Quick Recall: Howl-O-Ween

Bringing a dog home is exciting—but for the dog, it can also be a massive life transition.Whether you’re bringing home a puppy, an adolescent, an adult, or a senior dog, those first few weeks are filled with new people, new smells, new routines, new expectations, and a whole new environment to figure out.In the first episode of Season 2, we’ll explore why the first 30 days matter and why those days shouldn’t be treated like a training boot camp.We’ll talk about what dogs may actually be experiencing when they come home, why the dog you meet on day one may not be the dog you know a few weeks later, what decompression really means, and how predictable routines can help a dog feel secure.We’ll also get practical: how to approach those first few days, how to introduce children and other dogs, why sleep and sniffing matter, how to begin building a relationship, and how to interpret some of the behaviors that can surprise new dog guardians.Because the first 30 days aren’t about creating the perfect dog.They’re about creating the foundation for a relationship.And sometimes, the best thing we can give a new dog is simply the time and space to discover that they’ve come home.—————Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode?Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!Website: www.therecallroom.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail—————References & Further Reading:The Other End of the Leash — Patricia B. McConnellInside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know — Alexandra HorowitzWag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy — Zazie ToddCanine Body Language: A Photographic Guide to the Natural Behavior of the Dog — Brenda AloffDecoding Your Dog — American College of Veterinary BehavioristsThe Culture Clash — Jean DonaldsonDogs Are People, Too — various resources from the American Veterinary Society of Animal BehaviorAmerican Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB)

We spend a lot of time trying to understand why our dogs do the strange things they do—but have you ever wondered what your dog thinks about all the weird things you do?Why do you leave the house every day just to come back? Why do you stare at that little rectangle in your hand? Why don’t you stop to sniff every tree, bush, and patch of grass? And why on earth do you keep closing doors?In this lighthearted mini episode of The Recall Room, we’re flipping the perspective and looking at some of our everyday human behaviors from a dog’s point of view. Along the way, we’ll explore canine senses, learning, routines, social behavior, and just how differently dogs may experience the world we share with them.Because maybe your dog isn’t the weird one.Maybe… it’s you.—————Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!Website:www.therecallroom.comEmail:[email protected]:https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail—————References & Further ReadingHorowitz, A. (2016). Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell.Miklósi, Á. (2015). Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition (2nd ed.).Bradshaw, J. (2011). In Defence of Dogs: Why Dogs Need Our Understanding.Rooney, N. J., & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2002). An experimental study of the effects of play upon the dog-human relationship.Udell, M. A. R., Dorey, N. R., & Wynne, C. D. L. (2010). What did domestication do to dogs? A new account of dogs’ sensitivity to human actions.For more on canine cognition, communication, and the human-dog relationship in general, look for research and resources from the Applied Animal Behaviour Science journal, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), and academic canine cognition research programs.

Halloween is fun for us — but what does it actually feel like to experience Halloween as a dog?In this Quick Recall, we’re looking at Halloween from our dogs’ perspective: costumes, masks, doorbells, trick-or-treaters, strange decorations, new smells, unusual movement, and all the sensory chaos that comes with the holiday.We’ll talk about why some dogs love Halloween while others would happily skip it, why a dog’s reaction isn’t necessarily a reflection of their training, and why giving dogs the ability to opt out can be one of the most compassionate things we do.Because sometimes understanding our dogs means recognizing that something that feels exciting and fun to us might feel completely different to them.Halloween may be weird if you’re a dog — but it’s also a pretty great opportunity for us humans to slow down, pay attention, and listen.—————Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode?Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!Website:www.therecallroom.comEmail:[email protected]:https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail—————References & Further ReadingFor this particular episode, I would keep the references focused on the underlying behavioral concepts rather than trying to find “Halloween studies.”Patricia McConnell, PhD — The Other End of the LeashAlexandra Horowitz, PhD — Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of SmellZazie Todd, PhD — Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog HappyAmerican Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) — resources on canine behavior, fear, socialization, and humane trainingAmerican College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) — resources on canine fear, anxiety, and behaviorSophia Yin, DVM, MS — resources on canine body language and low-stress handling

