Some dogs heel like pros. Others add a little spin, a little sass, or a perfectly timed “woo” for dramatic effect.
This episode is a celebration of the weird ones—the quirky behaviors, the joyful chaos, the little things our dogs do that make us laugh, soften, and stay present. From Eden’s extra flair in obedience class to a viral Boxer recall that stole the show, we’re diving into the beauty of imperfection and the gift of authenticity.
Because whether it’s a puppy who flops instead of sits or a crate nap that looks like a crime scene, these oddball moments are often the ones that connect us most deeply—to our dogs and to each other.
So here’s your reminder: let them be weird. Let yourself be weird. Because the best lessons aren’t always tidy—and the most joyful ones rarely are.Some dogs heel like pros. Others add a little spin, a little sass, or a perfectly timed “woo” for dramatic effect.
This episode is a celebration of the weird ones—the quirky behaviors, the joyful chaos, the little things our dogs do that make us laugh, soften, and stay present. From Eden’s extra flair in obedience class to a viral Boxer recall that stole the show, we’re diving into the beauty of imperfection and the gift of authenticity.
Because whether it’s a puppy who flops instead of sits or a crate nap that looks like a crime scene, these oddball moments are often the ones that connect us most deeply—to our dogs and to each other.
So here’s your reminder: let them be weird. Let yourself be weird. Because the best lessons aren’t always tidy—and the most joyful ones rarely are.
“Your dog’s just feeding off your energy.”
It’s a phrase we hear all the time. But what if blaming the handler is more deflection than diagnosis?
In this episode, we’re digging into the moments when well-meaning advice turns into unhelpful blame—and how that narrative can actually get in the way of real progress. You’ll hear the story of Ollie, a reactive dog whose human was told she wasn’t doing enough—until a new approach shifted everything. We’ll explore what can happen when we stop pointing fingers and start creating clarity, and why real success is about more than just corrections and control.
Because sometimes, it’s not about trying harder.
It’s about finding a system that actually works—for both ends of the leash.
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Want more? Join Kari on Substack at lifelessonsfromdog.substack.com or follow along on TikTok and Blue Sky @lifelessonsfromdog.
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In this episode, we’re talking about something I see every day in training—and feel just as deeply in life: the slow, steady process of real change.
Because behavior change? It’s not a one-and-done. It’s a long game. One that requires repetition, consistency, and grace—especially when it feels like we’re backsliding. And the same is true for healing.
From dogs learning to generalize new behaviors to those quiet moments when grief sneaks back in, I’m exploring what it really means to stay with the work. Even when it’s slow. Even when it’s hard. Even when it feels like nothing is happening.
Because the real work begins after the breakthrough.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why things aren’t sticking—or feeling like you should be further along—this one’s for you.
Most dog trainers are taught to follow the formula. Obedience solves everything. Stick to the system. Don’t question what works.
But what happens when a dog doesn’t fit the mold—and neither do you?
In this episode, I’m sharing the story of Kirie, a rescue who shattered every training protocol I thought I was supposed to follow. Her case forced me to abandon conventional methods and trust my gut—ultimately leading to the development of my e-collar method and a new way of working with dogs that honors individuality, not rigidity.
We’ll talk about what it means to break the mold, why intuition matters just as much as education, and how doing things your own way—even when it goes against “what you’re supposed to do”—can lead to the most meaningful results.
If you’ve ever felt like the traditional path just isn’t working for you—or your dog—this one’s for you.
We talk a lot about how dogs love us. But what if one of their greatest gifts isn’t just how they love—but how they receive love?
In this episode of Life Lessons from Dog, Kari shares a personal conversation that sparked a deeper reflection on what it means to let love in—especially when it feels unfamiliar. From a quiet moment on the couch with her Malamute, Eden, to the stories we carry about worthiness, productivity, and self-protection, this episode explores the vulnerability of being loved exactly as you are.
If you’ve ever struggled to soften into love, to trust it without questioning, or to receive care without feeling like you have to earn it—this one’s for you.
Topics include:
• Why receiving love can feel more vulnerable than giving it
• The connection between worthiness and overthinking
• What dogs model for us about presence and trust
• A story about Eden’s quiet companionship that changed everything
Tune in for a heartfelt reminder that you don’t have to be perfect to be loved—and that maybe, just maybe, it’s time to let the love in.
Why do we assume a fearful dog must have been abused? Or that a reactive dog is simply “too much to handle”? In this episode of Life Lessons from Dog, Kari Solberg unpacks the quiet power of the stories we tell—about our dogs, and about ourselves.
Through personal reflection and real-world training experience, Kari explores how narratives shape behavior, influence expectations, and often hold both people and dogs back from real growth. You’ll hear about Bianca and her puppies, and how even the most ideal upbringing doesn’t always override genetic wiring. You’ll also hear how the assumptions we carry—about trauma, identity, or ability—can quietly shape our choices, our relationships, and our progress.
