Your Family Dog Podcast

YFD 180: Howliday Maddness

Happy Throwback Thursday! With Thanksgiving next week (at least for the American listeners!), and Christmas fast approaching, we're bringing back this episode on navigating the holidays with your dog. Tune in for a refresher on how to make the holidays merry and bright for everybody involved.
 
It's the most wonderful time of the year...but also sometimes the most stressful, both for people and their pets. Parties, visitors, traveling, and of course all the food can throw even the calmest and most well-trained dog for a loop. But chaos doesn't have to be the name of the game! Julie and Tina provide advice and tips on how to manage the hustle and bustle of the holidays so that you and your dogs can both find some comfort and joy.
For more information and show notes: Your Family Dog

249: Everyone Needs a Timeout: Self-Care Strategies for People & Pets

Time out! We're used to time outs being something bad- a punishment given to a misbehaving child. But what if that's the wrong way to look at them? What if time outs can actually be good things? And what if we all need them- not just kids, but adults and dogs, too? Dog trainer Kelsey Weber and psychologist Shaun Davis are big believers in the power of a good time out to help everybody, regardless of age (or species!). The two of them joined the show today to talk about the right way to do a time out, and the importance of self-care and support not just for us, but also for our toddlers, teenagers, and four-legged friends.
Kelsey Weber, ABCDT, CPDT-KA, LFDM-T
Kelsey is a certified professional dog trainer and licensed family dog mediator. She owns Pawsitively Trained in Sherwood, OR where she focuses on supporting pets and their people by building stronger pet-person relationships through better understanding and communication. She and her husband live on their farm in Sherwood with her small horse herd, flock of poultry, goat, pig, and two dogs.
Website: https://pawsitively-trained.com/
Email: kelsey@pawsitively-trained.com 
 
Shaun Davis, PsyD
Shaun Davis is a licensed psychologist working in Newberg, Oregon. She is a graduate of George Fox University. She works with children, families, and couples using Emotionally-Focused Therapy which focuses on the attachment bonds that keep relationships strong. She has been married for 43 years, has 3 adult daughters, 5 grandchildren, and a lovely Bernedoodle who works as a therapy dog in her private practice.
Website: www.shaundavispsyd.com
Email: drshaun@shaundavispsyd.com 
Book Links
Everyone Needs a Timeout: https://a.co/d/bHVF7iL 
Getting Started with Timeouts Planner: https://a.co/d/aEixzyg 
Settling In With Timeouts Planner: https://a.co/d/1fm8DnK 
 
For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog

YFD 191: The Nose Knows! Scent Work with Dianna Santos

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

248:Part 2: Geo-Scenting - Nose-work fun for the whole family

‪@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

247 Part 1: Geo-Scenting - Nose-work fun for the whole family

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.

YFD 164: Leash Pulling Solved!

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

246: A Second Chance at Love: Senior Dog Adoption with Peggy Rew

‪@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

YFD 002: Preparing Your Dog for Halloween

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

245: Understanding Dog Body Language to Prevent Conflict

‪@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

YFD 059: The Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare (part 2 of 2)

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