This week, Emily and Libby speak with Kathy Sdao of Bright Spot Dog Training. Sdao’s accessible training technique to help our dogs fit into our human world, and this conversation is lively and full of both science and heart; evidence and experience. Some topics discussed are:
How to take training out of the science theory realm into the practical, accessible world of humans training their dog
Helping resolve dogs anxiety by using reinforcers
How her work with Marine mammals influences her training approach
Human praise as payment - does it work or not?
How the Smart x 50 technique can be adapted to a shelter environment
Kathy has been passionate about animal training ever since she quit a good job to move halfway around the world to train dolphins at the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory at the University of Hawaii.
Now, 35 years later, she offers her expertise as an applied animal behaviorist to dog owners in Washington State and across the world, to seminar and webinar audiences and to professional training organizations. Kathy has taught 300 seminars, workshops, conferences and webinars; many of these presentations have been professionally recorded and are available for purchase. Kathy’s training philosophy and advice is summarized in her book, Plenty in Life is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace.
For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!
Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support
Canine Adolescence is the transition from puppyhood to adulthood. This fascinating conversation with Sarah Stremming, who is a dog behavior coach and the host of the Cog Dog Podcast, addresses this pivotal age of young dogs. Sarah, Emily, and Libby discuss adolescent canine behavior and how to most effectively observe and address behaviors to nurture confident, healthy dogs. They also discuss:
How dogs’ responses to environments and caregivers can change during this transitional period
Some of the difficulties this transition period can create for adolescent dogs
How to best support the dog through these transitional changes
How we can work with dogs experiencing threat
Sarah’s approach to using food when a threat is present
Sarah is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant of nearly two decades, and has 25 years experience of competing in dog sports. You can find Sarah and her online courses at http://www.sarahstremming.com.
Your Dog's Friend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXYsg9X4m6E
Calm Canine Academy : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mcZ_HoxeSc
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insights
Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/
Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/
Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/
Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/
We are thrilled to present today’s guest, Michael Shikashio. Michael is a world-renowned expert on dog aggression and has an incredible wealth of information he generously shares, which is helpful for owners, rescuers, and trainers alike.
In this conversation, Michael, Emily and Libby define aggression, discuss the ways aggression can present in different dogs (and the different levels of assessing their aggression), and so much more. Make sure to listen to the full episodes, as Michael drops important gems throughout the episode.
Michael is an internationally sought out speaker on the topic of aggression - has mentored and presented to thousands of animal professionals. He is the Founder of the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, teaches trainers and consultants in over 25 countries on how to work with aggression cases, and has been featured in countless media, including the New York Times, the New York Post, Web MD, and Women’s Health.
Michael Shikashio’s website: https://aggressivedog.com/
Fear Free: https://fearfreepets.com/ and https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants: https://m.iaabc.org/
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers: https://www.ccpdt.org/
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists: https://www.dacvb.org/
🎙️ Connect With Us:
Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/
Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/
Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/
July 4th can be terrifying for pets — especially dogs with noise sensitivities. Fireworks and thunderstorms trigger stress, fear, and sometimes dangerous flight responses in our four-legged friends. In this live mini episode, we talk about why dogs are afraid of fireworks and thunder, how to recognize signs of fear (even the subtle ones!), and strategies for keeping pets calm and safe.You’ll learn how to spot canine stress signals, understand dog body language during loud events, what calming dog products work for us. We’ll also debunk the myth that comforting your scared dog makes things worse, because it doesn’t!Plus, we share what we’re doing this weekend to prep our own dogs, including:
Whether your dog hides, trembles, or just seems “off,” this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get through the holiday weekend with less stress for everyone.To participate in Jenni's research study, reach out via her website: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/Link to Lincoln Sound Sensitivity Scale:https://ipstore.lincoln.ac.uk/product...Stress and predictability:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles...🎙️ Connect With Us:Facebook: / podtotherescue Instagram: / podtotherescue Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/
Bringing a new foster or adopted dog into your home is exciting—but when you already have a resident dog, the introduction process requires careful planning. In this episode, we chat with behavior consultant and friend of the pod Elisheba Fay, and dive into strategies for setting both dogs up for success, especially when working with foster or rescue dogs whose histories may be unknown.
We cover what to consider before bringing a new dog home, how to evaluate whether your current pet is ready for a new companion, and how to avoid common pitfalls during introductions.
Whether you're fostering, adopting, or just thinking about adding a second dog to your pack, this episode will help you approach multi-dog households with confidence and compassion.