Does your dog actually love you—or do they just love the person who fills the food bowl?Dogs follow us from room to room, greet us when we come home, seek us out when they’re nervous, and sometimes seem to know exactly when we need a little extra comfort. But what does science actually tell us about what our dogs feel for us?In this mini episode of The Recall Room, we explore the science behind the dog-human bond, including attachment, secure-base behavior, oxytocin, brain responses to familiar people, and the ways dogs show that specific humans matter to them.We may never know exactly what “love” feels like from a dog’s perspective. But the evidence suggests that the relationship between dogs and their humans is much more than simply food, shelter, and learned behavior.So… does your dog really love you?The answer might be a little more complicated—and a lot more beautiful—than you think.—————Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!Website:www.therecallroom.comEmail:[email protected]:https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail—————References & Further ReadingPalmer, R. & Custance, D. (2008). A counterbalanced version of Ainsworth’s Strange Situation Procedure reveals secure-base effects in dog–human relationships.Nagasawa, M. et al. (2015). Oxytocin-gaze positive loop and the coevolution of human-dog bonds.Berns, G. S., Brooks, A. M. & Spivak, M. (2015). Scent of the familiar: an fMRI study of canine brain responses to familiar and unfamiliar human and dog odors.Cook, P. F. et al. (2016). Awake canine fMRI predicts dogs’ preference for praise vs food.Payne, E. et al. (2016). Exploring the existence and potential underpinnings of dog–human and horse–human attachment bonds.

Have you ever been petting another dog and suddenly your own dog appears out of nowhere, determined to get your attention? Maybe they squeeze between you and the other dog, demand affection, or give you that look.But is your dog actually jealous?In this mini episode of The Recall Room, we take a closer look at what might be happening when dogs seem to compete for our attention. We’ll explore what research tells us about jealousy-like behavior in dogs, how learning and reinforcement can shape these behaviors, and why changes in a dog’s routine or social environment can sometimes look like jealousy.Because while dogs may not experience jealousy exactly the way humans do, their behavior is still telling us something—and understanding the difference can help us respond to them more thoughtfully.—————Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!Website:www.therecallroom.comEmail:[email protected]:https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail—————References & Further Reading:Harris, C. R., & Prouvost, C. (2014). Jealousy in dogsCook, P. F., Prichard, A., Spivak, M., & Berns, G. S. (2016). Awake canine fMRI predicts dogs’ individual differences in behavioral responses to humans and foodBradshaw, J. W. S. (2011). In Defence of Dogs: Why Dogs Need Our UnderstandingHorowitz, A. (2010). Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and KnowOverall, K. L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats

How much do you really know about dogs?We’ve all heard the classic “facts” — dogs only see in black and white, a wagging tail means a happy dog, a warm nose means your dog is sick, and dogs eat grass because they have an upset stomach.But how many of these are actually true?In this mini episode of The Recall Room, we’re taking a closer look at some of the most common dog myths and misconceptions — and separating what we think we know from what science actually tells us.We’ll talk about how dogs see color, what a wagging tail really tells us, why your dog’s nose isn’t a reliable health thermometer, why dogs eat grass, and whether you really can teach an old dog new tricks.Because understanding dogs means looking beyond the simple rules and sayings we’ve heard our entire lives.—————Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!Website:www.therecallroom.comEmail:[email protected]:https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail—————References & Further Reading:American Kennel Club (AKC) — Dog vision and color perceptionAmerican Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) — Pet health and behavior resourcesVCA Animal Hospitals — Canine behavior, body language, and health resourcesHorowitz, Alexandra. Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know. Scribner.Miklósi, Ádám. Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition. Oxford University Press.This episode is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for in-person professional advice.

We spend so much time teaching our dogs—but what if they’ve been teaching us all along?In this Season One finale of The Recall Room, we step back to reflect on the biggest lessons our dogs quietly share every day. From slowing down and noticing the world around us to understanding that behavior is communication, this episode explores how living alongside dogs can change not only the way we see them, but the way we see ourselves.Rather than looking back at individual episodes, we’ll look at the bigger picture—how curiosity, compassion, patience, and understanding have been the thread connecting every conversation this season.Whether you’ve been here since Episode One or you’re just discovering the podcast, this episode is an invitation to appreciate the remarkable relationship we share with our dogs and the profound ways they shape our lives.Thank you for joining me for Season One of The Recall Room. I can’t wait to continue the journey with you in Season Two.—————Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!Website:www.therecallroom.comEmail:[email protected]:https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail—————References & Further ReadingAmerican Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB).International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB).Horowitz, A. (2009). Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know.Horowitz, A. (2016). Being a Dog: Following the Dog into a World of Smell.McConnell, P. (2002). The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs.Hare, B., & Woods, V. (2013). The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think.Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats.Miklósi, Á. (2015). Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition (2nd ed.).Bensky, M. K., Gosling, S. D., & Sinn, D. L. (2013). The world from a dog’s point of view: A review and synthesis of dog cognition research. Advances in the Study of Behavior, 45, 209–406.Ziv, G. (2017). The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs: A review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 19, 50–60.Rooney, N. J., & Cowan, S. (2011). Training methods and owner–dog interactions: Links with dog behavior and learning ability. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 132(3–4), 169–177.Hall, N. J., et al. Research on canine olfaction, cognition, and enrichment.Peer-reviewed research from Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Animal Cognition, and Frontiers in Veterinary Science.Season One Note: Throughout this season, information has been drawn from current peer-reviewed research in canine behavior, cognition, learning theory, welfare science, veterinary behavior, and the human–animal bond, alongside the work of leading researchers and clinicians in these fields. As our understanding of dogs continues to evolve, so does this podcast’s commitment to sharing evidence-based information with curiosity, compassion, and an open mind.

