What if “senior” didn’t mean the end—but the beginning of a whole new chapter with your dog? Today we’re joined by Helen St. Pierre, dog trainer and founder of Old Dogs Go to Helen Rescue. What started as a way to help dogs get adopted through training turned into a lifelong passion for giving senior dogs the love, dignity and care they deserve. Helen reminds us that senior does not mean the end — our older dogs can still live full, joyful lives (and yes, even learn new tricks!). We talk about how to recognize important senior dog behavior changes, shifts in tolerance toward children or other dogs, and physical signs that tell us it’s time to adjust care. Helen also shares practical, compassionate tips for making home adjustments for senior dogs—from mobility support to creating safer spaces—so our pets stay comfortable as they age. And when it’s time to face difficult decisions, Helen walks us through her three-pronged quality of life scale and what she calls “quality of death,” helping us advocate for our dog at the vet office and approach medical decisions with clarity and love. Whether you share your life with a senior dog now or want to be ready for the golden years ahead, Helen’s guidance will help ensure your dog ages gracefully.   Find links & show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode131   Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)   Support this podcast with a review: on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.

What happens when one woman believes so deeply in the power of dogs to change lives that she builds a program to prove it — and keeps it alive even after the state stops funding it? Content Note: In this episode, there are mentions of child abuse and neglect and a juvenile case involving murder and the death of a dog. These topics are discussed only in passing, but we recognize they may be sensitive for some listeners. In this episode, we’ll meet Joan Dalton, author of the book Second Chances: The Transformative Relationship Between Incarcerated Youth and Shelter Dogs.  Joan is the founder of Project POOCH, a program pairing teens in juvenile detention with shelter dogs. What started as an idea grew into a transformative program that not only rehabilitates dogs in need of homes but also teaches young people the skills and compassion they need to heal and move forward. Joan & I discuss how the program began, the life-changing impacts she’s witnessed and the resilience it took to keep the program going when funding was pulled.  From trauma to trust, you'll hear how Project POOCH creates powerful paths to healing, empathy and redemption — for both humans and animals. Juvenile justice is something we should all care about, because these youths will return to society as adults. We have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to help them grow into contributing members of society. When we give people and animals the tools to heal, the results can transform lives and communities.   Find links & show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode130 Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small) Support this podcast with a review: on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.

What would you do if buying your dream home meant giving up your dog? In 2018, Cait Conroy and her husband were forced to confront Prince George’s County, Maryland’s decades-old “pit bull” breed ban when it threatened their beloved Poptart. That experience sparked Cait’s ongoing advocacy — not just for her own dog, but for all dogs and pet parents impacted by this harmful law. In this episode, Cait and Ilona from the PG Pet Unity Project share the shocking history of why “pit bull” dogs were banned in PG County in the 1990s — and the deeper consequences this law has had on families, the animal welfare system and the dogs. From wasted taxpayer dollars to ineffective public safety outcomes, we dig into why breed-specific legislation fails families, communities and dogs. But there’s hope: we’ll talk about recently proposed Pit Bull Pilot Program, why momentum is growing to finally overturn the BSL now, and what it would mean for Maryland to leave this discriminatory policy behind.   Find links & show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode129   Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)   Support this podcast with a review: on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.

Has your dog played the sniffy game yet today? Today we’re joined by Dianna Santos, founder of Scent Work University, to explore one of the most powerful — and fun — activities you can do with your dog: scent work. Whether you’ve heard it called nose work or scent work, this enriching game taps into your dog’s natural superpower — their incredible sense of smell. We’ll dive into why scent work is especially beneficial for reactive and fearful dogs, including how it has helped my own nervous senior guy. Dianna explains how scent work provides the kind of mental stimulation that can actually tire dogs out faster than physical exercise, making it a great option for any lifestyle. You’ll also learn simple ways to get started at home with easy games, plus tips for introducing scent work to puppies, seniors, and even dogs with special needs. Whether you’re curious about enriching your dog’s daily life, looking for ways to support a reactive pup, or simply want a fun new activity to strengthen your bond, this episode will show you how scent work can transform your relationship with your dog — and why it’s the most important game you’re not playing yet. Find links, show notes & your FREE PDF Scent Work Game at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode128 Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)   Support this podcast with a review: on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.

Did you set goals for you & your dog this year? Back in February, I shared the goals I set for myself & my dogs in 2025 — and now that we’re a little more than halfway through the year, it’s time for a check-in! I’m sharing our progress (and setbacks!) not just to update you, but for my own accountability. In this solo episode, you’ll hear: ·       Where we’re at with each of the goals I set at the start of the year; ·       The big thing we accomplished that wasn’t on the list; ·       What I’ve taken off our 2025 Goals list — and why; and ·       The updated plan for the rest of the year. Whether your dog goals involve training, sports, adventures, or simply enjoying more time together, I hope this inspires you to pause, reflect, and celebrate your progress — even if your year looks different than you planned.   Find links and show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode127   Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)   Support this podcast with a review: on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.

