DogLab

If you have a dog with fear, anxiety, or aggression issues, you've likely wondered—or, more likely, worried—whether your own personality traits are to blame for their unwanted behaviors.Understandably so. For years, dog owners have been fed messages like, “it's all how you raise them” and “there are no bad dogs, only bad owners.” Even experienced dog behavior professionals, who fully acknowledge the huge influence of biology and individual traits on dog behavior outcomes, are quick to affirm that stressy, anxious owners are far more likely to have anxious dogs.Listen to Co-Hosts Sarah Fraser and Brian Burton (both are Co-Founders of INSTINCT with a Master's in Animal Behavior) discuss this topic, including how the existing research and their experience with thousands of dogs and owners have shaped their thoughts and approach on whether anxious owners cause anxious dogs. Episode References:Ask, H., Eilertsen, E. M., Gjerde, L. C., Hannigan, L. J., Gustavson, K., Havdahl, A., … & Ystrom, E. (2021). Intergenerational transmission of parental neuroticism to emotional problems in 8‐year‐old children: Genetic and environmental influences. JCPP advances, 1(4), e12054.Clarke, T., & Loftus, E. (2023). Owner psychological characteristics predict dog behavioral traits. University of Edinburgh, Preprint, not yet published, https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2657563/v1Dodman NH, Brown DC, Serpell JA (2018) Associations between owner personality and psychological status and the prevalence of canine behavior problems. PLoS ONE 13(2): e0192846. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0192846 Finn, C., Mitte, K., & Neyer, F. J. (2013). The Relationship–specific Interpretation Bias Mediates the Link between Neuroticism and Satisfaction in Couples. European Journal of Personality, 27(2), 200-212. https://doi.org/10.1002/per.1862Gobbo E, Zupan M. Dogs' Sociability, Owners' Neuroticism and Attachment Style to Pets as Predictors of Dog Aggression. Animals. 2020; 10(2):315. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020315Huber A, Barber ALA, Faragó T, Müller CA, Huber L. Investigating emotional contagion in dogs (Canis familiaris) to emotional sounds of humans and conspecifics. Anim Cogn. 2017 Jul;20(4):703-715. doi: 10.1007/s10071-017-1092-8. Epub 2017 Apr 21. PMID: 28432495; PMCID: PMC5486498.Kang W, Establishing the associations between the Big Five personality traits and self-reported number of close friends: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study. Acta Psychologica, Volume 239, 2023, 104010, ISSN 0001-6918, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.104010.Kis A, Turcsán B, Miklósi Á, Gácsi M. The effect of the owner's personality on the behaviour of owner-dog dyads. Interaction Studies: Social Behaviour and Communication in Biological and Artificial Systems. 2012;13(3):373-385. doi:10.1075/is.13.3.03kisMcNulty JK. Neuroticism and interpersonal negativity: the independent contributions of perceptions and behaviors. Pers Soc Psychol Bull. 2008 Nov;34(11):1439-50. doi: 10.1177/0146167208322558. Epub 2008 Aug 13. PMID: 18703488.Podberscek, A.L. and Serpell, J.A. (1997), Aggressive behaviour in English cocker spaniels and the personality of their owners. Veterinary Record, 141: 73-76. https://doi-org.proxy.wexler.hunter.cuny.edu/10.1136/vr.141.3.73Wright, Amanda & Jackson, Joshua. (2022). Is parent personality associated with adolescent outcomes for their child? A response surface analysis approach. 10.31234/osf.io/ahmzwINSTINCT Resources:Youtube Version of the Episode (video): https://youtu.be/KrlyTh7Z8o0 

Living with a dog who displays fear, anxiety, or aggression is challenging, no matter what. Seeing these behaviors present in your new puppy can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming as you try to jump in and work on the issues (in addition to “normal” puppy behaviors) while also imagining what life will be like for you AND your puppy as they grow and mature into an adult dog.Today, we're joined by Mikaela, a client at Instinct Northern New Jersey, to learn more about her experience raising and living with her beautiful dog Lola, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix, who began displaying some concerning behavior issues as a young puppy.Hosts Brian Burton (he/him/his) and Sarah Fraser (she/her/hers) are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 20,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/INSTINCT Resources:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instinctdogtraining/Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.comFree Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/Youtube Version of the Episode (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhjY77bLUdU

Today we are going to delve into the question of whether telling your dog 'no' can have a place within a positive training approach. We think it's a pretty fair question and it's one we actually get asked a lot by new clients who come to see us. It's understandable because there's a lot of emphasis in positive training (as there should be) on trying to set your dog up to succeed, trying to help them make desirable choices, training in a way that they generally enjoy or want to listen to cues, and allowing a lot of choice and control so that they have the option to opt-in or opt-out. But what about those times when you need your dog to stop doing something or maybe start doing something else in the now, and they're not opting in or following cues (or maybe they don't have those skills under their belt yet)? How do we handle those situations in a way that protects our dog's behavioral health and also protects the relationship that we have with them that supports a healthy relationship dynamic?This is what we are tackling today.Hosts Brian Burton (he/him/his) and Sarah Fraser (she/her/hers) are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 20,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/INSTINCT Resources:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instinctdogtraining/Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.comFree Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/Youtube Version of the Episode (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EbBny9T4WI

For most of us, bringing home a new puppy conjures many warm, fuzzy images and feelings. We think about puppy snuggles and kisses, introducing the puppy to family and friends, taking them for walks, and including them in our favorite activities.And while puppies are amazing and can bring a lot of joy, they're also a TON of work, and the reality of puppy ownership doesn't usually match up to the vision we've created in our mind (or the one we've been sold on social media).Enter the Puppy Blues. The puppy blues is an informal term that refers to the feelings of sadness, anxiety, overwhelm, regret, and other negative emotions many folks experience in the days, weeks, or months after welcoming a new puppy into their home.If you've experienced the Puppy Blues - you're not alone. A LOT of other dog owners have experienced them, too. We're joined today by one of those individuals - Hannah Craig, a client at Instinct Hudson Valley, who has generously agreed to share their experience with us today.Hosts Brian Burton (he/him/his) and Sarah Fraser (she/her/hers) are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 20,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/INSTINCT Resources:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instinctdogtraining/Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.comFree Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/Youtube Version of the Episode (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUao_pZNroc

