Welcome to Holistic Dog Behavior!
In this episode, hosts Megan Shevlin (Certified Dog Behavior Consultant) and her twin sister Bridget dive deep into a common problem: dogs barking at things outside while inside the house. They break down what’s really going on, what alert barking actually means, and how to help your dog feel safer and less reactive—without punishing them for doing what dogs do.
Whether your dog barks at the mail carrier, neighbors, or passing dogs, this episode will give you both the understanding and practical tools to start making change.
⏱️ Episode Topics & Timestamps:🧠 Mentioned in This Episode:
00:00 – Intro & quick disclaimer
00:50 – Why dogs bark at things outside from inside the home
5:00 – What is alert barking, really?
9:30 – Common triggers for dogs who bark inside
11:30 – Overview of supportive strategies
11:55 – Alert Barking Protocol (3-step plan!)
17:40 – Why sound desensitization comes before trigger work
25:20 – Visual desensitization tips and techniques
37:14 – Turning triggers into cues for alternative behaviors
38:18 – Examples of good alternative behaviors
47:50 – “Treat Party!” – an easy go-to method to interrupt barking
59:30 – The power of labeling and mindful language
Grisha Stewart
Leslie McDevitt
If you found this helpful, please leave a review, share the episode with a fellow dog guardian, or visit holisticdogbehavior.com for personalized support.
Have you ever wondered why your dog can walk past a trigger one day with no issue… and then totally lose it the next? You’re not alone—and no, your dog isn’t being unpredictable on purpose.
In this episode of Holistic Dog Behavior The Podcast, we’re answering a listener’s thoughtful question: Why does my dog sometimes react, but not other times? Megan breaks it all down with practical insights and real-life examples to help you make sense of your dog’s responses. We talk trigger stacking, situational context, reinforcement, and the often-overlooked internal factors that influence how a dog reacts in the moment.
Whether you’re deep into behavior work or just starting to notice patterns, this episode will help you connect the dots and feel more confident supporting your dog.
Key Moments:
2:29 Listener question: Why does my dog sometimes react, but not other times?
10:00 Megan’s trigger stacking story (yes, the lasagna one!)
17:00 Understanding Trigger Stacking and how it builds up
26:00 Contextual & situational triggers—location and conditions matter
28:10 Real-life client example of situational reactivity
42:15 The 3 D’s (Distance, Duration, Distraction) and how they explain “inconsistent” reactions
44:15 Motivating Operations and Reinforcement—why your dog’s behavior shifts with treat value, hunger, stress, and more
Recommended Resources:
Insta: @whataboutbunny
Understanding Your Dog’s Breed:
Book: Meet Your Dog by Kim Brophey
Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, subscribe, rate, and review to help other dog owners find us! You can also submit your own questions for the pod at holisticdogbehavior.com/podcast
Connect With Us:
Website: Holistic Dog Behavior
Instagram: @HolisticDogBehavior
Send us your questions for future episodes here!
Welcome to Holistic Dog Behavior The Podcast!
In this episode, we get right into it—We explore counterconditioning and desensitization—two kind, effective techniques that help dogs change their emotional responses to the things that scare or stress them. You’ll see how these approaches work together to help you and your dog.
We also explain what a marker is in dog training (nope, not the kind you draw with!) and share one of our favorite connection-based exercises: the “Look at That” game by Leslie McDevitt. It’s a game rooted in trust that can gently help your dog learn to observe their triggers without reacting.
This episode is for anyone who wants to meet their dog where they are, with empathy and understanding—and is curious about how to create change without force, fear, or pressure.
Key Moments:
00:00 - Intro/Disclaimer (borinnggg, skip this if you want!)
1:06 - What is counterconditioning and how does it help with dog training?
2:53 - How to use Desensitization & Counterconditioning together in dog training.
14:00 - What the heck is a “marker” in dog training? And no, we don’t mean for drawing!
22:05 - Here’s a fun game you can learn to play with your dog that helps them learn to see their triggers without reactions! This is the “Look at That” Game by Leslie McDevitt.
Recommended Resources:
Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, subscribe, rate, and review to help other dog owners find us! You can also submit your own questions for the pod at holisticdogbehavior.com/podcast
Connect With Us:
Website: Holistic Dog Behavior
Instagram: @HolisticDogBehavior
Send us your questions for future episodes here!
Hosts Megan (CDBC) & Bridget dive into the challenges of vet visits and why they can be so stressful for our dogs. We share personal stories, practical strategies, and insights into how behavior consultants can support both you and your vet in making visits easier. Plus, we discuss why proper desensitization is crucial when introducing dogs to new experiences—including other dogs.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 - Intro & Disclaimer
00:49 - Disclaimer Ends
00:57 - Storytime: Maple at the vet – Megan shares her experience with Maple’s vet visit and the ways we can support our nervous dogs.
