Assistance vs. Service vs. Therapy Dogs - What's the difference?

How do you know a new dog is the right fit?  This week Tara and Laura expanded on a question sent in from our Q&A episode about accepting a new dog into an already established pack.  They explain what behaviors you should be monitoring, how to recognize if something isn’t working or there is too much stress, and how to help manage a new dog in a pack as well.  Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

Why can’t my dog just get over it?  This week Tara and Laura talk about how to do proper exposure work with your dog ranging from experiencing strange items, people, dogs, and situations.  They explain the most effective way to help your dog overcome something that makes them uncomfortable and also ways that could make it worse.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

My dog keeps running away from me, what do I do?  This week Tara and Laura explain the best methods when dealing with the situation of a dog running away from you.  Ranging from your own down bolting out of the house to trying to help a stray dog that won’t let you get close to them, Tara and Laura break down the different methods to help in all these situations that are all too common.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

Is letting your dog sniff on a walk really that bad?  This week Tara and Laura debunk the common misconception that dogs should always be allowed to sniff constantly on any walk.  This isn’t proper mental stimulation and it definitely doesn’t make them more of a dog.  They explain how this can in fact increase your dog’s chance at developing nervousness or reactivity instead.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

What’s the best approach to controlling your dog?  This week Tara and Laura explain the pros and cons to using a crate versus a pen versus a room.  They discuss the appropriate times to use any of these options for the goal of confining or controlling your dog without it being seen as a punishment.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

Does your dog really need to be off leash?  This week Tara and Laura heatedly discuss the off-leash dog trend and why it can be so frustrating for other dog owners.  They explain how proper obedience and recall is imperative for any off leash dogs and how off leash dogs can lead to other dogs showing more reactivity or aggression.  Don’t be part of the problem and make sure you are a responsible pet owner.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

Headed back into the office for work?  What does that mean for your dog?  This week Tara and Laura discuss a requested topic that is popping up more now that a lot of federal and state workers are returning to the office.  Many people are worried about their dogs now that they are no longer working from home and are carrying a lot of guilt for leaving their dogs alone.  Tara and Laura give options to help the transition and how to ease the burden on owners and their dogs alike.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

What’s with the doodle craze?  This week Tara and Laura dive into the world of doodles and all the designer dogs being created.  They discuss the issues that are being seen all over with these dogs, why people want them but don’t realize the amount of work necessary, and how these dogs end up getting a bad rap with the public.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

Tara and Laura were honored to welcome Ashley & Heather to talk about Rescue PAC, a wonderful rescue that is doing amazing work.  Ashley and Heather discuss how they got started, what drives their rescue work, memorable cases, and how to help them.  We love how much care they put into each dog to make sure it is ready for their new forever home on a medical and behavioral front.  Check them out on their website rescuepac.com or on social media @rescuepac to follow their stories, engage in events, and potentially help in any way possible.Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman

Can you pet that dog?  This week Tara and Laura break down the differences between assistance, service, and therapy dogs to help the public understand how the training, handling, and expectations for these dogs are different.  They go into detail about why it is important to respect a handler’s dog and know if it is a dog that is allowed to socialize when out in public. Sponsored by K9 WorkingmindThis episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.Hear more of her work here: https://tinyurl.com/TheWillaWoman