Handler Tips

The foundation of a strong service dog team starts long before training — it starts with finding the right dog. In this episode, Nathalie and Dakota talk about what makes a good service dog prospect, the common misconceptions people have when choosing a dog, and how to set yourself up for success from the very beginning.They cover temperament testing, evaluating puppies vs. adult dogs, what to look for in breeders or rescues, and how to avoid common mistakes many new handlers make. Whether you’re just starting your journey or supporting someone who is, this episode gives you the tools to make informed, thoughtful choices.

⚠️ Listener Discretion Advised: This episode includes sensitive conversations about mental health, psychiatric disabilities, and stigma within the service dog community. Please take care while listening.Emotional Support Animals and Psychiatric Service Dogs are often talked about like they’re the same — but they’re not. In this episode, Nathalie and Dakota break down the legal differences, the role each plays, and why understanding those differences truly matters.We’ll talk about:• What an ESA is (and isn’t)• What qualifies a Psychiatric Service Dog under the ADA• The difference between anxiety vs debilitating anxiety and depression vs debilitating depression• How stigma and misinformation hurt both communities🎙️ Listen, learn, and join the conversation as we clear up one of the most misunderstood topics in the service dog world.

Halloween is full of costumes, candy, and spooky surprises—but for service dogs, it can be overwhelming if they’re not prepared. In this episode, Nathalie and Dakota break down everything you need to know to keep your service dog safe, confident, and stress-free this spooky season.We cover:🍬 A fun and easy Halloween “candy corn” treat recipe your dog will love👻 How to train around costumes, kids, noises, and animatronics🚪 Door manners and staying calm during trick-or-treat chaos🎢 Tips for Halloween events, amusement parks, and why haunted houses aren’t a good idea for service dogsWhether you’re heading out for trick-or-treating, attending a theme park scare night, or staying home to hand out candy, this episode will help you set your dog up for success.

“Fake spotting” is one of the most controversial topics in the service dog community. In this episode, Nathalie and Dakota dive deep into what fake spotting actually is, why it’s so divisive, and how social media has shaped the conversation—for better and for worse.They share their honest perspectives on filming fake teams, community reactions, and where the line is between raising awareness and chasing clout. You’ll hear personal stories and practical examples of when it’s appropriate—and not appropriate—to call out or document questionable behavior.From barking dogs to carts, gear misconceptions, and community attitudes, this episode unpacks the nuances of fake spotting and how it impacts real service dog teams every day.

In this episode, we’re tackling some of the wild, misinformed, and downright rude comments we’ve received on social media. From being called “Karens” to people spreading myths about service dogs and our work, we set the record straight with facts, humor, and a little bit of honesty.We break down the most common misconceptions, explain why these comments can be harmful, and share how we navigate negativity while continuing to advocate for the service dog community. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like behind the scenes of handling online criticism, this one’s for you.Tune in for myth-busting, transparency, and maybe a clapback or two.

In this episode of The Golden Sheltie Podcast, Nathalie and Dakota share practical tips and lessons they’ve learned as service dog handlers. From navigating crowded public spaces and handling unwanted attention to setting boundaries and advocating for themselves, they discuss the strategies that help make everyday life with a service dog more manageable. Whether you’re a new handler, experienced team, or just curious about the service dog world, these insights are designed to support, empower, and remind the community that you’re not alone.

In this episode of The Golden Sheltie Podcast, Nathalie and Dakota open up about their real experiences as service dog handlers and the unique struggles they encounter when navigating public spaces. From the constant stares and invasive questions to people trying to pet their dogs without permission, they share the realities that come with being out in the world with their Service Dogs.They dive into how these encounters affect their daily lives, the emotional toll it can take, and why it often feels like they’re carrying the responsibility of advocacy everywhere they go. By sharing their stories, Nathalie and Dakota shed light on the hidden challenges handlers face, while also offering insight into how small changes in public behavior could make a huge difference for the service dog community.This conversation is raw, honest, and eye opening because the community deserves honest conversations.

In this very first episode of The Golden Sheltie Podcast, we’re introducing ourselves, Nathalie & Dakota, and of course, our dogs Pluto the Golden Retriever and Fidget the Sheltie. We’ll share a bit about our journeys as handlers, what inspired us to start this podcast, and why we believe the service dog community deserves more honesty, advocacy, and real conversations. Consider this your backstage pass into who we are, what we’ve been through, and what you can expect from the episodes ahead.