The Co-Regulated K-9s Podcast

Grief isn’t just about losing someone you love. It can come from the end of a relationship, a major life transition, or losing parts of yourself you thought would always be there. In this episode, I sit down with licensed therapist Kelsey Carroll to have an honest, nuanced conversation about grief—what it really looks like, why it can feel so isolating, and how to move through it without rushing the process. We talk about the pressure to “move on,” the ways grief shows up unexpectedly, and how to better support ourselves and others through loss. If you’ve ever felt like your world shifted with grief and no one quite understood how to meet you in it—this conversation is for you. In this episode, we cover: Why grief isn’t just about death Losing identity, relationships, and versions of yourself The pressure to “move on” and why it can be harmful Why grief feels so isolating What it actually means to process grief How to support someone who is grieving Letting go without losing yourself About Kelsey: Kelsey Carroll is a licensed therapist who works with individuals navigating grief, life transitions, relational challenges, anxiety, and more. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in honest conversations that lead to meaningful, practical change. boldpsych.com   Ashley's Resources: Get Ashley's Free Guide: How to Stay Calm When Your Dog is Losing It Apply to Work with Ashley 1:1: https://calendly.com/ashleycipolletti/discovery-call Learn More About Co-Regulated K-9s: https://www.coregulatedk9s.com Follow Ashley on Insta! @co_regulatedk9s     Keywords:   grief podcast Pet loss how to process grief grief and loss grief after breakup identity loss emotional healing therapist advice grief coping with grief life transitions mental health feeling lost in life  

**Trigger warning of grief, death, and euthanasia** In today's episode I share my experience with grieving the loss of my dog Sadie. This authentic and vulnerable episode walks you through my decision-making process of when I knew it was time to make the end of life call for her, and how it actually felt....no filters, no script. I've realized through sharing my own experience grieving her, that so many of us out there are going through a similar challenge too, and how little authentic resources there are out there. My hope is that by sharing my experience, it helps you understand what to expect and eases some anxiety if you find yourself in a similar position. I also recognize that no one else's experience will look or feel exactly like mine and that is okay and to be expected. As you walk through grief with your own dog, you'll find your own path that works for you. Much love, xoxo Ashley

Have you ever wondered if your dog's anxiety and your anxiety are actually feeding each other? In this episode, Ashley sits down with Bianca Barlow - certified dog trainer, life coach, and yoga practitioner - to explore the nervous system connection between dogs and the humans who love them.  Bianca brings a uniquely holistic perspective to dog behavior; one that looks at the whole picture, including the human on the other end of the leash. In this episode, Ashley and Bianca explore how the nervous system connection between dogs and their owners is more powerful than most people realize, and why addressing dog anxiety without addressing owner anxiety is often only half the answer. In this episode, you'll hear about: - Whether your dog's anxiety is causing YOUR anxiety (or vice versa) - How modern life makes it structurally difficult to meet the needs of our dogs and ourselves - Why high drive breeds are especially set up to struggle in today's world, and what their needs actually look like - The unique challenges facing shelter dogs dropped into trigger-dense environments with no decompression period -Lessons learned from observing dogs around the world Whether you have a reactive dog, an anxious dog, a high-drive dog, or you're just exhausted from trying to do right by your dog while also holding your own life together - this episode is for you. About Bianca Barlow: Bianca Barlow is a certified dog trainer, life coach, and yoga practitioner whose work sits at the intersection of canine behavior and human wellness. She brings a nervous-system-informed, whole-household approach to working with dogs and their people. Connect with Bianca: dogfulnesscoaching.com @dogfulness_ Connect with Ashley: coregulatedk9s.com @co_regulatedk9s   Key words: dog anxiety, anxious dog, reactive dog, dog reactivity, co-regulation, canine nervous system, high drive dog breeds, shelter dog, rescue dog anxiety, trigger stacking, dog trainer podcast, dog behavior podcast, nervous system dog training, modern life dogs, dog stress, dog owner anxiety, canine enrichment, dog wellness, force-free dog training, positive reinforcement.