Whether you’re navigating reactivity in your dog or bumping up against an old belief in yourself, this episode invites you to pause and ask: is this story helping… or holding me back?
Because sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs start with changing the story.
Play isn’t just for puppies—and it’s not something we’re meant to grow out of. In this episode of Life Lessons from Dog, Kari explores the essential role of play in both dog training and daily life. Drawing from years of experience with dogs who had forgotten how to engage socially, Kari shares how structured play brought balance, confidence, and joy back into their lives—and how a recent life transition revealed just how much she needed that same medicine, too.
You’ll hear stories of transformation from dogs like Archie and Ollie, reflections on what burnout can teach us about the absence of play, and a gentle invitation to reclaim the moments of silliness, curiosity, and connection that help us feel alive.
If you’ve been stuck in the grind or feeling disconnected from joy, this episode is your reminder: play isn’t frivolous. It’s healing. And it might be the very thing you didn’t know you were missing.Play isn’t just for puppies—and it’s not something we’re meant to grow out of. In this episode of Life Lessons from Dog, Kari explores the essential role of play in both dog training and daily life. Drawing from years of experience with dogs who had forgotten how to engage socially, Kari shares how structured play brought balance, confidence, and joy back into their lives—and how a recent life transition revealed just how much she needed that same medicine, too.
You’ll hear stories of transformation from dogs like Archie and Ollie, reflections on what burnout can teach us about the absence of play, and a gentle invitation to reclaim the moments of silliness, curiosity, and connection that help us feel alive.
If you’ve been stuck in the grind or feeling disconnected from joy, this episode is your reminder: play isn’t frivolous. It’s healing. And it might be the very thing you didn’t know you were missing.
In this episode of Life Lessons from Dog, host Kari Solberg delves into the concept of finding joy in everyday moments, drawing inspiration from her Alaskan Malamute, Eden. Kari shares heartfelt stories, including a memorable obedience trial that turned into an unexpected lesson in joy and presence. She reflects on how dogs like Eden embrace each moment with enthusiasm, teaching us to find happiness not in perfection, but in the simple, unplanned experiences of daily life. Tune in to discover how embracing joy as a practice can enrich your life and strengthen your bonds with those around you.
Transitions are rarely comfortable—especially the ones we didn’t plan for. But what if the discomfort isn’t a problem to solve, but a space to learn from?
In this episode of Life Lessons from Dog, Kari shares a recent life transition that knocked her off balance—and how sitting in the uncertainty of “the pause between” became its own kind of teacher. Drawing on her training philosophy with dogs, she explores the powerful lesson of waiting: the pause between the ask and the answer, the unknown and the becoming.
Whether you’re in a season of change, wrestling with a decision, or simply feeling like you’re in limbo, this episode is a reminder that clarity isn’t always immediate—but it does come. And often, the pause is where the real growth begins.
Because just like our dogs, we need time to process. And in that time, trust is built, confidence is developed, and a new version of ourselves quietly starts to emerge.
Key themes: life transitions, waiting, personal growth, dog training philosophy, trusting the process
Tune in—and let the pause do its work.
We hear it all the time—be yourself, and the right people will find you. But what does that actually look like in practice? And how does it apply to building real, lasting community?
In this episode of Life Lessons from Dog, I’m sharing how embracing my unique approach to dog training not only transformed my business but also attracted the right people into my life—clients who aligned with my philosophy, friendships that formed naturally, and a community that thrives on authenticity.
Just like dogs sometimes put on a front when they feel insecure, we, too, can fall into the trap of presenting ourselves in ways that don’t align with who we really are. But the truth is, the more we embrace what makes us us, the more we create the space for the right people to show up.
If you’ve ever struggled with feeling like you need to fit into a certain mold—whether in business, relationships, or just daily life—this episode is for you. Let’s talk about how leaning into your quirks, your strengths, and even your vulnerabilities can help you build something truly meaningful.
🔹 What You’ll Learn:
• How shifting away from industry norms helped me get better results (and happier clients)
• Why dogs and humans alike struggle when they aren’t able to be their true selves
• The key to attracting your people by embracing your natural strengths
• How authenticity fosters deeper, more meaningful connections
Listen now and discover why the best way to build community isn’t by trying to fit in—it’s by standing out as exactly who you are.
Have you ever ignored that nagging feeling in your gut, only to realize later that you should have listened? I’ve been there—especially in my work with dogs.
In this episode, I’m sharing a pivotal moment when I handed over the leash, trusting a professional’s expertise over my own instincts. I stood there, watching my dog struggle, feeling deep down that something wasn’t right. And when I finally stepped in, I realized something big: trusting yourself isn’t just important—it’s necessary.
We’re diving into the moments that challenge our confidence, the times we let outside voices override what we know to be true, and how learning to trust ourselves—whether with dogs, relationships, or big life decisions—can change everything.
Because sometimes, the best guide you have… is you.
🔹 Why ignoring your intuition comes at a cost
🔹 How trusting your gut can lead to better decisions
🔹 What dogs teach us about making choices with confidence
If you’ve ever struggled with second-guessing yourself, this episode is for you. Tune in and let’s talk about the power of listening to that quiet, internal voice that already knows the way.
