Get A Calm Dog

If your dog has separation anxiety, you've probably been told over and over: “don't say goodbye, don't say hello — it just reinforces their fear.” But is that actually true?Plus, J explains how to shift your separation anxiety dog’s association with goodbye cues so they signal safety and predictability rather than panic, and why the energy YOU bring to departures and returns matters more than whether or not you say goodbye at all.In this episode, you’ll learn:0:00 Should You Say Hello/Goodbye to a Dog with Separation Anxiety?1:43 How to Change Your Dog's Association with Departure Cues2:19 What Energy Level YOU Should Have When you Leave Your Dog Home Alone5:10 How to Handle the Return Home: Building a Routine That Works6:23 Why You Can't Reinforce Fear9:06 Short-Term Fixes vs. Long-Term Separation Anxiety Training📝 Get Your Free Separation Anxiety FAQ Guidecovering the most common questions about separation-related stress – from puppy distress and crate struggles to full-scale separation anxiety.MORE DOG TRAINING (for free!)📝 List of 50 Enrichment Ideas to do with your dog. Easy, realistic ways to meet your dog’s mental and emotional needs — without buying a bunch of gear, adding hours to your day, or wondering if you’re “doing enough.”🚀 Access ALL the GACD free content HERE📰 Subscribe to the Dog Nerd Newsletter (J’s weekly blog-style dog training email newsletter)🐕‍🦺 Want to work with J and Team GACD to help you train your dog? Go HEREEmail: [email protected]: @‌itsjromanoFB: GACDMake sure to follow our podcast!Disclaimers: Jenna Romano is not a veterinarian. Always consult a veterinarian. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. This episode is for entertainment purposes only. Jenna Romano will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this episode including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death to you or your dog. This episode is not instructional.Want to work with J and Team GACD? Go to https://www.getacalmdog.com/ to learn more.Check out video tutorials on GACD YouTubeSubscribe to the Dog Nerd Newsletter (J’s weekly blog-style email newsletter)Follow J on IG Follow GACD on FB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the dog play bow mean? Is it always a sign that everything is fun and friendly? Or can it sometimes mean a dog is stressed?This episode breaks down the dog play bow and its role in dog body language. Learn how to spot play bows vs play bows with jumps (“forefoot stabs”), and the healthy pauses that dogs give when they’re play bowing to check-in with another dog or their owner.You’ll learn:What the dog play bow actually communicates — and when it can be a stress signalHow dogs use play bows as invitations and mimicry to agree to playPlay bows that jump and pounce (aka “Forefoot stabs”): another key piece of dog body languageHow to apply these principles to dog-human play for better engagementThe science of pauses in dog play behavior (the 3-to-30-second rule)How to tell the difference between healthy tension and danger in dog behaviorWhen to step in and interrupt unhealthy dog play, and how to do it without escalating the dangerWhether healthy play check-ins are innate or can be trainedTimestamps:0:00 What Does the Dog Play Bow Mean?1:03 Play Bow as Invitation to Play1:47 Play Bows with Jumps: Forefoot Stabs2:43 Play Bows as “Pauses” in Healthy Dog Communication3:50 When to Intervene & Call Dogs Off6:26 Play Bows in Dog-Owner Play🎥 Watch the Complete YouTube video (with dog video case studies!) HERE (coming soon! publishes on YouTube on 10/6/26)🐕‍🦺 Want to work with J and Team GACD to help you train your dog? Go HEREMORE DOG TRAINING (for free!)📖 FREE eBook! Real Reason Your Dog Humps (and How to Stop It) The Embarrassed Dog Owner’s Science-Backed Guide to Understand Dog Humping, Decode Body Language, & Train the Hump Away Without Punishment📝 List of 50 Enrichment Ideas to do with your dog. Easy, realistic ways to meet your dog’s mental and emotional needs — without buying a bunch of gear, adding hours to your day, or wondering if you’re “doing enough.”🚀 Access ALL the GACD free content HERE📰 Subscribe to the Dog Nerd Newsletter (J’s weekly blog-style dog training email newsletter)Email: [email protected]: @‌itsjromanoFB: GACDMake sure to follow our podcast!Disclaimers: Jenna Romano is not a veterinarian. Always consult a veterinarian. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. This episode is for entertainment purposes only. Jenna Romano will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this episode including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death to you or your dog. This video is not instructional.Want to work with J and Team GACD? Go to https://www.getacalmdog.com/ to learn more.Check out video tutorials on GACD YouTubeSubscribe to the Dog Nerd Newsletter (J’s weekly blog-style email newsletter)Follow J on IG Follow GACD on FB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

