Your Family Dog Podcast

Loss is always the hardest part of owning and loving a pet. This can be especially true for children, whose first experience of death and grief comes through the loss of a beloved animal. Fortunately, there is no lack of gentle, comforting resources to help kids- and adults!- navigate the grief that comes with pet loss. Recently, we highlighted Warren Hanson's wonderful book "Paw Prints in the Stars." Today, we're joined by author Patrice Karst, whose book "The Invisible Leash" celebrates the bond that exists between us and our animals, even after they're gone from this world.   For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

Dog training has come a long way over the past few decades. A huge shift has happened, away from the harsh and punitive measures of the past, to kinder, gentler, reinforcement-based training. The tools of the trade have obviously changed as well- prong collars and choke chains have increasingly given way to better alternatives, such as the popular Gentle Leader. And now, there's an even better training tool on the market, one designed not only to help with pulling issues, but to deepen your relationship with your dog. Trainer Heather Beck of Heather's Heroes joined the show today to talk about her innovative new training leash, the Sidekick.   For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

Grief is, unfortunately, an inevitable part of life. For many of us, our first real experience of grief and loss comes with the passing of a beloved pet. As children, it can be hard to understand exactly what's happened and why our furry friend is never coming back. Moved by the story of a tragic accident, author and illustrator Warren Hanson set out to try and give comfort to children experiencing grief. His books "The Next Place," and "Paw Prints in the Stars" provide a gentle guide to coping with the sadness of death, and the celebration of the love that remains. Join us today for a discussion of grief and loss, and a special storytime (tissues recommended!).   For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

There are a lot of resources out there about kids and dogs. But whether it's bringing a puppy home to your kids, or a new baby home to your dog, most of the information available focuses on the early stages of child/puppyhood. What is often overlooked- but can be just as challenging to all involved- is what happens when the kids grow up, move out, and leave their pets behind. Family dog trainer Debra Murray, of Smartypaws LLC, specializes in family-pet dynamics. Join us today to talk about how to handle this overlooked but still pivotal adjustment in your pet's life.   For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

Getting a new puppy is a little like being invaded by aliens- cute, fluffy, wiggly aliens, but aliens nonetheless. Humans and puppies don't innately understand each other, and this lack of understanding can turn a time that should be fun and exciting into a one full of anger, stress, and doubts.  Fortunately, there is help! Certified dog trainer Kathy Callahan specializes in families and their new puppies acclimate to one another and achieve a smooth transition into the household. Join us today for a discussion of all the highs and lows, ups and downs, of puppyhood!   Certified dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and family dog mediator (LFDM) Kathy Callahan specializes in puppies. The author of Welcoming Your Puppy from Planet Dog and 101 Rescue Puppies, she writes monthly on training and behavior for Whole Dog Journal. Her business, PupStart, focuses on helping clients through puppyhood. Her website is www.puppypicks.com.  KATHY SOCIAL: Instagram - instagram.com/puppypicks  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathryn.g.callahan   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2XrCeyKGTvXvp4l5dSMG1A   Other links from episode discussion: Welcoming Your Puppy From Planet Dog Snuggle Puppy DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) Regular Roller Gate Reinforced Roller Gate Outdoor Reinforced Roller Gate (HUGE) Indoor (open floorplan) Reinforced Roller Gate Ping Pong By Leslie McDevitt - How to use it with puppies   For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog

A new year means new opportunities, new challenges, new hopes...and new books! Animal behaviorist-turned-novelist Patricia McConnell joins the show today to discuss her forthcoming book, "Away to Me." A murder mystery set in the world of sheepdog trials, "Away to Me" is part detective novel, part James Herriot essay, full of suspense and canines in equal measure. And the best part? None of the dogs die! Tune in to learn more about what is sure to be one of the best reads of 2026!   For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

Happy Throwback Thursday and Happy 2026! With the New Year comes New Year's resolutions of course, and so today we're revisiting an episode on that very topic- setting resolutions and goals for you and your dog that are realistic and achievable. Start 2026 off right by setting both you and your furry friend up for success! Tina Spring and Julie Fudge Smith talk about some soft resolutions for the New Year. In other words: those things that one might have a chance of actually achieving! They offer ideas and suggestions for managing your dog a bit better so you can carve out 15 minutes a day to do something decadent like read a book or have a cup of tea!   For show notes and other information please go to: Your Family Dog

