals about best options that are available.

Episode 21: Scout's Inspirational Journey: A Blind Dog Teaches Us Some Valuable Life Lessons

Have you ever considered adopting a dog with special needs? This episode takes you on one couple's heartwarming adventure of bringing a blind dog into their life.  Scout has a degenerative condition that is causing blindness, and though he faces some challenges, his pet parents have found ways to support him and he is thriving!  
 
Check out reels and photos of Scout in action here
https://www.instagram.com/rogersnaps/

Episode 20: Adolescent Dogs- Brain Development, Hormones and How To Support Your Teenage Dog

Remember when you were 14- years- old and you were a totally balanced, perfect teenager?  Of course you don't...because how could you feel calm and confident when your world was changing and your body was taken over by alien hormones.  It is the same for our adolescent dogs and in this episode, Emma and Kirsten share the science behind this challenging development stage while offering tips on how to support your struggling teen.  Discovering that you no longer are the center of your pup's universe?  That's normal and healthy.  Find out how to nurture them through this stage while keeping your relationship intact.