In this episode, Emma and Kirsten dive into everything you need to know about helping your dog feel safe, secure, and even excited about car rides. Whether you're planning a big road trip or just want to make vet visits less stressful, we’ve got you covered. We’ll chat about the best ways to support your dog while riding in the car—think comfy setups, calming techniques, and safety must-haves. Plus, we share gentle, step-by-step tips for easing anxious pups into car travel, so every journey can feel a little more like home.  

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the pint-sized pups that often get overlooked. From breed discrimination to misconceptions about behavior and care, small dogs face unique challenges that deserve our attention. Emma and Kirsten are passionate pet parents about how to give little dogs the big voice they need. Curious about the world from a small dog's perspective?  This episode is for you!

Your dog is missing—what now? In this urgent and practical episode, we guide you through the crucial first steps to take when your dog disappears. From creating effective flyers and using social media, to contacting shelters and leveraging technology like microchips and pet recovery apps, we cover everything you need to know to maximize your chances of a safe reunion.   Whether you're in the middle of a search or just want to be prepared, this episode is a must-listen for every dog owner. https://www.missinganimalresponse.com/lost-pet-help/

Ever spotted a wandering pup and felt unsure what to do next? In this episode, we break down the essential steps to safely help a lost dog—from how to approach it without scaring it off, to checking for tags, using social media, and working with local shelters. Whether you're a dog lover or just someone trying to do the right thing, this episode will give you the tools to reunite a lost pet with their family.

Remember when summer felt endless—when every day was an invitation to explore, get a little sunburned, and create memories with your favorite people? In this episode, Emma and Kirsten take you back to those golden days and challenge you to bring that same spirit of joy, freedom, and fun into the time you spend with your dog. From creative ways to beat the heat to spontaneous backyard adventures, it’s all about making the most of these sun-soaked days with your four-legged best friend. After all, summers with your pup are precious—and there are never quite enough of them. So grab the leash, fill the water bowl, and let’s make this summer unforgettable.

What comes to mind when you see a dog wearing a muzzle? Chances are, we already have a good idea of your response. Unfortunately, muzzles often carry a negative stigma in our culture—despite being incredibly valuable tools for promoting safety, freedom, and overall well-being in dogs. In this episode, Emma and Kirsten address common misconceptions about muzzles and explain why they deserve a more positive reputation. They’ll guide you through the different types of muzzles, their appropriate uses, and how to begin the process of muzzle acclimation. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective and practical insights on this often misunderstood topic. Kirsten’s favorite muzzles- The Muzzle Movement

Did you know that dogs can’t see anything that is 12-18 inches in front of their face? Or that the size of their skull affects their ability to hear different frequencies? During this episode, Emma and Kirsten share the details of how your dogs are taking in information in their environments by using their visual, olfactory, auditory, taste, tactile and awareness sensory perception faculties. By understanding how our dogs take in information, we get a clearer picture of how they think and feel. Ready to see the world through your dog’s brain? Interested in learning more about dog behavior? Check out Kirsten’s Canine Behavior Education courses at www.caninebehavior.com or send her an email at kwhappydogs@gmail.com

In this episode, Emma and Kirsten dive into essential tips and strategies for preparing your pets for any emergency or disaster. Whether it’s a hurricane, fire, or earthquake, keeping your furry friends safe is a top priority. We’ll cover everything from emergency kits to evacuation plans, and how you can make sure your pets stay calm and secure during stressful times. Tune in for practical, positive steps to ensure your pets are disaster-ready! Key Takeaways: Create an Emergency Pet Kit: What to pack for your pets, including food, water, medications, leashes, and identification. Pet-Friendly Evacuation Plans: How to safely evacuate your pets, whether you’re at home, traveling, or at a shelter. Identification Tips: The importance of collars, microchips, and updated IDs to reunite with your pets if separated. Pet Safety During Disasters: How to keep your pets calm and comfortable in chaotic situations. Training & Preparedness: How to teach your pets to handle stress and new environments during an emergency. Resources Mentioned: AKC pet evacuation plan AKC recommended pet emergency kit items

In this episode, Emma and Kirsten sit down with Kim Brophey, an applied ethologist and a leading voice in the movement to transform the way we understand and interact with dogs. Kim shares her insights on the much-needed paradigm shift in the dog profession world—one that focuses on seeing dogs as sentient beings with their own needs, emotions, and agency. She delves into the concept of a "Good Life" for dogs, discussing how a deeper understanding of canine behavior, communication, and welfare can shape more humane, effective training and caregiving practices. Whether you’re a dog owner, trainer, or just passionate about animal welfare, this conversation offers a thought-provoking look at how we can better meet the needs of our canine companions and reimagine our relationships with them. The Dogs Truth movie on youtube https://www.familydogmediation.com/ https://www.instagram.com/familydogmediation/ Check out Kim Brophey's incredible courses here!

