Dogs Episodes

Does your dog panic when you leave the house? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. In this episode, I sit down with expert dog trainer Ruth Hegarty to break down one of the most misunderstood issues in dog behavior: separation anxiety. We cut through the myths, talk about what really helps, and give you practical steps you can start using today. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How to tell the difference between true separation anxiety and other behavior issues Why early in...

Tired of your dog barking nonstop, pulling on the leash, or your dog chewing everything in sight? In this episode, I’m joined by dog training expert Ruth Hegarty to break down the most common behavior problems pet parents face and dog training tips to help fix them using positive, effective methods. From recall issues to destructive chewing, Ruth shares practical dog training strategies that work for real-life households. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why your dog pulls on ...

Think you’re ready to adopt a pet? You might want to double-check. In this candid episode, Amy breaks down 10 common reasons adoption applications get denied, and most people have no idea they’re raising concerns. Drawing from 15 years in rescue and sheltering, Amy shares the subtle signals that make a rescue pause. These aren’t the obvious deal-breakers like animal hoarding or a history of abuse. This is the stuff well-meaning adopters accidentally say or do that screams, “This might not be th...

Are you pregnant and wondering how your dog will handle the change? A lot of pet parents wait until the baby is home to “see how it goes,” and that’s when stress and behavior issues show up fast. This episode is about what to do now, while you still have time, so your dog feels steady, not blindsided, when life changes overnight. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️ Why the biggest problem is often mixed signals between adults, not a “bad dog” ✔️ The early stress sig...

Confused about which vaccines your pet really needs? You’re not alone. With conflicting advice and growing concerns about side effects, making informed decisions around pet vaccinations can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I’m joined by veterinarian and author Dr. Jeff Grognet, who breaks down what core and non-core vaccines actually do, what risks you should consider, and how to customize a vaccine schedule that fits your pet—not a one-size-fits-all plan. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, ...

Is your pet slowing down, getting stiff, or acting “off,” but you can't tell if it’s pain, stress, or just age? Massage can be a legit tool for comfort, mobility, and calm, but only if you do it safely and know when not to. In this episode, Amy is joined by certified canine massage therapist Blanca Rodriguez to break down what pet massage really is, why it’s been used for centuries, and how it can support pets dealing with stress, injury recovery, arthritis, or end-of-life comfort. BY THE TIM...

Ever wonder what happens before a guide dog ever meets the person who needs them? Most people picture formal dog training, but the real foundation is built first by volunteer puppy raisers, the families who teach the basics, build confidence, and expose these pups to the real world. In this episode, you’ll hear from longtime puppy raisers Roxanne (and her husband Jim), now raising their 11th puppy, and Donna Mack, a guide dog handler and disability access leader, whose guide dog Wella has chang...

Ever feel like taking your dog out in public turns into chaos, side-eyes, and stress? Most “bad dog” moments are really people problems, like using too much leash, missing body language cues, or pushing a dog into situations they’re not ready for yet. In this episode, I talk with Nancy Hassel, founder of American Pet Professionals, about real-world dog etiquette, the kind that keeps your dog safer and makes everyone’s life easier, from your neighborhood walks to the vet to the park. BY THE TI...

Is your dog growling over food, toys, the couch, or even you? Resource guarding usually doesn’t start as a big, dramatic moment; it starts small, and most pet parents miss the early red flags until it escalates. Then the internet chimes in with advice that can make it worse fast. In this episode, I’m joined by nationally recognized dog behavior and dog training expert Will Bangura, to break down what resource guarding really is, why it happens, and what to do next so you can handle it safely an...

What’s it really like for a dog living in a rescue or shelter? In this eye-opening episode, Amy Castro is joined by Donna Ball of Ranger’s Reach to reveal what life is like for dogs inside a rescue—from intake and daily care to rehabilitation and adoption prep. You’ll hear the real, unfiltered stories of dogs working their way toward a second chance. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What a typical day looks like for a dog living in a rescueThe medical, emotional, and behavio...