Have you ever wanted to run with the wolves? There's an app for that! Well, sort of. Workout Woof is an app designed to connect people who want a furry workout buddy with dogs who need some extra exercise. Developed by dog-and-fitness lover Mark Mancuso, Workout Woof aims to help build community and connections between dog owners who need a little help and dog lovers who can't take on the full responsibility of dog ownership, but still sometimes need a good walk with a canine companion. Tune in for a conversation with Mark about the inspiration for his app, and how he brought it to life. For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

Happy Throwback Thursday! Christmas is almost here, family is arriving in town, and the kids will soon be on break. All of this is great, but all of it can also be overwhelming, especially for our furry friends. With kids home from school, cold weather keeping people indoors, and the hustle and bustle of parties and get togethers, how do you keep children and dogs from driving each other- and you- crazy? This week, we're bringing back an episode designed to help you do just that. Tune in for a refresher on keeping the holidays happy and sane for everybody!   For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog    The Your Family Dog Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-family-dog-podcast/id1163178672 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/0lgRkY6RO1FGsANPGVzqej   Your Family Dog Podcast ON SOCIAL  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/yourfamilydogpodcast/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/YourFamilyDogPodcast/   The Your Family Dog Podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content provided on this podcast does not constitute professional veterinary, behavioral, or training advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian, a positive reinforcement-based professional dog trainer, or a qualified pet professional before making any decisions regarding your pet’s health, behavior, or training. While we strive to share accurate and helpful information, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The hosts and guests of The Your Family Dog Podcast disclaim all liability for any actions taken based on the content of this podcast. Listener discretion is advised when implementing any suggestions discussed. This podcast may feature guests with their own views, which do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the podcast hosts. Mailing Address: Tina M. Spring, 115 Pointers Ridge Drive, Athens, GA 30606-1490 ©2016-2025 Your Family Dog Podcast LLC   For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog

YFD 251 Kids Around Dogs with Debbie Lucken Longtime listeners know that the topic of kids and dogs is a perennial one on the show, and with good reason. Kids and dogs may both be part of the family, but trying to balance competing needs and make sure everybody gets along can be stressful, to say the least! Luckily, parents today have more resources than ever to help them, including the one founded by today's guest.  Debby Lucken (ISCP.Dip.Canine.Prac.), the founder of KAD, has also designed a successful protocol to overcome the fear of dogs in kids and adults, which all KAD Approved Professionals are qualified to use. KAD - Kids Around Dogs® is an award winning association of Dog Professionals and Child Care Professionals who specialize in working with families and schools to help children and dogs to live in harmony together. Kids Around Dogs® is on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok. KAD-Kids Around Dogs® ACE Freework Protocol for Relaxation WestPaw    For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog Podcast.

