Life Unleashed with Sarah Hodgson

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Join author, dog trainer, and behavior expert Sarah Hodgson as she provides training advice, talks to other experts, and demystifies dog behavior one podcast at a time!

Sarah Hodgson


    • Sep 23, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 27 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Life Unleashed with Sarah Hodgson podcast is a must-listen for anyone who owns or loves dogs. As someone who has always had older rescue dogs, Sarah introduced me to the world of raising a young puppy, and her insights have been invaluable. Her expertise and passion for dogs shines through in each episode, making it an enjoyable and educational experience.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Sarah's ability to simplify complex concepts about dog training and behavior. She breaks things down into easy-to-understand tips and techniques that can be immediately applied. Her emphasis on consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement has made a noticeable difference in my relationship with my new puppy. Additionally, Sarah's enthusiasm is infectious - it's clear that she genuinely loves what she does and wants to help others build strong bonds with their furry companions.

    While there are many positive aspects to The Life Unleashed with Sarah Hodgson podcast, one potential downside is that it may not cater to more experienced dog owners or trainers. The focus tends to be on basic training and puppy behavior, which may not provide as much value for those looking for more advanced topics. However, even for seasoned dog owners, there are still valuable nuggets of information to be gleaned from Sarah's episodes.

    In conclusion, The Life Unleashed with Sarah Hodgson podcast is an excellent resource for dog owners at any stage of their journey. Whether you're a first-time puppy owner or have years of experience with rescue dogs like myself, Sarah's knowledge and passion will inspire you to be the best pet parent you can be. Her practical advice and relatable anecdotes make for an engaging listening experience that will leave you excited for each new episode. I highly recommend giving this podcast a listen - your furry friend will thank you!



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    Latest episodes from Life Unleashed with Sarah Hodgson

    Unpacking Dog Anxiety, Aggression, and Hyperarousal

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 13:51


    In this episode of Life Unleashed, Sarah Hodgson returns from her book-writing hiatus to explore the intricate connections between anxiety, aggression, and hyperarousal in dogs. Sarah breaks down the science behind these behaviors and offers practical insights to help dogs achieve balance. Discover how modern living impacts our dogs and learn  tips for creating a more harmonious life together. Don't miss this informative episode—and grab a copy of Sarah's new book Dog Anxiety For Dummies!

    Ask Sarah #4

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 28:37


    Does your dog bark incessantly at the doorbell? Maybe they're chasing squirrels or lizards while you're trying to go on a relaxing walk. In this episode, Sarah answers viewer questions and explains how one simple game can help your dog desensitize to all sorts of distractions.

    ask sarah
    22. Preparing Your Dog for Holiday Feasts

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2023 22:00


    We're all feeling some strong emotion going into this week's holiday. This podcast invites you to look at this season's celebration from your dog's point a view. I offer tips to make the festivities joyous no matter how many paws you walk on!

    21. Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement Training

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2023 24:41


    In this episode of Life Unleashed, Sarah breaks down the differences between positive and negative reinforcement training, how negative reinforcement can damage your dog's psyche, and the ways positive reinforcement shapes your dog's future for the better.

    Ask Sarah #3

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2023 42:27


    Why won't my dog listen to my commands? How do I potty train my dog in a high rise building? Is it possible to get my dog to stop barking? These questions and many more get answered on this week's episode of Ask Sarah!

    ask sarah
    20. Getting Your Dog Comfortable With The Vet and Groomer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2023 16:53


    Unlock a Stress-Free Vet and Groomer Experience for Your Dog! Join Sarah in this episode as she reveals expert tips to ease your dog's anxiety and make vet and groomer visits a breeze.

    Ask Sarah #2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 26:11


    Welcome to another episode of Ask Sarah! This week Sarah answers a wide range of dog behavioral questions including how to calm your dog down, how to read dog body language, and what to do if your puppy is biting your hands.

    ask sarah
    19. Why Dogs Hump and What to Do About It

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 13:55


    In this weeks episode, Sarah explains the various reasons dogs hump and mount pillows, other dogs, and even you. Not all humping is inherently sexual, and there are many things you can do to discourage humping if it interferes with your daily life. 

    Ask Sarah #1

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2023 32:14


    Welcome to our first Q&A podcast, where Sarah takes your questions collected from instagram and gives her insight into your dog training and behavioral inquiries. Be sure to follow Sarah on instagram to submit your questions for next week's episode!

    ask sarah
    18. The Deal with Negative Reinforcement and E-Collar Training

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2023 22:42


    On this episode, Sarah gives us her opinion on negative reinforcement training, the foundations of a dog's sense of wellbeing, and how punishment and dominance mindsets can create irreversible damage to your dog.

    17. Preparing for a New Dog or Puppy

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2023 35:31


    Are you planning on adopting a dog or puppy but need help figuring out where to start? Are you considering which breed is best for your lifestyle? Wondering what products you'll need to get started? In this episode, Sarah walks you through everything you need to know before bringing home your new dog or puppy.

