Special Guest: The Willa Woman!

This week, Tara and Laura were honored to welcome their sound editor, Lisa, to talk about her journey and experience with dogs.  They discussed how she started using service dogs and her background training her service dogs, as well as others.  The idea that every dog can teach you something new is a huge theme, and this was true for Lisa who came from a background of using force tools and is learning how to better communicate and protect her pack members now.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 your dog trying to tell you something?  This week Tara and Laura explain what it means for a dog to “nope out” of a job or something you had planned for them.  They break down the signs to watch for when asking your dog to do something and how you can be sure to listen to them before they get too frustrated.  Knowing your dog, being able to read their body language, and not being selfish and forcing them to do something they don’t enjoy anymore is paramount in keeping your dog happy and healthy.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

How different is a differently-abled dog?  This week Tara and Laura address differently-abled dogs, the myths that surround these dogs, and simple ways to help train them.  They discuss personal experiences with their own dogs and debunk some of the stigmas against these dogs.  Differently-abled never means disabled.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

How can you help your dog keep healthy joints?  This week Tara and Laura expanded on another question sent in from our Q&A episode about building muscle and joint support in dogs.  Whether your dog is a young puppy or a senior pet, it is still important to keep their joints healthy and work to build proper muscle that can support them.  Tara and Laura discuss different things you can do to help your dog, the importance of being aware of what they are doing, and simple ways to help them.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

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