If you are the guardian of a dog with a more complex behavior profile, finding the right care team to work with them (and you) - the right trainer, the right veterinarian, the right pet sitter or boarding kennel - can be a real challenge. When speaking about the training/behavior field, this is made more challenging by the fact that dog training is an unregulated industry, and it can be very difficult to discern what someone's credentials actually mean, the experience they hold, and the teaching techniques they use with dogs and people.And even when you find a person or a team you like, learning when and how to advocate for your dog - vs when to trust and follow the lead of the professionals with whom you're working, even if you feel a little skeptical about it - takes time, and can feel intimidating or uncomfortable.Today we're joined by Instinct East Harlem client Kate Tighe, to share her experience with finding the right support team for her dog Teagan - and learning how to become a better advocate for her and for Teagan in the process.Hosts Brian Burton (he/him/his) and Sarah Fraser (she/her/hers) are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 20,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/INSTINCT Resources:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instinctdogtraining/Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.comFree Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/Youtube Version of the Episode (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bfkGXWDuvM

While waiting for Season 4 to start in October, we will drop summer mini-episodes in August and September! Episodes will drop each Monday. Also, a reminder that we do have video versions of the podcast in our recording studio, which can be viewed on our YouTube Channel In this episode, Brian and Sarah give an update on their international move and discuss one of their viral Instagram reels that received over 2 million views and generated a lot of engagement and comments. The video was "How Not to Pet a Dog." You can see that video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cr0-YWBPd-q/Some video comments were great, some were interesting, and some were very sad. Brian and Sarah discuss why this video is important and how one of the tricky things about living with dogs, because they are so familiar to us and we feel that we know them so well, is that we can have blind spots in our knowledge and understanding of their feelings and behavior.Hosts Brian Burton (he/him/his) and Sarah Fraser (she/her/hers) are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 20,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/INSTINCT Resources:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instinctdogtraining/Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.comFree Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/Youtube Version of the Episode (video): https://youtu.be/qeLs2OEpaCs

This week we are talking about dogs in urban environments. We discuss some of the most common challenges facing urban dogs, and also some of our favorite hacks for navigating city life to protect and enhance your city dog's welfare; because let's face it, living in an urban environment can be pretty stressful for dogs AND humans.During the conversation we also discuss which personality traits, and breeds typically do well with, or find urban environments challenging. We also discuss ways to make living in an urban environment with your dog more enjoyable and less stressful for both of you.Guests:- Lauren Jones-Wenzel (she/her/hers) CDBC is a Certified Behavior Consultant at INSTINCT Northern New Jersey, INSTINCT Jersey Shore, and INSTINCT Philadelphia.- Stephanie Collingsworth (she/her/hers) CDBC is a Certified Behavior Consultant at INSTINCT PortlandHosts Brian Burton (he/him/his) and Sarah Fraser (she/her/hers) are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 20,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/INSTINCT Resources:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instinctdogtraining/Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.comFree Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/Youtube Version of the Episode (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfvhH04Er2o

Most of us have breed preferences; whether it's how they look and/or the collection of traits we assume the breed to have. Today we explore if these breed stereotypes are really valid because the existing research on breed and behavior is largely mixed; while breed can influence some behavior, there's a wide range of variability, even within breeds. The science is a bit of a mess.So we thought it would be fun to explore our breed stereotypes with some breeds today based on our experience of working with thousands of dogs; German Shepherds (03m8s)Doodles (10m40s)Shiba Inus (16m50s)Pitties (27m05s)Huskies (38m26s)Chihuahuas (46m55s)For each breed, we discuss what behavior challenges we typically see with them, why we love working with the breed, and what are some things to keep top of mind if you are living with or working with one of these breeds.At the end of the episode (1h01m,15s), we discuss when stereotyping breeds can be helpful, and when it can be harmful.If you like this episode and want us to cover other breeds in a parat 2, please send us a message on our Instagram account @instinctdogtrainingGuests:- Suze Cullinan (she/her/hers) CDBC is a Certified Behavior Consultant and President at INSTINCT Northern New Jersey, INSTINCT Jersey Shore, and INSTINCT Philadelphia.- Dresden Graff (he/him/his) CPDT-KA, Certified Trainer and Owner of INSTINCT Forth WorthHosts Brian Burton (he/him/his) and Sarah Fraser (she/her/hers) are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 20,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/INSTINCT Resources:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instinctdogtraining/Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.comFree Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/Youtube Version of the Episode (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PONC04Kh98

Leash reactivity (lunging and barking at dogs and people) is one of the most common issues people come to us for help with, and so many of our clients experience a ton of judgment and disparaging comments from other dog owners when out on walks. People ASSUME things about them and about their dog, based on that reactivity; "What's Wrong with that dog?" or "Why does their owner allow them to keep doing that?",  or "They should really get some training". In this episode we discuss why these assumptions can be exceedingly incorrect, and how you (with your non-reactive dog) may be contributing to the issue.Whether you have a leash reactive dog or not, this episode is for you.Guests:- Ella Tirado (she/her/hers) CPDT-KA is a Certified Trainer at INSTINCT Hudson Valley.- Jessica Wheatcraft (she/her/hers) CDBC, Founder of INSTINCT San Diego- Jenna Slutzky (she/her/hers) KPA-CTP is a Certified Trainer with INSTINCT Nashville.Hosts Brian Burton (he/him/his) and Sarah Fraser (she/her/hers) are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 20,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/INSTINCT Resources:Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.comFree Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/Youtube Version of the Episode (video): https://youtu.be/rIlq0D_sa34

For the past several decades, dog owners have been inundated with messages that we need to be a "pack leader" or "alpha" with our dogs. Those specific terms imply that we need to take a power position by actively asserting dominance over our dogs in our daily lives. So is all of this really necessary? Do dogs need leadership from us? And if so, what does that actually look like?Guests:- Ayelet Berger (she/her/hers) CDBC is a Certified Behavior Consultant and Co-Owner with INSTINCT Nashville.- Taylor Snead (they/them) CBCC-KA, is a Certified Behavior Consultant at INSTINCT Portland (Oregon)Hosts Brian Burton (he/him/his) and Sarah Fraser (she/her/hers) are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 19,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/INSTINCT Resources:Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.comFree Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/Youtube Version of the Episode (video): https://youtu.be/i2L_UB1c29U

