Dog Lovers Unleashed™ - Fetching Your Dog's Best Life

In this episode and the previous one, I talk with Jeff Feuerwerker (aka “Jeff, the dog trainer”) about puppy biting, or nipping as he calls it.  Jeff goes into great detail about the bigger picture and why this happens.  It is so chock full of good information and “a-ha moments” that I made it into a 2 part episode series.  Whether you currently have a puppy who is nipping or not, this information is very interesting and useful for all dog parents.  But, for those with pups who are biting or if you will be getting a puppy soon, this is truly a “must-listen.” 

In this episode and the next, I talk with Jeff Feuerwerker (aka “Jeff, the dog trainer”) about puppy biting, or nipping as he calls it.  Jeff goes into great detail about the bigger picture and why this happens.  It is so chock full of good information and “a-ha moments” that I made it into a 2 part episode series.  Whether you currently have a puppy who is nipping or not, this information is very interesting and useful for all dog parents.  But, for those with pups who are biting or if you will be getting a puppy soon, this is truly a “must-listen.”

In this episode, I continue talking with a dog finder specialist, Devon Thomas Treadwell, who co-founded a non-profit organization called The Retrievers.  In this part 2, she gives more great information on how to find lost dogs.  We also discuss the dogs that are the biggest flight risks.  And we delve deep into prevention strategies, which is hugely important for all dog lovers because we sure do NOT want to lose one of our precious dogs!  Listen in and learn some valuable information that you hopefully won’t need, but at minimum, you certainly can pass along over the years to many fellow dog parents!

To finish out the series in this episode and the next episode, I talk with a dog finder specialist, Devon Thomas Threadwell, who co-founded a non-profit organization called The Retrievers.  There is a wealth of information contained in these episodes to help dog parents out there find their lost dogs and bring them home safely.  There are valuable tips and things I never knew that we can do to prevent our dogs from ever being lost in the first place, as well.  The discussion of dog behavior and the well-tested strategies shared in these episodes are so interesting.  I hope you find it as interesting, educational and enlightening as I did. 

In this episode (028), we finish up the story of Beckett and how his parents ended up finding and saving him!  The strategy that works is so counter-intuitive.  I think it’s something that every dog parent should know, just in case.  And if you hear of a dog being lost after listening to this series, then you’ll have great information to pass along that will help in the efforts of bringing that dog home safely.  I’m hoping this helps many dogs and their people...with a strong rippling effect of passing along very important information to help when this tragedy becomes a reality for dog parents out there. 

In this episode (027), we begin a 4 part podcast series all about lost dogs.  What to do if your dog gets lost, what to do ahead of time with the hope that this never happens to you, because as dedicated dog parents, it's good to be prepared, just in case this horrible nightmare happens.  We start off by sharing a story of a lost dog named Beckett who lives in Iowa.  In parts 1 and 2, I talk with his mom and dad about our shared experience in rescuing Beckett.  It’s a very interesting and eye-opening story with a happy ending, which every dog lover will enjoy. 

In this episode (022), I share my knowledge as a canine physical therapist on the topic of playing fetch with our dogs safely.  From an exercise physiology standpoint, I talk about the biomechanics involved in the activity of fetching and how to start and build up safely in a manner that will minimize risks of injury.  I address how to implement this for old or deconditioned dogs as well as dogs who have much more conditioning, muscle, and endurance.  While it’s centered around the game of “fetching,” the scoop in this episode really applies to all activities and I think it is very important for dog parents out there to know!  So listen in and enjoy! 

In this episode (026), I talk with Stephanie Seger (the “Big Dog Mom”) who has become a dog nail trimming expert.  In part 2, we continue talking about tips and strategies we can use to make the nail trimming experience with our dogs more positive and less of a struggle.  And we also discuss a challenge that we all should do and then report the results back to Stephanie!  I can’t wait to find out how all of our dogs respond to this challenge.  It should be interesting! 

