Dogs Episodes

Ever wonder what your dog is thinking—or how much they really understand? In this episode, I talk with Jennifer S. Holland, New York Times bestselling author of Dog Smart: Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence. We explore the fascinating science behind canine cognition, from their superpowered sense of smell to how they adapt to our routines, emotions, and environments. You’ll walk away with a new appreciation for just how intelligent and emotionally attuned your dog truly is. BY THE TIM...

Could your pet’s toys, bowls, food bags, or even clothes be adding plastic exposure that builds up over time? In this episode, I’m joined by Aidan Charron from EARTHDAY.ORG to unpack the Pets vs Plastics report and why plastic is not just an environmental issue, it’s a pet health issue. We break down how plastics and additive chemicals can enter your pet’s body (even through chewing and licking), why oversight in pet products and pet food can be shockingly weak, and the easiest swaps that reduce...

What happens when you hit the road with a rescue dog, and everything goes wrong? In this episode, I share the story of my 1,672-mile journey from Texas to New York with my best friend Bev and a sweet rescue dog named Bonnie. From a hurricane reroute to car trouble, sketchy hotel rooms, and a surprise stop in Memphis during Elvis Week, this adoption road trip was anything but smooth, but absolutely unforgettable. And yes, buried in the chaos are some real pet travel tips you can steal for your o...

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...