Think Like a Dog

Send us Fan MailThe biggest changes in your dog’s behavior often start with the smallest everyday interactions.In this episode of Think Like a Dog Extended, Millie is joined by Mirror Image K9 trainers Easton, Jill, and Brandon to break down the “small conversations” we have with our dogs every day, and how those moments can either strengthen your relationship or quietly create bigger behavioral problems.The group discusses the little things owners often overlook: allowing a dog to ignore a command, constantly following you around the house, creating excitement when you come home, mindless petting, giving in to demand barking, letting a dog avoid difficult tasks, and failing to fully finish a conversation when a dog pushes back.They also explore why consistency matters, how dogs learn to influence our behavior, and why seemingly harmless habits can eventually contribute to issues like separation anxiety, pushiness, reactivity, resource guarding, difficulty settling, and lack of responsiveness.From place work and thresholds to personal space, affection, handling, car anxiety, resource guarding, and leash walking, this episode is about paying closer attention to what your dog is learning from you in the moments that seem insignificant.Because when it comes to your relationship with your dog, the little conversations often become the big ones.Support the showFollow Us On Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9@OzzieAlbiesFoundationWork with Mirror Image K9 here:  https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactusBe Our Guest:https://www.thinklikeadogpodcast.comLearn More About The Best Chance Program:https://www.ozziealbiesfoundation.org/

Send us Fan MailBringing home a new baby is a major life change, not just for you, but for your dogs, too! So how do you prepare your dog for a newborn, create a safe environment, and make the transition as smooth as possible?In this episode of Think Like a Dog Podcast, Andreia and Millie are joined by special guest Kaitlyn, an Ozzie Albies Foundation adopter and new mom, who shares her firsthand experience preparing her two dogs, Dennis and Woody, for the arrival of her daughter.From strengthening obedience and establishing boundaries to crate training, stroller walks, and introducing dogs to a newborn, we discuss the practical steps that helped Kaitlyn and her family navigate this exciting new chapter.In this episode, we cover:When to start preparing your dog for a babyHow to safely introduce your dog to a newbornWhy boundaries, neutrality, and structure are essentialThe importance of crate training and place workManaging jumping, barking, anxiety, and changes in routineWhy dogs and babies don't need to be best friendsCommon mistakes parents make with dogs around babies, toys, and foodHow to manage dog-parent guilt after having a babyMaintaining your dog's exercise, fulfillment, and training with a newbornKaitlyn also shares how adopting Dennis through the Ozzie Albies Foundation's Best Chance Program and continuing his training with Mirror Image K9 helped transform him from an insecure rescue dog into a confident, well-adjusted family companion.Whether you're expecting your first baby, planning to grow your family, or already navigating life with dogs and young children, this episode offers valuable insight into creating a safe, balanced home for everyone.Because preparing your dog for a baby isn't just about the first introduction. It's about building the foundation for a lifetime of success.Subscribe to Think Like a Dog Podcast for more conversations about dog training, behavior, relationships, and responsible dog ownership.Support the showFollow Us On Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9@OzzieAlbiesFoundationWork with Mirror Image K9 here:  https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactusBe Our Guest:https://www.thinklikeadogpodcast.comLearn More About The Best Chance Program:https://www.ozziealbiesfoundation.org/

