21. Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement Training

Every year around November, many pets start to unravel—pacing, barking, stealing food, or having accidents seemingly out of nowhere. In this episode, I break down why the holidays are so hard on our animals and how small, thoughtful adjustments can prevent overwhelm. You’ll learn how visitors, noise, routines, and tempting smells trigger stress—and what you can do to create calm, supportive spaces before things spiral. With a little planning and empathy, your dog can enjoy the season as much as you do.Book a Session with Me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogsCheck Out My Recommended Products: https://shopmy.us/shop/sarahhodgson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

In this episode, I sit down with Clara Hewson to discuss the evolution of dog ownership, the importance of muzzles in modern society. How can they give dogs more freedom and safety? Clara shares her experience in founding the Muzzle Movement, stressing the need for muzzles that are comfortable and welfare-friendly. They examine different uses for muzzles, including preventing scavenging, managing behavior around children, and making veterinary visits easier. The conversation emphasizes the importance of muzzle training as a skill for all dogs and the need to shift public perceptions about muzzles.Visit the Muzzle Movement: https://themuzzlemovement.comBook a Session with Me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogsCheck out my Recommended Products: https://shopmy.us/shop/sarahhodgson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a big moment—equal parts excitement and adjustment. In this episode, I share how thoughtful preparation can make those first days smoother for both of you. You’ll learn what essentials to have on hand, how to set up your home for calm and safety, and why small routines and consistent cues help your puppy settle in with confidence. With the right start, you’ll build a bond rooted in trust and understanding.Book a Session with Me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogsCheck Out My Recommended Products: https://shopmy.us/shop/sarahhodgson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Bringing a new puppy home is both exciting and unpredictable. In this episode, I explain how a puppy’s temperament, instincts, and environment shape who they become. I share what early temperament tests really reveal, why nipping and chasing are part of normal development, and how to use calm structure to build confidence and trust. With patience, guidance, and clear routines, you can help your puppy feel safe, connected, and ready to grow into their best self.Book a Session with Me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogsCheck Out my Recommended Products: https://shopmy.us/shop/sarahhodgson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

In this episode of Raising Happy Dogs, I sit down once again with holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Feinman, author of Path to Pet Wellness: The Holistic Vet’s Guide to Thriving Pets and Empowered Pet Parents. Together, we explore a new way of thinking about healing, seeing symptoms not as problems to fix, but as messages from the body and spirit.Dr. Feinman shares insights on BEAM (Behavior, Energy, Appetite, and Mood) and the Animal-Centered Treatments movement, which brings compassion and consciousness back to pet care.We also discuss Maya’s story, a fearful shelter puppy who found safety through joy, and introduce Jeff’s Micro-Engagement Plan: a simple two-week rhythm of short, joyful moments that help dogs build trust and resilience.Learn More about Holistic Actions Here: https://www.holisticactions.com/Pre-Order Path To Pet Wellness and Gain Access to the November 4th Fireside Chat Here: https://www.holisticactions.com/book/Book a Session with Me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/Check Out my Recommended Products: https://shopmy.us/shop/sarahhodgson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most common struggles dog parents face: separation anxiety. You sent in thoughtful, heartfelt questions, and I’m answering them all: when to consider medication, why some dogs panic only when one person leaves, whether getting another dog can help, and what kinds of pre-departure exercises truly make a difference.I’ll share practical ways to help your dog feel calm and safe when you walk out the door, as well as how to shift from control to connection when anxiety takes over.Then, at the end of the episode, I sit down with Roger’s mom (the dog from last week’s separation anxiety video) to talk about what it’s really like living with and loving a dog who struggles to be alone.This one’s all about empathy, understanding, and small steps toward peace for both you and your dog.Follow My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogsSign Up for Training With Me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

When a young puppy cries out as you walk away, it’s not disobedience; it’s biology. Before its anxiety, it’s longing. In this episode, I explore what puppies really experience when left alone, how early stress differs from clinical separation anxiety, and simple ways to nurture confidence without over-comforting. Because when dogs feel safe in solitude, they don’t just stop crying, they start growing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

If your dog barks in the car, growls at visitors, or goes wild on walks, you’re not alone. In this listener Q&A, I address five real-world questions about reactivity, ranging from car meltdowns and nighttime barking to leash explosions and unexpected bites.You’ll learn how to recognize the emotions beneath the behavior, create safety through small daily shifts, and turn stressful moments into chances for trust and calm.Because when we stop reacting to our dogs and start listening with them, everything begins to change.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogsBook a session with me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Sarah Hodgson continues her deep dive into reactivity with the remarkable story of Hannah and her boxer, Ranger. Once on the verge of being rehomed, Ranger barked, lunged, and snapped his way through daily life—until a few simple shifts changed everything.Sarah shares how reframing his behavior from “bad” to “burdened” unlocked a new path forward. Through structure, safety, and play, Ranger learned to relax, trust, and reconnect with his family. You’ll hear how setting boundaries, creating calm routines, and letting go of constant correction turned tension into teamwork.Whether your dog guards the window or pulls on every walk, this heartfelt episode shows that reactive dogs aren’t broken—they just need clarity, compassion, and a little help finding their calm.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogs Book a session with me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Sarah Hodgson unpacks the roots of reactivity, explaining why so many dogs bark out of windows, lunge on leash, or guard the front door as if it’s their job. Far from being stubborn or mean, these dogs are overwhelmed, carrying the heavy burden of keeping everyone safe.This episode examines how territorial behavior develops at home, why it often intensifies when on leash, and what approaches are ineffective when trying to correct it. Instead, she offers a framework built on clarity, distance, and trust, giving your dog permission to step back while reassuring them you’re in charge of safety.This is Part I of a multi-part series on reactivity, laying the groundwork before we meet Ranger, a boxer who transformed from lunging and snapping to calm and connected. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com