📥 Get your FREE eBook to The Reasons Your Dog Humps & How to Stop ItIf your dog humps your leg, other dogs, guests, or even furniture out of nowhere, you probably get pretty embarrassed and want to stop your dog from humping.First, let’s debunk: dog humping is NOT about asserting "dominance" or being the "alpha." So then what is your dog communicating when they hump?In this episode, I go over the 4 reasons your dog is actually humping according to science.You’ll learn:what your dog is communicating when they hump,why neutering isn’t always a quick fix,how to train your dog to stop dog humping you, other dogs, other people, and furniture.and moreTimestamps:00:00 Intro01:55 Get the Complimentary eBook02:19 Humping = ‘Mounting’02:33 Is Humping about Asserting Dominance as an Alpha?04:19 Will Neuter/Spay Stop the Humping?06:12 Will Neuter/Spay Calm a Dog Down?08:06 What Humping Communicates (Dog Body Language)09:15 First Reason Dog is Humping [Address this FIRST]10:45 Most Overlooked Reason Dog is Humping11:02 Why Dog Humps on a biological level11:32 Most Overlooked Reason Dog is Humping (cont)15:20 What it Means when Dog Humps During Play19:28 Is Dog Humping just Attention-Seeking?20:47 Common Mistakes Owners Make when Trying to Train the Hump Away23:18 MOST Common Mistake Owners Make when Training the Hump Away [DON’T DO THIS!]25:50 How to Stop Dog Humping34:09 Recap & Your Next Steps📃All Citations for this episode and eBook hereMORE DOG TRAINING (for free!)📝 List of 50 Enrichment Ideas to do with your dog. Easy, realistic ways to meet your dog’s mental and emotional needs — without buying a bunch of gear, adding hours to your day, or wondering if you’re “doing enough.”🌭FREE Guide to Help You Find Your Dog’s Treat Value Scale. Stop guessing what motivates your dog and strategically use your dog’s high, medium, and low value treats comparably to how hard your dog’s working.🚀 Access ALL the GACD free content HERE📰 Subscribe to the Dog Nerd Newsletter (J’s weekly blog-style dog training email newsletter)🐕‍🦺 Want to work with J and Team GACD to help you train your dog? Go HEREEmail: [email protected]: @‌itsjromanoFB: GACDMake sure to follow our podcast!Disclaimers: Jenna Romano is not a veterinarian. Always consult a veterinarian. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. This episode is for entertainment purposes only. Jenna Romano will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this episode including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death to you or your dog. This episode is not instructional.Want to work with J and Team GACD? Go to https://www.getacalmdog.com/ to learn more.Check out video tutorials on GACD YouTubeSubscribe to the Dog Nerd Newsletter (J’s weekly blog-style email newsletter)Follow J on IG Follow GACD on FB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While training a puppy or new dog with treats is essential for dog / puppy training basics, you don't have to rely on food forever. In this episode, I break down the best way to reward your dog without treats by leveraging environmental rewards and intrinsic motivation.Whether you are looking for essential puppy training tips, figuring out how to train a new dog without food during walks, or wanting to know how to reward your dog using the world around them, moving beyond treat training a dog is entirely possible.In this episode, you’ll learn:The difference between extrinsic rewards in the environment (like a stick in the woods) and intrinsic motivation.Why some dogs naturally transition off food rewards easier than others, and how to identify what motivates your dog.The truth about sniffing on walks: when it acts as calming enrichment versus when it triggers over-arousal.How to handle foraging and "leave it" without overworking your dog’s cognitive bandwidth.The distinction between emotional reactivity and arousal control, and how self-regulation actually works.Timestamps:0:00 - 2:41 2 Ways to Use Environment as Reward2:42 - 5:43 When Sniffing is More Valuable than Treats Outside5:44 - 8:07 Arousal Control vs Dog ReactivityMORE DOG TRAINING (for free!)📝 List of 50 Enrichment Ideas to do with your dog. Easy, realistic ways to meet your dog’s mental and emotional needs — without buying a bunch of gear, adding hours to your day, or wondering if you’re “doing enough.”🌭FREE Guide to Help You Find Your Dog’s Treat Value Scale. Stop guessing what motivates your dog and strategically use your dog’s high, medium, and low value treats comparably to how hard your dog’s working.🚀 Access ALL the GACD free content HERE📰 Subscribe to the Dog Nerd Newsletter (J’s weekly blog-style dog training email newsletter)🐕‍🦺 Want to work with J and Team GACD to help you train your dog? Go HERE Email: [email protected]: @‌itsjromano FB: https://www.facebook.com/getacalmdogMake sure to follow our podcast!Disclaimers: Jenna Romano is not a veterinarian. Always consult a veterinarian. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. This video is for entertainment purposes only. Jenna Romano will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death to you or your dog. This video is not instructional.Want to work with J and Team GACD? Go to https://www.getacalmdog.com/ to learn more.Check out video tutorials on GACD YouTubeSubscribe to the Dog Nerd Newsletter (J’s weekly blog-style email newsletter)Follow J on IG Follow GACD on FB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We delve into the complexities of treating dog aggression with our guest guardian, Kate, and her dog, Walter. Together, they've navigated through various trainers and training programs, witnessing progress but lacking a sustainable outcome. "In the world of dog training, progress is not just about managing behaviors; it's about creating a sustainable, positive transformation that lasts. It's the difference between short-term fixes and the long game of understanding and connection." Focused on the big picture, Kate seeks long-term solutions beyond mere management. As Kate shares her journey, from initial adoption to encountering setbacks after a vacation, the challenges of addressing Walter's newfound aggression become apparent. Traumatized