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Stoddard, a certified breathwork practitioner, new mom, dog mom, and somatic EMDR-informed practitioner, to talk all things nervous system regulation and co-regulation. We explore the striking parallels between parenting dogs and children, and how understanding your own nervous system is the first step toward helping your loved ones feel safe, calm, and supported. Sarah shares practical tips for dog parents and caregivers on how to resource yourself in stressful moments so you can be fully present for your dog or child. We dive into strategies for helping your dog or baby navigate big emotions, teaching self-soothing skills, and strengthening connection through mindful co-regulation. Whether you’re a dog parent, trainer, or someone interested in nervous system health, this conversation is full of actionable insights and real-life examples to help you stay grounded, build trust, and foster emotional resilience in both dogs and humans.   Key Topics Covered: The science of nervous system regulation and co-regulation Parallels between dog parenting and parenting children How to resource yourself before supporting others Tips for helping dogs and babies through difficult moments Breathwork and somatic tools for emotional regulation Resources & Links Mentioned: Connect with Sarah Stoddard at The Nurture Latte: http://www.nurturelatte.com; Instagram: @thenurturelatte Connect with Ashley Cipolletti at Co-regulated K-9s: http://www.coregulatedk9s.com; Instagram: @co_regulatedk9s If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! 

In today's episode, you'll get a seat at the table for a reactivity masterclass with yours truly. We'll go over: what factors contribute to leash reactivity, why your dog's reactions aren't random, the systems I teach my clients, and the mindset shifts that will keep you sane when living with a leash-reactive dog. I'm sharing how I view every dog I work with as a mini science experiment, testing and tracking what works best in different scenarios to support them, what to do when you're trigger stacked and sh*t out of luck, and why supporting your dog's nervous system isn't about doing more...it's about doing things differently. Whether you're a trainer or a reactive dog parent, this episode will inspire you to get curious and build a relationship with your dog that fits the life you truly want. Here's what you'll hear inside this episode: - What even is leash reactivity - What are triggers - What factors contribute to leash reactivity - Why focusing more on arousal modulation than obedience is key - How triggers can vary in intensity - Navigating trigger stacking - Strategies to help you reframe your dog's behavior for what it really is - My favorite tips to improve your walks with your reactive pup   If this episode lands with you, send me a DM on IG @co_regulatedk9s   Work with Ashley 1:1 How to Stay Calm When Your Dog is Losing It Free Guide My Website

When your dog struggles with problem behaviors, it can feel overwhelming. But what if the solution didn’t always require more training—and instead started with something simpler? In this episode, I’m joined by Juliana DeWillems, Certified Dog Trainer, Behavior Consultant, and founder of JW Dog Training. Juliana is also the author of Manage It! Hacks for Improving Your Dog’s Behavior, a faculty member at the Karen Pryor Academy, and her expertise has been featured in National Geographic and Forbes. Together, we dive into: ✨ What “management” really means (and why it’s not just a temporary fix) ✨ How management reduces stress for both you and your dog ✨ Real-life examples of management strategies that actually work ✨ Why management and training are partners—not competitors—in behavior change ✨ Practical hacks you can start using today Whether you’re dealing with reactivity, counter-surfing, barking, or just day-to-day chaos, this conversation will give you tools to make life easier right away while setting your dog up for long-term success. 🔗 Connect with Juliana: JW Dog Training   DogTraining+ App Manage It! Hacks for Improving Your Dog’s Behavior 🔗 Connect with Ashley: www.coregulatedk9s.com @co_regulatedk9s

