Love ’Em & Lead ’Em

We open with a quick bird-nerd update (hi, northern flicker 👋), then dive into a viral NYC foster moment that shook the rescue world: a severely underweight, sweet-as-pie pup who suddenly redirected on a passing dog during a city walk. No villains here—just real life with real animals. In this episode we unpack: • Why an emaciated dog can seem angelic…until health returns and true preferences show up • Dog-to-dog communication you never see (scent, posture, micro-signals) • The 3-3-3 Rule for rescue transitions—and why “the dog you bring home” isn’t the dog you’ll know in 3 months • Leash proximity and handling that reduce surprise moments in busy environments • Balancing heart and head in rescue work, with human safety as priority #1 • Shout-outs to ethical rescues with trainers on staff (like our local partners) and why thoughtful matchmaking matters Not anti-rescue, not anti-breeder—just pro-education and pro-grace. Listen in for practical takeaways you can use on your very next walk.

Picking up where Episode 14 left off, we get real about what service dogs can do—and what they shouldn’t be asked to do. We talk through the big sticking point for families: who’s the handler (and why your second-grader probably can’t bring a service dog to school). Then we open the curtain on our hybrid approach: the first month of foundations and task starts with us, followed by lots of real-world lessons—workplaces, airports, classrooms—so the human feels as trained as the dog. You’ll hear how we design tasks around actual lives: pairing early “tells” like foot-tapping with scent changes, teaching intentional “disobedience” when safety demands it, and even shaping a persistent wake-up for a client with narcolepsy. We share a guide-style assist case for a blind adult, why not every dog (or breed) fits every task, what happens when life/meds change, and how advocacy with schools and housing often comes with the territory. It’s honest, hopeful, and practical—light on myths, heavy on outcomes. Also: a quick yacht-rock detour, because of course. Follow our podcast IG for extras and clips: @lovethemleadempodcast.

Service dogs change lives—but the path to one isn’t simple, quick, or cheap. In this episode, we break down what the ADA actually says (and doesn’t say), what task training really means, why public access skills matter, and how to tell if a dog–human team is a good fit. We share stories from our own case files—mobility tasks, psychiatric alerts, scent work, even siren alerts—plus the hard conversations we have when a well-meaning doctor says “get a service dog” and a family is left on their own to figure it out. You’ll hear: The ADA definition of a service animal and why tasks must mitigate a disability The difference between agency-trained, self-trained, and our hybrid model Realistic timelines, costs (why $50–60k isn’t a scam), and waitlists Kid handlers, school realities, breed myths, and when we say no (for the dog’s sake and yours) How to start smart: evaluating the dog you already have vs. sourcing the right puppy If you’re considering a service dog—or you work with clients who might—this is your friendly, no-nonsense guide before you make big decisions.

Resource guarding isn’t just about a food bowl — it can be toys, bones, couches, people, even whole corners of the house. In this episode, Cory and Melaney dive deep into why dogs guard, what it looks like in real life (hello, Benny the bernedoodle), and why the old “bait and switch” trick can actually make the problem worse. You’ll hear stories from camp, including the cocker spaniel who guarded his person like treasure and the Labrador who couldn’t relax enough to eat. We’ll unpack common myths, explain why putting your hand in the food bowl won’t “fix” anything, and share safer, smarter ways to manage guarding before it turns dangerous. If your dog guards food, toys, or even family members, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on — and how to set up the leadership, structure, and environment your dog needs to feel secure without going on the defensive.

A listener asked a great question about our “Zuko” episode: why did that dog like Cory but come after Melaney? Short answer: dogs read us—our body language, heart rate, even our scent—better than we read ourselves. In this conversation we unpack how your mental and physical state can flip a session from smooth to sketchy, why thresholds and territory matter, and how tiny life changes (a vet visit smell, moving a favorite chair, a new neighbor’s dogs) can ripple into “sudden” behavior shifts. We also share practical tools: build a predictable routine, make a simple plan before you train, visualize success (shoutout Sheri Wolf Lucas), advocate for your dog with confident “no, you may not pet,” and know when to tap out for safety. Plus: cryptid tees, The Cranberries, and a post-college-drop-off birding field trip to get our heads right—because your vibe becomes your dog’s vibe.