by previous training experiences, Kate is now at a point of managing Walter's behavior but aims for more. The heart of the matter lies in building Walter's confidence and positive interactions, especially with new people. Join us as we explore Kate's energetic pulse, her expectations, and the direction she envisions for Walter's training in the next four months. It's a journey of understanding, guidance, and the pursuit of creating a harmonious bond between Kate, Walter, and the world around them. SEP Anx FAQ Guide here ➡️ https://mailchi.mp/2480b41de068/sep-anx-faq-pageWant to work with J and Team GACD? Go to https://www.getacalmdog.com/ to learn more.Check out video tutorials on GACD YouTubeSubscribe to the Dog Nerd Newsletter (J’s weekly blog-style email newsletter)Follow J on IG Follow GACD on FB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Embark on a journey of resilience and transformation with two remarkable dog companions from Recover Rover Membership  as we uncover the harrowing challenges and triumphant victories that have defined their path to recovery. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journeys of two Recovering Rovers: Risk and Fiona. Join us as we explore the transformative experiences of these dogs and their guardians, from initial struggles to newfound resilience. "There is no harm in teaching any dog counter conditioning... Every simple dog in the world would learn to alleviate if I had it my way." Discover the insights gained through data analysis, the challenges faced, and the determination to overcome. Learn how Risk, a standard poodle, and Fiona, a resilient pup, navigated their paths towards recovery. From sensitivity to triggers, digestion issues to cognitive challenges, their stories offer hope and motivation for anyone on a similar journey. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and practical insights into dog recovery. Learn about Recover Rover Membership here: https://www.getacalmdog.com/recoverrover Subscribe to the Dog Liaison Channel on YouTube Join our mailing list for a weekly blog-style newsletter and Dog Liaison’s latest updates! And follow us on Instagram @dog_liaison Learn how to work with Jenna & Team Dog Liaison here: https://www.getacalmdog.com/ So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and become a part of our Dog Nerd community. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review if you enjoyed it!Want to work with J and Team GACD? Go to https://www.getacalmdog.com/ to learn more.Check out video tutorials on GACD YouTubeSubscribe to the Dog Nerd Newsletter (J’s weekly blog-style email newsletter)Follow J on IG Follow GACD on FB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us in a gripping episode as we delve into dog separation anxiety. How do you determine if your dog's separation-related issues are severe enough to warrant intervention and formal dog training? "When it comes to treating separation issues in dogs, the answer isn't black or white; it's in understanding the shades of your dog’s stress." From dogs excessively following you around the house to meltdowns upon leaving, our exploration uncovers various scenarios, including stress when deviating from routine or the absence of another dog. We also discuss the nuances of dogs with multiple stressors, such as reactivity to sound or sensitivity to people. This episode emphasizes the importance of assessing the overall quality of life for both the dog and the owner, exploring free options before investing in a treatment plan. Whether it's using distraction toys or considering crate training, Jenna offers practical advice and highlights the need for a sustainable solution tailored to each unique dog. Tune in to discover ways to alleviate your dog's separation-related problems and enhance their well-being. Learn about Recover Rover Membership here: https://www.getacalmdog.com/recoverrover Subscribe to the Dog Liaison Channel on YouTube Join our mailing list for a weekly blog-style newsletter and Dog Liaison’s latest updates! And follow us on Instagram @dog_liaison Learn about Jenna & Team Dog Liaison here: https://www.getacalmdog.com/ So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and become a part of our Dog Nerd community. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review if you enjoyed it!Want to work with J and Team GACD? Go to https://www.getacalmdog.com/ to learn more.Check out video tutorials on GACD YouTubeSubscribe to the Dog Nerd Newsletter (J’s weekly blog-style email newsletter)Follow J on IG Follow GACD on FB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When your dog starts demonstrating reactivity to triggers, dog trainers often say, “Just walk him around the park. Expose him to the triggers. And he’ll get over it.” So you’ve been doing this ‘exposure to the triggers’ method for some time, only to realize it’s still not working. This episode breaks down why not. "Exposing your dog to triggers without a strategic approach is like expecting a[n artwork] masterpiece without understanding the brush strokes." In this episode, we delve into the common misconception around exposing your dog to triggers and why it might not be as effective as you think. Jenna explores the pitfalls of the "exposure-only" approach, revealing insights gained from audience interactions. Many dog owners attempt exposure without the desired results, leading to frustration. The discussion navigates through the extremes of avoidance and overexposure, emphasizing the importance of a balanced middle ground. This episode provides a critical