The Canine Lowe-Down

According to an online article published by Forbes Advisor in October 2023, each year an estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States, with approximately 800,000 people seeking medical attention for their injuries. The number of fatalities resulting from a dog attack, however, is comparatively small, averaging around 30 deaths a year, according to a CDC report. Tragically, a great majority of these fatal attacks are from Pitbulls.My client, Katie Rice, was nearly one of those fatalities.Katie‘s story, including her unbelievable journey from traumatic fear of bully breeds after her attack, to becoming a bully mom, and eventually starting a dog walking service, is the subject of this podcast episode. Katie is living proof that it is possible to recover, heal, and come to love a breed again—even after a life-threatening attack.A WORD OF CAUTION: Some of the subject matter discussed in this podcast episode may be distressing for some listeners.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The soulful eyes. The fuzzy ears. The little paws. Who among us has not been smitten, at one time or another, by puppy fever! But there’s more to these cute little canines than meets the eye. A LOT more! Getting a puppy is a huge commitment, and the commitment is real. I’m going to tell you just HOW real on this episode of The Canine Lowe-Down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whenever I complete an in-home canine consultation, I customarily give my client an “after card” – an 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” card reviewing the philosophy, rules, and approach I have just coached them through. It’s a summary of my training methodology—a “cheat sheet” of sorts.Today on the podcast I’ll reveal this “cheat sheet” to you, and explain my thinking behind it. There’s a good chance you’ll learn an interesting thing or two that will help you enjoy a more harmonious relationship with your beloved canine!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the podcast I thought I’d do something a bit different, and answer the Internet’s most-asked questions about dogs.Sound like fun? Let’s do it!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If dogs could choose our New Year’s resolutions, what do you suppose they would want us to resolve to do…or NOT do?On today’s podcast I’m going to share some New Year’s resolutions I believe dogs everywhere would want us humans to make. See if you agree! It’s a special New Year’s edition of The Canine Lowe-Down!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to a special mid-month, mini holiday episode of The Canine Lowe-Down! There are a few VERY important things to bear in mind when it comes to your dog this holiday season. Let’s have a quick chat about it…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is daycare a good option for your dog? The short answer is “yes”—but a qualified “yes.” In this episode of the podcast I’m going to give you a few important things to consider when choosing a daycare for your pup; PLUS a couple of entertaining stories from my days working as a doggie daycare staffer. 😊See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Little humans are prone to all kinds of behaviors, that annoy, terrify, exasperate and bewilder. “I hope they outgrow this” parents often declare. Like children, puppies, do outgrow some unwanted behaviors. But some issues can linger on into adulthood if they aren’t addressed properly.We’re chatting about this very important topic right now on The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Separation anxiety! Probably one of the most common issues dog owners contact me about. A severe case of separation anxiety in a dog affects more than just the animal…it affects the humans too. Folks often feel confined to their home, and worry whenever they have to leave the house—even on a short errand. On today’s episode of the podcast I’ll give you my thoughts on separation anxiety—what it is, and how to work on reversing it!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should you ever rehome a dog? Folks disagree. Some say that under NO circumstances should a dog be rehomed, while others believe that if a dog causes them inconvenience it should be rehomed ASAP. The topic can be an emotionally-charged one, and understandably so. My appeal in this podcast is for us to examine this topic reasonably, rationally and with cool heads. Let’s do that right now on this episode of The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s apparent to many that little dogs have earned a reputation for “attitude.” “You know how little dogs are,” I often hear people say after particularly obnoxious eruption from, say, a Chihuahua...or Yorkie...or Dachshund.But is the sassy, ferocious reputation of little dogs justified? If not, how can we account for the “bad rap” out smaller canines have earned? I’ve got an answer for you on this episode of The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many dog owners have had the highly exasperating experience of dealing with a furry family member who demands attention at all the wrong times! (Zoom meetings, important cell calls, computer work, etc.) It seems that any task which requires a human’s full attention immediately causes the dog to demand attention for themself! What to do...