Happy Throwback Thursday! With winter in full swing, we thought it would be a good time to revisit this episode on cold weather training tips. Grab a cup of cocoa and tune in for advice on how to keep training going, even on the most blizzard-y of days.   Snow and ice got you housebound? Tina Spring and Julie Fudge Smith can help you beat the winter doldrums with these suggestions for training your dog even when cold weather has you stuck inside. Snow and ice got you housebound? Tina Spring and Julie Fudge Smith can help you beat the winter doldrums with these suggestions for training your dog even when cold weather has you stuck inside. ‪@YFDPodcast‬ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast 163: Winter Training Tips Time Stamps 0:00 Introduction 2:00 What were your struggles last year? 5:00 Food sometimes arrive in gifts and can be a real hazard - ask the giver if anything is food 8:20 “Ex” or Exercise Pens can be a huge help in a wide variety of ways 9:40 Sugar Free is dangerous to dogs, be sure to keep them safe 10:10 What went GREAT! So we can incorporate it this year 11:15 Write down what works great that you want to repeat 14:30 Working on relaxing during car rides (short trips) 16:30 Cooperative Care: 7 Steps to Stress Free Husbandry 20:30 Impulse Control (waiting at the door, etc.) 22:30 Invites onto furniture 23:00 Dragon Season! 24:00 The environment changes and impacts behavior 25:00 Stop Leash Pulling! 26:00 Practice indoors (house, garage, basement, Home Depot, other dog friendly environments) 26:20 1,2,3 by Leslie McDevitt from Control Unleashed: Reactive to Relaxed 30:00 More on Leash Pulling 32:30 What if my dog has big feelings about some situations? 34:30 Understanding who your dog is is an important step 35:35 Where does my dog struggle? 36:00 Socialization from the car with fearful dogs, Look At That from Leslie McDevitt from Control Unleashed: Reactive to Relaxed 38:30 Stop on a positive note, don’t keep going. Keep is short and sweet. 39:30 Waiting is an important part of training 40:30 Practice 3-5 min at a time 43:30 Door Dashing 45:00 Enrichment isn’t a competition - your dog needs sleep too! Stay in the Loop with YFDP: Mailing Address: Tina M. Spring, 115 Pointers Ridge Drive, Athens, GA 30606-1490 YFDPod Merch - TBA The Your Family Dog Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-family-dog-podcast/id1163178672 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/0lgRkY6RO1FGsANPGVzqej Your Family Dog Podcast ON SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourfamilydogpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourFamilyDogPodcast/ The Your Family Dog Podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content provided on this podcast does not constitute professional veterinary, behavioral, or training advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian, a positive reinforcement-based professional dog trainer, or a qualified pet professional before making any decisions regarding your pet’s health, behavior, or training. While we strive to share accurate and helpful information, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The hosts and guests of The Your Family Dog Podcast disclaim all liability for any actions taken based on the content of this podcast. Listener discretion is advised when implementing any suggestions discussed. This podcast may feature guests with their own views, which do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the podcast hosts. ©2016-2025 Your Family Dog Podcast LLC For show notes and more information please see: Your Family Dog (https://yourfamilydogpodcast.com/episode163/) For show notes and more information please see: Your Family Dog

Enrichment is a favorite topic here on Your Family Dog, and with good reason. Providing your dog with enrichment activities keeps them happier, healthier, and better-behaved. And while finding enrichment activities can feel complicated or overwhelming, it really doesn't have to be. Join Tina and fellow dog trainer Emily Breslin for a discussion about the importance of enrichment, and suggestions for fun, easy ways to make it happen. For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

Happy Throwback Thursday! With Thanksgiving next week (at least for the American listeners!), and Christmas fast approaching, we're bringing back this episode on navigating the holidays with your dog. Tune in for a refresher on how to make the holidays merry and bright for everybody involved.   It's the most wonderful time of the year...but also sometimes the most stressful, both for people and their pets. Parties, visitors, traveling, and of course all the food can throw even the calmest and most well-trained dog for a loop. But chaos doesn't have to be the name of the game! Julie and Tina provide advice and tips on how to manage the hustle and bustle of the holidays so that you and your dogs can both find some comfort and joy. For more information and show notes: Your Family Dog

Time out! We're used to time outs being something bad- a punishment given to a misbehaving child. But what if that's the wrong way to look at them? What if time outs can actually be good things? And what if we all need them- not just kids, but adults and dogs, too? Dog trainer Kelsey Weber and psychologist Shaun Davis are big believers in the power of a good time out to help everybody, regardless of age (or species!). The two of them joined the show today to talk about the right way to do a time out, and the importance of self-care and support not just for us, but also for our toddlers, teenagers, and four-legged friends. Kelsey Weber, ABCDT, CPDT-KA, LFDM-T Kelsey is a certified professional dog trainer and licensed family dog mediator. She owns Pawsitively Trained in Sherwood, OR where she focuses on supporting pets and their people by building stronger pet-person relationships through better understanding and communication. She and her husband live on their farm in Sherwood with her small horse herd, flock of poultry, goat, pig, and two dogs. Website: https://pawsitively-trained.com/ Email: kelsey@pawsitively-trained.com    Shaun Davis, PsyD Shaun Davis is a licensed psychologist working in Newberg, Oregon. She is a graduate of George Fox University. She works with children, families, and couples using Emotionally-Focused Therapy which focuses on the attachment bonds that keep relationships strong. She has been married for 43 years, has 3 adult daughters, 5 grandchildren, and a lovely Bernedoodle who works as a therapy dog in her private practice. Website: www.shaundavispsyd.com Email: drshaun@shaundavispsyd.com  Book Links Everyone Needs a Timeout: https://a.co/d/bHVF7iL  Getting Started with Timeouts Planner: https://a.co/d/aEixzyg  Settling In With Timeouts Planner: https://a.co/d/1fm8DnK    For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog

Happy Throwback Thursday! Piggybacking on our two part interview with Bob Deeds, we're bringing you this sweet-smelling blast from the past on the wonders of scent work. Tune in for a refresher on the science of smell and how scent-based games can open up a whole new world for you and your dog. Those of us with less sensitive noses seldom realize just how big of a role odors play in the lives of our dogs. But for dogs, smell is a vital and integral part of how they perceive the world and gather information about it. Playing scent-based games with our dogs can be a great way to bond with them and learn to understand and interact with them better. Dianna Santos, the owner of Scent Work University, came on the show today to talk about scent work and how it can improve your relationship with your dog and their quality of life.  For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog

‪@YFDPodcast‬ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast   Bob Deeds is a retired K9 search and rescue specialist with FEMA and Texas Task Force One, known for his work with his dog Kinsey at Ground Zero. He and his wife, Karen Deeds, are active in K9 training, specializing in scentwork, disaster response, and behavior modification. They co-own Canine Connection LLC, a dog training and behavior consulting business that helps place dogs in homes and presents seminars on K9 topics.   Key Aspects of Bob Deeds' Work: Search and Rescue (SAR): Bob Deeds is an experienced search and rescue trainer and handler, having deployed his dog Kinsey to disaster sites like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.  Scentwork: He teaches workshops on scentwork, focusing on foundations, communication, and competition aspects.  K9 Behavior & Training: He believes in stress-free training methods that build a strong handler-dog bond and provides workshops on dog behavior and training.  Texas Task Force One: He served as a K9 specialist with Texas Task Force One, a state urban search and rescue team.  Canine Connection LLC: He and his wife Karen run Canine Connection LLC, which provides K9 behavior evaluations and helps rescue organizations.  Public Education: He and Karen conduct seminars and present on various K9 topics, and they are instructors for Dog Scouts of America.  Geocaching Geo-Sniffing   Time Stamps -  0:00 Introduction 0:30 Video tape your training sessions 11:30 Know your dog 11:46 Advantages of GeoScenting 31:00 How to get started 35:30 What is GeoCaching 41:35 Sniff Spot   Stay in the Loop with the Your Family Dog Podcast Mailing Address: Tina M. Spring, 115 Pointers Ridge Drive, Athens, GA 30606-1490   YFDPod Merch TBA    The Your Family Dog Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-family-dog-podcast/id1163178672 Spotify Podcasts:   Your Family Dog Podcast ON SOCIAL  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/yourfamilydogpodcast/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/YourFamilyDogPodcast/   The Your Family Dog Podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content provided on this podcast does not constitute professional veterinary, behavioral, or training advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian, a positive reinforcement-based professional dog trainer, or a qualified pet professional before making any decisions regarding your pet’s health, behavior, or training. While we strive to share accurate and helpful information, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The hosts and guests of The Your Family Dog Podcast disclaim all liability for any actions taken based on the content of this podcast. Listener discretion is advised when implementing any suggestions discussed. This podcast may feature guests with their own views, which do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the podcast hosts. ©2016-2025 Your Family Dog Podcast LLC

All work and no play makes Fido a dull pup...or something like that. Either way, even the hardest-working dogs need to play sometimes. Enter Bob Deeds, a retired K9 search and rescue specialist who has developed a whole new sport- geo-sniffing- designed to allow dogs to enjoy the challenge of scentwork in the great outdoors without the stress of rescue work. Tune in to learn more about Bob's work, and the art and science of geo-sniffing.   For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

