Training And Behavior Episodes
Good behavior starts with understanding—not frustration. These episodes help you uncover the “why” behind your pet’s actions and teach you how to build trust, reduce stress, and create calm, cooperative relationships. Learn realistic techniques that fit your lifestyle and your pet’s personality, no gimmicks or harsh methods required.
Topics included: dog training basics, puppy training, cat training basics, kitten training, cat behavior, crate training, leash manners, reactivity, anxiety, house training, socialization, communication cues, and positive reinforcement.
Topics included: dog training basics, puppy training, cat training basics, kitten training, cat behavior, crate training, leash manners, reactivity, anxiety, house training, socialization, communication cues, and positive reinforcement.
Feb. 27, 2024
Resource Guarding: Why It Gets Worse Fast
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...
Jan. 30, 2024
5 Pet Needs Most Homes Miss, The Next Level (Part 2)
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...
Jan. 23, 2024
5 Pet Needs Most Homes Miss, The Basics (Part 1)
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...
Oct. 3, 2023
Is Your Dog Therapy Dog Material?
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...
Sept. 12, 2023
Dog Training: Why Your “Trained” Dog Suddenly Stops Listening
Feel like your dog’s forgotten everything they’ve ever learned? In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with canine cognitive behavioral expert Billy Groom to explore why perfectly trained puppies often become disobedient “teenagers” and what to do about it. If you've been through dog training and your dog suddenly won’t come when called, ignores commands, or starts acting out, the problem isn’t a lack of discipline, it’s how their brain is changing. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DIS...
Aug. 15, 2023
Lost Cat? How to Find Them Fast (and What Not to Do)
What would you do if your cat went missing and the advice you found online wasn’t working? Most people panic, print flyers, and shake a treat bag, but today’s guest says that’s exactly what not to do. In this episode, Amy sits down with lost cat expert and pet detective Kim Freeman, who shares what really helps bring lost cats home. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The critical mistake most pet parents make in the first 24 hoursHow understanding cat behavior can transform yo...
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...
July 11, 2023
Thinking About a Pet? 10 Questions to Ask First
Thinking about adding a pet to your life, but not sure if it is the right time or the right decision? Every year, pets end up surrendered because their humans rushed in without asking the tough questions first. Whether you are considering your very first pet or adding another to your household, this episode walks you through 10 essential questions that could save you from heartbreak and help ensure the pet you choose gets the forever home they deserve. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL...
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 30, 2023
Working from Home? Stop Pets from Driving You Crazy
Ever try to lead a Zoom call while your dog is barking or your cat is walking across your keyboard? Remote work sounds like a dream, until your pets decide they're the boss. If you're tired of juggling deadlines and dog walks, this episode is for you. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How to structure your day to meet both your pets’ needs and your professional goalsWhat routines, boundaries, and backup plans work (and what doesn’t)Why flexibility and planning are your secret...