🐶 In this episode, you’ll learn:
🎙️ Connect With Us:
Why is my puppy biting so much? This is a question we get a lot from fosters, adopters, and clients. We’re here to help! Puppy biting is normal, but you don’t have to become a chew toy for your new rescue puppy. In this episode, Emily, Jenni, and Libby discuss everything puppy biting: why puppies bite, how to prevent puppy biting, and how to train your puppy not to bite so much. (Hint: it’s all in the prevention!)
🐶 In this episode, you’ll learn:
🎙️ Connect With Us:
Dog reactivity is one of the most challenging behavior issues we face in dog rescue, but there is hope for reactive dogs! We’ve helped lots of reactive foster and rescue dogs over the years, and so has Renée Erdman of Bravo Dog Behavioral Health. In this episode, we sit down to talk about reactivity: what it is, what it isn’t, and how to help your dog.
🐶 In This Episode, You'll Learn:
What is reactivity in dogs?
How is it different from aggression in dogs?
Why we often label this as “leash reactivity”
How to help your dog’s underlying emotions that lead to reactive behavior
Which types of training don’t work
🐾 Links & Next Steps:
Follow Renée Erdman on Instagram and check out her website: https://www.bravodog.ca/
🎙️ Connect With Us:
Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/
Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/
Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/
Raising a puppy can be one of the most fun and rewarding parts of dog rescue, fostering, and adoption, but it can also be one of the most challenging. We get it, and so does our guest, Kathy Callahan. Kathy has raised a lot of rescue puppies, and her latest book, Welcoming Your Puppy from Planet Dog, provides a life-changing framework for anyone bringing a puppy into their home — as well as practical tips for puppy training and socialization.
In this episode, we discuss Kathy’s background in dog and puppy rescue, how she became a dog trainer, and how she guides clients through the process of puppy training with empathy and understanding first.
🐶 In This Episode, You'll Learn:
What is Planet Dog, and why is it important to understand?
The role choice and control play in raising puppies
What is puppy socialization?
How the experiences of Planet Rescue Dog can shape our puppies
Why understanding your puppy’s body language matters
How to teach kids to interact appropriately with puppies
Some tips for the toughest puppy behaviors, like jumping, mouthing, and biting
🐾 Links & Next Steps:
🎙️ Connect With Us:
Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/
Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/
Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/
Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/
What makes rescue dogs unique — and why do they sometimes struggle with behavior issues? In this episode of Pod to the Rescue, we explore the behavior of rescue dogs through a trauma-informed, science-based lens. In this season opener, hosts Emily, Jenni, and Libby discuss why we still have a lot to say about rescue dog behavior!
We break down why understanding dog behavior is essential for adopters, foster caregivers, and shelter and rescue professionals — and how rescue dog behavior is often influenced by genetics, early separation, trauma, and inconsistent environments.
If you're wondering “why is my rescue dog afraid?” or “how can I help my adopted dog settle in?”—this episode is for you. Learn the common challenges rescue dogs face and how to support your rescue dog’s behavior with empathy, knowledge, and practical tools.
🐶 In This Episode, You'll Learn:
What do we mean by "rescue dog" — and why that matters
Why dog behavior is the missing piece in many rescue organizations
How early trauma and stress affect a dog’s behavior long-term
How to support a newly adopted dog through behavior challenges
Why building resilience is key to helping a new rescue dog adjust — and how to do it!
Real-life examples from our rescue, our personal dogs, and tips from the field
Jenni’s “Resilience Unleashed” course, which uses Control Unleashed to help dogs build resilience
🐾 Links & Next Steps:
Check out Jenni’s “Resilience Unleashed” course and use PTTR2025 for 20% off: https://elevated-dog-training.newzenler.com/courses/resilience-unleashed
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insights
🎙️ Connect With Us:
Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/
Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/
Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/
We’re back with Season 5 of Pod to the Rescue, the podcast for dog lovers, fosters, rescuers and adopters who want to understand and support their dogs better. This season, we’re diving into some of the most-requested dog behavior topics: how to help a reactive rescue dog, managing aggression between two dogs at home, and safely introducing a newly adopted dog to your cat.
As always, we approach these tough behavior issues with a rescue-focused lens and science-based dog training advice. Whether you’re a seasoned rescuer or a first-time foster, you’ll get expert insights and real-life stories to help you help your dog.
Join Emily, Libby, and new host Jenni for honest, practical conversations about canine behavior, rescue challenges, and what dogs need to thrive.
Season 4 Wrap and What’s to Come
Emily and Libby wrap this season with an exciting announcement, a rescue update from Summit Dog Rescue, a new co-host, and a glimpse of what’s to come in Season 5. Thank you so much for tuning in to this season of Pod To The Rescue, and we’ll see you soon!
For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!
Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support
Canine Adolescence is the transition from puppyhood to adulthood. This fascinating conversation with Sarah Stremming, who is a dog behavior coach and the host of the Cog Dog Podcast, addresses this pivotal age of young dogs. Sarah, Emily, and Libby discuss adolescent canine behavior and how to most effectively observe and address behaviors to nurture confident, healthy dogs. This is the second part of their conversation, so make sure you listen to Part 1 before diving in here. The trio also discusses:
Breed-specific behaviors in adolescents and how they can express under stress
The top skills we need to teach adolescent dogs (or puppies moving into adolescence)
To speculate or not to speculate on your dog’s prior experience
What happens when you get to the other side of canine adolescence
Sarah is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant of nearly two decades, and has 25 years experience of competing in dog sports. You can find Sarah and her online courses at http://www.sarahstremming.com.
Your Dog's Friend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXYsg9X4m6E
Calm Canine Academy : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mcZ_HoxeSc
For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!
Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support
Canine Adolescence is the transition from puppyhood to adulthood. This fascinating conversation with Sarah Stremming, who is a dog behavior coach and the host of the Cog Dog Podcast, addresses this pivotal age of young dogs. Sarah, Emily, and Libby discuss adolescent canine behavior and how to most effectively observe and address behaviors to nurture confident, healthy dogs. They also discuss:
How dogs’ responses to environments and caregivers can change during this transitional period
Some of the difficulties this transition period can create for adolescent dogs
How to best support the dog through these transitional changes
How we can work with dogs experiencing threat
Sarah’s approach to using food when a threat is present
Sarah is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant of nearly two decades, and has 25 years experience of competing in dog sports. You can find Sarah and her online courses at http://www.sarahstremming.com.
Your Dog's Friend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXYsg9X4m6E
Calm Canine Academy : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mcZ_HoxeSc
For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!
Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support
This is a replay of our 2021 interview with aggression expert Michael Shikashio.
We are thrilled to present today’s guest, Michael Shikashio. Michael is a world-renowned expert on dog aggression and has an incredible dearth of information he generously shares, which is helpful for owners, rescuers, and trainers alike.
In this conversation, Michael, Emily and Libby define aggression, discuss the ways aggression can present in different dogs (and the different levels of assessing their aggression), and so much more. Make sure to listen to the full episodes, as Michael drops important gems throughout the episode.
Michael is an internationally sought out speaker on the topic of aggression - has mentored and presented to thousands of animal professionals. He is the Founder of the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, teaches trainers and consultants in over 25 countries on how to work with aggression cases, and has been featured in countless media, including the New York Times, the New York Post, Web MD, and Women’s Health. Credits. Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators.) Original music by Mike Pesci. Graphic design, editing, and production by Alex Lee-Ammons and For The Love Media, LLC.
It is no secret that shelters can prove to be extremely stressful environments for dogs - even the friendlist, most easy-going dog can experience severe stress or fear in a shelter environment. In this incredible conversation, Emily, Libby and Tom Candy discuss how we can best support shelter dogs in and out of the shelter environment to build confidence, trust, and a sense of play. In this episode, they cover:
How to work with dogs who display fearful behaviors in the shelter and kennel environments
How to distinguish a dog’s shelter-based fear from their general fear
The positive benefits of play for shelter dogs
The constant game/challenge of cost-benefit analysis for shelter dogs
COVID-related undersocialized dogs
The genetic vs. evolutionary origins of shelter dogs’ fear
How to prepare anxious or fearful dogs for adoption - and, how to prepare their families
This is an excellent conversation for anyone who interacts with shelter dogs in any way; employees, fosters, potential adopters, and more.
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For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!
Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support
“What supplies do I need for fostering a dog?” “Should you use training tools on rescue dogs?” “What kind of harness should I get for my dog?” You have questions about fostering or adopting a dog, and we have answers! These are the tools and supplies we recommend for rescue dog fosters and adopters.
Emily and Libby are professionals who have been working in foster-based rescue for a long time, so they have accumulated a lot of “stuff” over the years. Don’t be intimidated by this list! While these are our favorites, there are many affordable options for good-quality supplies. Many items can be found for free or low cost on neighborhood swap groups.
– Slip leads: how, when, and why we still use them (maybe not how you think!)