Living with a dog who struggles with behavior problems can be overwhelming, emotional, and at times isolating. In this episode, I’m joined by Kelly McCoullough, LCSW to explore the powerful connection between owner anxiety and dog behavior challenges, and the surprising ways human and dog psychology mirror each other. We cover: Why anxiety isn’t always bad — and how it can serve as useful information for both humans and dogs. When anxiety becomes harmful, creating a cycle that fuels behavior struggles. The realities of living with a dog with behavior problems — including guilt, frustration, and the path to resilience. What contributes to owner anxiety and how common triggers overlap with what dogs experience. Parallels between human and canine psychology — stress responses, emotional regulation, and the need for safety. Practical strategies for managing your own anxiety so you can better support your dog. Why addressing both ends of the leash is essential for meaningful, lasting change. If you’ve ever wondered how your own emotional state might affect your dog — or how their struggles affect you — this conversation will give you insights, compassion, and actionable tools for finding more balance together. Resources Mentioned: Get in Touch with Kelly at La Jolla Therapy Center - https://www.lajollatherapycenter.com/ Follow Kelly on Insta! @anxietytherapistkelly   Get Ashley's Free Guide: How to Stay Calm When Your Dog is Losing It Apply to Work with Ashley 1:1: https://calendly.com/ashleycipolletti/discovery-call Learn More About Co-Regulated K-9s: https://www.coregulatedk9s.com Follow Ashley on Insta! @co_regulatedk9s

In this episode, I sit down with Mattison Skoog Simpson, founder of Freed by Training, to hear her remarkable story of resilience, redemption, and the healing power of dogs. Mattison Skoog-Simpson is a multi-certified dog trainer and behavior consultant—and a firm believer in second chances. After learning to train dogs in a prison program, she now helps people build deep, lasting relationships with their complex or sensitive dogs through her business, Freed by Training. Her story is one of transformation, purpose, and the powerful connection between dogs and the people who love them. This conversation is raw, inspiring, and deeply human. It’s about second chances, the resilience of the human (and canine) spirit, and how training can be a pathway to freedom — both inside and out. Resources Mentioned Learn More from Mattison:  www.freedbytraining.com  Free muzzle course www.freedbytraining.com/muzzle Follow Mattison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedbytraining/   Learn More from Ashley: www.coregulatedk9s.com Book a Free Phone Consult: https://calendly.com/ashleycipolletti/discovery-call How to Stay Calm When Your Dog is Losing It Free Guide: How to Stay Calm Follow Ashley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/co_regulatedk9s/

What if boundaries aren’t about shutting others out, but about creating safety, clarity, and trust? In this solo episode, Ashley dives deep into the role of boundaries across three key relationships: With ourselves – learning to honor our needs, energy, and values With other people – communicating limits with kindness and respect With our dogs – setting clear expectations that reduce stress and build trust Whether it’s managing your own emotional capacity, setting ground rules in your personal life, or teaching your dog where the “line” is in a way that feels fair and kind—boundaries are the foundation of healthy, connected relationships. Ashley shares why boundaries aren’t about control or punishment, but about creating predictability, safety, and freedom for everyone involved. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling “mean” for setting limits, or wondered how boundaries can actually strengthen the bond with your dog, this episode is for you. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why boundaries are an act of self-compassion, not selfishness How clear boundaries reduce conflict in human relationships The surprising ways dogs thrive when given healthy structure Practical examples of boundary-setting in everyday life Ready for more support?Grab my free guide on "How to Stay Calm When Your Dog is Losing It" to start building clarity and confidence in your training: Linked Here Want personalized guidance for you and your dog? Book a free phone consult with me today Linked Here

Tired of dirty paw prints on your clothes the second you walk in the door? In today’s quick training tip, I’m breaking down how to teach your dog a calmer way to greet you and your guests. You’ll learn why dogs jump in the first place and my simple, step-by-step strategy to replace that jumping with a behavior you actually want. Whether you have a bouncy puppy or an adult dog with a long history of springing up, this tip will help you set clear boundaries and keep greetings stress-free for everyone. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why dogs jump and what it communicates How to stop reinforcing jumping without realizing it The exact behaviors to teach instead My favorite management tricks to prevent jumping in the first place How to get your friends and family to not dread coming over Links & Resources: My Free Guide: How to Stay Calm When Your Dog is Losing It Follow me on Instagram for more daily training tips Apply to Work with me 1:1 if you need customized training support