As Dr. Kelle Kearney says in this episode, veterinarians wear many different hats.  Our veterinarians are such an important part of our dog's team, and they offer so many important insights into our dogs' mental and physical health.  During this episode, Emma, Kirsten and Dr. Kearney unpack topics like how to prep your pup for a vet visit and trends in canine behavior over the past few years.  Listen up for great points to consider in terms of supporting your dog's health and well-being.     Find Dr. Kelle Kearney at https://www.sangeronimovalleyvet.com/

Have you ever been in a new place- maybe a subway in another country or a county fair on a crowded holiday- and been overwhelmed with the sights, sounds and smells around you?  Sometimes our brain is so busy taking in sensory input, it can be hard to relax and process information.  This is also the case for our dogs.  In this episode, Emma and Kirsten discuss the impact of the environment on your dog’s behavior and ways you can help to support them so they can learn and thrive.

Have you ever listened to someone speak about their mission and felt chills and motivation to make positive change happen? Listening to Dr. Christi during this episode will have you visualizing the power that compassionate care can evoke and give you a better sense of how we can move towards a viable solution for the many dogs in need of medical care and a safe home. Compassion Without Borders is supporting animals and their humans both in the US and Mexico, and Emma and Kirsten felt so fortunate to learn more about this incredible rescue organization and the work they are doing during this episode.

Dog training is an unregulated industry where anyone can call themselves a ”trainer” and make an eye-catching website in order to sell you their quick fix services- sometimes at great cost to the welfare of your dog. In a world where we have so many options, it is vital to educate yourself on the types of methods available and to consider how you want to teach and support your dog in a humane way. In this episode, Emma and Kirsten unpack different training methodologies and ask the question: ”How can we best support our dogs’ learning and well-being?” Buckle your seatbelts because this is a courageous ride into the dichotomy of the dog training world. Fear not as Emma and Kirsten are yet again your confident and wise guides.

Have you been given different advice about which equipment to use on your dog? Is your dog comfortable in their gear when they are heading out for a walk? Emma and Kirsten explore answers to these questions and offer some guidance about the equipment that is available and why they choose to use it with their own dogs. In a market with so many choices, it is helpful to hear first-hand from professionals about best options that are available.

Have you ever considered adopting a dog with special needs? This episode takes you on one couple’s heartwarming adventure of bringing a blind dog into their life. Scout was born with a degenerative condition that is causing blindness, and though he faces some challenges, his pet parents have found ways to support him and he is thriving! Check out reels and photos of Scout in action here https://www.instagram.com/rogersnaps/

Remember when you were 14- years- old and you were a totally balanced, perfect teenager? Of course you don’t...because how could you feel calm and confident when your world was changing and your body was taken over by alien hormones. It is the same for our adolescent dogs and in this episode, Emma and Kirsten share the science behind this challenging development stage while offering tips on how to support your struggling teen. Discovering that you no longer are the center of your pup’s universe? That’s normal and healthy. Find out how to nurture them through this stage while keeping your relationship intact.

With her incredible wit and wisdom, special guest Alexis Davison offers insights into the importance of communication in the role of behavior change, the history of positive reinforcement training and how using the UnChase Protocol can help pets learn to live together and be safe alongside wildlife.  Alexis is a professional mentor to both Emma and Kirsten.  Ready to learn a bit about life and predatory action behavior patterns?  Listen to this fascinating episode that unpacks the ”how” and ”why” of chasing and how positive reinforcement works to help your dog learn new habits. Reach Alexis Davison KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, Cert IV Dog Behavioural Training Behavioural Dog Trainer Email: alexis@unchase.com Website:  www.unchase.com Instagram: UnChase Account Facebook: UnChase Account

Ready for more fun indoor activities with your pups?  Emma and Kirsten offer up some more creative enrichment activities that are easy to set up and super fun for both you and your dog! From Food Flicking Football to Musical Mats, and other seeking and scenting games, this episode will give you lots to do during the chilly days of winter. Visit us @dogchats_podcast on Instagram for videos and more tips from this episode.

Now that the days are shorter and we are spending more time indoors with our dogs, it is time to cozy up for a dog tea party, scenting games and fun DIY enrichment activities. Your hosts Emma and Kirsten describe some of their favorite indoor dog games and offer tips about keeping your dogs busy and happy while growing your relationship together.

Does your dog communicate their fear or frustration through barking, lunging and snapping? Check out this new episode where Kirsten unravels some of the ”why” and ”how” behind these maladaptive behaviors. She offers a few tips for pet parents who are working to support their dogs and reminds us to start from a place of empathy and understanding for both dog and human clients.