BONUS EPISODE: Helping your dog through July 4th, Fireworks, and Noise Phobias

In this second-to-last episode of the season, Libby and Em talk with Zak George. Zak is a celebrity dog trainer and YouTube star who has trained thousands of dogs throughout his career. Their conversation and Zak’s approach revolves around creating a relationship with the dog first, before diving headfirst into training. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about this warm and friendly approach to training, and see how a relationship-first approach could change your relationship with your dog. In this episode, they discuss: The importance of the bond Earning the behavior vs. taking the behavior Letting dogs perform natural behaviors where possible as a benefit to the dog The LIFE Model: Least Inhibitive, Functionally Effective The negative side effects of outside-in training Zak is the author of Zak George’s Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog.  You can visit his website and find all of his resources here. His YouTube channel, Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution, is the number one destination for dog training content in the world, with more than ten million views annually. His first book, Zak George's Dog Training Revolution, was published by Penguin Random House in 2016.   Zak has also starred in two of his own dog training shows, Animal Planet’s show Superfetch and the BBC’s Who Let the Dogs Out. He has appeared as an expert on various other Animal Planet shows such as Dogs 101 while his expertise has landed him on may national talk shows and news programs such as Late Night with David Letterman, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Early Show on CBS, Fox and Friends, and Rachael Ray. For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue! Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

Canine Adolescence is the transition from puppyhood to adulthood. This fascinating conversation with Sarah Stremming, who is a dog behavior coach and the host of the Cog Dog Podcast, addresses this pivotal age of young dogs. Sarah, Emily, and Libby discuss adolescent canine behavior and how to most effectively observe and address behaviors to nurture confident, healthy dogs. This is the second part of their conversation, so make sure you listen to Part 1 before diving in here. The trio also discusses: Breed-specific behaviors in adolescents and how they can express under stress The top skills we need to teach adolescent dogs (or puppies moving into adolescence) To speculate or not to speculate on your dog’s prior experience What happens when you get to the other side of canine adolescence Sarah is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant of nearly two decades, and has 25 years experience of competing in dog sports. You can find Sarah and her online courses at http://www.sarahstremming.com.  Your Dog's Friend https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXYsg9X4m6E Calm Canine Academy : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mcZ_HoxeSc For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue! Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

Canine Adolescence is the transition from puppyhood to adulthood. This fascinating conversation with Sarah Stremming, who is a dog behavior coach and the host of the Cog Dog Podcast, addresses this pivotal age of young dogs. Sarah, Emily, and Libby discuss adolescent canine behavior and how to most effectively observe and address behaviors to nurture confident, healthy dogs. They also discuss: How dogs’ responses to environments and caregivers can change during this transitional period Some of the difficulties this transition period can create for adolescent dogs How to best support the dog through these transitional changes How we can work with dogs experiencing threat Sarah’s approach to using food when a threat is present Sarah is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant of nearly two decades, and has 25 years experience of competing in dog sports. You can find Sarah and her online courses at http://www.sarahstremming.com. Your Dog's Friend https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXYsg9X4m6E Calm Canine Academy : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mcZ_HoxeSc For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue! Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

This is a replay of our 2021 interview with aggression expert Michael Shikashio. We are thrilled to present today’s guest, Michael Shikashio. Michael is a world-renowned expert on dog aggression and has an incredible dearth of information he generously shares, which is helpful for owners, rescuers, and trainers alike. In this conversation, Michael, Emily and Libby define aggression, discuss the ways aggression can present in different dogs (and the different levels of assessing their aggression), and so much more. Make sure to listen to the full episodes, as Michael drops important gems throughout the episode. Michael is an internationally sought out speaker on the topic of aggression - has mentored and presented to thousands of animal professionals. He is the Founder of the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, teaches trainers and consultants in over 25 countries on how to work with aggression cases, and has been featured in countless media, including the New York Times, the New York Post, Web MD, and Women’s Health. Credits. Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators.) Original music by Mike Pesci. Graphic design, editing, and production by Alex Lee-Ammons and ⁠For The Love Media, LLC⁠. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

It is no secret that shelters can prove to be extremely stressful environments for dogs - even the friendlist, most easy-going dog can experience severe stress or fear in a shelter environment. In this incredible conversation, Emily, Libby and Tom Candy discuss how we can best support shelter dogs in and out of the shelter environment to build confidence, trust, and a sense of play. In this episode, they cover: How to work with dogs who display fearful behaviors in the shelter and kennel environments How to distinguish a dog’s shelter-based fear from their general fear The positive benefits of play for shelter dogs The constant game/challenge of cost-benefit analysis for shelter dogs COVID-related undersocialized dogs The genetic vs. evolutionary origins of shelter dogs’ fear How to prepare anxious or fearful dogs for adoption - and, how to prepare their families This is an excellent conversation for anyone who interacts with shelter dogs in any way; employees, fosters, potential adopters, and more. — For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue! Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

