Ask Dr. Caryn About Animal Behavior and Training

Ep11 October 2026: Service Dogs Revisited. Dr. Caryn and her host, The Happy Meemaw, discuss how a puppy becomes a Service Dog, different types of Service Dogs, how to become a Volunteer Service Dog Puppy Raiser, and the gratitude expressed by SDV Clients. The “Ask Dr. Caryn" Show is broadcast on ⁠WWER 88.1⁠ Colonial Beach Community Radio. A new show airs at 8:00 PM on the 2nd Thursday and repeats at 9:00 AM on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Once aired and archived on WWER 88.1, it is uploaded as a podcast on Spotify and Apple.

Ep10 September 2026: Complex Behavioral Issues. Dr. Caryn and her host, The Happy Meemaw, discuss a 16m old golden doodle sufferieng with Pica, Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Fear of Cars, and Resource Guarding. The “Ask Dr. Caryn" Show is broadcast on ⁠WWER 88.1⁠ Colonial Beach Community Radio, with a new show every month. It airs at 8:00 PM on the 2nd Tuesday and Repeats at 9:00 AM on the 2nd Saturday of the month. Once the shows is aired and archived on WWER, it is uploaded to Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

August 15, 2026 - Dr. Caryn and her host, The Happy Meemaw, discuss the 4 most common calls from dog owners: Jumping, Barking, Pulling on Leash, and being Hardheaded."Ask Dr. Caryn" is a Regular Show on WWER 88.1 Colonial Beach Community Radio. It airs at 8:00 PM on the 2nd Tuesday and Repeats at 9:00 AM on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Once the shows are aired and archived on WWER, they are uploaded to Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Dr. Caryn and The Happy Meemaw discuss resource guarding in dogs. What is it? What causes it? How Serious is it? Can it be fixed? Two Critical Mistakes to AvoidNever Punish the Growl: If your dog growls, she is communicating that she is uncomfortable. If you punish the growl, you might successfully stop the noise, but you haven't fixed the underlying fear. Instead, you create a dog that suppresses their warning signs and resorts straight to a bite.Don't Use "Alpha" Techniques: Forcing your dog onto her back, pinning her, or yelling will only validate her fear that you are a threat to her resources, making the guarding significantly worse.When to Call a Professional: If your dog is snapping, lunging, or biting, or if there are children in the household, do not attempt behavior modification on your own. Reach out to a certified positive-reinforcement behavior consultant (such as an IAABC or CPDT-KA certified trainer) to help you set up a safe, customized plan. Or just Ask Dr. Caryn for help!

Dr. Caryn and The Happy Meemaw re-emphasize the importance of the critical socialization period for puppies between eight and twelve weeks old, emphasizing positive exposure to new environments. Dr. Caryn offers practical strategies for managing dogs and setting them up for success at community events such as festivals and markets to ensure safety and comfort. Finally she addresses complex emotional issues such as separation anxiety, reactivity in public spaces, and how to support rescue dogs that are fearful of strangers.