🐾 Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Life Lessons from Dog. Your support helps more dog lovers find the podcast.
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📲 Join the conversation on BlueSky and Tiktok: @lifelessonsfromdog
Grief is one of life's hardest teachers, but if we allow it, it can be one of the most profound. In this episode, Kari reflects on the loss of her mother and the many things she has said goodbye to throughout her life and career. From personal pets to behavioral euthanasia cases, she shares how each loss has shaped her understanding of grief, love, and the difficult choices we sometimes have to make.
Through the story of CeeBee--a dog whose struggles could not be overcome despite months of training--Kari explores the painful yet necessary reality of knowing when to let go. She unpacks how the lessons learned through grieving dogs have given her perspective on loss in all its forms, from the passing of a loved one to the loss of relationships, jobs, and life chapters.
If you've ever struggled to process loss or wondered how to navigate grief in a way that fosters healing, this episode is for you. Join Kari as she explores how love and loss are intertwined--and how, in the end, grief is simply the cost of having loved deeply.
Conflict is uncomfortable--but avoiding it doesn't make it go away. In fact, it often makes things worse. As a recovering people pleaser, Kari knows this struggle firsthand. But through her work with dogs, she's learned that conflict isn't something to fear--its something to navigate with clarity, just like our dogs do.
In this episode, Kari breaks down how dogs handle conflict naturally--whether its a quick correction, a boundary-setting moment, or a disagreement that leads to separation. She explores what happens when conflict is left unresolved and how avoiding it only escalates tension, both in our relationships with dogs and in our lives.
If you've ever struggled with confrontation, held back from saying what needed to be said, or found yourself avoiding difficult conversations, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how facing conflict head-on can actually bring more peace, not less--just like it does in the canine world.
In this episode, Kari takes you back to the Training Cesar's Way workshop in Santa Clarita, California where she and her dog Buddy faced one of their greatest challenges yet. Grappling with her newfound sensitivity to energy, Kari shares the powerful lessons she learned about anxiety, and the art of energy management--both in herself and in her dogs.
Through a vivid recount of her experience with Buddy, Kari reflects on how the energy we carry can shape our actions, our relationships, and our ability to lead. Discover how moments of discomfort and resistance can open the door do transformation, and how the lessons our dogs teach us can ripple in to every area of our lives.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the energy around you--or struggled to guide your dog through their own challenges--this episode is for you. Tune in to explore how to create balance, move through fear, and lead with calm and confidence.
This episode touches on mental health challenges. If you are struggling, here are some resources to reach out to for support.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.)
📞 Call or Text 988 | 988lifeline.org
Crisis Text Line
📱 Text HOME to 741741 | www.crisistextline.org
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Helpline
📞 Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) | www.nami.org/help
SAMHSA’s National Helpline (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration)
📞 Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) | www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Boundaries can be one of the hardest lessons to learn, but they're also one of the most transformative. In this episode, Kari shares how her dog Crosby became a subtle, persistent teacher in the art of boundary setting. From navigating his pushy behavior to redefining their relationship, Kari reflects on how the lessons she learned with Crosby helped her build healthier, more fulfilling connections with the people in her life.
If you've ever struggled to advocate for yourself, maintain healthy relationships, or recognize where your boundaries are being tested this episode is for you. Discover how the lessons we learn from our dogs can unlock the strength to hold space for ourselves and the people we love.
Listen in to explore how boundaries aren't about control--they're about creating balance, protecting your energy, and finding the courage to live authentically.
Fear can be a powerful force but what if its also one of our greatest teachers? In this episode, Kari recounts her transformative experience traveling to Training Cesar's Way with her dog Buddy. What began as an exciting opportunity quickly became a lesson in navigating fear--Buddy's and her own.
From Buddy's struggles with separation anxiety to Kari's journey of self-discovery, this episode dives deep into the role fear plays in our lives. Discover how learning to embrace fear and "dance" with it can lead to growth, courage, and the ability to take meaningful steps forward--both with your dog and in your own life.
Join Kari as she explores how fear isn't something to conquer, but something to move with, turning challenges into opportunities for connection and transformation.
Find Kari on Blue Sky, TikTok, and Substack at @lifelessonsfromdog.
Learn more about the work Kari does at www.karisolbergcanine.com and on Instagram at @karisolbergcanine
Every journey has a beginning and for Kari Solberg, it all started with one dog: Kohla. In this debut episode, Kari shares the deeply personal story of hoa a challenging rescue dog changed her life and set her on a path of purpose. From fostering over 50 dogs in her first year to building a thriving career in dog training and care, Kari reflects on the profound lessons dogs teach us about patience, resilience, and connection.
If you've ever wondered how a single moment-- or a single dog-- can transofmr your life, this episode is for you. Join Kari as she explores how the lessons our dogs teach us extend far beyond the leash, shaping who we are and how we live.