Send us Fan MailNot all rescues operate the same, and knowing who you are supporting matters.In this episode of Think Like a Dog Podcast, Andreia and Millie break down the difference between animal shelters and nonprofit dog rescues, how the shelter and rescue system actually works, and what you should research before adopting, donating, fostering, volunteering, or surrendering a dog.They discuss why county shelters aren't the enemy, what "rescue only" really means, stray hold requirements, adoption fees, nonprofit transparency, public tax returns, and some of the biggest red flags to watch for when evaluating a rescue organization.They also explain why simply pulling a dog from an urgent shelter list isn't the end of the story. What happens to that dog after rescue matters just as much. From veterinary care and training to responsible placement and post-adoption follow-up, a trustworthy rescue should be focused on the long-term welfare of every dog in its care.The biggest takeaway: do your research. Learn where your donations are going, follow the dogs' stories beyond the initial rescue, understand the organization you're supporting, and make informed decisions about where you put your time, money, and trust.Whether you're looking to adopt a dog, support a rescue, become a foster, volunteer, donate, or simply better understand animal rescue, this episode gives you the tools to ask better questions and recognize organizations that are truly working in the best interest of the dogs.Support the showFollow Us On Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9@OzzieAlbiesFoundationWork with Mirror Image K9 here:  https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactusBe Our Guest:https://www.thinklikeadogpodcast.comLearn More About The Best Chance Program:https://www.ozziealbiesfoundation.org/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Think Like a Dog Extended, Millie is joined by Connor, Brandon, and Jill for an in-depth conversation about what fulfillment really means for dogs, and why exercise alone isn’t always enough.Together, they break down the difference between fulfillment and enrichment, how a strong relationship influence behavior, and why fulfillment can look completely different from one dog to another.From structured walks, play, obedience, swimming, and socialization to confidence building and simply learning how to settle, the group discusses how to figure out what genuinely fulfills your individual dog instead of assuming every dog needs the same activities.They also explore the signs of a fulfilled vs. unfulfilled dog, including anxiety, reactivity, frustration, hyperactivity, shutdown behavior, zoomies, demanding attention, and difficulty settling. Plus, they discuss why excitement doesn’t always equal happiness, and how constantly trying to exhaust a high-energy dog can actually make it harder for them to learn how to relax.In this episode:• What dog fulfillment actually means• Fulfillment vs. enrichment• Why exercise alone may not solve behavioral problems• The role of leadership, trust, safety, and your relationship• How to discover what your individual dog enjoys• Breed traits vs. individual personality• Why some dogs struggle to settle after exercise• Excitement vs. genuine enjoyment• Signs of a fulfilled and unfulfilled dog• How fulfillment can affect anxiety and reactivity• Whether socialization with other dogs is necessary for fulfillment• Why rest and learning to “do nothing” matter• The layered stress model: health, fulfillment, and clarity• How to know whether you're doing enough for your dogThe goal isn’t to keep your dog constantly entertained or physically exhausted. It’s to build a relationship where your dog feels secure, understood, connected, and capable of navigating both exciting moments and quiet ones.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing enough for my dog?” this episode is for you.Support the showFollow Us On Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9@OzzieAlbiesFoundationWork with Mirror Image K9 here:  https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactusBe Our Guest:https://www.thinklikeadogpodcast.comLearn More About The Best Chance Program:https://www.ozziealbiesfoundation.org/

Send us Fan MailHow strict do you really need to be when training your dog?In this episode of Think Like a Dog, Millie is joined by trainers Easton, Jill, and Brandon to break down what they call the “negotiation phase” of dog training, finding the balance between an ideal training plan and one an owner can realistically follow.The trainers discuss where they’re willing to make adjustments and where certain boundaries simply can’t be compromised, especially when safety or serious behavioral issues are involved.They cover:• Crate training and when it makes sense to start small• Furniture boundaries and managing conflict between dogs• Leash walking, structured walks, and allowing your dog to sniff• Why daily exercise and fulfillment are non-negotiable• Muzzle training for dogs with bite risks or reactivity• Structured feeding, toys, and resource guarding• Dog parks, doggy daycare, and healthy socialization• Using the place command in everyday life• Adjusting training around work schedules, family dynamics, and lifestyle• Why the best dog training plan is ultimately one the owner will actually followDog training doesn’t have to look exactly the same in every household. The goal is to understand which rules are essential for your dog’s progress and safety, and where you can find realistic compromises without losing sight of the bigger goal.If you’re struggling with crate training, leash reactivity, resource guarding, boundaries, or simply figuring out how to make dog training fit into your everyday life, this episode will help you understand where to start.Support the showFollow Us On Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9@OzzieAlbiesFoundationWork with Mirror Image K9 here:  https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactusBe Our Guest:https://www.thinklikeadogpodcast.comLearn More About The Best Chance Program:https://www.ozziealbiesfoundation.org/

Send us Fan MailIn this Q&A episode of Think Like a Dog Podcast, Andreia and Millie answer listener questions about some of the most common, and frustrating, challenges dog owners face.They break down what to do when leash corrections actually make reactivity worse, how excitement and rough play with other dogs can contribute to frustration on walks, and why teaching your dog to calmly exist around things they want can be such an important skill.They also discuss how to make moving to a new home easier for your dog, the safest position and training approach when running with your dog, and how pressure and release can create clearer communication on leash.Then, Andreia and Millie take a deeper look at crate and separation anxiety, including why the problem isn't always about the crate itself. Using real foster dogs Jeter and Rusty as examples, they explain how attachment, freedom outside the crate, daily routines, consistency, and following through with boundaries can all affect a dog's ability to settle.Finally, they answer an important question: Is it ever too late to change your relationship with your dog? Whether your dog is one year old or nine, structure, place work, crate training, and structured walks aren't simply "training exercises", they're part of creating a clearer, calmer way to live together.Topics include:Leash reactivity and fixation on other dogsWhen prong collar corrections increase activationPressure and release on the leashTeaching neutrality around dogs and exciting environmentsMoving to a new home with your dogRunning safely with your dogHarnesses, slip leads, and e-collar communicationCrate anxiety vs. separation and attachment issuesBuilding independence through place and crate workThe importance of consistencyTraining and introducing structure to older dogsWhy dog training is ultimately a lifestyle, not a list of commandsSupport the showFollow Us On Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9@OzzieAlbiesFoundationWork with Mirror Image K9 here:  https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactusBe Our Guest:https://www.thinklikeadogpodcast.comLearn More About The Best Chance Program:https://www.ozziealbiesfoundation.org/