Two puppies are always better than one… right? In this episode of Love ’Em & Lead ’Em, Cory and Melaney dig into the messy reality of littermate syndrome — the hidden challenges of raising two puppies from the same litter (or close in age). From sibling squabbles to tag-team chaos, they’ve seen it all. You’ll hear stories of families who got more than they bargained for, what breeders and rescues don’t always tell you, and the real-life strategies that can make (or break) life with littermates. Plus, updates on past podcast favorites Nala the golden retriever and Guinness the miracle pup — spoiler: there’s some heartwarming progress to celebrate. If you’ve ever thought about bringing home “just one more puppy,” this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

This week’s episode dives deep into one of our most medically complex (and emotionally rewarding) cases yet — a little Frenchie named Guinness. After being rescued from a life of breeding, he came to us with major potty problems, a seizure disorder, and more medical question marks than we’ve ever seen in one tiny body. Euthanization was on the table… but his dad wasn’t giving up, and neither were we. What happens when a dog might be *too sick to train* — and what does giving him a chance really take? Then we lighten things up with the debut of a brand-new segment: Matchmaking with Matt. Our producer Matt wants a Shiba Inu, and we break down whether that’s a great fit or a disaster waiting to happen. (Spoiler: it’s giving “cat in a dog’s body.”) We talk breed research, choosing the right dog for your life, and why picking a dog is not unlike dating. Whether you’re a rescue advocate, a Frenchie fan, or just wondering if you're ready for a Shiba, this episode brings all the feels — and plenty of laughs.

What we thought was excited jumping takes a turn when we meet Zuko — a powerful, sweet-faced, intensity-packed dog with a serious guarding streak and a zero-chill attitude. What started as a leash reactivity consult quickly became a masterclass in body language, impulse control, and surviving a close call (spoiler: no one got bit, but it got real close). Later, we balance the chaos with a sweet update on Nala, a rescued golden retriever who went from shutdown to spoiled queen. We talk about what it really means when a dog "doesn't know how to dog," and how small wins can lead to lifelong change. Whether you're managing your own Zuko or raising a Nala, this episode is packed with practical tips and real talk from the field.

In this episode of Love 'Em & Lead 'Em, we’re unpacking a recent rescue situation involving four small dogs with some very big opinions. From tangled potty routines to sibling squabbles and split living arrangements, it was clear this family needed a reset — fast. Join Cory and Melaney as they unpack the lessons from this multi-dog rescue case, explore codependent human-dog dynamics, and share how simple changes can lead to powerful transformations. Plus, a surprise visit from Mat with a Google review that reminds us why we do what we do. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by dog ownership (or questioned your own sanity after adding just one more dog), this one’s for you.

In this episode of Love 'Em & Lead 'Em, we’re unpacking a recent rescue situation involving four small dogs with some very big opinions. From tangled potty routines to sibling squabbles and split living arrangements, it was clear this family needed a reset — fast. Join Cory and Melaney as they unpack the lessons from this multi-dog rescue case, explore codependent human-dog dynamics, and share how simple changes can lead to powerful transformations. Plus, a surprise visit from Mat with a Google review that reminds us why we do what we do. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by dog ownership (or questioned your own sanity after adding just one more dog), this one’s for you.

In this deeply personal episode, Melaney and Cory pay tribute to Harvey—the unforgettable black German Shepherd who brought them together and helped shape both their business and their friendship. From service dog struggles and wild training stories to grief, mental health, and the messiest lessons dogs can teach us, this episode is a raw, honest reflection on the dog who started it all. You’ll laugh, cry, and probably walk away feeling a little less alone in your own dog journey. Because sometimes, the dog that changes your life is the one that challenges you the most.

