Dogs Episodes

Are you giving your pet everything they need to truly thrive? In Part 2 of our series with UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne, Amy Castro explores the final two of the five legally recognized pet welfare needs. These last two, companionship and the ability to express natural behavior, often go overlooked but have the greatest impact on your pet’s quality of life. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why social connection (or solitude) matters depending on...

Are you meeting all 5 of your pet’s welfare needs—or just the basics? In this powerful first episode of a two-part series, Amy Castro teams up with renowned UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne to explore the often-overlooked foundations of pet care. In this episode, they tackle the first three of the five legally recognized animal welfare needs and how they apply to everyday pet parenting. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What “proper nutrition” really...

Caught in the middle of the “Adopt Don’t Shop” debate? Here’s what you really need to know before getting your next dog. In this balanced and thought-provoking episode, Amy Castro sits down with AKC Judge and Siberian Husky expert Sandy Weaver to unpack the tension between rescuing dogs and buying from breeders. They explore the truth behind mixed breed rescue dogs vs. purebreds, decode the doodle craze, and share expert tips for finding a responsible breeder, so you can make the best decision f...

What makes a service dog a lifeline for veterans and first responders? What makes a service dog a lifeline for veterans and first responders? A lot of people assume service dogs are only for physical disabilities, but for trauma survivors, the right dog can change daily life in powerful, practical ways. In this episode, Amy Castro is joined by Joe Gionti, CEO of K9 Heroes 4 Heroes, to share how these dogs are trained and matched to support veterans and first responders living with PTSD, tra...

Ever wondered if your dog has what it takes to become a therapy dog? A lot of pet parents assume therapy work is just about having a sweet, friendly dog, but the real test is how your dog handles unpredictability. New environments, sudden noises, strangers who don’t know dog boundaries, medical equipment, crowded hallways, awkward hugs, and handling mistakes all come with the job. In this uplifting episode, Amy Castro talks with Sandy Weaver, professional trainer and therapy dog expert, about...

What happens when a neglected dog finally finds someone who sees his worth? In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with Mayson Zimmermann to share the emotional journey of rescuing Kaiser, a neglected dog who defied the odds. From heartbreak to healing, this story showcases what’s possible when compassion, patience, and dedication come together to give a dog a second chance. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The turning point that brought Kaiser into rescue and what it took to...

Ever notice your dog acting anxious, reactive, or unsettled, even when nothing obvious is happening? Chances are, they’re picking up on you. Your dog isn’t just responding to your commands or routines. They’re reading your body language, breathing patterns, tension, and emotional state constantly. When you’re stressed, rushed, or overwhelmed, that energy shows up in your dog’s behavior, whether you realize it or not. In this episode, Amy sits down with Canine Partnered Energy Coach Mike Overl...

What if a few simple changes could add years to your pet’s life? If you've ever worried about whether you're doing enough to keep your pet healthy, you're not alone. In this episode, Amy talks with holistic veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter, founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition, to uncover the everyday choices that can make a major difference in your pet’s longevity. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How vaccinations and parasite prevention affect long-term wellnessThe truth about p...

Ever wonder if your pet’s behavior problems could be solved with a toy? Most pet parents don’t realize that play and enrichment aren’t just fun extras—they’re essential to your pet’s mental and emotional health. When pets don’t get enough stimulation, they act out, get stressed, or even end up surrendered to shelters. In this episode, you’ll discover: How play impacts your pet’s brain and behaviorThe surprising link between toy selection and fewer training issuesSimple ways to prevent boredom...

Ever feel like dog aggression comes out of nowhere? You’re not alone. The truth is, most pet parents miss the early warning signs of dog aggression until things have already escalated and they’re left feeling scared, confused, or overwhelmed. In this episode, Amy sits down with dog aggression expert Dr. Jim Crosby to unpack what is really behind those scary outbursts. From body language and behavioral triggers to the warning signs many people miss, you’ll learn how to better understand, manag...