We often state that dogs are family, but are they? We navigate a frank, sometimes uncomfortable discussion about the strange dual role of pet dogs, simultaneously cast as family members and captive animals.We discuss:- Do you consider your own dogs to be family members?- Do dogs have family responsibilities?- What are the benefits to dogs of viewing them as family members?- What are the downsides to calling dogs family members, and are we doing dogs a disservice by calling them this?- Are there alternate ways of viewing our relationship with dogs that feel more appropriate?Guests:- Jessica Schulte CDBC, CPDT-KA is the Director of Behavior & Training at INSTINCT East Harlem in NYC.- Lauren Spratlin CPDT-KA, is a Certified Trainer at INSTINCT Nashville.Hosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 19,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/INSTINCT Resources:Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.comFree Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/Youtube Version of the Episode (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akdxhtOQSfk

Today's episode is all about separation anxiety in dogs. This is absolutely one of the most common reasons that folks might reach out to a dog behavior professional for help. It's also one of the issues that can be truly one of the most stressful (and sometimes feel debilitating) and can have a big negative impact on welfare on both ends of the leash. Despite it being a really common issue, separation anxiety is often a little bit misunderstood when it comes both to the factors that can contribute to why it's happening in the first place and also the ways to treat it or help improve it. So today we are very privileged to be joined by a powerhouse guest lineup to help us clear up some of these misconceptions about separation anxiety and share with listeners more about what it really is, why it happens, and paths to move forward.We discuss:- What is Separation Anxiety (and what it isn't)- Causes of Separation Anxiety (perceived and actual)- Prevalence in Separation Anxiety in companion dogs- Treatment/Intervention options - Common derailers of progress- Success rates and timelines- How to get startedGuests:- Malena DeMartini-Price is renowned in the dog training world for her expertise in dog separation anxiety issues. She is the author of the books Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs, as well as Separation Anxiety in Dogs – Next-Generation Treatment Protocols and Practices. She is also the founder of the Separation Anxiety Training Certificate Program (CSAT).- Dr. Chris Pachel DACVB (Veterinary Behaviorist), Co-Founder and Co-Owner of INSTINCT Portland  and Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland. - Dr. Emily Levine DACVB (Veterinary Behaviorist), Co-Founder and Co-Owner of INSTINCT NJ/PA and Animal Behavior Clinic of NJHosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 19,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/INSTINCT Resources:Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.comFree Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/Youtube Version of the Episode (video)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3xJy2GB3Ec

When we get a dog, we generally expect to fall madly in love and experience this instant, one-of-a-kind connection with them.But what happens when you and your dog just don't mesh? How do you form a positive relationship with a dog who you - truthfully - just don't like very much?In today's episode, we tackle this semi-taboo topic to explore the reasons WHY you may find yourself disliking your current dog, and what you can do to build (or rebuild) a positive bond.Guests:- Dr. Chris Pachel DACVB (Veterinary Behaviorist), Co-Founder and Co-Owner of INSTINCT Portland  and Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland - Ayelet Berger CDBC, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of INSTINCT Nashville- Lauren Jones-Wenzel, CDBC, Certified Behavior Consultant at INSTINCT NJ and INSTINCT Philadelphia Hosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 18,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/INSTINCT Resources:Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.comFree Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/Youtube Version of the Podcast Episode with Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Siqs8BmVWGQLocations (all locations service the global community via virtual consults): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/locations/

This is Part 2 of "Behavior Therapy: Behind the Curtain". In Part 1, we had clients discuss what the behavior journey is like from their side. Today we flip the script and talk to some of our most experienced behavior consultants across INSTINCT to better understand what they do, and what can set you and your dog up for success.We discuss- What are common misconceptions about behavior consulting?- What tends to make clients successful in their behavior journey with their dog?- What are traits or beliefs that clients have that can make progress more challenging?- What are the types of cases that keep them up at night?- Why do these behavior consultants choose to do what they do?Our goal for this episode was to give people hope if they are currently struggling, while also peeling back the curtain to see what this journey actually looks like. We strongly recommend listening to both Part 1 and Part 2.Guests:Jessica Wheatcraft CDBC, Founder of INSTINCT San DiegoAyelet Berger CDBC, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of INSTINCT NashvilleDr. Caroline Spark CDBC, Co-FOunder and Co-Owner of INSTINCT Portland OR.Hosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 18,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/INSTINCT Resources:Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com Free Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/Youtube Version of the Podcast Episode with Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od3WW3aI0cwLocations (all locations service the global community via virtual consults): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/locations/