If you have a senior dog in your home, when’s the right time to bring a new dog into the mix? For longtime dog trainers Kathy Callahan and Helen St. Pierre, the answer isn’t simple – it depends – on your dog, your household and your bandwidth. Kathy & Helen share with us what inspired their collaboration on their new book Old Dog, New Dog: Supporting Your Aging Best Friend and Welcoming a New One and open up about the deep emotions that come with caring for senior dogs – including that fear of finding yourself in a “zero dog house.” We’ll speak candidly about how to be honest with ourselves about the emotional toll of aging pets, and how to prepare realistically if you're considering adding a puppy (or another adult dog) to your home. Kathy & Helen weigh in on setting appropriate expectations, building a support system, and what to watch for when it comes to changes in your senior dog’s health and behavior. We’ll also learn the best practices for introductions that will give both your old and new dog the best chance at a harmonious relationship. Whether you're currently living with a beloved old dog, recently said goodbye, or are contemplating what comes next, Kathy & Helen offer guidance, perspective and compassion for wherever you are on the journey.   Find links and show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode126   Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist. Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM. Support this podcast with a review: on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.

REPLAY: If you can name a Dog Sport, Melissa Stagnaro has most likely tried it at some point over the past 20 years.  And today we’re so fortunate to have Melissa sharing tips and insight from her years of experience.  I loved her canine enrichment idea for dogs recovering from an injury! But did you know that you can learn the sport of Search & Rescue?  If you’ve ever wanted your dog to learn how to find someone in the woods or track a scent trail, there’s a sport for that!  Commonly referred to as “RH,” the dog sport of Search & Rescue is open to dogs of all ages, breeds and backgrounds. Melissa shares with us all about RH and how to get your dog started.  I’m always curious about how to start teaching your dog the more advanced skills and Melissa gives us a great breakdown of how to approach training sessions. Plus, I got to meet Melissa and many other Search & Rescue competitors at a recent Mock Trial and I’m sharing everything I learned at the event.   Find Links & Show Notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode48   Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM   Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

REPLAY: Have you ever been around a dog who doesn’t “dog” like other dogs?  Maybe you’ve experienced a dog who is reactive or has separation anxiety or a noise-phobia? Sharon Vincuilla and I explore how dogs (and people!) can experience the world differently and how neurodiversity shows up in a dog’s behavior.  And Sharon has experienced this first-hand with her dog, Muggins! Sharon found that life with Muggins was even triggering her own trauma.  Seemingly ordinary life events like walking the dog or having a friend stop by her house would turn into stressful ordeals with Muggins. Leaning on her work as both a dog trainer and an Occupational Therapist, Sharon shares with us the strategies she developed that allow both her and Muggins to thrive.  And she teaches us strategies we can incorporate into our lives with our dogs who might “dog” a little differently. Find Links & Show Notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode80   Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM   Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Have you ever thought about your time with your dog as a chapter of your life? For teacher, speaker, and lifelong journaler Patricia Eagle, her story is told in ten chapters – with each devoted to a dog who changed her life. In her new book, Dog Love Stories: The Canines Who Changed Me, Patricia reflects on the love, lessons, and legacies each dog left behind. While some chapters are long and others short, all are deeply meaningful. In this episode, Patricia & I explore the many ways our dogs support us – especially through life’s hardest times. She shares how creating rituals around loss has helped her honor and heal from the passing of her dogs, and how these moments can also become celebrations of joy and connection. We also talk about the silly songs we make up for our dogs (yes, Patricia sings one!) and what it means to be a respectful Pet Parent – especially around those in our lives who may not be dog lovers. Trigger Warning: This episode includes themes of pet loss and grief, as well as mentions of the deaths of a spouse and child, and childhood sexual abuse. Find links and show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode123   Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist. Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM. Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

What does leadership in animal welfare really look like when the going gets tough? Like losing most of your staff in a single day—or raising twins, running a shelter, and opening a spay/neuter clinic all at once? We’re back with author, advocate, and nonprofit founder Cara Achterberg (Episode 75, Who Will Let the Dogs Out), along with shelter directors Courtney Cross (Huntington Cabell Wayne Animal Shelter) and Ruby Fooks (Butler County Animal Shelter), for Part 2 of our Shelter Roundtable discussion. In this episode, you'll hear more about Ruby’s and Courtney’s personal journeys into animal sheltering—and how their unique skill sets have helped them face the challenges of the job. Courtney opens up about navigating the sudden loss of 12 staff members, while Ruby shares honestly about work/life balance, imposter syndrome, and even has to step away briefly during the recording to handle an urgent situation at her shelter—giving us all a real-time glimpse into the realities of this work. Have you ever imagined what a dream animal shelter would look like for your community? Courtney and Ruby are already bringing their visions to life—and they share what they hope to do next. Find links and show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode122   Support this podcast,subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