🤔🤔Today on the podcast we’re going to talk about this issue. I’ll give you my expert opinion on the matter, along with some ways to address it. That’s all right here, right now on The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The dog park has become something of a “given” in the life of our dogs, hasn’t it? Our dogs get treats, go to the groomer, go on walks…and go to the dog park. Dog parks are assumed by many loving dog owners to be an optimal way for the animal to socialize as well as acclimate to new situations. But I couldn’t disagree more. My explanation is forthcoming on this episode of The Canine Lowe-Down!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How many times have we heard a plea from a shelter or rescue that sounds something like this: “This poor fur baby just wants to be loved and is looking for a forever home and a family who can spoil her.”  Oh my goodness. Our hearts immediately melt when we see the photo of said “fur baby” with huge, sad eyes and a body posture that seems to say, “nobody loves me.” 😢 But what if I told you that these well-meaning narratives (of rescue dogs in need of human love) aren’t actually true? What if I told you that the best way to ensure a rescue dog becomes happy, content and balanced, is for you to become the uncontested parental authority in their life? We’ve got lots to talk about on this “rescue edition” of The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I don’t know about you, but I love watching documentaries on wolves. The raw social interactions. The heartwarming bonding rituals. And the primal hunt. There’s something majestic in the pure wildness of the beautiful, terrifying ritual of the hunt. First come stalking. Then…the chase! Finally, if all goes well, the prey is captured at last.  The canine hunting ritual is gripping, stirring, even thrilling to watch on screen. But when these primal instincts show up in your domesticated canine living within the walls of your home—well, it doesn’t always feel so majestic. In fact, for many, it can be downright annoying. Get comfy and let’s talk about prey drive and your dog on this episode of The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Control freaks ain’t no fun to be around, are they? But did you know that taking complete control of key elements in your household environment is the key to enjoying a peaceful, harmonious relationship with your dog? We’re chatting about the importance of “claiming behavior” right now on The Canine Lowe-Down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Puppies are so stinkin’ cute, aren’t they? Their innocent little faces routinely give us “the warm fuzzies,” and that’s just feels amazingly good!  While puppies are undeniably cute to look at, raising one can be a downright challenge, as many of you know—or are currently finding out! Just when you think you have unwanted behaviors under control, a new behavior emerges which throws you for a loop. AARGH!! Yes, raising a canine youngin’ can often be a frustrating experience. But if you arm yourself with a few basic principles, the experience can be a little less frustrating—and a LOT more productive! Let’s talk about it right now on The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Petting a dog. It’s what we do when it comes to canines, and is an ideal way to interact with a dog...right?  Would it surprise you to learn that there are some instances in which you should NOT pet a dog—even your own?! If you’re skeptical about that, I completely understand. I’ll explain everything on today’s episode of The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(WARNING: Today’s podcast content is, at times, graphic. Listener discretion is advised.) When you’re a dog trainer, getting bit is a perpetual risk. And while there are certain precautions that can be taken to minimize said risk, canines are often unpredictable, and will go “off-script” at the most inconvenient moments imaginable.  In today’s episode of The Canine Lowe-Down I’m going to tell you about one such “inconvenient moment” which occurred many years ago while I was working with a highly aggressive dog. The resulting injury I received is, to date, the most severe bite I have ever experienced in my 16 years of dog training.  The story is, in the vernacular, a bit gnarly. But if you’re up to hear it, I’m down to tell it.  So here we go...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aren’t puppies the cutest? The tender parental feelings evoked by the wide-open eyes and fuzzy little paws are undeniable. Head-over-heels-in-love dog owners refer to their furry charges as “babies,” “kids,” and many other terms of endearment. But these feelings of soul-melting love can backfire when it comes to your approach to your canine. Confused by the high-pitched fawnings and entreaties of their human family members, dogs usually find themselves feeling responsible for the “human puppies” in the home. Disorder—and even disaster—can be the result. Don’t believe me? Let’s chat about it on today’s episode of The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.