Your Family Dog Podcast

YFD 256: "Paw Prints in the Stars" with Warren Hanson

Grief is, unfortunately, an inevitable part of life. For many of us, our first real experience of grief and loss comes with the passing of a beloved pet. As children, it can be hard to understand exactly what's happened and why our furry friend is never coming back.
Moved by the story of a tragic accident, author and illustrator Warren Hanson set out to try and give comfort to children experiencing grief. His books "The Next Place," and "Paw Prints in the Stars" provide a gentle guide to coping with the sadness of death, and the celebration of the love that remains. Join us today for a discussion of grief and loss, and a special storytime (tissues recommended!).
 
For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

YFD 255: Dogs After Kids with Debra Murray

There are a lot of resources out there about kids and dogs. But whether it's bringing a puppy home to your kids, or a new baby home to your dog, most of the information available focuses on the early stages of child/puppyhood. What is often overlooked- but can be just as challenging to all involved- is what happens when the kids grow up, move out, and leave their pets behind. Family dog trainer Debra Murray, of Smartypaws LLC, specializes in family-pet dynamics. Join us today to talk about how to handle this overlooked but still pivotal adjustment in your pet's life.
 
For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

YFD 254: Greetings, Earthlings! Welcoming Your Puppy From Planet Dog

Getting a new puppy is a little like being invaded by aliens- cute, fluffy, wiggly aliens, but aliens nonetheless. Humans and puppies don't innately understand each other, and this lack of understanding can turn a time that should be fun and exciting into a one full of anger, stress, and doubts. 
Fortunately, there is help! Certified dog trainer Kathy Callahan specializes in families and their new puppies acclimate to one another and achieve a smooth transition into the household. Join us today for a discussion of all the highs and lows, ups and downs, of puppyhood!
 
Certified dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and family dog mediator (LFDM) Kathy Callahan specializes in puppies. The author of Welcoming Your Puppy from Planet Dog and 101 Rescue Puppies, she writes monthly on training and behavior for Whole Dog Journal. Her business, PupStart, focuses on helping clients through puppyhood. Her website is www.puppypicks.com. 
KATHY SOCIAL:
Instagram - instagram.com/puppypicks 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathryn.g.callahan  
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2XrCeyKGTvXvp4l5dSMG1A  
Other links from episode discussion:
Welcoming Your Puppy From Planet Dog
Snuggle Puppy
DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone)
Regular Roller Gate
Reinforced Roller Gate
Outdoor Reinforced Roller Gate (HUGE)
Indoor (open floorplan) Reinforced Roller Gate
Ping Pong By Leslie McDevitt - How to use it with puppies
 
For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog

YFD 253- Murder, Mystery, and Canine Mayhem

A new year means new opportunities, new challenges, new hopes...and new books! Animal behaviorist-turned-novelist Patricia McConnell joins the show today to discuss her forthcoming book, "Away to Me." A murder mystery set in the world of sheepdog trials, "Away to Me" is part detective novel, part James Herriot essay, full of suspense and canines in equal measure. And the best part? None of the dogs die! Tune in to learn more about what is sure to be one of the best reads of 2026!
 
For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

YFD 136: Achievable Resolutions for the New Year

Happy Throwback Thursday and Happy 2026! With the New Year comes New Year's resolutions of course, and so today we're revisiting an episode on that very topic- setting resolutions and goals for you and your dog that are realistic and achievable. Start 2026 off right by setting both you and your furry friend up for success!
Tina Spring and Julie Fudge Smith talk about some soft resolutions for the New Year. In other words: those things that one might have a chance of actually achieving! They offer ideas and suggestions for managing your dog a bit better so you can carve out 15 minutes a day to do something decadent like read a book or have a cup of tea!
 
For show notes and other information please go to: Your Family Dog

YFD 252- Workout Woof with Mark Mancuso

Have you ever wanted to run with the wolves? There's an app for that! Well, sort of. Workout Woof is an app designed to connect people who want a furry workout buddy with dogs who need some extra exercise. Developed by dog-and-fitness lover Mark Mancuso, Workout Woof aims to help build community and connections between dog owners who need a little help and dog lovers who can't take on the full responsibility of dog ownership, but still sometimes need a good walk with a canine companion. Tune in for a conversation with Mark about the inspiration for his app, and how he brought it to life.
For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

The BEST Activities for Kids and Dogs!

Happy Throwback Thursday! Christmas is almost here, family is arriving in town, and the kids will soon be on break. All of this is great, but all of it can also be overwhelming, especially for our furry friends. With kids home from school, cold weather keeping people indoors, and the hustle and bustle of parties and get togethers, how do you keep children and dogs from driving each other- and you- crazy? This week, we're bringing back an episode designed to help you do just that. Tune in for a refresher on keeping the holidays happy and sane for everybody!
 