What does it really take to save lives in a shelter where the need never stops? For leaders like Courtney Cross (Huntington Cabell Wayne Animal Shelter) and Ruby Fooks (Butler County Animal Shelter), it means getting scrappy — not just in strategy, but in spirit. Across the country, life-saving work is happening in shelters not powered by excess resources, but by relentless grit, creativity, and the strength of community. In this episode, we’re joined by Cara Achterberg — author, advocate, and founder of the nonprofit Who Will Let the Dogs Out (Episode 75) — along with two remarkable shelter directors who are redefining what animal sheltering can look like when it’s rooted in community and driven by purpose. Cara’s newest book, Who Will Let the Dogs Out, shines a light on shelters making extraordinary impact, often with limited means. She shares three core pillars of life-saving work: strong leadership, community engagement, and spay/neuter programs — all of which Ruby and Courtney embody. You’ll hear how Ruby scrapped plans for a new shelter building to open a spay/neuter clinic instead — because that’s what her community truly needed. And how Courtney created space for community at a new shelter property while reducing a 50% euthanasia rate to just 3%. Leaders like Courtney and Ruby aren’t just running shelters — they’re building trust, rewriting systems, and saving lives.   Find links and show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode121   Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Whether you’re looking for something fun to do with your dog or if you need help with a behavior issue, Control Unleashed might be exactly the training class you’re looking for. Today, I’m joined by Angie Haines Madden of DogSpeak Training — the trainer my dogs & I have been working with through online Control Unleashed classes over the past several months. A former zookeeper, Angie shares what drew her to the Control Unleashed methodology (developed by Leslie McDevitt) and how it shapes her approach to dog training. I'll be honest — I was skeptical about taking an online training class at first. But it didn’t take long to see why Angie’s style of teaching works so well. Together, we talk about the power of learning from others, why recording your training sessions is so important (hint: it’s all about body language!), and how transformative these skills can be. While my original goal was simply to find something fun to do with Nessie, I quickly discovered that Control Unleashed offers so much more than just games. Angie and I discuss how adaptable the Pattern Games are for a variety of real-world situations, and I share some of the ways we’ve incorporated them into our daily lives. You'll also get to hear an impromptu coaching session, as Angie helps me work through a challenge Nessie and I are still facing — and why teaching your dog to relax is more important than you may realize.   Find Links & Show Notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode120   Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist. Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM. Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

How are you enriching your dog’s life today? This Canine Enrichment Round-Up episode features segments with three amazing guests who are leading the way in canine enrichment. Each guest shares ideas to help you bring more joy to your dog’s life and celebrate their dog-ness.   First, we’ll hear from Michelle Baker of Fur Kids, Inc. in Tampa, FL. Michelle shares her inspiration for modernizing the world of doggy daycare. We’ll learn about a typical day at Fur Kids, the training and education their staff receives, and how they honor the needs of each dog in their care.   Next, we welcome back Tori Mistick of Wear Wag Repeat. As a Certified Canine Enrichment Technician, Tori reveals the enrichment you’re probably already doing without even realizing it! Tori’s philosophy is that enrichment should be fun, easy & affordable. She shares games, tricks, and activities to easily incorporate into your routine, making your dog’s life more exciting. Be sure to check out Tori’s Canine Activity Pack for even more inspiration.   Last, but certainly not least, we meet Michelle Morrow of Paws with Me K9 in Concord, NH. Michelle tells us about the dog who inspired her to become a trainer and enrichment specialist. Michelle’s enrichment classes, designed with shy, anxious, and reactive dogs in mind, are packed with fun activities like obstacle courses and sniffaris that challenge your dog’s mind and body while boosting their confidence.   Find link, photos and show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode119   Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist. Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM. Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.  

