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
@YFDPodcast YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast 246: Reading Dog Body Language to Reduce Conflict 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 1:00 Introducing Peggy 1:40 Dog Safety Activity Books 2:15 Activity Books 3:15 Consent & Agency - Why they matter 4:10 Eating 5:15 Resource Guarding 7:30 Dogs deserve respect too 9:00 The Nose Knows 12:00 Bites are very rare 13:00 Strategies to keep little fingers away from dog mouths 18:30 Dogs are family 20:20 Who is your dog? 22:30 Fireworks 24:00 Preparing our dogs 27:00 Lobby for Silent Fireworks 28:08 Would you miss the “booms”? 32:00 More on Dog Safety Activity Books 40:00 Does “Dog Bite Prevention” turn people off? 42:00 Kiss to Dismiss - The Kindest of Corrections 44:00 A time out can be a real gift! 45:00 Bite Prevention doesn’t really land well 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! Last time, we revisited the first of two episodes on the "Five Freedoms" that underpin so much of positive reinforcement training. Tune in this week as we continue that theme by re-releasing Part 2. Colleen Pelar and Julie Fudge Smith continue the discussion of the Five Freedoms of "internationally accepted standards of care that assert a living being’s right to humane treatment." In this episode they concentrate on freedom to express normal behavior and freedom from fear and distress, and how providing this standard of care is good for you as well as for your pet. For more information and show notes: Your Family Dog
@YFDPodcast YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast 245: How Kids & Dogs Communicate Jennifer Shryock, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Licensed Family Dog Mediator, is the owner and founder of Family Paws® LLC. She has a certification from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and a duo degree in special education and Elementary Education with more than 30 years of experience. She’s served on multiple boards, including the International Childbirth Education Association, and was Vice President of Doggone Safe, a non-profit dedicated to dog bite prevention and victim support. (2001-2016) A recognized expert on dog and baby/toddler interactions and safety, Jen has mentored hundreds of dog professionals, written and spoken extensively about these topics. While working with the rescue organization she adopted her dog from, Jen found herself supporting families with babies or young children overwhelmed by the challenges of their situations. This need for support and education led her to build resources for new and expecting families through Family Paws®. This specialized service led to creating the highly endorsed international program Dogs & Storks® for expecting and adopting families, followed by Dogs & Toddlers™. This ultimately led to the creation of Family Paws® Parent Education, now offering programs and services worldwide. Jennifer lives in Cary, North Carolina, with her husband, children, 2 dogs, 5 cats and an adorable guinea pig. Time Stamps - 0:00 Introduction 3:17 Supervision 4:30 What sensitivities does your dog have? 5:10 Proximity 6:20 Learning each member of the family’s body language can be a huge help 9:00 Developmental Stages 15:15 Little ones are taking it all in 16:00 Believe the signals 16:30 My dog would NEVER….. 17:25 Observing body language helps make things more predictable 17:50 Babies grow, dogs age 19:24 Empower yourself to understand your family members 20:05 What body language signals are often missed 20:45 Lip Licks - What they mean 🙂 21:26 Each dog is a study of one 22:07 Corrine’s face had subtitles 23:00 Lip licks are often not facing you but they do still mean stress 25:00 Video your dog doing regular things to learn body language… they give us tons of info. 26:20 Things change over time. 26:55 It’s easier to read other people’s dogs than our own. How weird?!?! 30:00 High chairs! 31:00 Previous behavior matters 32:00 Sequencing - what it is and why I love it! 34:30 What’s a signal parents sometimes miss with kiddos? 35:35 College students can even be tough for our dogs 36:45 What do families miss that worries dogs? 37:28 Cat & Digital Frame 38:17 All kinds of things impact our dogs 39:00 Sensitivities can come and go 40:09 What are your child’s sensitivities 41:19 Behavior and Body language is communication! 