This may be our most important Dogs Unknown episode to date. We are joined by INSTINCT clients Stephanie Chen and Jessica Arnold, who have worked through (and continue to work through) complex behavior challenges with their dogs Nimbus and Nova in Manhattan, NYC. We discuss - What they were feeling prior to reaching out for help, and what prompted them to seek professional guidance. - How the process was different than what they were expecting- What were some of the major challenges and hurdles- What did they learn from the process- What advice would they give themselves if they were just starting out (or to people who are just starting or are on a behavior journey with their dog).Our goal for this episode was to give people hope if they are currently struggling, while also peeling back the curtain to see what this journey actually looks like.Hosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 18,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/INSTINCT Resources:Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.comFree Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/Youtube Version of the Podcast Episode with Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9aPBvN1sYsLocations (all locations service the global community via virtual consults): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/locations/The Baby TribeA podcast dedicated to infant nutrition and health Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Have you found yourself on The Struggle Bus with your dog? Or are you currently on it? Whether it's normal (but sometimes challenging) puppy stuff, behavior challenges, a newly adopted dog, or an older dog that has changed recently, it's easy to find ourselves on The Struggle Bus, and it can be difficult to find a way to get off.Today we discuss why you are not alone if you are on The Struggle Bus, how to use it as an opportunity to get curious rather than get control, how to be kind to yourself, important tips for the right mindset to move forward, and how to deal with sometimes challenging comments/behaviors from family and friends. Our guest today is Megan Ores-Uhrich, Co-Owner of Instinct St. Louis who brings her wealth of experience in behavior consulting and dog training to provide additional input to this conversation.Hosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 18,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/INSTINCT Resources:Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.comFree Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/Youtube Version of the Podcast Episode with Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wixy4GaSYcELocations (all locations service the global community via virtual consults): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/locations/The Baby TribeA podcast dedicated to infant nutrition and health Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Today we're talking about Dog Parks: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (cue the scary music).Among dog training professionals, opinions on dog parks vary greatly. And for many owners, using a dog park can often feel like a necessity, and/or it can sometimes feel scary to use.So today we discuss the risks with dog parks, when it's appropriate to use them, and how can you increase the likelihood that your dog will have a fun and safe experience.Our guests to help us navigate this conversation today are Trina Walsh, part owner of Instinct East Harlem (and East Harlem's resident dog-dog expert), and Megan Coryat, CDBC who is the owner of Instinct Hudson Valley (prior to Instinct Hudson Valley, she owned the Manhattan dog daycare, Doggedly Devoted).Hosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/ . You can also check out Instinct's Online School, which has over 18,000 enrolees, for a variety of online courses.INSTINCT Resources:Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.comFree Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/Audio format found on Apple Music, Spotify, Google Podcasts or at our link here: https://dogsunknown.buzzsprout.com/Locations (all locations service the global community via virtual consults): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/locations/The Baby TribeA podcast dedicated to infant nutrition and health Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Today we're covering a topic that applies to EVERYONE who shares their home with a dog - whether it's a brand new puppy, a totally happy-go-lucky, loves-everyone-and-everything dog, or a dog with fear, anxiety, or aggression issues.We're talking about CONFLICT that arises in your relationship with your dog - and more specifically, we're talking about how your dog (and you) approaches conflict and tries to resolve it. Conflict is a normal and unavoidable part of any relationship - including the relationship between you and your dog (and, if you have a multi-dog household, the relationship between your two dogs).It becomes a problem when the strategies used by an individual (or individuals) to try to resolve the problem are physically or emotionally harmful to the other party. Within our Nature Driven Nurture framework, we identify FOUR main conflict resolution styles that dogs use to try to deal with conflict when it arises - both with humans, and with other dogs.Those include Peacemakers, Ostriches, Warriors, and Tasmanian DevilsUnderstanding your dog's conflict resolution style (and reflecting on your own!) is a huge piece of the puzzle when it comes to maintaining a peaceful household, and to protecting the relationship between you and your dog, or between the dogs in your householdHosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have  Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY. INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.comINSTINCT Resources:Online SchoolFree Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap)YouTube Channel (video episodes of the podcast)Locations (all locations service the global community via virtual consults)The Baby TribeA podcast dedicated to infant nutrition and health Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Brian and Sarah react to the recent study on dog breed and behavior which has caused some controversy in the dog world. Brian and Sarah both have graduate degrees in Animal Behavior and bring a neutral, nuanced take on the results.  Both were also listed in the acknowledgments section of the paper as they were on the original brainstorming team for the owner survey questions.If you have mixed feelings about this research, you are not alone, and we hope this helps you process the results.The study: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abk0639?fbclid=IwAR2oVInOjq0bjZ4SJU9TsCZOb1XqI3P_hiEmtqdCVBjYyO7kjM4_TNtmVOcTwitter thread by one of the authors (Dr. Elinor Karlsson): https://twitter.com/eenork/status/1520450288095797251The Atlantic article: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2022/04/dog-breed-personality-characteristics/629707/New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/28/science/dogs-breed-behavior-genes.htmlPopular Science: https://www.popsci.com/science/biggest-myth-about-dog-breeds/NPR: https://www.npr.org/2022/04/28/1095390872/dog-breeds-behavior-study

Today we have Sarah Fraser back to talk about the common pitfalls and things overlooked during the different phases of your dog's life; we cover puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, and the golden senior years. If you have a young dog, you'll want to listen to the entire episode. If you have an older dog, you can see the timestamps for the various stages in the episode notes below, but it certainly is helpful to listen to these earlier stages and reflect on you and your dog's time during these years.If you would like to learn more about life stages and how other areas of your dog's nature can shape how you best nurture them, you can register for our Nature-Driven Nurture course, which can be purchased at https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com/course/nature-driven-nurture and includes a private Facebook group and bi-weekly drop-in QAs for additional support with Brian Burton, Sarah Fraser, and occasionally owners/trainers of the various Instinct locations.Sarah is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Instinct Dog Training and has a Master's degree in animal behavior from Hunter College at the City University of New York. Note: We will also upload the video recording on our Youtube Channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/c/InstinctDogBehaviorTrainingLLC/videosEpisode Timestamps:04:16 Puppyhood34:19 Adolescence 52:00 Adulthood1:05:04 Senior DogsResources:Nature-Driven Nurture Course: https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com/course/nature-driven-nurturePuppy Resources6 Reasons Your Puppy Is Biting You: https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/6-reasons-your-puppy-is-biting-you/How to Potty Train Your Puppy: https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/how-to-potty-train-your-puppy/AVSAB Position Statement on Puppy Socialization: https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Puppy_Socialization_Position_Statement_Download_-_10-3-14.pdfAdolescence ResourcesNavigating Adolescence: https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/canine-teenagers-navigating-early-adolescence-with-your-growing-pup/DogLab episode “The Teenage Dog”: https://doglab.buzzsprout.com/815920/4579442-the-teenage-phase-adolescent-dog-with-dr-naomi-harveyAdult Dogs:Interaction Between Medication Issues and Behavior:  https://doglab.buzzsprout.com/815920/4675163-the-sticky-interaction-between-medical-issues-and-behavior-with-dr-chris-pachelSenior Dog ResourcesInstinct Programs for Senior Dogs: https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/expertise/senior-dogs/AAHA Pain Management Review: https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/pain-management/2015_aaha_aafp_pain_management_guidelines_for_dogs_and_cats.pdf

First, thank you to the tens of thousands of listeners who tuned into season 1. We had a lot of fun, and with your support, we won the Dog Writers Association of America's best podcast of 2020. Something we are really proud of and wouldn't be possible without all of you!Based on feedback, the theme for season two is “the role of dogs as family members”. The lives that dogs live now are very different than how they existed through most of history. And while this comes with benefits for dogs, it also poses new unique challenges. To help you navigate the season, this first episode is about Instinct's Nature-Driven Nurture framework, which helps people parent their dogs in a very individualized way. We hope that by providing this framework, it's going to help you put all of the 12 episodes of season 2 into context; as information on dog behavior and training can sometimes seem very piecemeal. Our goal is to not only provide access to some of the top dog behavior people in the world but help you understand these topics and how it fits into the broader picture of your dog as a family member.- YouTube Link to watch the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_oYnPouMAc - Free Nature-Driven Nurture Mini-Guide:  Email us at onlinelearning@instinctdogtrianing.com and we'll email you a PDF version of the course materials for free. - Pre-Register for the Nature-Driven Nurture Course launching on Feb 28, 2022! This is INSTINCT's in-depth course on Nature-Driven Nurture and includes live bi-weekly drop-in Q&As, and access to our new Nature-Driven Nurture Facebook group. Cost is a one-time fee of $49 but it is discounted to $19.99 for those who pre-register. Sign up here! https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com/course/nature-driven-nurture 