What if it’s our end of the leash that needs to change?  When we’re struggling with our dog’s behavior, Sylvie Savage wants us to consider that it might be the human end of the leash that needs to evolve. In her new book Unleash: How to Evolve from Dog Training to Dog Parenting, Sylvie encourages us to examine our guilt, judgments, expectations and dysregulation – and how these human traits impact our relationship with our dogs.  As a Human-Canine Relationship Specialist, Sylvie is quick to tell us that she’s not a dog trainer – and she doesn’t want you to expect more from your dog.  Instead, Sylvie gives us a crash course in how to truly see, appreciate and honor our dog’s own individuality. Have you ever thought about your values as a Pet Parent?  And whether your actions align with your values?   Sylvie vulnerably shares with us the mistakes she made with her dog, Mollie, when she wasn’t acting in alignment, along with the exercise she developed to help us avoid harming our bond with our dogs.   Find links and show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode118   Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist. Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM. Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Have you ever struggled with your dog’s reactivity?  Whether your dog is reactive to other dogs, people or something in the environment, Grisha Stewart’s Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) may be what you’ve been looking for to help your dog lead a more comfortable life. Grisha developed BAT training while dealing with her own dog, Peanut’s, reactivity.  Despite doing everything “right” – according to the dog training advice available at the time – she was she still struggling. Grisha shares with us the principles of BAT and how BAT is based on positive reinforcement, but without the use of food.  Focusing on resiliency and empowering your dog, BAT builds your dog’s confidence, communication and trust. What about those times when we face a setback and our dog does get reactive?  We’ll learn about the choices we can make to best support our dog from the human end of the leash, as well.   Find links, photos and show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode117   Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist. Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM. Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Ever since Nessie joined our family, I’ve had to step up my pet parenting to incorporate more enrichment and training into our home than ever before. I’ve spent a lot of time (and money!) over the past year trying numerous different online dog training platforms. While many of them have great information, not all of them worked well for me. In this solo episode, I’m sharing the 4 factors you should know before choosing an online dog training class and my top 5 favorite online learning platforms. Find links & show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode116   Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist. Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM. Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Do you have goals for your dogs in 2025? In this solo episode, Erin shares: My complicated relationship with the concept of goal setting; The goals I’ve had for my dogs over the past 20 years … before Nessie; How I feel about setting goals for my dogs today; and The goals I have for my dogs in 2025. I’m also sharing the experience Nessie & I had when we dipped our toe into the world of dog sports with our Odor Recognition Test - and whether or not we’ll continue on with nose work titles. Tell me your goals for your dog in 2025! @erin_the_dog_mom   Find links & show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode115   February is Pet Dental Health Month!  Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.   Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

What’s more important to you: What your dog does?  Or how your dog feels? This question is at the core of Andrew Hale’s Dog Centered Care approach.   An emerging thought leader in the dog training world, Andrew draws on his background in human psychology to place empathy and a deep understanding of a dog’s emotional experience at the heart of his work. He’ll even share with us his biggest ethical dilemma with the field of dog training.   You might want to have a notebook handy as Andrew breaks down concepts for us such as: his “safety first” protocol, his Learn – Support – Teach mantra, and how the 3 A’s of psychology relate to dog training.   Andrew and I also discuss common challenges faced by pet parents, including the cycle of conflict triggered by a dog's reactivity, and how to emotionally navigate those moments when tough decisions must be made for your fearful or reactive dog, such as an emergency vet visit.   You can find Andrew in his Dog Centered Care Facebook Group or YouTube channel.   Find links and show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode114   February is Pet Dental Health Month!  Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.   Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Have you ever used herbal remedies for your dog? or yourself?  If you started your day with a cup of coffee or tea, then your answer is Yes! Rita Hogan, the Canine Herbalist, has so much wisdom to share with us.  From being raised on a rural farm to running a holistic pug rescue, Rita has dedicated her life to practicing western herbal medicine for pets and people. For many of us, essential oils are a common form of herbal remedies that we’re familiar with.  But Rita shares with us why essential oils should NOT be your first choice for healing – and what to use instead. Rita also discusses her wholistic perspective on the treatment of anxiety in dogs – giving us a sample of what to expect from her new book, The Herbal Dog, which covers herbal approaches to healing  20+ common conditions in dogs. We also touch on the history of plants as medicine and the mind-boggling relationship between pharmaceutical medicines and plants. Find photos, links & show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode113   Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist. Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM. Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Want to give your dog the best year ever?  Let your dog be a dog with more canine enrichment activities in their lives! When Taylor Finton & her husband adopted their American Village dogs – rescued from the island of St. Lucia - Taylor thought it would be fun to document her dogs’ new lives in Canada.  So Taylor started Bindi’s Bucket List as a blog and on Instagram.  When she started sharing her Kong recipes, pet parents around the world took notice! But as Taylor shares with us, canine enrichment isn’t just Kong recipes – it’s so much more! Taylor’s new book, The Happiest Dog on the Block: Canine Enrichment Activities to Keep Your Dog Young & Healthy, is packed with fun and easy activities that are also backed by scientific research. Did you know there are 6 different categories of canine enrichment? Taylor shares examples of each type and how to determine which are your dog’s favorites.  We’ll also learn how to create a canine enrichment plan for our dogs and the #1 thing to avoid when trying new enrichment activities. Taylor even tells us how to choose or modify enrichment activities for puppies and senior dogs, as well as fearful or reactive dogs.    Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode112   Interested in more about canine enrichment?  Join Erin the Dog  Mom’s email list for a resource roundup coming soon.   Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.