47:30 Does your dog get one on one time 48:00 What helps overwhelm? Grace & Management 49:05 Everyone is doing the best they can! 50:00 Keep it simple 50:20 Types of supervision 51:24 We all get distracted - How to adjust management to make that ok 54:50 Management goodies in the freezer 55:19 Plans ahead! The kids can help 57:13 Ideally we want active and proactive supervision. If passive, let’s manage the dogs differently. Have a plan for the difficult times of the day. 59:12 Flexibility helps 1:03:01 Small connections matter 1:04:20 Proximity - He snuck right past me! 1:05:05 Invites decrease bites (invite the dog over vs approaching the dog) 1:05:08 Dog & Baby on the scene, Parent in between This makes inclusion so much easier. 1:05:38 Crawl around and see your home from your dog & baby’s perspective, you will see where you can adjust to give extra exits. 1:10: 20 Kids Around Dogs & The Family Dog 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! Today, we're revisiting one of the key underpinnings of positive reinforcement training- the "Five Freedoms." Tune in for a quick refresher on the first three of these vital components of animal welfare. Julie Fudge Smith and Colleen Pelar discuss the first three of the Five Freedoms that the ASPCA lists as "internationally accepted standards of care that assert a living being’s right to humane treatment." They are standards which apply not only to dogs, but to every animal in our care, whether they are pets, farm animals, or working animals. For more information, show notes and links: Your Family Dog
Senior dog specialist Helen St. Pierre returns to YFD, but this time she's joined by trainer Kathy Callahan, who focuses on the other end of life- puppies! The two of them are co-authors of the new book "Old Dog, New Dog" which aims to help families navigate living with both senior dogs and puppies. Pull up a chair and listen in for a conversation about puppies, seniors, death, aging, and everything in between! @YFDPodcast YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast Adding a New Dog to an Old Dog Kathy Callahan and Helen St. Pierre are the authors of Old Dog, New Dog: A Guide to Supporting Your Aging Best Friend and Welcoming a New One. Helen St. Pierre is the founder of the senior animal rescue and sanctuary Old Dogs Go To Helen and the owner of No Monkey Business Dog Training. She is certified as a professional dog trainer (CPDT-KSA), a dog behavior consultant (CDBC), and a family dog mediator (LFDM). Helen’s website is nomonkeybusinessdogtraining.com 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 HELEN Facebook: Facebook Personal: https://www.facebook.com/lellow.oneplease - Helen Personal Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/olddogsggotohelen - Old Dogs Go to Helen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoMonkeyBusinessDogTraining - Dog Training Page Time Stamps - 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Kathy Callahan Introduction - Puppies! 4:45 Helen St. Pierre Introduction - Oldies! 7:15 Old Dog, New Dog 9:00 Learning We Cannot Get From a Book 10:11 Set them up to have their needs met, Young or Old 12:50 Quality of Life Weekly Check List for senior dogs 15:00 Function, Purpose & Joy 17:15 Making the Golden Age Golden 20:32 Things often marketed for puppies are great tools for senior dogs 22:35 Puppies & Senior Dogs 24:15 The Vision (the dream) 25:02 The Challenges (time to step up) 25:46 The Work Arounds 28:00 A Plan with Resources! It can be easier 31:30 “Reels” aren’t Real Life. Great relationships are built in months, not seconds. 31:48 Lots of breaks for the senior dog, they can’t raise the puppy! 32:30 Communication is information, be ready to support the puppy and your senior 35:39 Full Vet Check for our seniors before bringing home that puppy 43:10 We can make most situations work, honoring the oldie and the puppy both! 54:05 What do people miss about changes in their senior dogs? Purpose and joy vs Function 56:23 We sometimes miss that the dog isn’t doing what he has typically done… not coming into the family room (hard floors, more light, etc) cut toenails…. Things that help increase quality of life so our senior dogs can enjoy life with us! 58:50 Preferences shift 1:04:00 Medications aren’t a failure. Ideally, they are preemptive 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 For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.
