Reward Your Dog Podcast

Life with a struggly dog can be really hard. Behavior modification training is often the long game and takes a toll on everyone. How can you as the guardian of a difficult dog with big feelings keep yourself sane as you live with your tricky fur friend? Jesse and Verena send out some empathy for you while discussing some strategies to help you cope with this complex situation.The shoutout goes out to Dog Adventures NW. DANW offers off leash adventures, training, boarding and petsitting in Portland and Salem in Oregon as well as in Atlanta and Denver. We would appreciate your support for the Reward Your Dog Podcast by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon (no paywalls unless you *want* to subscribe)Buy us a coffeeAnd of course you can reach out to Verena help with your dog. More info on Verena and Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteBlue SkyFacebookInstagram

One of the toughest things to deal with when you have a reactive dog: an approaching off leash dog! Jesse and Verena share strategies for how to handle this sticky situation. Want to submit a question as well? You can do so right here: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/podcastWe would appreciate your support for the Reward Your Dog Podcast by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon (no paywalls unless you *want* to subscribe)Buy us a coffeeAnd of course you can reach out to Verena help with your dog. More info on Verena and Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteBlue SkyFacebookInstagramMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

Jesse and Verena sit down with Suzanne Clothier of Relationship Center Training to discuss what's behind the label "reactive". "Reactive" has become a catch all term for dogs with big feelings these days, but what does it truly mean when we use it? We look at different kinds of reactivity all the while Suzanne reminds us to remember that each dog is a unique individual. The shoutout goes out to Suzanne's wonderful work. For dog trainers, she has the upcoming course "Reactivity Repair Kit" (check this page for announcements). For dog guardians, she recommends "RCT Skills for the Reactive Dog" and her unmissable classic "The Auto Check In." We would appreciate your support for the Reward Your Dog Podcast by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon (no paywalls unless you *want* to subscribe)Buy us a coffeeAnd of course you can reach out to Verena help with your dog. More info on Verena and Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteBlue SkyFacebookInstagramMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

In the latest installment of the RYDP, Jesse and Verena discuss how you can make sure that you're utilizing your dog's training sessions fully, covering everything from having a coaching mindset while advocating for yourself to how much time you need to budget for your dog's training transformation. Our shoutout in this episode goes to Woof Cultr! We would appreciate your support for the Reward Your Dog Podcast by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon (no paywalls unless you *want* to subscribe)Buy us a coffeeMore info on Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteBlue SkyFacebookInstagramMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

Jesse and Verena sat down for a chat with the amazing Lorenzo JW Fox to discuss when and how dogs like to be touched, how to keep people from reaching for your dog in public, and what enthusiastic consent looks like. You can learn more about Lorenzo JW Fox through his work at Synergy in Portland, OR or on his Instagram. So many resources for you:My blog on consent checksA great consent check videoPooch ParentingFamily PawsTrailblazing TailsWe would appreciate your support for the Reward Your Dog Podcast by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon (no paywalls unless you *want* to subscribe)Buy us a coffeeMore info on Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteBlue SkyFacebookInstagramMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

In this episode, we explain where we have been all summer long... and the answer is Germany and Austria! We bring you some interesting observations around the dog-human relationship from our travels. You can take the dog trainer out of the country, but she'll still be wearing her dog trainer hat, y'all!We would appreciate your support for the Reward Your Dog Podcast by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon (no paywalls unless you *want* to subscribe)Buy us a coffeeMore info on Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteBlue SkyFacebookInstagramMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

We're so excited to be able to present to you this important and thorough interview with Dr. Pachel of the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, OR wherein we dive into the topic of psychoactive medication - what options there are, how they can help your dog, and when they might be needed. So many things to consider - you might want to listen twice!You can learn more about Dr. Pachel on his website. We would appreciate your support for the Reward Your Dog Podcast by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon (no paywalls unless you *want* to subscribe)Buy us a coffeeMore info on Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteBlue SkyFacebookInstagramMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

