Your Family Dog Podcast

YFD 013 Grief: The Hardest Part of Loving a Dog

Losing a beloved pet can be as devastating as losing a close friend, and to grieve that loss is normal and right. Colleen Pelar and Julie Fudge Smith talk about how they have dealt with the loss of their dogs and offer thoughts and suggestions that may be helpful for you and your family when the time comes to say good-bye.
 
Additional materials and show notes may be found at Your Family Dog

YFD 012: Simple Games for Kids and Dogs

Colleen Pelar and Julie Fudge Smith talk about simple, fun games for kids to play with their dogs that will build their relationships and provide creative ways for kids and dogs to successfully interact and play together. 
For additional show notes see our website: Your Family Dog Podcast
Resources
Puppy Training for Kids
Fun & Games for a Smarter Dog, 50 Great Brain Games to Engage your Dog
This week's cartoon image of the dog with basket of balls is available on cards and mugs at AnimalCentric Designs.

YFD 011: Words matter! How do you describe your dog's behavior?

Do you feel as though your dog is stubborn, manipulative, purposely difficult? You are not alone! Professional dog trainers, Colleen Pelar and Julie Fudge Smith take a closer look at whether or not dogs are really obstinate, or whether there might be something else going on. Find out what might be the real cause of your dog's stubbornness.
For more information, links, and show notes check out our website: Your Family Dog Podcast

YFD 010: Help your dog learn to love riding in the car.

Some dogs love the car, others hate it. Professional dog trainers, Colleen Pelar and Julie Fudge Smith discuss ways to help your dog love to ride in the car as well as several other scenarios where these suggestions can be used.
 
For more information and show notes go to: Your Family Dog
Adaptil travel spray, dog-appeasing pheromone

YFD 009: Fun with Food! How to use intelligence toys to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Need a way to keep your dog busy and challenge him mentally? Professional dog trainers, Colleen Pelar and Julie Fudge Smith discuss various intelligence toys for dogs and how to use them to keep your dog happy in a variety of common situations.
 
For show notes with more information on intelligence toys and where to find them go to: Your Family Dog
 
Kong
Squirrel Dude
Kibble Nibble
Magic Mushroom
Twist N Treat
Kyjen slow bowls
 

YFD 008: Thanksgiving for dogs! Or, why we are so thankful for dogs in our lives.

No problems this week! With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Colleen Pelar and Julie Fudge Smith discuss why they are so thankful for dogs and what makes dogs man's best friend. 
For more thoughts on dogs, check out the show notes on our website: Your Family Dog

YFD 007: A dog for the kids?

Should you get a dog for the kids? Will it really teach them responsibility? Professional dog trainers, Julie Fudge Smith and Colleen Pelar talk about what needs to be considered when adding a dog to the family. 
Colleen's books Living with Kids and Dogs ... Without Losing Your Mind and Puppy Training for Kids can help set your family up for success with your dog.
For show notes and links, visit our website: Your Family Dog. 
 

YFD 006: Teaching kids how to meet a dog.

Most parents encourage a child to ask the owner before they pet a dog, but did you know your child should also ask the dog? Colleen Pelar and Julie Fudge Smith teach you how to ask a dog for permission, how to know if the dog is saying yes or no, how to properly pet a pooch, and more. 
For show notes, links, and other information go to: Your Family Dog Podcast
 

YFD 005: I Hear You Knocking!

Someone's at the door and your dog goes crazy! Julie Fudge Smith and Colleen Pelar discuss various solutions that can do to help your dog be calm when someone comes knocking. 
For additional links and show notes, go to Your Family Dog Podcast
 

YFD 004: Why Be Positive?

You'll be amazed at how positive reinforcement training improves your relationship with your dog ... and your relationships with other people too.
Colleen Pelar and Julie Fudge Smith talk about their own experiences with old-school, force-based methods as compared with positive reinforcement.
Positive reinforcement methods focus on solutions, not problems. These techniques make you and your dog a team, not opponents, and they are family friendly because they don't increase the risk of aggression.
Companion Animal Psychology's article: What is Positive Reinforcement in Dog Training?
For more information and show notes: Your Family Dog