Your Family Dog Podcast
Helping families love living with dogs. Simple solutions to common canine problems from professional dog trainer Tina Spring.
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Episodes
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
Happy Throwback Thursday! Piggybacking on our two part interview with Bob Deeds, we're bringing you this sweet-smelling blast from the past on the wonders of scent work. Tune in for a refresher on the science of smell and how scent-based games can open up a whole new world for you and your dog.
Those of us with less sensitive noses seldom realize just how big of a role odors play in the lives of our dogs. But for dogs, smell is a vital and integral part of how they perceive the world and gather information about it. Playing scent-based games with our dogs can be a great way to bond with them and learn to understand and interact with them better. Dianna Santos, the owner of Scent Work University, came on the show today to talk about scent work and how it can improve your relationship with your dog and their quality of life.
For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
@YFDPodcast YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast
Bob Deeds is a retired K9 search and rescue specialist with FEMA and Texas Task Force One, known for his work with his dog Kinsey at Ground Zero. He and his wife, Karen Deeds, are active in K9 training, specializing in scentwork, disaster response, and behavior modification. They co-own Canine Connection LLC, a dog training and behavior consulting business that helps place dogs in homes and presents seminars on K9 topics.
Key Aspects of Bob Deeds' Work:
Search and Rescue (SAR): Bob Deeds is an experienced search and rescue trainer and handler, having deployed his dog Kinsey to disaster sites like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.
Scentwork: He teaches workshops on scentwork, focusing on foundations, communication, and competition aspects.
K9 Behavior & Training: He believes in stress-free training methods that build a strong handler-dog bond and provides workshops on dog behavior and training.
Texas Task Force One: He served as a K9 specialist with Texas Task Force One, a state urban search and rescue team.
Canine Connection LLC: He and his wife Karen run Canine Connection LLC, which provides K9 behavior evaluations and helps rescue organizations.
Public Education: He and Karen conduct seminars and present on various K9 topics, and they are instructors for Dog Scouts of America.
Geocaching
Geo-Sniffing
Time Stamps -
0:00 Introduction
0:30 Video tape your training sessions
11:30 Know your dog
11:46 Advantages of GeoScenting
31:00 How to get started
35:30 What is GeoCaching
41:35 Sniff Spot
Stay in the Loop with the Your Family Dog Podcast
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:
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
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
All work and no play makes Fido a dull pup...or something like that. Either way, even the hardest-working dogs need to play sometimes. Enter Bob Deeds, a retired K9 search and rescue specialist who has developed a whole new sport- geo-sniffing- designed to allow dogs to enjoy the challenge of scentwork in the great outdoors without the stress of rescue work. Tune in to learn more about Bob's work, and the art and science of geo-sniffing.
For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Happy Throwback Thursday! This week, we're revisiting the perennial issue of loose leash walking. Tune in for a refresher on the best way to make sure you and your dog both enjoy the outdoors this fall.
"Walking the dog" is one of those things that's often a lot harder than it sounds. Julie and Tina break down the art of loose leash walking and offer advice and suggestions to help both you and Fido enjoy your walks.
For show notes, please go to: Your Family Dog
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
@YFDPodcast YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast
247: A Second Chance at Love; Senior Dog Adoptions with Peggy Rew
Peggy Rew is our guest on this episode. Peggy Rew is a professional pet nanny, published wordsmith, copy editor, and pet care educator. A pet rescuer since the ‘70’s, Rew has touched the lives of more than 4,000 animals: dogs, cats, horses, goats, reptiles, llamas, fish, bunnies, and birds, etc. Her penned creations include poetry, short stories and hundreds of published articles.
You may reach Peggy at: rewcrew5@gmail.com or at 775-830-0982
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/m.peggy.a.rew
Time Stamps -
0:00 Introduction
1:20 Puppies can produce a lot of complication
2:11 The story of a senior dog adoption
4:00 Often seniors are available due to people going into senior living and they can’t keep their beloved pet.