Send us Fan MailWe’re back with Part 2 of Common Dog Training Misconceptions Explained.In this episode of Think Like a Dog Extended, the team breaks down even more of the most common things they hear from dog owners, and the psychology behind why these beliefs can sometimes get in the way of progress.We talk about why not every dog is meant to be a service or therapy dog, how breed genetics and individual personality should shape your expectations, and why your dog doesn’t necessarily need to love every person or dog they meet.We also get into separation anxiety, crate training, enrichment toys, muzzle stigma, why having a big backyard doesn’t replace walking your dog, leash reactivity vs. dog park behavior, assumptions about a rescue dog’s past, and the problem with jumping from one TikTok dog-training method to another.The biggest takeaway: stop trying to fit your dog into the dog you imagined and start training the dog in front of you.No judgment, just honest conversations, common patterns we see every day, and practical advice to help owners better understand their dogs.Support the showFollow Us On Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9@OzzieAlbiesFoundationWork with Mirror Image K9 here:  https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactusBe Our Guest:https://www.thinklikeadogpodcast.comLearn More About The Best Chance Program:https://www.ozziealbiesfoundation.org/

Send us Fan MailMillie is joined by Mirror Image K9 trainers Connor, Brandon, and Jill to discuss some of the most common phrases dog trainers hear from owners—and what those statements may reveal about a dog’s behavior and relationship with its family.The trainers break down the difference between a dog being well-behaved and truly well-trained, why obedience commands alone do not resolve reactivity, and why behaviors often described as “protective” may actually come from insecurity, stress, or resource guarding.They also explain why structure and boundaries inside the home directly affect leash behavior, separation anxiety, confidence, and a dog’s ability to follow direction during stressful situations. The episode concludes with an in-depth conversation about crate training, why some dogs resist the crate, and how consistent crate use can help dogs learn to relax and self-soothe.Support the showFollow Us On Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9@OzzieAlbiesFoundationWork with Mirror Image K9 here:  https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactusBe Our Guest:https://www.thinklikeadogpodcast.comLearn More About The Best Chance Program:https://www.ozziealbiesfoundation.org/

Send us Fan MailIn this Think Like a Dog Podcast Q&A episode, Andreia and Millie answer listener questions about preparing for your first dog, choosing the right breed or rescue, and managing a dog while working a full-time schedule.They discuss why fostering can help first-time dog owners find the right personality and energy level, how to build trust with a fearful rescue dog, and why giving nervous dogs structure can help them feel more secure. Andreia and Millie also share practical advice for couples who have different opinions about dog training, household boundaries, furniture privileges, crate training, and socialization.The episode also covers safely introducing a dog to other dogs, recognizing that every dog has different social preferences, and improving loose-leash walking with high-energy, high-prey-drive dogs. Throughout the conversation, they explain how owners can maintain realistic expectations, find reasonable compromises, and create a training approach that works for both the dog and the household.Support the showFollow Us On Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9@OzzieAlbiesFoundationWork with Mirror Image K9 here:  https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactusBe Our Guest:https://www.thinklikeadogpodcast.comLearn More About The Best Chance Program:https://www.ozziealbiesfoundation.org/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Think Like a Dog, Andreia and Millie talk about what it really means to be a great foster for a rescue dog. While fostering often starts with love and good intentions, this conversation explains why love alone is not enough to prepare a dog for a successful forever home.They break down the importance of decompression, structure, crate training, leash manners, place work, boundaries, and learning the dog’s personality. Andreia and Millie also explain why the first few days in a foster home matter so much, how too much freedom or affection can overwhelm a dog, and why fosters should focus on helping the dog become more adaptable instead of simply fitting the dog into their own lifestyle.This episode also covers multi-pet homes, safe introductions, meet and greets, transparency with adopters, and the hard truth that fostering means preparing the dog for their future home, not your personal preferences. Whether you are a first-time foster, experienced rescue volunteer, shelter volunteer, adopter, or someone considering fostering, this episode gives practical guidance on how to help rescue dogs succeed long-term.Support the showFollow Us On Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9@OzzieAlbiesFoundationWork with Mirror Image K9 here:  https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactusBe Our Guest:https://www.thinklikeadogpodcast.comLearn More About The Best Chance Program:https://www.ozziealbiesfoundation.org/