For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog
  
The Your Family Dog Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast
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Your Family Dog Podcast ON SOCIAL 
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/yourfamilydogpodcast/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/YourFamilyDogPodcast/
 
The Your Family Dog Podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content provided on this podcast does not constitute professional veterinary, behavioral, or training advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian, a positive reinforcement-based professional dog trainer, or a qualified pet professional before making any decisions regarding your pet’s health, behavior, or training.
While we strive to share accurate and helpful information, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The hosts and guests of The Your Family Dog Podcast disclaim all liability for any actions taken based on the content of this podcast.
Listener discretion is advised when implementing any suggestions discussed. This podcast may feature guests with their own views, which do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the podcast hosts.
Mailing Address: Tina M. Spring, 115 Pointers Ridge Drive, Athens, GA 30606-1490
©2016-2025 Your Family Dog Podcast LLC
 
For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog

YFD 251: What Every Family Needs to Know About Dogs!

YFD 251 Kids Around Dogs with Debbie Lucken
Longtime listeners know that the topic of kids and dogs is a perennial one on the show, and with good reason. Kids and dogs may both be part of the family, but trying to balance competing needs and make sure everybody gets along can be stressful, to say the least! Luckily, parents today have more resources than ever to help them, including the one founded by today's guest. 
Debby Lucken (ISCP.Dip.Canine.Prac.), the founder of KAD, has also designed a successful protocol to overcome the fear of dogs in kids and adults, which all KAD Approved Professionals are qualified to use. KAD - Kids Around Dogs® is an award winning association of Dog Professionals and Child Care Professionals who specialize in working with families and schools to help children and dogs to live in harmony together. Kids Around Dogs® is on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.
KAD-Kids Around Dogs®
ACE Freework
Protocol for Relaxation
WestPaw 
 
For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog Podcast.

YFD 163: Winter Training Tips

Happy Throwback Thursday! With winter in full swing, we thought it would be a good time to revisit this episode on cold weather training tips. Grab a cup of cocoa and tune in for advice on how to keep training going, even on the most blizzard-y of days.
 
Snow and ice got you housebound? Tina Spring and Julie Fudge Smith can help you beat the winter doldrums with these suggestions for training your dog even when cold weather has you stuck inside.
Snow and ice got you housebound? Tina Spring and Julie Fudge Smith can help you beat the winter doldrums with these suggestions for training your dog even when cold weather has you stuck inside. ‪@YFDPodcast‬ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast 163: Winter Training Tips Time Stamps
0:00 Introduction
2:00 What were your struggles last year?
5:00 Food sometimes arrive in gifts and can be a real hazard - ask the giver if anything is food
8:20 “Ex” or Exercise Pens can be a huge help in a wide variety of ways
9:40 Sugar Free is dangerous to dogs, be sure to keep them safe
10:10 What went GREAT! So we can incorporate it this year
11:15 Write down what works great that you want to repeat 14:30 Working on relaxing during car rides (short trips)
16:30 Cooperative Care: 7 Steps to Stress Free Husbandry 20:30 Impulse Control (waiting at the door, etc.)
22:30 Invites onto furniture
23:00 Dragon Season!
24:00 The environment changes and impacts behavior
25:00 Stop Leash Pulling!
26:00 Practice indoors (house, garage, basement, Home Depot, other dog friendly environments)
26:20 1,2,3 by Leslie McDevitt from Control Unleashed: Reactive to Relaxed
30:00 More on Leash Pulling
32:30 What if my dog has big feelings about some situations?
34:30 Understanding who your dog is is an important step
35:35 Where does my dog struggle?
36:00 Socialization from the car with fearful dogs, Look At That from Leslie McDevitt from Control Unleashed: Reactive to Relaxed
38:30 Stop on a positive note, don’t keep going. Keep is short and sweet.
39:30 Waiting is an important part of training
40:30 Practice 3-5 min at a time
43:30 Door Dashing
45:00 Enrichment isn’t a competition - your dog needs sleep too!
Stay in the Loop with YFDP: Mailing Address: Tina M. Spring, 115 Pointers Ridge Drive, Athens, GA 30606-1490
YFDPod Merch - TBA The Your Family Dog Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-family-dog-podcast/id1163178672 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/0lgRkY6RO1FGsANPGVzqej Your Family Dog Podcast ON SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourfamilydogpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourFamilyDogPodcast/ The Your Family
Dog Podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content provided on this podcast does not constitute professional veterinary, behavioral, or training advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian, a positive reinforcement-based professional dog trainer, or a qualified pet professional before making any decisions regarding your pet’s health, behavior, or training. While we strive to share accurate and helpful information, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The hosts and guests of The Your Family Dog Podcast disclaim all liability for any actions taken based on the content of this podcast. Listener discretion is advised when implementing any suggestions discussed. This podcast may feature guests with their own views, which do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the podcast hosts. ©2016-2025 Your Family Dog Podcast LLC For show notes and more information please see: Your Family Dog (https://yourfamilydogpodcast.com/episode163/)
For show notes and more information please see: Your Family Dog

YFD 250: Better Living Through Enrichment

Enrichment is a favorite topic here on Your Family Dog, and with good reason. Providing your dog with enrichment activities keeps them happier, healthier, and better-behaved. And while finding enrichment activities can feel complicated or overwhelming, it really doesn't have to be. Join Tina and fellow dog trainer Emily Breslin for a discussion about the importance of enrichment, and suggestions for fun, easy ways to make it happen.
For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.