Help keep the hotline alive, donate now →

Dogs Episodes

From training and health to grooming and enrichment, these episodes are all about helping you raise a happy, well-behaved, and healthy dog. Get practical tips and expert advice for every stage—from puppyhood to senior years.

Topics included: dog training, grooming, nutrition, behavior, exercise, senior dog care, enrichment, preventive health.
July 25, 2023

5 Ways to Help Your Pet Live Longer with Dr. Gary Richter, DVM

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...
July 18, 2023

What Skipping Playtime Is Really Costing Your Pet

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...
June 6, 2023

Understanding Dog Aggression: An Expert’s Warning Signs

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...
May 23, 2023

Vet Visits Don’t Have to Be Traumatizing, For You or Your Pet

Does your pet panic at the vet—or do you? Vet visits can be a major source of anxiety for pets and their people. But they don’t have to be. In this episode, Amy sits down with her friend and veterinarian, Dr. Arsue Shokrollahi-McClain (aka Dr. Zoo), to share practical tips to take the stress out of vet appointments—from pre-visit prep to payment at checkout. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What to do before the appointment to help your pet stay calmHow your energy can make ...
April 18, 2023

Afraid to Adopt a Senior Dog? Here’s What You’re Missing

Afraid to adopt a senior dog because it feels “too sad”? You’re not alone. Many people avoid older dogs because of fears about health, longevity, or heartbreak, but what if you’re missing out on one of the most rewarding pet experiences of your life? In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with Sherri Franklin, founder of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, to challenge the myths and highlight the real joy and relief that can come from adopting older dogs. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOV...
Feb. 14, 2023

Wanted A Purebred, Adopted Instead: What Changed Her Mind

What makes someone set their heart on a specific breed, and what happens when real life doesn’t match the picture in their head? In this episode, Amy talks with speaker and leadership coach Laurie Hall about her honest path from planning to buy a purebred to rescuing not one, but two shelter dogs. No judgment, no “gotcha,” just the real mix of grief, timing, expectations, and those moments that quietly change your mind. If you’re deciding between adoption and buying, or you’ve ever side-eyed so...