We have a special treat for you today; world-renowned veterinary behaviorist and lecturer, Dr. Chris Pachel has joined us to discuss a sometimes confusing topic; medical issues and how they can cause or contribute to behavior issues.The more experience one gets with behavior and training, the more and more it becomes evident that some behavior issues are related to a seemingly unrelated medical issue. But here’s the thing; just like chronic or acute pain, or inflammation, or UTIs, or hormonal problems, or neurochemical imbalances, etc, can cause people to be more irritable, depressed, or even sometimes aggressive, the same thing can happen to our dogs. Not only that, but the only way they can communicate this to us is through body language or aggression to allow us to know how they are feeling. And this communication can be so subtle that it can take an expert in canine body language (or even medical diagnostic tests) to get to the bottom of it.Thankfully Dr. Pachel helps us understand the situations where a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist (or other veterinary specialists) may need to be brought in, and how you can best help your veterinarian understand your concerns, and ensure that they have the right information for them to help you and your dog move forward.Guest: Dr. Christopher PachelDr. Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC received his veterinary degree from the University of MN in 2002 and became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists in 2010. He has operated both house-call and office-based behavior practices and is currently the owner and lead clinician at the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, OR. Dr. Pachel lectures regularly throughout the US as well as internationally, teaches courses at multiple veterinary schools in the US, and has authored several articles and book chapters on topics such as Inter-cat aggression and Pet selection for animal-assisted therapy. He is a sought-after expert witness for legal cases involving animal behavior and is also a Vice-president of Veterinary Behavior on the executive leadership team for Instinct Dog Behavior and Training.--------Remember, to follow us on twitter @doglab_podcast and email us any questions or topic ideas to doglab@instinctdogtraining.comReferences:- Dr. Chrisopher Pachel- Animal Behavior Clinic (Portland Oregon but also available for remote consults)- Animal Behavior Clinic on Facebook

The "Teenage" Phase (6 months - 2 years) with Dr. Naomi HarveyWe have a special episode for you today, with a world-renowned researcher Dr. Naomi Harvey from Dogs Trust, who has been all over different media outlets recently to discuss her latest research on adolescent dogs. The findings are utterly fascinating and difficult to exaggerate; while anecdotally canine experts have for years discussed similar phases of development in adolescent dogs that we see in adolescent humans, the data collected supports that not only do dogs go through these phases, but pet-parenting/attachment style can also influence the level of conflict seen between dogs and their owners, and can actually cause an early onset of puberty when the attachment is insecure (similar to humans).There are a few important notes here before listening to the episode. First, your dog going through a “rebellious” phase between 6 months and 2 years is entirely normal. Let me repeat. It is entirely normal to see more “rebellious behavior”, “disobedience”, and conflict during this phase. Having a sense of humor, realizing that your dog is developing and that the phase will eventually end is incredibly important. However, as always, if there is any severe aggression or other behavior problems, please reach out to a certified professional.We also spend about 10 minutes discussing a topic that is not really touched by a lot of dog trainers, but really important in the context of this conversation; which is dominance. Frequently when pet parents have a difficult adolescent dog, they may (understandably) think they need to “dominate” their dog or something similar. While dominance has a rich scientific literature, it has been hijacked by some in the dog training world to justify harsh or abusive training methods. This is just wrong, completely misguided, and harmful. So thankfully Dr. Harvey takes the time to clear up the myths regarding dominance, and how you can set rules and help your dog through this phase by using positive reinforcement methods.Guest: Dr. Naomi HarveyDr. Naomi Harvey is a zoologist with a specialty in applied animal behaviour and veterinary health and welfare. Since November 2019 Naomi has been working at the Dogs Trust as a Research Manager in Canine Behaviour and she holds an honorary position as an Associate Professor of Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Nottingham. Her research interests lie in improving the evidence base for issues affecting companion animal welfare within the fields of veterinary medicine and clinical animal behaviour, to better inform how we manage and treat dogs to enhance their welfare.Resources:- The Published Study by Dr. Naomi Harvey Discussed in the Episode: Teenage dogs? Evidence for adolescent-phase conflict behaviour and an association between attachment to humans and pubertal timing in the domestic dog- Dr. Naomi Harvey on Twitter- Dr. Naomi Harvey's Research (ResearchGate)- Dogs Trust- The Patient and Polite Dog Course by Instinct Dog Training

Today we have Dr. Lucia Lazarowski to discuss the future of Detection Dogs, and how we can use that knowledge to improve the selection and development of our own pet dogs. In this episode, we discuss the history of detection dogs, the difference between passive and active indication, behavioral evaluation and selection, developing and socializing puppies, cognition abilities in detection dogs, and olfactory learning and memory. We also spend a good amount of time discussing resiliency in working dogs, and how that can help us raise more resilient pets. Guest Bio: Dr. Lucia Lazarowski received her Bachelor’s and Masters’s degrees from the University of North Carolina Wilmington where she studied Psychology with a concentration in animal cognition and behavior. For her Master's thesis, she examined the effects of multiple exemplar training on olfactory concept learning in rats. After completing her Masters, she worked at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine as a Research Associate where she studied behavior and olfaction in military working dogs for three years. She then completed a Ph.D. in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences at Auburn University in August 2018. For her dissertation, she studied cognitive development and early predictors of success in detection dogs. Currently, she is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Canine Performance Sciences program of Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine. References and Resources- Dr. Lucia Lazarorwski's Research- Dr. Lucia Lazarowski's Professional Website- Dr. Lucia Lazarowski on Twitter- The Canine Performance Sciences program of Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine- The Frequency of Canine Parvovirus Infection in Vaccinated Puppies That Attended Puppy Socialization Classes- Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy by Zazie Todd- Books by Alexandra Horowitz- Books by Clive Wynne- Books by Brian Hare