    16. The Do's and Don'ts of Dog Parenting

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2023 29:42


    On this episode of Life Unleashed, Sarah lays out the universal do's and don'ts of dog parenting that every dog owner should know. 

    15. How Sleep Affects Dog Training and Behavior

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2023 13:38


    For many of us, sleep is the foundation of our everyday lives. For many dogs, the importance of sleep is often overlooked. In this episode, Sarah discusses why sleep is critically important, the effects of poor sleep in dogs, and how to help your dog or puppy get the right amount of sleep.

    14. AI Dog Training? (with John Honchariw)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2023 38:56


    It's official — Artificial Intelligence has found its way into the dog world. Sarah sits down with John Honchariw, CEO and founder of Companion, the first-of-a-kind AI dog training and enrichment device. Companion uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to train dogs and reinforce new skills. Listen to this week's episode to learn more!

    13. Help Your Dog Feel Less Anxious

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2023 46:32


    Does your dog have separation anxiety, social anxiety, travel anxiety, or noise sensitivity? In this podcast, Sarah helps you better understand your dog and provides tips, tricks, and practical advice to ease and rehabilitate any dog anxiety. 

    12. The Fear Free Movement (with Dr. Marty Becker, DVM)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2023 32:09


    On this special episode of Life Unleashed, Sarah sits down with "America's Veterinarian," Dr. Marty Becker, the founder of the Fear Free Movement, which provides pet professionals, and parents with the knowledge and tools to look after both a pet's physical and emotional wellbeing.

    11. House Training a Puppy or New Dog

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 41:50


    Housebreaking is one of the biggest concerns new pet parents have. Getting a puppy or dog accustomed to your rules and routines can seem challenging. In this episode, Sarah breaks down the fundamentals of housebreaking, what to expect, and how to structure a routine for a new puppy or older dog. 

    10. Raising a Dog in the City (with Brett Bailey)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2023 56:06


    On this episode, Sarah sits down with New York City-based dog trainer Brett Bailey. Together, they dive into the secrets of successfully raising a dog in the big city. Brett shares practical tips, proven techniques, and invaluable insights for navigating the unique challenges of urban dog training.

    9. Helping Your Sound Sensitive Dog (with Sarah J. Cutler, VMD)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 37:31


    Is your dog sensitive to fireworks, thunderstorms and other loud noises? In this episode, Sarah dives deep into sound sensitivity and how to help your dog or puppy cope with frightening noises. Special guest Dr. Sarah J. Cutler, VMD hops on to discuss additional medical treatments and more.

    8. Preventing Dogs from Biting (with Michael Shikashio)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2023 44:17


    In this episode, we explore the question: "Why do dogs bite people?” Michael Shikashio joins us to discuss how we can better understand biting and prevent it from happening. Tune in to gain insights on creating safer environments for both dogs and humans.

    7. Play Training & Engagement Games (with Amelia the Dog Trainer)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2023 32:02


    Did you know training can be as simple as playing games with your dog? Play training is an effective, fun, and fear-free way to train your pet! This week, Sarah discusses training games and more with special guest Amelia the Dog Trainer.

    6. Leash Reactivity: Resolving Poor Leash Manners

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 26:18


    Do you ever feel like walking your dog is more stressful than relaxing? Is your dog prone to pulling or becoming overly excited around other dogs and people? In this episode, Sarah dives into the reasons behind Leash Reactivity and provides practical guidance to transform your walks into enjoyable bonding experiences.

    5. Aggression: The Bodyguard of Fear (with Dr. Stanley Coren)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 31:09


    Your angry dog might be afraid! From spaying and neutering to it's roots in fear, Sarah talks dog aggression with special guest Dr. Stanley Coren. 

    4. Separation Anxiety: Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2023 25:56


    Welcome back to the second part of our discussion of separation anxiety. This episode, Sarah guides you on how to lessen your dog's isolation distress and how to properly leave your dog home alone. 

    3. Separation Anxiety: Part I

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2023 27:22


    Does your dog struggle when left alone?  This week, Sarah explains why dogs develop separation anxiety,  what mistakes many pet parents make that reinforce their distress, and how to get your dog used to being alone.

    2. Socialize Your Dog The Right Way

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2023 35:40


    Sarah explains the role socialization plays in creating a happy and healthy life for you and your dog. Learn how, when, and why to condition your dog or puppy to the sounds and stimulations of your everyday life.

    1. Puppyhood: It's Easier Than You Think

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2023 22:48


    Welcome to the first  episode of Life Unleashed! Sarah helps break down everything you need to know about raising a puppy, including brain development, the importance of sleep, and creating a schedule around your puppy's basic needs: to eat, drink, play, potty, and sleep.

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