06:09 - Finding a Fear Free Vet – How Fear Free-certified vets can make a world of difference for dogs with past trauma, anxiety, or reactivity at the vet. Tips on what to look for and how to advocate for your dog’s comfort.
09:38 - Bridget’s Vet Story – A heartwarming example of how some vets are integrating behavior knowledge into their practice.
12:05 - Behavior Consultants & Vet Collaboration – How we can help communicate your dog’s behavior struggles to your vet for a better, more supportive experience.
15:24 - Desensitization Overview – What is desensitization, and why is it essential for stress-free experiences?
18:41 - When Desensitization is Skipped – A real-life example of a dog-reactive pup being introduced to another dog without proper preparation—and what we can learn from it.
Resources:
Fear Free Vets: https://fearfreepets.com/certified-practice-directory
A Quick Note:
This episode was originally part of a longer conversation covering even more behavior concepts. We’ll be expanding on these topics in upcoming episodes, sharing more specific examples, tools, and strategies to help you and your dog thrive. So stay tuned—there’s so much more to come on this journey! Stay tuned!
Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, subscribe, rate, and review to help other dog owners find us! You can also submit your own questions for the pod at holisticdogbehavior.com/podcast
Connect with Us:
Welcome to Holistic Dog Behavior The Podcast!
This episode is Part 2 of our discussion on Triggers and Stress—if you haven’t listened to Episode 3 yet, we recommend starting there for the full picture. Today, we’re diving into how environment, enrichment, and the 3D’s (Distance, Duration, Distraction) play a crucial role in managing and improving dog behavior.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How your dog’s environment impacts their behavior
Why small changes in environmental management can prevent behavior issues
The power of enrichment and how to make it easy and effective
A breakdown of the 3D’s—Distance, Duration, and Distraction—to prevent reactivity
The “Bubble Theory” of dog training and how to use it to prevent reactions
What is Trigger Stacking? (Plus, Megan’s story about how dropping her mini lasagna on the floor made her cry 🍝😭)
Key Moments:
00:00 – Intro & Disclaimer (Feel free to skip ahead)
01:12 – What does the environment have to do with behavior?
11:26 – How changing your dog’s environment can solve behavior issues
27:00 – Enrichment (How mental and physical activities can improve behavior)
48:43 – The 3D’s: How to set your dog up for success and prevent reactivity
50:30 – Bubble Theory in dog training: Using distance to avoid reactions
1:04:00 – What is Trigger Stacking? (Why small stressors can lead to big reactions)
Recommended Resources:
@BindisBucketList on Instagram – A great source of enrichment ideas
Canine Enrichment for the Real World – A must-read book on practical enrichment strategies
Corrections & Updates:
12:57 – Correction: Humans do have a vomeronasal organ, but it is considered vestigial, meaning it is so reduced that it’s likely non-functional.
Thanks for listening! If you found this episode helpful, subscribe, rate, and review to help other dog owners find us! You can also submit your own questions for the pod atholisticdogbehavior.com/podcast
Connect With Us:
Website: Holistic Dog Behavior
Instagram: @HolisticDogBehavior
Send us your questions for future episodeshere!
Welcome to Holistic Dog Behavior The Podcast!
In this episode, Megan (CDBC) and Bridget dive into the fascinating world of triggers and stress, exploring how they impact your dog’s behavior and overall well-being. Learn how to recognize triggers, manage stress levels, and use science-backed techniques to help your dog navigate a challenging world. If you’ve ever wondered why your dog acts out or seems overwhelmed, this is the episode for you!
Episode Highlights:
00:00 — Intro & Disclaimer (Feel free to skip if you’ve heard it before!)
12:39 — Topics Overview: Breaking down triggers, stress, and the importance of the environment.
14:03 — Understanding Triggers: What they are, how to identify them, and why they’re key to solving behavior issues.
28:09 — What is Stress? Recognizing signs of stress in your dog and why it matters.
32:00 — Social Learning in Dogs: How dogs observe and imitate others (including their friends) to earn rewards or change behaviors.
39:00 — Dysregulation: What happens when a dog’s emotional system is overwhelmed.
40:00 — Co-Regulation: The role of the human-dog relationship in helping dogs return to a calm state.
Connect with Us:
Website: Holistic Dog Behavior
Instagram: @HolisticDogBehavior
Send us your questions for future episodes here!
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform to support us and help more dog owners discover our show!