Today's episode (part 2 of 2 with Dr. Katherine Compitus) is on a tough but important topic, pet grief. If you are struggling with this or will be in the future, we hope this episode helps you through the grieving process.Our Guest:Dr. Katherine Compitus, D.S.W., is a licensed clinical social worker in New York. Her research focuses primarily on clinical social work, the social determinants of health, and the human-animal bond. She is also the founder and chairman of Surrey Hills Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization providing veterinary social work services, including trauma-informed animal-assisted therapy for abuse survivors. Katherine has a Master’s degree in social work from NYU and also a Master’s in Education and a Master's in Animal Behavior and Conservation from Hunter College. She received her doctorate in Social Welfare (Clinical Social Work) from New York University.Katherine is especially interested in crisis intervention as it relates to the human-animal bond; Recently she has published articles on the clinician’s experience of conducting animal-assisted therapy and the welfare of therapy animals. She is the author of the Zooeyia (zoo-AY-uh) blog at Psychology Today, discussing the myriad of benefits that we get from interacting with animals. She designed and currently teaches the human-animal bond course at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work. Katherine was a teacher prior to becoming a social worker and has almost 20 years of experience working with children and families. Katherine is currently an adjunct lecturer at New York University, Fordham University, and Columbia University and owns Wiggly Pups in New York City, providing training, daycare, and boarding services.References:- Dr. Katherine Compitus's Research- Dr. Katherine Compitus on Twitter- Dr. Katherine Compitus's Blog on Psychology Today: Zooeyia- Surrey Hills Sanctuary- Wiggly Pups (Dr. Compitus's NYC Doggy Daycare)- Losing Lulu (a Facebook support group for people who have done behavioral euthanasia)- Brian's memorial tattoo of Sammy (who was found as a stray by Yankee stadium): - Pet Loss Companion Guide

Today we have Dr. Katherine Compitus here to discuss two important topics; Animal Assisted Therapy and Coping with Pet Grief. Due to the importance of both subjects, we have decided to break this into two parts, with this first episode exploring Animal Assisted Therapy and the next episode focusing on coping with losing a pet (which will be released next week).Animal Assisted Therapy as a concept has become popular in recent years, but what actually is it? And what is the difference between Animal Assisted Therapy, Animal Assisted Activities, and Animal Assisted Education? And in terms of animal-assisted therapy, if you are a current licensed professional or somebody who uses a licensed professional for psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Speech Therapy, or even Physiotherapy (to name a few), how do you responsibly integrate a dog (or other animals) into these sessions so it’s beneficial for the humans and also fair for the animal? That’s what Dr. Katherine Compitus is here to help us with.Our Guest:Dr. Katherine Compitus, D.S.W., is a licensed clinical social worker in New York. Her research focuses primarily on clinical social work, the social determinants of health, and the human-animal bond. She is also the founder and chairman of Surrey Hills Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization providing veterinary social work services, including trauma-informed animal-assisted therapy for abuse survivors. Katherine has a Master’s degree in social work from NYU and also a Master’s in Education and a Master's in Animal Behavior and Conservation from Hunter College. She received her doctorate in Social Welfare (Clinical Social Work) from New York University.Katherine is especially interested in crisis intervention as it relates to the human-animal bond; Recently she has published articles on the clinician’s experience of conducting animal-assisted therapy and the welfare of therapy animals. She is the author of the Zooeyia (zoo-AY-uh) blog at Psychology Today, discussing the myriad of benefits that we get from interacting with animals. She designed and currently teaches the human-animal bond course at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work. Katherine was a teacher prior to becoming a social worker and has almost 20 years of experience working with children and families. Katherine is currently an adjunct lecturer at New York University, Fordham University, and Columbia University and owns Wiggly Pups in New York City, providing training, daycare, and boarding services.References:Dr. Katherine Compitus's ResearchDr. Katherine Compitus's Blog on Psychology Today: ZooeyiaSurrey Hills SanctuaryWiggly Pups (Dr. Compitus's NYC Doggy Daycare)Pet Partners (FKA Delta Society)Therapy Dogs InternationalInternational Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy

Today we are investigating human-canine coevolution, and specifically, the role pet dogs currently play in our families. I think for most of us long enough in the tooth, we have seen a dramatic shift in the roles dogs play in our families, and the expectations we place on them. While I live in NYC now, growing up in Nova Scotia I can rarely remember people walking their dogs on leash (and certainly not bringing them to restaurants or birthday parties), but I can clearly remember neighborhood dogs following us to the ball field or frozen pond to take part in our pick-up games of baseball or hockey. I can also remember certain dogs who would chase (and bite) us if we weren’t quick enough biking past their house. Dogs certainly had a lot more freedom and autonomy but also dealt with more risk and less attention to species-specific needs. So in western societies, how are pet owners now approaching pet parenting, and what effects (good or bad) does this have on pet dogs? And what are we seeing in counties like China and India where the opinions and cultural attitudes towards dogs as pets are changing? That’s what Dr. Shelly Volsche is here to help us with.Our GuestDr. Shelly Volsche is an Anthrozoologist in the Department of Anthropology at Boise State University. Using a biocultural and evolutionary lens, she studies our ever-changing relationships with non-human animals, particularly dogs. Her current projects investigate the increasing importance of pets as family members, including the application of human parenting strategies to companion animals. This involves consideration of human-canine coevolution, cross-cultural comparisons of pet keeping, interspecific attachment, and the connection between reduced fertility and increased pet parenting. Relatedly, she is interested in how an appreciation of the emotional and cognitive abilities of other species shapes human perceptions of which species are food, foe, or family, and the welfare implications of our influence and uses of these animals.Remember, to follow us on twitter @doglab_podcast and email us any questions or topic ideas to doglab@instinctdogtraining.comEpisode References and Resources:- Dr. Shelly Volsche on Twitter (@ShellyVPhD)- Dr. Shelly Volsche's Research- Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, Book "Our Dogs, Ourselves"- Instinct's Canine Enrichment Course