In this episode (025), I talk with Stephanie Seger (the “Big Dog Mom”) who has become a dog nail trimming expert.  Stephanie teaches dog parents how to get their dogs to actually LOVE having their nails trimmed.  We talk about all things nails, from why it’s so important to keep our dogs’ nails trimmed, to best supplies to have on hand for nail trimming, to tips and strategies we can use to make the experience more positive and less of a struggle.

In this episode (024), I finish my talk with Andrea Giordano, a dog trainer who owns a dog training center called Dogs Among Us, LLC in New York.  In addition to her local, hands-on training, Andrea is teaching dog owners online about how to create an ideal workplace environment with your dog, whether that be at an office outside your home or in your home office.  In this Part 2, Andrea shares her picks for the top 3 most important skills that dogs should have to be effective office mates in both offices with other people in them and for those of us who work from home. Since I work at home with my 4 dogs, I personally found this interview to be very helpful in thinking about how to make my work days with my dogs more effective and efficient.  Let’s just say it definitely got my wheels spinning on habits I could teach my dogs. ;-)

In this episode (023), I talk with Andrea Giordano, a dog trainer who owns a dog training center called Dogs Among Us, LLC in New York.  In addition to her local, hands-on training, Andrea is teaching dog owners online about how to create an ideal workplace environment with your dog, whether that be at an office outside your home or in your home office.  Andrea and I dive into an interesting discussion around “obedience” training vs. a more compassionate approach of viewing training as helping our dogs develop good habits and manners. In Part 2 of the interview (episode 024), she also shares her top 3 most important skills dogs should have to be effective office mates in both offices with other people in them and for those of us who work from home.  Since I work at home with my 4 dogs, I personally found this interview to be very helpful in thinking about how to make my work days with my dogs more effective and efficient. Let’s just say it definitely got my wheels spinning on habits I could teach my dogs.

In this episode (021), I talk with Michelle Stern, who is a dog trainer with a background of being both an educator and a mom.  She blends her interests in an incredible way - to teach parents how to create safety and get rid of the chaos that naturally exists when raising both dogs and young children.  We talk about strategies and putting systems in place to ensure that both the dogs and the children are safe and happy. There are so many valuable tips and suggestions offered in this episode.  You just need to listen to it! Also, Michelle offers an online class in which she teaches and supports parents who are raising both dogs and young children. As I state at the end of the podcast, I believe that her class is a MUST for all parents who have dogs and young children co-existing.  What she teaches would have saved the life of my uncle’s daughter. I can’t stress enough just how valuable and important Michelle’s expertise is and how taking her course will definitely reduce the chaos and improve safety, but it may be priceless for some in preventing devastating injuries or worse.  Two thumbs up for Michelle Stern!  

In this episode (020), I talk with Julie Naismith, who is a dog trainer with a special focus on helping dogs with separation anxiety.  She teaches dog parents all over the world through her online community, courses, and through her recently published book Be Right Back, how to handle and resolve separation anxiety in a very loving and compassionate way.  Julie clarifies the difference between separation anxiety and hyper-attachment. We also discuss subtle signs of pain in dogs and how pain tends to increase the dog’s anxiety and why it is very important to work with the dog’s veterinarian when dealing with separation anxiety.  Even if your dog doesn’t have separation anxiety, it’s a very interesting and enlightening episode which may help you be an even better dog parent!

In this episode (019), I talk with Dr. Amanda Pittman, who is an integrative medicine veterinarian.  She owns the Animal Wellness and Rehabilitation Center in Knoxville, TN, where she provides all aspects of veterinary medicine, as well as acupuncture, and rehabilitation services.  We discuss what integrative medicine is all about, including topics of acupuncture, chinese herbal approaches to care, food therapy, exercise, and more.