– Harnesses: Balance Harness (https://www.blue-9.com/products/bhb), Ruffwear Front Range (https://ruffwear.com/products/front-range-everyday-dog-harness), Alpine Harness (https://www.alpineoutfitters.net/products/copy-of-urban-trail-adjustable-harness-half-back-shorty-custom-crafted), Perfect Fit (https://perfect-fit-dog-harness.com/)
– Leashes: Blue-9 Multi-Function Leash (https://www.blue-9.com/products/lsh?variant=40875501093062), biothane leashes (https://www.trailblazingtails.com/collections/long-line-and-short-leash-collection) (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GFR9YJ3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1)
– Management tools: X-pen (https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/midwest-black-e-coat-exercise-pen-wdoor-for-dogs), baby gates
– Crates: car crate is a must-have for transport, wire crate is good for management at home
– Treat pouch: Doggone Good (https://www.doggonegoodclickercompany.com/Rapid-Rewards-Pouchtrade_p_216.html) , Ruffwear (https://ruffwear.com/products/home-trail-hip-pack)
– Treats: Happy Howie’s (https://www.happyhowies.com/), Real Meat (https://www.realmeatpet.com/foods.html), Ziwi Peak (https://us.ziwipets.com/)
– Clicker: (https://shop.clickertraining.com/products/iclick-original-clicker?variant=8050243397) Can also use a marker word or click with your tongue
– Puzzle/enrichment toys: Toppl (https://www.westpaw.com/products/toppl-treat-toy), Kong (https://www.kongcompany.com/), Lickimat (https://lickimat.com/)
– Targets/mats: You can use a towel, a bathmat, a dog bed, anything!
– Muzzles: a useful tool to have, but needs careful sizing and training before you need it. Check out the Muzzle Up! Project (https://muzzleupproject.com/)
For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!
Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support
If you try one training method with your new rescue dog, try this one! This week, Emily and Libby speak with Kathy Sdao, world-renowned dog trainer, speaker, writer, and educator. Sdao’s accessible training technique, SMARTx50, is a powerful tool that distills behavior science into the lay person's terms, making it accessible for our human learners: dog rescuers, fosters and adopters. They discuss how to use SMARTx50 to help our dogs fit into our human world, and this conversation is lively and full of both science and heart; evidence and experience. Some topics discussed are:
How to take training out of the science theory realm into the practical, accessible world of humans training their dog
Helping resolve dogs anxiety by using reinforcers
How her work with marine mammals influences her training approach
Human praise as payment - does it work or not?
How the Smartx50 technique can be adapted to a shelter environment
Kathy has been passionate about animal training ever since she quit a good job to move halfway around the world to train dolphins at the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory at the University of Hawaii.
Now, 35 years later, she offers her expertise as an applied animal behaviorist to dog owners in Washington State and across the world, to seminar and webinar audiences and to professional training organizations. Kathy has taught 300 seminars, workshops, conferences and webinars; many of these presentations have been professionally recorded and are available for purchase. Kathy’s training philosophy and advice is summarized in her book, Plenty in Life is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace.
For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!
Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support
Puppy socialization is critical for a dog’s healthy development, but what happens if there is a highly contagious respiratory illness being passed around the dog community? Emily and Libby address this current situation by re-airing this episode so you can make a good decision by weighing the costs and benefits of puppy socialization, and how to have healthy play with other puppies amidst illness. Some topics discussed are:
The first 12 weeks of a puppy’s life are the "critical window" for socialization
What proper socialization is, and is not
Why exposure alone is not socialization
Practical ways to help puppies form positive associations with the world around them
What flooding is and why it’s problematic
The dilemma of too much vs. too little exposure
How rescues and shelters can work with adolescent dogs who missed socialization
This is a wonderful conversation for anyone working with puppies on a regular basis or new adopters.
For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!
Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. Our webmaster is Nadia Magallon of Rewarding Dog Training.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support
When SDR rescued a dog with hearing impairment, they turned to Tiffany Baker for her expertise on the most effective ways to work with deaf dogs. We hear about Blue throughout the episode as SDR’s case study, and in this episode Emily, Libby and Tiffany also cover topics like:
How she uses control unleashed for deaf dogs
Pattern games and why the framework of predictability is important for all dogs - especially deaf dogs
“Up Down”
Tactile cues for deaf dogs
Pairing deaf dogs with hearing dogs
Tiffany Baker is a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant and the founder and owner of Boss Babe training. She has been working with dogs for over seven years, and specializes in aggression with a focus on families with disabled pets.
For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue!
Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.
Libby and Emily sit down with Annie Phenix, an award winning author and trainer who is known for her methods that train for behavioral concerns without using fear, force, pain, or intimidation. This conversation is underlined by the importance of trust, joy, and love in our relationships with our animal friends. They also talk about:
Building trust with our dogs
How we can use somatic therapy on our dogs
Ways to work with new and foster dogs to reduce agitation, stress, and separation anxiety
Bringing joy into the ways we train our dogs
“Sample days,” or case studies, into different dogs’ lives
For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com
Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. Our webmaster is Nadia Magallon of Rewarding Dog Training.