Dogs are communicating with us every day—but are we listening?In this episode of The Recall Room, we explore the fascinating world of canine body language and discover why behavior is so much more than barking, growling, or wagging tails. From subtle shifts in posture to changes in facial expression, you’ll learn how dogs communicate their emotions long before their behavior escalates.Together, we’ll discuss:Why body language should always be read in context—not as isolated signals.The emotional journey that often leads to behavior.The “ladder of communication” and the subtle ways dogs ask for space before they ever feel the need to bark, growl, or bite.How to recognize your own dog’s unique communication style and become a more thoughtful observer.Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy, living with an adult dog, or sharing your home with a senior companion, understanding body language can strengthen trust, improve training, and deepen your relationship in ways you may never have imagined.Because when we stop asking, “How do I stop this behavior?” and start asking, “What is my dog trying to tell me?” everything begins to change.Join me as we learn to see the conversations our dogs have been having with us all along.—————Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!Website:www.therecallroom.comEmail:[email protected]:https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail—————References & Further ReadingThis episode was informed by current research and evidence-based practices in canine behavior, learning, and communication, including the work of:Patricia B. McConnell, PhD – The Other End of the LeashTurid Rugaas – On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming SignalsBarbara Handelman – Canine Behavior: A Photo Illustrated HandbookLili Chin – Doggie Language: A Dog Lover’s Guide to Understanding Your Best FriendKaren B. London, PhDEileen Anderson – Canine Enrichment for the Real World (body language and behavior observations)American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) Position StatementsInternational Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) educational resourcesFear Free® educational resources on canine stress signals and low-stress handlingAs always, this episode is intended for educational purposes and reflects current evidence-based understanding of canine behavior. Every dog is an individual, and behavior should always be interpreted within the context of the dog’s environment, health, and learning history.

Grief doesn’t end when we understand it.It begins with learning how to live through it.In Part Two of this conversation, we explore how dogs experience our grief, practical ways to support a dog after losing a companion, and the remarkable lessons dogs teach us about love, memory, and moving forward.Whether you’re helping a grieving dog, grieving yourself, or simply wanting to better understand the bond we share, this episode offers compassionate, evidence-based insights into one of the deepest connections we have with our dogs.Sometimes the greatest comfort isn’t having all the answers.It’s knowing we don’t have to grieve alone.—————Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!Website:www.therecallroom.comEmail:[email protected]:https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail—————References & Further ReadingThe Emotional Lives of Animals by Marc BekoffHow Animals Grieve by Barbara J. KingBarbara J. King’s articles and interviews on animal griefResearch by the Dog Aging Project on behavioral changes in dogsThe Mourning Dog Questionnaire study by Morris Animal Foundation researchers (2022), which surveyed thousands of owners about dogs’ behavior after the death of a companion animalWork from the Center for the Human-Animal Bond on the human–animal relationship

What happens when a dog loses someone they love?Whether it’s the death of a human family member, the loss of another pet, or a major change in the home, many dogs seem different afterward. They may eat less, sleep more, search familiar places, or simply become quieter than before.But are they actually grieving?In this episode of The Recall Room, we explore what science can—and can’t—tell us about grief in dogs. We’ll look at the research behind behavioral changes after loss, the emotional lives of dogs, and why this question is more complex than it first appears.Because understanding grief isn’t just about knowing what dogs feel.It’s about learning how deeply our lives become intertwined with theirs.—————Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!Website:www.therecallroom.comEmail:[email protected]:https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail—————References & Further ReadingThe Emotional Lives of Animals by Marc BekoffHow Animals Grieve by Barbara J. KingBarbara J. King’s articles and interviews on animal griefResearch by the Dog Aging Project on behavioral changes in dogsThe Mourning Dog Questionnaire study by Morris Animal Foundation researchers (2022), which surveyed thousands of owners about dogs’ behavior after the death of a companion animalWork from the Center for the Human-Animal Bond on the human–animal relationship