In this episode, Sarah Fraser and Ruth Crisler are back by popular demand to discuss Lost in Translation; how dog body language or behavior can easily be misinterpreted. This nuanced discussion taps into the immense experience of our guests, and will certainly help you understand your canine family member better.Guests:Ruth CrislerRuth Crisler has been working with dogs and horses since 1991 and training dogs professionally since 1998. She is a Certified Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA), IAABC Behavior Consulting Principles & Practice course mentor, and served as IAABC Ethics Committee Chair from 2015 to 2020. Ruth has contributed articles to The APDT Chronicle of the Dog, as well as writing for her own blog Spot Check.Since 2000, Ruth and her team at See Spot Run have been offering customized, developmentally appropriate training programs for dogs of all ages and breed types, and designing humane and practical solutions to serious and long-standing behavior problems. She believes that different dogs require different approaches and that the best tools a trainer can possess are experience and an open mind.Sarah FraserSarah Fraser is Co-CEO of Instinct Dog Training, Inc. and Co-Founder of Instinct Dog Behavior & Training. She oversees behavior & training programming for all Instinct locations and for the Instinct Online School. She develops Instinct Inc.’s internal policies and guidelines related to training and operations, and is in charge of marketing, communications, and brand management.Sarah is an MA Candidate, Animal Behavior & Conservation at Hunter College/CUNY. She is a CDBC, CPDT-KA , and Karen Pryor Academy CTP, who has worked with thousands of NYC owners and dogs with severe aggression, fear, and anxiety issues. She has been featured in media outlets including The New York Times, The New York Daily News, New York Magazine, Martha Stewart, NBC Nightly News with Lester Hold, Pix11 News, and many more.Resources:- The Ladder of Aggression- Instinct's Greetings Do's and Don'ts- ASPCA's Tips on Dog Body LanguageResearch:- Description of the behavior of domestic dog (Canis familiaris) by experienced and inexperienced people- Can humans discriminate between dogs on the base of the acoustic parameters of barks?- The effect of the emotional content of verbal commands on the response of dogs.- Study on verbal vs hand signal cues

In today's episode, we discuss Dog and Kid Safety with veterinary behaviorist Dr. Emily Levine, and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Helen St. Pierre. We discuss Dr. Levine's soon-to-be-released children's book titled "Doggy Do's and Don'ts" (email dremilylevine@animalbehaviorclinicnj.com to be notified when this becomes available on Amazon in May 2020), why kids are more likely to be bitten by a dog that they know, the benefits of kids having a pet dog in the home, how to bring a new dog into the family, how to introduce a new child to the family dog, how to incorporate training with children, and other related topics.If dog and kid safety is an important topic to you, or if it will be in the future, it is very much worth listening to the entire episode to get great advice to make interactions between your dog and child safer and more enjoyable for all.Guests:Dr. Emily Levine is a Veterinary Behaviorist and the owner of the Animal Behavior Clinic of NJ, and VP of Veterinary Behavior at Instinct Dog Behavior & Training. She did her behavior residency at The Cornell University Hospital for Animals. After completing her residency, Dr. Levine moved to England where she ran the behavior clinic at the University of Lincoln and has since then practiced Veterinary Behavior for over 13 years. She has authored several papers in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks, as well as co-edited international proceedings on behavior research. Her new children’s book titled “Doggy Do’s and Don’ts” will be available in the next few weeks (May 2020) on Amazon in e-book, softcover and hardcover formats. Contact her at animalbehaviorclinicnj.com if you’d like to be notified on when the book comes out.Helen St. Pierre is the owner and operator of No Monkey Business Dog Training. Based in Concord New Hampshire, Helen has been training dogs for over 17 years and is widely recognized in our industry as an expert on the interaction of dogs and kids. She is a certified member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and is also a licensed Dogs and Storks/Dogs and Toddlers presenter with Family Paws. Helen teaches classes locally in the Concord, New Hampshire area and offers workshops and seminars on a variety of subjects all around New England, and has been featured on radio, print, and on TV.References:Animal Behavior Clinic of New Jersey (Dr. Emily Levine)Helen St. Pierre's Dog and Kids ResourcesInstinct Online SchoolFamily PawsDog SeeResearch Articles: Adults’ Ability to Interpret Canine Body Language during a Dog–Child InteractionDescription of the behavior of domestic dog (Canis familiaris) by experienced and inexperienced people

Today we are focusing on practical advice that you can use for common behavior and training issues in this COVID-19 lockdown world. While the shutdown provides some unique challenges, it also provides some opportunities to make progress on behavior and training goals. We discuss enrichment (both mental and physical at 00:04:55), leash reactivity (00:26:00), separation anxiety (00:56:50), puppy socialization (01:14:42), and foster dog basics (01:23:00). If you are only interested in one or a few of these topics, you can see the time stamp for each above so you can fast forward to the ones you are interested in and skip the rest.Guests:Ruth CrislerRuth Crisler has been working with dogs and horses since 1991 and training dogs professionally since 1998. She is a Certified Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA), IAABC Behavior Consulting Principles & Practice course mentor, and served as IAABC Ethics Committee Chair from 2015 to 2020. Ruth has contributed articles to The APDT Chronicle of the Dog, as well as writing for her own blog Spot Check.Since 2000, Ruth and her team at See Spot Run have been offering customized, developmentally appropriate training programs for dogs of all ages and breed types, and designing humane and practical solutions to serious and longstanding behavior problems. She believes that different dogs require different approaches and that the best tools a trainer can possess are experience and an open mind.Sarah FraserSarah Fraser is Co-CEO of Instinct Dog Training, Inc. and Co-Founder of Instinct Dog Behavior & Training. She oversees behavior & training programming for all Instinct locations and for the Instinct Online School. She develops Instinct Inc.’s internal policies and guidelines related to training and operations, and is in charge of marketing, communications, and brand management.Sarah is an MA Candidate, Animal Behavior & Conservation at Hunter College/CUNY. She is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, who has worked with thousands of NYC owners and dogs with severe aggression, fear, and anxiety issues. She has been featured in media outlets including The New York Times, The New York Daily News, New York Magazine, Martha Stewart, NBC Nightly News with Lester Hold, Pix11 News, and many more.Resources:- Enrichment Course by Instinct- Enrichment Items (available on Amazon): Flirt Pole, Long Line, Rally Signs (free on AKC site), Scents (Pheasant, Quail, Rabbit)- Leash Reactive Course by Instinct- House Training Guide for Puppies- Defensive Handling Video- Unprompted Attention Video- Tether Time Training Article