Happy Throwback Thursday! This week, we're revisiting the perennial issue of loose leash walking. Tune in for a refresher on the best way to make sure you and your dog both enjoy the outdoors this fall.   "Walking the dog" is one of those things that's often a lot harder than it sounds. Julie and Tina break down the art of loose leash walking and offer advice and suggestions to help both you and Fido enjoy your walks. For show notes, please go to: Your Family Dog

‪@YFDPodcast‬ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast 247: A Second Chance at Love; Senior Dog Adoptions with Peggy Rew Peggy Rew is our guest on this episode. Peggy Rew is a professional pet nanny, published wordsmith, copy editor, and pet care educator. A pet rescuer since the ‘70’s, Rew has touched the lives of more than 4,000 animals: dogs, cats, horses, goats, reptiles, llamas, fish, bunnies, and birds, etc. Her penned creations include poetry, short stories and hundreds of published articles.   You may reach Peggy at: rewcrew5@gmail.com or at 775-830-0982 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/m.peggy.a.rew   Time Stamps -  0:00 Introduction 1:20 Puppies can produce a lot of complication 2:11 The story of a senior dog adoption 4:00 Often seniors are available due to people going into senior living and they can’t keep their beloved pet. 8:00 Young doesn’t always mean healthy and a long life, and a 7 year old dog, in some cases is elderly and in others (say a Jack Russell) are just starting to mature! 10:00 Checklists of expectations and deal breakers 11:10 “Senior” often means 7, but sometimes it means 10 years old or older 12:44 An adult dog knows him or herself. They are just as easy to train. We know whether or not they are comfortable with a quiet or busy life, do they like kids, etc 14:30 What attributes does our family need, what attributes do we need to avoid? 20:50 Older dogs often make puppy raising easier 21:26 Breed specific rescue can be a huge help if you want a specific breed 27:51 If a family member is afraid of dogs, please resolve that before you get a dog! 33:00 If possible adopt dogs from groups that do matching assessments such as Meet Your Match® & Safer® assessments from the ASPCA. We tend to get better matches when such programs are utilized.   Stay in the Loop with the Your Family Dog Podcast Mailing Address: Tina M. Spring, 115 Pointers Ridge Drive, Athens, GA 30606-1490   YFDPod Merch TBA    The Your Family Dog Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-family-dog-podcast/id1163178672 Spotify Podcasts:   Your Family Dog Podcast ON SOCIAL  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/yourfamilydogpodcast/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/YourFamilyDogPodcast/   The Your Family Dog Podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content provided on this podcast does not constitute professional veterinary, behavioral, or training advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian, a positive reinforcement-based professional dog trainer, or a qualified pet professional before making any decisions regarding your pet’s health, behavior, or training. While we strive to share accurate and helpful information, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The hosts and guests of The Your Family Dog Podcast disclaim all liability for any actions taken based on the content of this podcast. Listener discretion is advised when implementing any suggestions discussed. This podcast may feature guests with their own views, which do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the podcast hosts. ©2016-2025 Your Family Dog Podcast LLC

Happy Throwback Thursday! With spooky season officially upon us, now is a great time to start preparing yourself and your dog for Halloween. Tune in for a quick refresher on the challenges Halloween can present for pups, and advice on how to help guide them through it. TimeStamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:05 Ginger's Story 3:00 Sounds can be scary 3:40 Dogs decide what is "normal" based on early socialization 7:00 Salt Lake City 9:00 Socialization & Habituation 10:24 Additive Philosophy 11:19 Challenges of Halloween 11:30 Tips: A Safe Place to Go 12:00 Tips: Behavior Changes 12:50 Don't force uncomfortable situations (from your dog's perspective) 14:00 Costume Stress - Does your dog enjoy it? 15:00 Dog won't move - Then your dog is not enjoying the costume 19:00 Call In Question: Should I get a Dog for my Dog? 21:00 Alone Training Halloween can be a scary holiday for dogs. In this episode, Julie Fudge Smith and Colleen Pelar discuss the importance of socialization and why dogs can be a bit unnerved by the sights and sounds of Halloween. For more information and show notes go to: Your Family Dog Podcast