Pod to the Rescue

Struggling to introduce your dog to your cat, chickens, or other animals?In this episode of Pod to the Rescue, we break down exactly how to safely integrate dogs with other species—using the same science-backed methods zoos use for big cats.Our guest, Sarah Dugger, is a behavior consultant with experience training everything from household pets to Amur leopards and mountain lions. And the surprising truth? The principles are the same.You’ll learn:How to introduce dogs to cats safelyWhat to do if your dog fixates or chasesHow to manage introductions with chickens or livestockWhy “they’ll work it out” can go very wrongIf you’re bringing home a new dog—or already struggling with multi-pet dynamics—this episode will give you a clear, humane roadmap.Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insightsWebsite: https://www.podtotherescue.com/Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

Pattern games are one of the most powerful (and underused) tools in modern dog training—and in this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to use them in real life.Following our conversation with Control Unleashed creator Leslie McDevitt, Emily, Jenni, and Libby dive into the *practical* application of pattern games with rescue dogs, foster dogs, and client cases.We cover:What pattern games actually do in your dog’s brainWhy predictability is critical for rescue dogsHow to use games as an emotional barometerReal-life examples with fearful, reactive, and overwhelmed dogsYou’ll learn how to implement:Up/Down for grounding and check-insPing Pong for movement and energy release1-2-3 for navigating overwhelming environmentsLook At That for changing emotional responsesWe also explore why these aren’t “just distractions”—they’re tools for building skills, resilience, and communication.If you’ve ever felt like your dog is overwhelmed, reactive, or struggling to adjust, this episode gives you actionable ways to support them!Links and ResourcesResilience Rainbow: https://journal.iaabcfoundation.org/the-resilience-rainbow/Train Me Please on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/trainmeplease Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insights!Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

What if helping a stressed or reactive dog didn’t start with obedience—but with predictability?In this episode of Pod to the Rescue, we’re joined by renowned trainer Leslie McDevitt, creator of the Control Unleashed program, to explore how Pattern Games can transform the lives of shelter, rescue, and pet dogs alike.These simple, repeatable exercises help dogs process their environment, reduce anxiety, and build resilience—whether they’re navigating a chaotic shelter, adjusting to a foster home, or learning to walk calmly through the world.We break down some of Leslie’s most powerful games—like the 1-2-3 game, Up/Down, Give Me a Break, and LATTE—and explain how they:Reduce reactivity and overwhelmBuild trust between dogs and humansTeach calm behavior without pressureHelp dogs generalize skills across environmentsIf you work with rescue dogs—or love one who struggles with the world—this episode is packed with practical, compassionate tools you can start using today.Links and Next Steps: On-Demand Webinars from Leslie McDevittLeslie’s Friends of Control Unleashed Facebook GroupLick and LearnConnect With Us:Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @podtotherescue for weekly behavior insightsWebsite: https://www.podtotherescue.com/Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

Potty training is one of the biggest challenges for new dog adopters—but even “house trained” dogs can have accidents in a new home.In this episode, professional dog trainers Emily and Libby break down how to potty train puppies and rescue dogs using science-based methods, including management strategies, reinforcement timing, and realistic expectations.Learn why dogs have accidents, how to prevent them, and how to build reliable potty habits without punishment.Click to download the free potty training log!What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy even “house trained” rescue dogs often have accidentsThe puppy potty schedule that sets dogs up for successWhat to do if your dog won’t pee or poop after adoptionThe role of stress, parasites, and medical issues in accidentsWhy punishment can make potty problems worse🎙️ Connect With Us:Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insightsWebsite: https://www.podtotherescue.com/Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

What do we really mean when we say “behavior”?In this powerful kickoff to Season 6 of Pod to the Rescue, we’re joined by world-renowned behavior scientist Dr. Susan Friedman, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Utah State University and founder of Behavior Works.Together, we explore:Why behavior is an evolved adaptationThe truth about reinforcement and punishmentWhy “scolding” isn’t necessary for learningHow to build a “trust account” with your dogThe ABC model (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence)Why confidence is a label—and what it actually looks likeErrorless learning and how to reduce mistakes in trainingHow positive reinforcement builds resilienceWhether you're a new adopter, foster, shelter professional, or trainer, this episode will fundamentally change the way you see behavior.Because rescuing the dog is just the first step.Follow Dr. Friedman’s Behavior Works page on Facebook and check out her website: https://behaviorworks.org/Connect With Us:Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insightsWebsite: https://www.podtotherescue.com/Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/