“What supplies do I need for fostering a dog?” “Should you use training tools on rescue dogs?” “What kind of harness should I get for my dog?” You have questions about fostering or adopting a dog, and we have answers! These are the tools and supplies we recommend for rescue dog fosters and adopters.  Emily and Libby are professionals who have been working in foster-based rescue for a long time, so they have accumulated a lot of “stuff” over the years. Don’t be intimidated by this list! While these are our favorites, there are many affordable options for good-quality supplies. Many items can be found for free or low cost on neighborhood swap groups. – Slip leads: how, when, and why we still use them (maybe not how you think!) – Harnesses: Balance Harness (https://www.blue-9.com/products/bhb), Ruffwear Front Range (https://ruffwear.com/products/front-range-everyday-dog-harness), Alpine Harness (https://www.alpineoutfitters.net/products/copy-of-urban-trail-adjustable-harness-half-back-shorty-custom-crafted), Perfect Fit (https://perfect-fit-dog-harness.com/) – Leashes: Blue-9 Multi-Function Leash (https://www.blue-9.com/products/lsh?variant=40875501093062), biothane leashes (https://www.trailblazingtails.com/collections/long-line-and-short-leash-collection) (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GFR9YJ3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1) – Management tools: X-pen (https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/midwest-black-e-coat-exercise-pen-wdoor-for-dogs), baby gates – Crates: car crate is a must-have for transport, wire crate is good for management at home – Treat pouch: Doggone Good (https://www.doggonegoodclickercompany.com/Rapid-Rewards-Pouchtrade_p_216.html) , Ruffwear (https://ruffwear.com/products/home-trail-hip-pack) – Treats: Happy Howie’s (https://www.happyhowies.com/), Real Meat (https://www.realmeatpet.com/foods.html), Ziwi Peak (https://us.ziwipets.com/) – Clicker: (https://shop.clickertraining.com/products/iclick-original-clicker?variant=8050243397) Can also use a marker word or click with your tongue – Puzzle/enrichment toys: Toppl (https://www.westpaw.com/products/toppl-treat-toy), Kong (https://www.kongcompany.com/), Lickimat (https://lickimat.com/) – Targets/mats: You can use a towel, a bathmat, a dog bed, anything!  – Muzzles: a useful tool to have, but needs careful sizing and training before you need it. Check out the Muzzle Up! Project (https://muzzleupproject.com/) For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue! Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

If you try one training method with your new rescue dog, try this one! This week, Emily and Libby speak with Kathy Sdao, world-renowned dog trainer, speaker, writer, and educator. Sdao’s accessible training technique, SMARTx50, is a powerful tool that distills behavior science into the lay person's terms, making it accessible for our human learners: dog rescuers, fosters and adopters. They discuss how to use SMARTx50 to help our dogs fit into our human world, and this conversation is lively and full of both science and heart; evidence and experience. Some topics discussed are: How to take training out of the science theory realm into the practical, accessible world of humans training their dog Helping resolve dogs anxiety by using reinforcers How her work with marine mammals influences her training approach Human praise as payment - does it work or not? How the Smartx50 technique can be adapted to a shelter environment Kathy has been passionate about animal training ever since she quit a good job to move halfway around the world to train dolphins at the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory at the University of Hawaii. Now, 35 years later, she offers her expertise as an applied animal behaviorist to dog owners in Washington State and across the world, to seminar and webinar audiences and to professional training organizations. Kathy has taught 300 seminars, workshops, conferences and webinars; many of these presentations have been professionally recorded and are available for purchase. Kathy’s training philosophy and advice is summarized in her book, Plenty in Life is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace. For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue! Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

Puppy socialization is critical for a dog’s healthy development, but what happens if there is a highly contagious respiratory illness being passed around the dog community? Emily and Libby address this current situation by re-airing this episode so you can make a good decision by weighing the costs and benefits of puppy socialization, and how to have healthy play with other puppies amidst illness. Some topics discussed are: The first 12 weeks of a puppy’s life are the "critical window" for socialization  What proper socialization is, and is not Why exposure alone is not socialization  Practical ways to help puppies form positive associations with the world around them What flooding is and why it’s problematic The dilemma of too much vs. too little exposure How rescues and shelters can work with adolescent dogs who missed socialization This is a wonderful conversation for anyone working with puppies on a regular basis or new adopters. For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue! Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. Our webmaster is Nadia Magallon of Rewarding Dog Training. — Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

When SDR rescued a dog with hearing impairment, they turned to Tiffany Baker for her expertise on the most effective ways to work with deaf dogs. We hear about Blue throughout the episode as SDR’s case study, and in this episode Emily, Libby and Tiffany also cover topics like: How she uses control unleashed for deaf dogs Pattern games and why the framework of predictability is important for all dogs - especially deaf dogs “Up Down” Tactile cues for deaf dogs Pairing deaf dogs with hearing dogs Tiffany Baker is a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant and the founder and owner of Boss Babe training. She has been working with dogs for over seven years, and specializes in aggression with a focus on families with disabled pets. For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue! Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

Libby and Emily sit down with Annie Phenix, an award winning author and trainer who is known for her methods that train for behavioral concerns without using fear, force, pain, or intimidation.  This conversation is underlined by the importance of trust, joy, and love in our relationships with our animal friends. They also talk about: Building trust with our dogs How we can use somatic therapy on our dogs Ways to work with new and foster dogs to reduce agitation, stress, and separation anxiety Bringing joy into the ways we train our dogs “Sample days,” or case studies, into different dogs’ lives For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com Follow us on Instagram and Follow us on Facebook! Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. Our webmaster is Nadia Magallon of Rewarding Dog Training. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support