Oh my! A new type of episode! In our inaugural mailbag episode, we discuss a listener question on when a correction between dogs is appropriate and where the line to a scuffle lies - and what to do when scuffles happened. Want to submit a question as well? You can do so right here: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/podcastMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

The final episode in the "Navigating the Dog Training Industry" dives into different kinds of training modalities. What's the difference between private training, day training, board & train and classes? Learn more about getting the most out of training with your precious pup.Our shoutout goes to the "The Dog's Truth" by Kim Brophey.We would appreciate your support for the Reward Your Dog Podcast by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon (no paywalls unless you *want* to subscribe)Buy us a coffeeMore info on Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteBlue SkyFacebookInstagramMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

In our third installment of the "Navigating the Dog Training Industry" series, we talk about how to find a trainer who is aligned with your ethics and values and has the necessary expertise to help you with your dog's struggles. Jesse and Verena are diving into training styles, certifications, and cutting through marketing strategies - so that you can do what's right for your dog. Our shoutout goes to the Karen Pryor Academy. We would appreciate your support for the Reward Your Dog Podcast by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon (no paywalls unless you *want* to subscribe)Buy us a coffeeMore info on Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteBlue SkyFacebookInstagramMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

In the second episode of a multipart series on choosing a dog trainer, Verena and Jesse explore how the different behavior interventions stack up against each other when it comes to how pleasant or unpleasant they are for the dog, using the concept of the humane hierarchy. We're referring to the Dr. Susan Friedman article "What's Wrong with This Picture: Effectiveness is Not Enough". You will also find the image that we're talking about on the podcast in this article. Our shoutout goes to the Paws & Reward Podcast, specifically this episode on the humane hierarchy. We would appreciate your support for the Reward Your Dog Podcast by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon (no paywalls unless you *want* to subscribe)Buy us a coffeeMore info on Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteBlue SkyFacebookInstagramMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

In this first episode of a multipart series, Verena and Jesse tackle the thorny and complicated topic of navigating dog training industry as a dog guardian. The first step to hiring the right professional is understanding how dogs learn... and things get a bit nerdy. Go down the rabbit hole with us... and learn to understand your dog - and yourself - a bit better. Our shoutout goes to Reaching the Animal Mind and Don't Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor. We would appreciate your support for the Reward Your Dog Podcast by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon (no paywalls unless you *want* to subscribe)Buy us a coffeeMore info on Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteBlue SkyFacebookInstagramMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

In the follow up to episode #21, we interview Priscilla Torres about living with and through intra household aggression between her three dogs. Learn what happened, what strategies Priscilla tried, what finally helped, and where things are now. Many thanks to Priscilla. You can find her on Instagram at Luchadogs PDX.Priscilla's shoutout goes to two Portland, OR based trainers: Jess at J9K9 Training and Brie at Noble Woof Dog Training. We would appreciate your support for the Reward Your Dog Podcast by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon (no paywalls unless you *want* to subscribe)Buy us a coffeeMore info on Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteBlue SkyFacebookInstagramMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

In the first episode of 2025, Jesse and Verena sit down with Mike Shikashio and talk about what dog guardians can do when the dogs in their home don't get along. When should you find a trainer? When should you think about rehoming? And what does Babe 2: Pig in the City have to do with it all? Listen in to find out!Our thanks goes to Mike Shikashio at AggressiveDog.comOur shout goes out to the Muzzle Up ProjectYou can learn more about the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants HERE. For body language, Mike references Five by Five Canine, whom you can find HERE. We would appreciate your support for the Reward Your Dog Podcast by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon (no paywalls unless you *want* to subscribe)Buy us a coffeeMore info on Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteFacebookInstagramMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

It's the end of 2024, and Verena and Jesse spend some time thinking about the lessons their - and the clients' - dogs imparted this year. Prepare to get a little soppy and learn a thing or two about celebrating the dog you live with, assessing whether your dog is in pain, and walking the path of owning a difficult dog. Thank you to Jess Lara of J9K9 Training for contributing to the animal check in. Here is the Mills (2020) paper we reference in the podcast, and you can read about Dynamic Dog assessments and Mercedes Moore at The Motivated K9. Our shoutout goes to the YouTube channel Get a Calm Dog by Jenna Romano. We would appreciate your support for the Reward Your Dog Podcast by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon (no paywalls unless you want to subscribe)Buy us a coffeeMore info on Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteFacebookInstagramTikTokMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