Welcome to Throwback Thursday! This week, we're going way back in the archives to revisit an episode about our favorite bookish dogs. Tune in and let us know your favorite! Colleen Pelar and Julie Fudge Smith invite writer Ellie Hicks to join them in a discussion of books with or about dogs and their favorite literary pups. For more information and show notes: Your Family Dog Podcast Ellie's blog on 10 of the Best Literary Dogs @YFDPodcast YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast The Most Interesting Dogs In Literature Ellie Hicks is a writer, and Julie’s daughter and our audio producer! This is her list for AMReading Time Stamps - 0:00 Welcome and Introduction 1:22 Which dogs are not on the list and why? 4:09 Ribsy 5:12 The Woofie’s Song - YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS! 6:20 Buck from Call of the Wild, Big Red series by Jim Kjelgaard 7:30 Little House on the Prairie - Jack 9:30 Toto from The Wizard of Oz 11:10 James Harriet’s dog tales 14:17 The Game of Thrones/Song of Fire & Ice - The Direwolves 15:10 Fang 16:20 Argos 18:43 Muggs Cave Canem! 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
@YFDPodcast YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast How To Make Your Herding Dog Feel More Like Family!- Part I Herding dogs- they're gorgeous, energetic, loyal, and scary smart. We all love them, and many of us love the idea of having one of these beautiful, faithful dogs by our side. But are they really the right dog for every family? Emily Priestley is the founder of Wild at Heart Dog Training, where she specializes in helping people successfully manage herding dogs in pet homes. She came on the show today to share her expertise. Join us as we chat about both the very real challenges and the very real joys of sharing a life with herding dogs. Guest Biography In 2021, Emily Priestley left a long shelter career to focus on helping dogs whose guardians are at the end of their rope—especially those facing fear, aggression, reactivity, and herding breed challenges like compulsive disorders. She specializes in working with herding breed dogs struggling in pet homes. If you’re dealing with a reactive border collie, Australian Cattle Dog, Aussie, or another herding dog, she can help. Emily offers virtual group classes for reactivity, fear, aggression, and other issues that interfere with daily life. She also provides webinars designed for both trainers and pet guardians. She holds the following certifications and credentials: CTC from The Academy for Dog Trainers Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC) through the IAABC Certified Cat Behaviour Consultant (CCBC) through the IAABC Certified in Shelter Dog Behaviour (CSB-D) through the IAABC Completed Julie Naismith’s Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer Program Certified Death Doula, specializing in pet loss Former member of the BC SPCA’s AnimalKind program (2021–2023) During her career with the BC SPCA, Emily personally handled over 2,000 dogs. With experience across many breeds and behaviour issues, she has worked with dogs needing serious intervention. There’s nothing she hasn’t seen. Emily lives on the west coast of British Columbia with her Australian Cattle Dog, Mozzie, and her three working line border collies—Griff, Mitch, and Stormi. She works with clients across North America, Mexico, the UK, and beyond. She is a regular webinar presenter, hosts the Wild at Heart Podcast, and co-hosts Conversations From Under the Bus with Jean Donaldson, Kristi Benson, and Lisa Skavienski, available on YouTube and through The Academy for Dog Trainers on Facebook. Resources: Wild at Heart Dog Training Urban Sheepdog by Emily Priestley YFD 171: Breed Matters Time Stamps - 0:00 Welcome to Part 2. If you missed Part 1 Please go back and listen to that episode first 1:07 Can scent work help our herding dogs? 2:04 Tricks & Trials 3:07 Intrinsic Motivation 5:57 Sensitivity 7:09 When does Sensitivity become a problem? 8:30 Problem - First stop is the vet 8:35 Sileo 11:30 Suffering is not okay - Get ye to the Vet! 17:12 Advocacy 19:00 We can’t “fix” normal, healthy dog behaviors 21:00 Enrichment 22:00 Classes for trainers AND FAMILIES 24:25 What is the oddest thing your dog has attempted to eat 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: On your favorite podcast player Mondays 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