8:00 Young doesn’t always mean healthy and a long life, and a 7 year old dog, in some cases is elderly and in others (say a Jack Russell) are just starting to mature!
10:00 Checklists of expectations and deal breakers
11:10 “Senior” often means 7, but sometimes it means 10 years old or older
12:44 An adult dog knows him or herself. They are just as easy to train. We know whether or not they are comfortable with a quiet or busy life, do they like kids, etc
14:30 What attributes does our family need, what attributes do we need to avoid?
20:50 Older dogs often make puppy raising easier
21:26 Breed specific rescue can be a huge help if you want a specific breed
27:51 If a family member is afraid of dogs, please resolve that before you get a dog!
33:00 If possible adopt dogs from groups that do matching assessments such as Meet Your Match® & Safer® assessments from the ASPCA. We tend to get better matches when such programs are utilized.
Stay in the Loop with the Your Family Dog Podcast
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:
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
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Happy Throwback Thursday! With spooky season officially upon us, now is a great time to start preparing yourself and your dog for Halloween. Tune in for a quick refresher on the challenges Halloween can present for pups, and advice on how to help guide them through it.
TimeStamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:05 Ginger's Story
3:00 Sounds can be scary
3:40 Dogs decide what is "normal" based on early socialization
7:00 Salt Lake City
9:00 Socialization & Habituation
10:24 Additive Philosophy
11:19 Challenges of Halloween
11:30 Tips: A Safe Place to Go
12:00 Tips: Behavior Changes
12:50 Don't force uncomfortable situations (from your dog's perspective)
14:00 Costume Stress - Does your dog enjoy it?
15:00 Dog won't move - Then your dog is not enjoying the costume 19:00 Call In Question: Should I get a Dog for my Dog?
21:00 Alone Training
Halloween can be a scary holiday for dogs. In this episode, Julie Fudge Smith and Colleen Pelar discuss the importance of socialization and why dogs can be a bit unnerved by the sights and sounds of Halloween.
For more information and show notes go to: Your Family Dog Podcast
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
Tuesday Sep 23, 2025
@YFDPodcast YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast
246: Reading Dog Body Language to Reduce Conflict
Peggy Rew is our guest on this episode. Peggy Rew is a professional pet nanny, published wordsmith, copy editor, and pet care educator. A pet rescuer since the ‘70’s, Rew has touched the lives of more than 4,000 animals: dogs, cats, horses, goats, reptiles, llamas, fish, bunnies, and birds, etc. Her penned creations include poetry, short stories and hundreds of published articles.
You may reach Peggy at: rewcrew5@gmail.com or at 775-830-0982
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/m.peggy.a.rew
Time Stamps -
0:00 Introduction
1:00 Introducing Peggy
1:40 Dog Safety Activity Books
2:15 Activity Books
3:15 Consent & Agency - Why they matter
4:10 Eating
5:15 Resource Guarding
7:30 Dogs deserve respect too
9:00 The Nose Knows
12:00 Bites are very rare
13:00 Strategies to keep little fingers away from dog mouths
18:30 Dogs are family
20:20 Who is your dog?
22:30 Fireworks
24:00 Preparing our dogs
27:00 Lobby for Silent Fireworks
28:08 Would you miss the “booms”?
32:00 More on Dog Safety Activity Books
40:00 Does “Dog Bite Prevention” turn people off?
42:00 Kiss to Dismiss - The Kindest of Corrections
44:00 A time out can be a real gift!
45:00 Bite Prevention doesn’t really land well
Stay in the Loop with the Your Family Dog Podcast
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:
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
Thursday Sep 18, 2025
Thursday Sep 18, 2025
Happy Throwback Thursday! Last time, we revisited the first of two episodes on the "Five Freedoms" that underpin so much of positive reinforcement training. Tune in this week as we continue that theme by re-releasing Part 2.
Colleen Pelar and Julie Fudge Smith continue the discussion of the Five Freedoms of "internationally accepted standards of care that assert a living being’s right to humane treatment." In this episode they concentrate on freedom to express normal behavior and freedom from fear and distress, and how providing this standard of care is good for you as well as for your pet.