In this deeply personal episode, Melaney and Cory pay tribute to Harvey—the unforgettable black German Shepherd who brought them together and helped shape both their business and their friendship. From service dog struggles and wild training stories to grief, mental health, and the messiest lessons dogs can teach us, this episode is a raw, honest reflection on the dog who started it all. You’ll laugh, cry, and probably walk away feeling a little less alone in your own dog journey. Because sometimes, the dog that changes your life is the one that challenges you the most. Timestamps: 2:03 - Saying Goodbye to Harvey Walker. 6:24 - How Harvey Entered Cory’s Life. 10:11 - The Birth of a Dog Trainer. 14:14 - The Challenge of Training Harvey. 20:50 - Mutual Recognition and Mental Health. 24:03 - The Dog That Glued Cory and Melaney Together. 38:18 - How to Know When to Euthanize a Dog. 42:42 - Behavior Modification at its Core.   Links: Visit our website to learn more. Follow us on Instagram!

Welcome to Love ’Em & Lead ’Em—a podcast about real dogs, real life, and the messy, meaningful work of training both. Hosted by Melaney, a former Military Police K9 handler, and Cory, a former special education teacher focused on behavior disorders, we’re the duo behind Dog Training Camp USA in Louisville, Kentucky. We’ve helped hundreds of families ditch the gadgets, skip the hot dogs, and build better relationships with their dogs—through leadership, structure, and a whole lot of heart. But this podcast isn’t just about dogs. It’s about the people holding the leashes.  We talk about mental health, burnout, running a small business, friendship, and yes—birding. You’ll hear the real-life highs and lows behind the scenes as dog trainers, moms, business partners, and best friends. Each episode delivers practical training tips, unfiltered client stories, and raw conversations about the wild journey of living (and learning) with dogs. Whether your dog is a dream or a full-blown dumpster fire, we’ve been there—and we’ve got your back. New episodes every other week.  Subscribe, laugh, and learn with us—because you don’t have to choose between loving your dog and leading them. You can do both.

Who we are, why we’re here, and why you’ll want to stick around.

In this short trailer, we introduce ourselves—Melaney, a former Military Police K9 handler, and Cory, a recovering special education teacher and co-owners of Dog Training Camp USA Louisville—and share the heart behind our approach to training.You’ll hear why we started this show, what you can expect in upcoming episodes, and how we help dog owners stop choosing between loving their dogs and leading them. Spoiler alert: you can absolutely do both.Whether you're dealing with leash pulling, puppy chaos, or just want to connect more with your dog, you're in the right place.Let’s get to work—together.

This one’s for the crusty white dogs, the bird nerds, and anyone who's ever been told to “fake it till you make it.” In this episode, Mel and Corey dive into their early days of dog training chaos — from rogue German Shepherds and crusty little biters to leadership clashes and business-growing pains. They reflect on what it takes to lead people and dogs, share hard-won lessons from the field, and yes, get very sidetracked by bird drama. It's part comedy, part therapy, and all real talk from the frontlines of dog life and small biz ownership.

Is your dream dog the kind that trots beside you leash-free, ready to recall at a whistle? In this episode, Melaney and Cory break down the fantasy and reality of off-leash dog training. From personal stories of their own pack to real-world client struggles, they tackle what it actually takes to build a reliable off-leash recall.Discover why long leash training, relationship-based obedience, and consistent practice are non-negotiable for success. Whether you're working with a beagle with a nose for mischief or a Labrador who loves the pond, this conversation dives deep into dog behavior, recall reliability, and breed-specific quirks.Perfect for dog parents, trainers, or anyone dreaming of ditching the leash but keeping the control. Plus, laughs, love, and a little chaos from their blended family of dogs and humans.

Cory and Melaney talk about the two different kinds of services for puppy training: private lessons and puppy camp.

Cory and Melaney discuss personal protection training as well as a dog they helped recently named Spud.

Cory and Melaney discuss the hardships of older people owning young dogs, their favorite mini Australian shepherd Dixie, and a difficult potty training case.