@YFDPodcast YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast How To Make Your Herding Dog Feel More Like Family!- Part I Herding dogs- they're gorgeous, energetic, loyal, and scary smart. We all love them, and many of us love the idea of having one of these beautiful, faithful dogs by our side. But are they really the right dog for every family? Emily Priestley is the founder of Wild at Heart Dog Training, where she specializes in helping people successfully manage herding dogs in pet homes. She came on the show today to share her expertise. Join us as we chat about both the very real challenges and the very real joys of sharing a life with herding dogs. Guest Biography In 2021, Emily Priestley left a long shelter career to focus on helping dogs whose guardians are at the end of their rope—especially those facing fear, aggression, reactivity, and herding breed challenges like compulsive disorders. She specializes in working with herding breed dogs struggling in pet homes. If you’re dealing with a reactive border collie, Australian Cattle Dog, Aussie, or another herding dog, she can help. Emily offers virtual group classes for reactivity, fear, aggression, and other issues that interfere with daily life. She also provides webinars designed for both trainers and pet guardians. She holds the following certifications and credentials: CTC from The Academy for Dog Trainers Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC) through the IAABC Certified Cat Behaviour Consultant (CCBC) through the IAABC Certified in Shelter Dog Behaviour (CSB-D) through the IAABC Completed Julie Naismith’s Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer Program Certified Death Doula, specializing in pet loss Former member of the BC SPCA’s AnimalKind program (2021–2023) During her career with the BC SPCA, Emily personally handled over 2,000 dogs. With experience across many breeds and behaviour issues, she has worked with dogs needing serious intervention. There’s nothing she hasn’t seen. Emily lives on the west coast of British Columbia with her Australian Cattle Dog, Mozzie, and her three working line border collies—Griff, Mitch, and Stormi. She works with clients across North America, Mexico, the UK, and beyond. She is a regular webinar presenter, hosts the Wild at Heart Podcast, and co-hosts Conversations From Under the Bus with Jean Donaldson, Kristi Benson, and Lisa Skavienski, available on YouTube and through The Academy for Dog Trainers on Facebook. Resources: Wild at Heart Dog Training Urban Sheepdog by Emily Priestley YFD 171: Breed Matters Time Stamps - 0:00 Introduction 1:00 Introducing Emily 2:00 Emily's History 5:19 How these dogs often struggle 7:19 All roads lead to mouthing 11:48 Adolescence 17:48 Before you bring a herding breed into your family 30:39 Not all herding dogs should or can be on sheep 32:00 Dry herding for herding dogs - what it is and how to help 34:00 Treadmills - Do they really help? 35:30 Overwhelmed? Do this! 36:43 Is Fetch bad? 42:28 Fetch by another name 57:00 Sheep & Herding Instinct 1:00:30 How herding works 1:04:22 Sheep dog trials on YouTube™ Join us next time for Part 2 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: On your favorite podcast player Mondays 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
Introducing "Throwback Thursday!" Starting this week, we'll be filling the gaps between new episodes by re-releasing older episodes you might have forgotten or missed. This week, we're revisiting Tina's first ever appearance on Your Family Dog, where she and Julie discussed how to keep your dog happy and healthy in the summer heat. Enjoy! In their first podcast together, Tina Spring and Julie Fudge Smith, discuss some of the hazards, as well as joys, that warm weather can bring, including: wildlife, water, insects, and whether or not you should let your pup have the run of the house when you're not home! For show notes and more information please see: Your Family Dog
Two of YFD's favorite guests are back! Animal behavior experts Zazie Todd and Marc Bekoff join Tina today to discuss all the things we humans misunderstand about our dogs, their behavior, the best way to work with them. Pull up a chair and tune in for a conversation you won't want to miss! For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog