If your dog barks, lunges, growls, or loses it on leash, it’s easy to assume the worst. But leash reactivity does not automatically mean you have an aggressive dog. In this episode of The Pet Parent Hotline, Amy Castro talks with certified dog trainer Stephanie Bennett @houstondogtrainer about what leash…
If your dog barks, lunges, or melts down on leash, that does not automatically mean you have an aggressive dog. In this clip from The Pet Parent Hotline, expert trainer Stephanie Bennett @Houstondogtrainer explains the leash-reactive paradox and why so many pet parents misunderstand what they’re seeing. Watch the full…
Some puppy behavior looks funny on camera, until it becomes the thing you’re fighting every day. In this short reel, we’re talking about the “cute” habits that often turn into real problems later, like: Mouthy biting and nipping Jumping on people Overhyped “crazy time” that never shuts off Attention barking…
A cautious puppy isn’t being stubborn, they’re processing something new. In this clip, dog trainer Ruth Hegarty @CreatureGoodDogTraining explains why forcing a puppy to “face it” can backfire, and why confidence grows faster when you invite curiosity and let them make safe choices. Full episode on your favorite podcast app…
Growling is communication, not “bad behavior.” It’s your dog giving you a warning and information, and that’s a good thing. The key is looking at the whole context and body language so you can decide if it’s normal play, a boundary, or something that needs help. @CreatureGoodDogTraining Full episode on…
If you’ve ever looked at your puppy and thought, “It’s fine, they’ll grow out of it,” this episode is for you. Small puppy habits can quietly turn into bigger daily headaches later, and it’s a lot easier to catch them early than try to fix them down the road. In…
Not sure if you should add another dog to keep your dog company? Dr. Rachel Malamed, @veterinarypsychiatrist shares a simple 3-part filter to help you decide: capacity (time, money, energy), compatibility (is your dog truly social in a home setting), and motivation (do you want another dog, or are you…
Do you think your dog needs a boyfriend, girlfriend, life partner, or sibling, or are you projecting a whole rom-com onto them? In this short, Amy Castro and Dr. Rachel Malamed, @veterinarypsychiatrist, break down how to tell if your dog is actually “lonely,” when another dog might help, and when…
Thinking about getting a second dog because your dog seems lonely? In this clip, veterinary psychiatrist Dr. Rachel Malamed explains why “getting a dog to fix a dog” often backfires, and how a new pet can spread you thinner emotionally, financially, and time-wise, especially if the new dog comes with…
Thinking about getting a second dog for your dog? Before you fall in love with the “built-in best friend” idea, ask yourself this: Do you actually want another dog, or are you hoping the new dog will fix something? A second dog can bring joy, but it can also mean…