Research References
Research on Dogs Observing and Imitating Other Dogs:
Range, F., & Huber, L. (2008). Imitation and emulation by dogs using a bidirectional control procedure. *Behavioural Processes, 78*(3), 492-498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2008.03.002
Huber, L., Range, F., & Virányi, Z. (2018). Social learning from conspecifics and humans in dog puppies (Canis familiaris). *Scientific Reports, 8*(1), Article 10356. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-27654-0
Research on the HPA Axis in Dogs:
Beerda, B., Schilder, M. B., van Hooff, J. A., de Vries, H. W., & Mol, J. A. (1999). Chronic stress in dogs subjected to social and spatial restriction. *Physiology & Behavior, 66*(2), 233-242. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9384(98)00289-3
Gácsi, M., Maros, K., Sernkvist, S., Faragó, T., & Miklósi, Á. (2013). Human-directed social behavior in dogs shows significant similarity to attachment behavior of infants. *Animal Cognition, 16*(2), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-013-0649-5
Research on Stress and Prefrontal Cortex Function:
Arnsten, A. F. T. (2009). Stress signaling pathways that impair prefrontal cortex structure and function. *Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10*(6), 410-422. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2648
Liston, C., McEwen, B. S., & Casey, B. J. (2009). Psychosocial stress reversibly disrupts prefrontal processing and attentional control. *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106*(3), 912-917. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0807041106
Research on Cortisol and Neural Pathways:
McEwen, B. S. (2007). Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation: Central role of the brain. *Physiological Reviews, 87*(3), 873-904. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00041.2006
Sapolsky, R. M. (2004). Why stress is bad for your brain. *Science, 273*(2), 749-750. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.273.5276.749
Holistic Dog Behavior The Podcast
In this episode, Megan and Bridget take a deep dive into various dog training methods, the science behind building a positive bond with your dog, and how to approach training with compassion for both yourself and your furry friend. Whether you're new to dog training or a seasoned dog parent, this episode is packed with insights to enhance your understanding of humane, effective methods.
Episode Highlights:
2:33 - What are aversive methods?
Megan and Bridget talk about what aversive methods are, how they work, and the potential downsides to using them in dog training.
11:04 - What is a positive attachment bond with your dog?
Discover how building trust and security with your dog strengthens your relationship and improves their overall well-being.
15:23 - How to give yourself compassion: The garden metaphor
Megan shares a beautiful metaphor comparing personal growth and dog training to cultivating a garden—encouraging self-compassion and patience.
22:09 - What is LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive)?
Learn about the LIMA philosophy and how it guides Megan's approach to dog behavior consulting.
29:55 - What is Positive Reinforcement?
A breakdown of how rewarding desired behaviors strengthens your dog's confidence and enhances your bond.
40:57 - When can you get rid of treats?
Tips on phasing out treats while maintaining your dog's motivation and reinforcing learned behaviors.
50:30 - What’s the best treat for your dog?
Megan and Bridget discuss what to consider when choosing the best treats for training, including factors like your dog’s preferences and health.
56:24 - What is Force-Free, Fear-Free Training?
Explore the principles behind force-free and fear-free training methods, and why they are a cornerstone of Megan’s practice.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Research Paper:Deldalle, S., & Gaunet, F. (2014). Effects of 2 training methods on stress-related behaviors of the dog (Canis familiaris) and on the dog–owner relationship.Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 9(2), 58-65.
Connect with Us:
Website: Holistic Dog Behavior
Instagram: @HolisticDogBehavior
Send us your questions for future episodes here!
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform to help more dog owners discover our show!
Welcome to the first episode of Holistic Dog Behavior: The Podcast! Today, we're diving into the foundation of our approach—what it truly means to look at dog behavior through a holistic lens.
In This Episode:
• What does holistic dog behavior mean?
It’s about viewing your dog as a whole—considering their history, routine, diet, exercise, breed, and even their emotional and social lives. Dogs are complex, sentient beings, not just pets, and they deserve our understanding and compassion.
• Why focus on the root cause of behaviors?
Addressing the ‘why’ behind behaviors leads to lasting change. We explore how digging deeper into a dog’s life reveals insights that address behaviors at their source, rather than just managing symptoms.
• Building trust and connection:
Discover how a healthy relationship with your dog starts with trust and reciprocity and why every interaction can strengthen—or strain—that bond.
• The role of health, wellness, and environment:
Learn how diet, pain, and stress impact behavior and how creating a safe environment can set your dog up for success.
• Real transformations:
Hear a heartwarming story of a dog who learned to live peacefully with a new baby, thanks to a holistic approach.
If you’re ready to explore a deeper connection with your dog and address the root causes of their behaviors, this episode is the perfect starting point.
Learn More:
Visit Holistic Dog Behavior for additional resources, consultations, and tips on understanding your dog.
Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you found this episode helpful!
Welcome to Holistic Dog Behavior The Podcast! Join Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Megan Shevlin and her twin sister Bridget as they explore dog training tips, behavior solutions, and expert advice for dog owners. From reactivity and aggression to anxiety and fear, we break down the challenges dogs face in a human-centered world. Whether you’re seeking practical strategies or want to understand your dog on a deeper level, this podcast offers holistic, force-free solutions to help your dog thrive.