In this episode (018), I talk with Karen Armsey, the head of H.A.B.I.T (Human Animal Bond In Tennessee) about therapy dogs and how it’s a win all around for the dogs, the dog parents, and the people who benefit from getting to interact with the dogs.  We talk about how to get started with volunteering with your dog, how doing this work together improves the bond with your dog and enriches your dog’s life, and the different environments in which therapy dogs can be found. Karen shares some heartfelt stories of what a massive difference animal-assisted therapy dogs make in the lives of so many humans undergoing various forms of stress.  Resources are provided on how to get started if you are interested in exploring this fun and meaningful way of giving back.

In this episode (017), I continue the interview with Dr. Daly and Dr. Csiszer, two board certified orthopedic surgeons, all about hip dysplasia, including treatment options - both surgical and non-surgical.  We discuss the pros, cons, and various considerations and risks of each surgical technique. We also talk about medical or conservative management, meaning no surgery, and how well dogs can do without surgery.  We talk at length about total hip replacements in dogs and discuss pain medications, supplements, and some alternative treatment approaches. This 3-part series is a MUST-LISTEN if you have a dog with hip dysplasia.

In this episode (016), I interview Dr. Daly and Dr. Csiszer, two board certified orthopedic surgeons, all about hip dysplasia, including treatment options - both surgical and non-surgical.  We discuss the pros, cons, and various considerations and risks of each surgical technique. We also talk about medical or conservative management, meaning no surgery, and how well dogs can do without surgery.  We talk at length about total hip replacements in dogs and even touch on pain medications, supplements, and some alternative treatment approaches. This 3-part series is a MUST-LISTEN if you have a dog with hip dysplasia. 

In this episode (015), I interview Dr. Daly and Dr. Csiszer, two board certified orthopedic surgeons, all about hip dysplasia in dogs, including treatment options - both surgical and non-surgical.  We discuss the pros, cons, and various considerations and risks of each surgical technique. We also talk about medical or conservative management, meaning no surgery, and how well dogs can do without surgery.  We talk at length about total hip replacements in dogs and even touch on pain medications, supplements, and some alternative treatment approaches. This 3-part series is a MUST-LISTEN if you have a dog with hip dysplasia.  

In this episode (014), I discuss hip dysplasia and answer the 3 most commonly asked questions about hip dysplasia.  Can dogs live a long, happy life with hip dysplasia? Is hip dysplasia curable? And, should I walk my dog who has hip dysplasia?  These questions are addressed along with simple, yet important topics such as euthanasia not being an appropriate option for hid dysplasia in dogs and avoiding the cycle of pain and inflammation.

In this episode (013), Caroline Wilkinson and I discuss living mindfully with our dogs.  Enjoy some simple, yet eye-opening tips on canine enrichment ideas and ways to enhance our bonds with our dogs. 

In this episode (012), Lisa Selthofer discuss dog agility and how to get started as a beginner.  We talk about who dog agility is for, common benefits of dog agility, and we bust through several myths surrounding dog agility.  Lisa shares a free resource to help dog parents get started in the fun of dog agility!

In this episode (011), I talk with a past client, Sharon, about dog amputations because her dog Shira, a Great Dane had a front leg amputation performed.  She shares her experience, the good and the bad. And we offer advice to other dog parents who may need to consider an amputation for their dog. We also discuss the importance of physical therapy and the huge impact it had for Shira. 

In this episode (010), I talk about dog amputations, my experience in doing physical therapy with dogs after they have an amputation, my rehab suggestions, and various tips along with a peek inside the world of veterinary medicine from my perspective.  I also share a very personal and heartbreaking story of my own dog, a golden retriever named Megan, who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her leg and amputating her leg was a possible treatment option. In addition, I offer helpful physical therapy resources for dog parents who either have or will soon have a “tripawd” (a dog with three legs). This will be a 2 part series on dog amputations.  In the next episode, I talk with a client who shares her experience with her Great Dane, Shira, who had a front leg amputation in 2017.