For more information and show notes: Your Family Dog
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
@YFDPodcast YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast
245: How Kids & Dogs Communicate
Jennifer Shryock, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Licensed Family Dog Mediator, is the owner and founder of Family Paws® LLC. She has a certification from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and a duo degree in special education and Elementary Education with more than 30 years of experience. She’s served on multiple boards, including the International Childbirth Education Association, and was Vice President of Doggone Safe, a non-profit dedicated to dog bite prevention and victim support. (2001-2016)
A recognized expert on dog and baby/toddler interactions and safety, Jen has mentored hundreds of dog professionals, written and spoken extensively about these topics.
While working with the rescue organization she adopted her dog from, Jen found herself supporting families with babies or young children overwhelmed by the challenges of their situations. This need for support and education led her to build resources for new and expecting families through Family Paws®. This specialized service led to creating the highly endorsed international program Dogs & Storks® for expecting and adopting families, followed by Dogs & Toddlers™. This ultimately led to the creation of Family Paws® Parent Education, now offering programs and services worldwide.
Jennifer lives in Cary, North Carolina, with her husband, children, 2 dogs, 5 cats and an
adorable guinea pig.
Time Stamps -
0:00 Introduction
3:17 Supervision
4:30 What sensitivities does your dog have?
5:10 Proximity
6:20 Learning each member of the family’s body language can be a huge help
9:00 Developmental Stages
15:15 Little ones are taking it all in
16:00 Believe the signals
16:30 My dog would NEVER…..
17:25 Observing body language helps make things more predictable
17:50 Babies grow, dogs age
19:24 Empower yourself to understand your family members
20:05 What body language signals are often missed
20:45 Lip Licks - What they mean 🙂
21:26 Each dog is a study of one
22:07 Corrine’s face had subtitles
23:00 Lip licks are often not facing you but they do still mean stress
25:00 Video your dog doing regular things to learn body language… they give us tons of info.
26:20 Things change over time.
26:55 It’s easier to read other people’s dogs than our own. How weird?!?!
30:00 High chairs!
31:00 Previous behavior matters
32:00 Sequencing - what it is and why I love it!
34:30 What’s a signal parents sometimes miss with kiddos?
35:35 College students can even be tough for our dogs
36:45 What do families miss that worries dogs?
37:28 Cat & Digital Frame
38:17 All kinds of things impact our dogs
39:00 Sensitivities can come and go
40:09 What are your child’s sensitivities
41:19 Behavior and Body language is communication!
47:30 Does your dog get one on one time
48:00 What helps overwhelm? Grace & Management
49:05 Everyone is doing the best they can!
50:00 Keep it simple
50:20 Types of supervision
51:24 We all get distracted - How to adjust management to make that ok
54:50 Management goodies in the freezer
55:19 Plans ahead! The kids can help
57:13 Ideally we want active and proactive supervision. If passive, let’s manage the dogs differently. Have a plan for the difficult times of the day.
59:12 Flexibility helps
1:03:01 Small connections matter
1:04:20 Proximity - He snuck right past me!
1:05:05 Invites decrease bites (invite the dog over vs approaching the dog)
1:05:08 Dog & Baby on the scene, Parent in between This makes inclusion so much easier.
1:05:38 Crawl around and see your home from your dog & baby’s perspective, you will see where you can adjust to give extra exits.
1:10: 20 Kids Around Dogs & The Family Dog
Stay in the Loop with the Your Family Dog Podcast
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:
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
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Happy Throwback Thursday! Today, we're revisiting one of the key underpinnings of positive reinforcement training- the "Five Freedoms." Tune in for a quick refresher on the first three of these vital components of animal welfare.
Julie Fudge Smith and Colleen Pelar discuss the first three of the Five Freedoms that the ASPCA lists as "internationally accepted standards of care that assert a living being’s right to humane treatment." They are standards which apply not only to dogs, but to every animal in our care, whether they are pets, farm animals, or working animals.
For more information, show notes and links: Your Family Dog