Ep. 187: What Is Gamma Syndrome?

How well do you know Tara’s co-host?  This week, Tara turned the tables on Laura and had her on the hot seat.  Tara peppered Laura with questions for listeners to have an opportunity to get to know her co-host a little bit better.  It’s always refreshing to learn more about the people you are listening to and understand their background, thought processes, and personality a little bit more.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 stupid or actually smarter than you?  This week, Tara and Laura break open the myth that some dogs are unable to learn and are labeled as stupid.  They discuss why this is inaccurate, why some trainers may say this, and how to determine why your dog may be struggling to learn something.  Most of the time the fault lies with us and our communication or your dog knows they can ignore you 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

Do you know who you are listening to?  This week, Laura turns the podcast completely on to Tara and asks her questions about her life, her career, and details that many people may not know about her.  If you are listening and enjoying our episodes, we want everyone to know who the person behind the voice is, where they are coming from, and allow our listeners to feel more connected to us.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 is that dog taking medication?  This week, Tara and Laura vent about the common occurrence of medicating dogs to meet adopters that is happening more and more.  They stress the need for transparency to potential adopters if a dog is using behavioral medication while at the shelter or in a rescue so adopters understand the type of dog they may be adopting.  It is also important to know the red flags when adopting that would mean a dog may not be a good fit in a home or lifestyle if medication is required in order to interact with anyone.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 a dog with gamma syndrome bad?  This week, Tara and Laura talk in depth about what it means if a dog has gamma syndrome.  They explain how this behavior starts, why it is completely human-caused, and what a dog with gamma syndrome will display when reacting.  This syndrome is completely different than omega syndrome, which they discussed in episode 162, and is more dangerous for handlers and other people and/or dogs in the space.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 is your dog going crazy every day at the same time?  This week, Tara and Laura tackle the canine crazies.  This is the strange witching hour that many owners describe as the most difficult time of day for them to control their dog’s behavior.  Mouthing, jumping, zoomies, constant chewing, and other unwanted behaviors always seem to rile up during this time.  They explain why this is seen so often and how to handle these moments.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 tethering your dog actually help them learn something?  This week, Tara and Laura cover the popular training technique of tethering.  They deconstruct the method, explain why it isn’t effective, and discuss how it can have a negative impact on our dogs.  Many dogs with different behavioral attributes will react to this technique in different ways, but they strive to help owners understand the importance of teaching the art of self-control in a different manner.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 a lab the right dog for your home?  For the first guest of the year and this season, Tara and Laura welcomed Margaret Huston from Heart of Texas Lab Rescue.  Margaret shared her background in the animal rescue field, how they determine dogs to bring into the rescue, and the process for adoptions.  They discussed how the stereotype that a lab is always a great family dog can be inaccurate and how they work to make sure the dog adopted is matched in a home where they are the most likely to be successful.  If you are interested in learning more about this rescue to volunteer, foster, or adopt visit their website at www.hotlabrescue.org.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 do you think that dog is the alpha?  In this first episode of season 4, Tara and Laura break down the difference between being an alpha and being a protector.  They debunk the common myths associated with behaviors that make an “alpha” in a pack and explain how most of the time the dog owners believe is in that role is incorrect.  They also explain why this term of needing to be the “alpha” of the pack is unnecessary and not what we should strive to be for our dogs.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 are you hoping for in the new year?  This shortened episode is the last of this season and the year of 2025, so Tara and Laura talk about what they hope to see in the new year in regards to dogs and their owners.  Try to take a moment to reflect on your year with your dog and determine what goals you have for 2026 with your pup.  We hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year!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