analysis of desensitization techniques, shedding light on the vulnerability to errors and the need for a more refined approach. Join us as we explore the challenges of playing the role of a spectator versus an active participant in your dog's journey, uncovering the intricacies of desensitization that go beyond mere observation. Tune in for valuable tips on restructuring your exposure methods for a happier, healthier relationship with your dog. Learn how to work with Jenna & Team Get a Calm Dog here: https://www.getacalmdog.com/ Subscribe to the Dog Liaison Channel on YouTube Join our mailing list for a weekly blog-style newsletter and GACD’s latest updates.Want to work with J and Team GACD? Go to https://www.getacalmdog.com/ to learn more.Check out video tutorials on GACD YouTubeSubscribe to the Dog Nerd Newsletter (J’s weekly blog-style email newsletter)Follow J on IG Follow GACD on FB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that dogs waking up to triggers in the middle of the night can impact their sleep quality? In a recent discussion by Team Tilly, it was revealed that dogs exhibiting this behavior, especially reactive ones, may experience disrupted sleep patterns up to 3, 4, 6, or even 7 times a night. In this insightful discussion from Team Tilly and the Recover Rover guardians, the spotlight is on a crucial question about being a protector for your reactive aggressive dog, particularly when they wake up to triggers in the middle of the night. The conversation delves into the nuances of what it truly means to be a defender for your dog. "When your dog barks at triggers in the middle of the night, it's not just a game – it might be a sign that their brain is on guard, attributing meaning to sounds even in sleep. The real question is, why does the brain feel the need to stay alert, and how can we address the root issue?" Jenna explores deeper-level questions, challenging the knee-jerk reactions of immediate training or management solutions. A recurring scenario is examined: a dog waking up frequently, barking at unseen triggers, and Jenna raises thought-provoking inquiries about the dog's quality of sleep and the underlying reasons for this behavior. Drawing parallels to childhood fears and the brain's innate response, the discussion navigates the complexities of deciding whether to play the role of Defender or let the dog independently navigate its reactions. This podcast encourages listeners to move beyond simplistic solutions and engage in a profound exploration of understanding their dog's behavior and needs, emphasizing the importance of considering individual contexts rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. Learn how to work with Jenna & Team Dog Liaison here: https://www.getacalmdog.com/ Subscribe to the Dog Liaison Channel on YouTube Join our mailing list for a weekly blog-style newsletter and Dog Liaison’s latest updates! And follow us on Instagram @dog_liaison So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and become a part of our Dog Nerd community. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review if you enjoyed it!Want to work with J and Team GACD? Go to https://www.getacalmdog.com/ to learn more.Check out video tutorials on GACD YouTubeSubscribe to the Dog Nerd Newsletter (J’s weekly blog-style email newsletter)Follow J on IG Follow GACD on FB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever seem like your dog is scared or anxious about a trigger, but still going up to them and sniffing? In other words, does it seem like your dog is anxious or worried about an event, but still demonstrating brave signals? This episode talks about dogs who experience anxiety attacks while simultaneously demonstrating behaviors associated with bravery. The discussion originated from a coaching call where Team Lola and Mater's interactions sparked curiosity about the complex interplay between anxious and brave behaviors in dogs. "You must train your eye to look objectively, to get rid of outside bias. We must reject blanket statements on social media. Saying a lip lick means this is one thing. Saying a lip lick is correlated to stress. So, you need to keep an eye out for it, and you need to track where in your dog's stress repertoire does the lip lick occurs." We explore the paradoxical nature of a dog's response to adversity, considering both the biological fight, flight, or freeze responses and the historical selection of certain breeds for traits that defy self-preservation. This episode challenges conventional labels attached to behaviors, emphasizing the need to objectively observe and interpret a dog's actions without predetermined notions of good or bad, stress or bravery. Join us in unraveling the nuanced dynamics of anxiety, bravery, and the importance of objectively assessing canine behavior in this thought-provoking conversation. Learn how to work with Jenna & Team Dog Liaison here: https://www.getacalmdog.com/ Subscribe to the Dog Liaison Channel on YouTube Join our mailing list for a weekly blog-style newsletter and Dog Liaison’s latest updates! And follow us on Instagram @dog_liaison So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and become a part of our Dog Nerd community. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review if you enjoyed it!Want to work with J and Team GACD? Go to https://www.getacalmdog.com/ to learn more.Check out video tutorials on GACD YouTubeSubscribe to the Dog Nerd Newsletter (J’s weekly blog-style email newsletter)Follow J on IG Follow GACD on FB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.