In this information-packed episode, Jesse and Verena interview Gabrielle Johnson of Best Life Dog Services who generously shares their vast knowledge about the topic of nervous system dysregulation. Dogs with dysregulated nervous systems may struggle to bounce back after stressful events, have difficulty settling in the home, seem depressed, and more. Do you have a dysregulated dog? And what can you do to help them? Listen to find out more!Thank you to Gabrielle Johnson of Best Life Dog Services for this awesome interview. Gabrielle's shoutout goes to "Research Bites" by Dr. Kristina Spaulding for the dog science nerds among us. We would appreciate your support for the Reward Your Dog Podcast by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon.Buy us a coffeeMore info on Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteFacebookInstagramTikTokMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

Oh, holiday gatherings. Aren't they already difficult enough without a dog in the mix? Jesse and Verena are teaming up to discuss how to make large holiday gatherings workable with your dog, even if they are shy. Thanksgiving foods your dog can and cannot eat. The Shoutout goes to the NAYA PDX, and we encourage you to seek out and support indigenous organizations in your local area if you're located in the US or another cause working towards liberation for all if you're elsewhere - all in the spirit of Thanksgiving. We would appreciate your support by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon.Buy us a coffeeMore info on Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteFacebookInstagramTikTokMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

Visiting the vet can be a really stressful event for many dogs - but does it have to be? We are joined by the wonderful Sara McLoudrey to discuss how to make vet visits less taxing for both your dog and you, set your new puppy of for success, and what to do if your dog has shown aggression at the vet. So much great information!As promised, here are some resources around anxiety medication:A Dose of Hope Part 1A Dose of Hope Part 2Veterinary Information NetworkThe Shoutout goes to the Fear Free Certification if you need a professional for a dog who has special needs. Thanks so much to Sara McLoudrey of Decisive Moment Pet Consulting - please check out her wonderful work - also on Instagram. We would appreciate your support by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon.Buy us a coffeeMore info on Reward Your Dog Training can be found here:WebsiteFacebookInstagramTikTokMentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

Halloween is upon us, and we're coming at you with our Spooktacular Halloween episode, discussing how you and your dog can the many frights and scares of Halloween night and the time around it. Here are the pictures we promised you. The Shoutout goes to Engineering Optimism Dog Training for those of you who have small dogs that struggle to navigate the world!We would appreciate your support by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon.Buy us a coffeeSubscribe to the RYDT newsletter. You can find Reward Your Dog Training here: Website / Instagram / TikTokFacebook  YouTube Mentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!

All of us know that dogs can sustain injuries to their body - but did you know that dogs can also suffer behavioral injuries? Lauren Fraser of Fraser Animal Behaviour joins us to explore this important topic and discuss with us what a behavioral injury looks like, how it can happen, and what you as a guardian can do to prevent it. You can find Lauren Fraser's equine behavior consulting business here, her cat & dog business here, and her awesome TikTok here. The Shoutout goes to Trailblazing Tails for all your leash, collar, and long line needs!We would appreciate your support by liking, rating, reviewing, and sharing. It helps us so much! You can also:Join the RYDP Patreon.Buy us a coffeeSubscribe to the RYDT newsletter. You can find Reward Your Dog Training here: Website / Instagram / TikTok / Facebook  YouTube Mentioned in this episode:Want to work with Verena?Hey hey! I'm currently running her year end "Gratitude Sale" from now until 12/15/25. That means for you: If you're a new client, you will receive 10% off any training package that you purchase before 12/15. The first step is filling out the "Work with Me" form to see if we're a good fit: https://www.rewardyourdogtraining.com/workwithme I can't wait to hear from you! Before I forget... Past & current clients will ALSO receive a a discount - 15% off on any session packages. Email me at verena@rewardyourdogtraining.com!