In this episode (009), I interview Kirsten Tolley, an experienced dog trainer who enjoys specializing in early intervention training for puppies to capitalize on their developmental stages.  The outcome of starting her puppy training approach at 8 weeks of age is that it makes for a better and smoother experience with your dog for life. Obedience training at a later age is significantly easier.  And, Kirsten’s approach can help minimize the risk of problem behaviors that could develop, such as separation anxiety, fearfulness, reactivity, aggression, and other pesky behaviors like jumping up on people, barking at them, stealing food, and more.  Listen in and discover how early training from day 1 with your puppy can be life changing!

In this episode (008), I interview Pam Baker about her famous dog, Oscar, who sings on key and was invited to appear on the TV show, America’s Got Talent.  Simon Cowell loves this dog! We also talk with the dog trainer, Jeff Feuerwerker, who helped Oscar and Pam getting ready for the show. We dive into really interesting details and training strategies around preparing for the performances and hear all about Oscar and Pam’s experience on the show.  There’s also some dog singing thrown in and some words of wisdom toward the end. A fun episode!

In this episode (007), I continue part 2 of the interview with Silke Herwald, who is a grief specialist and works with people who are grieving the loss of their beloved dogs.  Silke takes me through an exercise to demonstrate the power of a tool she uses to help dog parents grieve more resourcefully. I personally experienced a powerful shift. We discuss considerations of when and if to get another dog after the loss of a beloved dog, as well as what can be useful to say to a friend who is grieving the loss of their dog.  I trust that this interview series is going to help many dog parents in the world. Please pass it on.

In this episode (006), I begin a 2 part interview with Silke Herwald, who is a grief specialist and works with people who are grieving the loss of their beloved dogs.  Silke talks about the similarities and differences in losing our dogs vs our human loved ones, the common lack of societal support when our dogs pass on and how this impacts us as dog lovers.  We also discuss the important topic of "pre-grieving" and what it is and how it can be so beneficial. I pass on a golden tip on how to know when "it's time" and I share the sudden death and aftermath of my golden retriever, Oscar.  Be sure to listen to Part 2 of this interview, in which Silke takes me through an exercise to demonstrate the power of a tool she uses to help dog parents grieve more resourcefully.  I personally experienced a powerful shift and I trust that this interview series is going to help so many dog parents in the world.

In this episode (005), Amie Hesbach and I share our insights from our collective 40 years of experience in the canine physical therapy field.  We talk about what physical therapy is and the many ways it can help your dog. We also explore how different physical therapy and physical rehabilitation can be - listen in to see what I mean.  This episode is full of great information to help dog parents understand how to find the right rehab practitioner, what to look for, what to be aware of (including some buyer beware tips), to trust your gut when you think something is wrong with your dog, and so much more.

In this episode (004), I talk with Dr. Deborah Linder, a board certified veterinary nutritionist at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine about the link between heart disease and grain-free and boutique diets.  We also get into how food allergies and how the belief in possible food allergies led to this finding and ensuing research on heart disease.

In this episode (003), I talk with expert dog trainer, Meagan Karnes, who is the founder and head trainer at The Collared Scholar, all about the power of playing with our dogs. There are big "aha moments" to be discovered as we dig into the psychology of how our dogs view us and the world. Another "MUST-LISTEN!" ;-)

In this episode (002), Dr. Kate McDermott, an integrative medicine veterinarian, shares valuable information on the various approaches to veterinary medicine.  Learn about using food as therapy and walk away with valuable tips on simple and inexpensive human foods we can feed our dogs to greatly improve their health and help with arthritis.

In this episode (001), we dive into the psychology of dogs with dog trainer, Jeff Feuerwerker, including incredible insights into dog behavior and how to enhance our lives with our dogs, with an emphasis around begging, counter-surfing, and reactivity in dogs.

This episode unleashes the scoop on Dog Lovers Unleashed, its format and goals, the origin story, a glimpse into the host, a canine physical therapist, and how she overcame fears to pursue the mission of helping one million dogs and their people.