We have two incredibly intelligent and talented guests today to talk about a complicated and sometimes controversial subject; genetics and behavior. I promise this is worth listening to, and our guests bring a unique mix of scientific and practical knowledge that makes this episode one you don't want to miss.Guests:Dr. Jessica Hekman is a postdoctoral associate at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and teaches online classes about the biology and genetics of canine behavior. Jessica received her Ph.D. in Animal Sciences (Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics) in 2017 from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, where she studied canid behavioral genetics. Previously, Jessica graduated from the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2012 with a dual DVM/MS degree. Her Master's work was on the behavior and cortisol responses of healthy dogs to being hospitalized overnight. She also completed a shelter medicine veterinary internship at the University of Florida Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program. Jessica's current work focuses on the genetics of behavior in both pet and working dogs through a citizen science approach. She’s also on the Darwins Ark team; a group that is working with pet owners to answer important scientific questions about genetics and behavior in dogs. I highly recommend you check that out at DarwinsArk.org. You can also view Dr. Hekman's website at dogzombie.com and her research at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jessica_Hekman Trish McMillan is a certified professional dog trainer and certified dog behavior consultant who holds a Master’s degree in Animal Behavior from the University of Exeter in England. She is an internationally recognized speaker, sharing her expertise in behavior modification, defensive handling, and animal welfare to trainers, shelter workers, veterinarians & vet techs, and dog daycares across the country and around the world. She specializes in training and behavior modification work with dogs, cats, and horses. Trish spent 7 years with the ASPCA, where she gained a wide variety of experience in the field of animal behavior. For three years she was the director of the animal behavior department at the ASPCA’s New York City shelter, helping staff, volunteers, and adopters work with animals and make great matches. Trish has also helped assess and rehabilitate animals from cruelty, hoarding, and dogfighting cases, as well as pets rescued from natural disasters. In addition to writing for the ASPCA’s Virtual Pet Behaviorist and other publications, she helped create and present several very popular webinars on dog and cat behavior and handling for the ASPCA Pro website.When she is not traveling around educating animal professionals, she lives at her farm, Pibble Hill in Asheville, NC, with a host of very cool animals including her (famous) pitbull Theodore, and sees clients through her consulting business, McMillan Animal Behavior. She is also Vice President of Behavior and Training with Instinct Dog Behavior & Training. Also, check out Pibble Hill and Pibbling with Theodore on Facebook (I misspelled this in the episode). I promise you’re missing out if you aren’t following her.

Today’s episode is “Play Bows and Visual Perception”, with Dr. Sarah Byosiere. This is a fun one, and the discussion will help you understand the function and evolution of your dog’s play bows, and how your dog visually sees the worlds.Guest Bio:Dr. Sarah Byosiere is the Director of the Thinking Dog Center at CUNY Hunter College where she focuses on studying the behavior and cognition of domestic dogs and other canids. Dr. Byosiere began her career at the University of Michigan where she studied the function of the play bow in adult pet dogs throughout her undergraduate and master’s degrees. She has worked as a research assistant for various canine cognition and behavior research groups including the Duke Canine Cognition Center, the Clever Dog Lab and the Wolf Science Center. Dr. Byosiere earned her PhD at La Trobe University in Australia under the supervision of Dr. Pauleen Bennett and the Anthrozoology Research Group. Her dissertation focused on evaluating whether or not dogs are susceptible to visual illusions. More recently at the Thinking Dog Center, her work has expanded to include applied research topics, including dog training methodologies and sheltering practices, and was my thesis advisor for my master’s degree. Dr. Byosiere has published her research in peer-reviewed scientific journals, presented her findings at conferences, and has been featured on NPR’s Science Friday, The New York Daily News, Gizmodo, and CuriosityStream. References:Dr. Byosiere's Play Bow Studies: https://www.researchgate.net/project/The-Function-of-Play-Bows-in-CanidsDr. Byosiere's Visual Perception Studies: https://www.researchgate.net/project/Visual-Perception-in-Dogs

Today’s episode is “Making Sense of Smell” with our guest, Jessica Schulte. It’s a fascinating conversation about how this superhuman ability informs the ways in which our dogs perceive, navigate, and understand the world around them. It also provides insight into the value of adding structured or competitive nosework into your dog’s routine.Our Guest:Jessica is a certified dog behavior consultant and a certified professional dog trainer and is one of the first Nose Work instructors certified on the East Coast and has been teaching Nose Work classes for over a decade. She has been the Odor Recognition Test National Coordinator for the NACSW, as well as the editor for the NACSW newsletter.She is also a Certifying Official, and also a licensed AKC Scent Work judge, approved to judge all levels and classes for AKC Scent Work trials. Jessica competes with her own dog, Trix, in K9 Nose Work where they compete at the elite level. They also compete in Rally, Rally Free, and Freestyle. Jessica works with Instinct Dog Training and Behavior in NYC teaching manners, obedience, and solving behavioral issues for dogs and their people.Episode References:J.E. Hayes, P.D. McGreevy, S.L. Forbes, G. Laing, R.M. Stuetz, Critical review of dog detection and the influences of physiology, training, and analytical methodologies, Talanta, Volume 185, 2018, Pages 499-512, ISSN 0039-9140,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2018.04.010. A. Kerepesi, G.K. Jonsson, A. Miklosi, J. Topal, V. Csanyi, M.S. Magnusson, Detection of temporal patterns in dog-human interaction, Behav. Process. 70 (1) (2005) 69–79.C. Mariti, E. Ricci, B. Carlone, J.L. Moore, C. Sighieri, A. Gazzano, Dog attachmentto man: a comparison between pet and working dogs, J. Vet. Behav. 8 (3) (2013) 135–145.(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0039914018303552)Horowitz, A., Hecht, J., & Dedrick, A. (2013). Smelling more or less: Investigating the olfactory experience of the domestic dog. Learning And Motivation, 44(4), 207-217. doi:10.1016/j.lmot.2013.02.002I. Gazit, A. Goldblatt, J. Terkel, The role of context specificity in learning: theeffects of training context on explosives detection in dogs, Anim. Cogn. 8 (3)(2005) 143–150. [108] G. Lupfer-Johnson,L. Lit, J.B. Schweitzer, A.M. Oberbauer, Handler beliefs affect scent detection dog outcomes, Anim. Cogn. 14 (3) (2011) 387–394.D. Lefebvre, C. Diederich, M. Delcourt, J.-M. Giffroy, The quality of the relation between handler and military dogs influences efficiency and welfare of dogs, Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 104 (1–2) (2007) 49–60.Dr. Alexandra Horowitz Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/alexandra_horowitz_how_do_dogs_see_with_their_noses?language=enPBS Nova: https://www.ted.com/talks/alexandra_horowitz_how_do_dogs_see_with_their_noses?language=enDog Field Study (The Art of the Walk): http://www.dogfieldstudy.com/en/pulse-study/at-the-heart-of-the-walkInstinct Dog Behavior & Training (To Sniff or Not to Sniff): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/sniff-not-sniff-dog-follow-nose/