Ready, Set, Fetch!

Friends, it's been awhile, but we're back!  In this episode, we discuss where we were (it's been a long time) and where we're going. The dog industry has shifted in the past few years, and for those of us who feel deep connections with our dogs and spend the majority of our time and energy with our dogs - our time to shine has come!  Going forward, this podcast is going to focus more on the human-animal connection, the impact that has on our mental health, improving our dog's wellness, and supporting our reactive dogs with big feelings.  Want to connect? Reach out to me on Instagram! 

If you've ever had a special bond with a particular dog, then you know the life-changing impact they can have on your life. In this episode, I discuss that while some of us with dogs opt not to have kids, we can still leave a powerful legacy behind as a team with our dog.  I hope this episode brings you peace and helps you realize the amazing things you and your dog have accomplished together! Connect on Instagram! If you're interested in the Fluff Trough bowl for a brachycephalic dog, click here!

Welcome to 2023! We are starting the year strong by discussing some of the negative habits we tend to have as dog owners, and guess what? We're going to leave this in 2022! In 2023, we're going to advocate for our dogs and change our mindset so that we can live better and more active lives together.  If this episode has you feeling some sort of way, I'd love if you would share to your Instagram Stories and tag me @fetchformehuman.com.  I would LOVE it if you would leave me a review on Apple Podcasts! This helps me get found by others who need help with their dogs, plus, it helps grow our amazing little community! Just click here to leave me a review! Connect on Instagram!  

This episode is a continuation of last week's discussion about changing our mindset about our dogs' reactions. In this episode, we discuss what we actually do with ourselves and with our dogs in a physical way, now that we've already addressed the mindset.  This is the leash I use from High Tail Hikes This is a good article to read by Eileen Anderson on why you can't reinforce emotions Connect with me on Instagram 

If your dog has ever reacted, then I bet that it's made you feel some sort of way. In this episode, we're discussing the two main reasons why our dog's reactions impact us and what we can do about that. If we change our mindset, put into perspective, and have realistic expectations, we can set ourselves up for success.  The only way to help your dog feel safe and comfortable in the world and to work on training techniques is to get outside and train and practice. Don't let the worry or anxiety of a possible reaction deter you from that!   Check out my shop and download the May activity workbook to have an awesome month of May with your dog?  If you want to read the article from the IAABC Journal about cortisol levels in dogs after reactions, you can read that here.  Connect with me on Instagram!  

Today is Buster's 10th birthday! Listen to this episode and celebrate with me by discussing 10 things that Buster has taught me.  Check out my website!  Connect on Instagram

In today's episode, we're discussing how stressful it can be to take a reactive dog to the vet, and some tips and tricks that can help make it an easier experience. Let's connect!

Positive reinforcement based dog training does not mean permissive. Even when we utilize force free or R+ methods, we still believe in leadership in training our dogs.  Connect on Instagram! Follow us on Patreon!

This is a lengthy episode, but it's because the topic is so important. This was sparked by an email response I received from a vet. That email response essentially confirmed my fears that I have been worried about as I've witnessed things happen first hand as a vet tech. Veterinary appointments are incredibly hard for a lot fo dogs, and it is our job and duty to make it easier for them; it's our job and duty to not give up on these dogs that have a hard time. Those dogs are just as worthy and deserving of the best care possible, just as much as the "easy" dogs.  If you want to listen to Buster's Story to hear about his journey in more detail, you can do that by clicking here.  Otherwise, please feel free to reach out to me on Instagram, especially if this topic resonates with you in any way - if you struggle with this, or if you have ideas on how to make this better, or even if you're just a veterinary professional who wants to do better for these dogs. My DMs are always open to everyone! Alternatively, you can also email me - alix@fetchformehuman.com.

Do you struggle getting a loose leash walk with your reactive dog? This can make walking your dog a challenge, so in today's episode, we're going to be discussing loose leash walking. I'll be giving my 3 top tips for how to make sure you have a loose leash walk, so you and your dog can have fun and adventure more together and be less stressed.  Don't forget to enter our 2,000 follower giveaway on Instagram! Hang out with us on Patreon! Subscribe & Review If you enjoy this podcast and you find it helpful, I would be so appreciate if you would subscribe and leave a review! This really helps others my podcast be shown to others, so they can find the help they need too. 

In today's episode, I'm discussing the top 3 things I think everyone should train with their dog. These are 3 things that I think will benefit every dog and their owner.  I'm at 2,000 followers now on Instagram, so keep an eye out for my 2,000 follower giveaway! I'm on Patreon! Click here to check out my tiers and subscribe!

Today, we're discussing trigger stacking. What is it, and how does it impact our dog training, especially with reactive dogs? Connect on Instagram!

We give our dogs a label by calling them reactive, but is this reactive label actually helpful or harmful? Additionally, can reactivity be cured or fixed? These are the two main questions I'll be diving into and discussing in today's episode! Do you want in on my activity challenge? Or, whether you just want to chat - DM me on Instagram. Also stay tuned for my upcoming giveaway!

In this episode, we're discussing how I personally break down goals for dog training, and we're also talking about how to make sure we're setting realistic expectations.  DM me on Instagram!  Make sure to DM me your email address if you want to join my January training challenge! To download my PDF printable goal setting worksheet, just click here!  

Today, we're discussing structure in dog training and what it really means for your dog. Can your dog benefit from structure? CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM  

Today, I discuss topics surrounding kindness and open-mindedness in the R+ dog training community. This is something we all need to remember to strive for.    DM me on Instagram!

In this episode, I discuss why I recommend teaching the Relaxation Protocol by Dr. Karen Overall for all dogs and how it is different from place/stay.  Here is a step by step breakdown of the protocol.  This is a protocol in downloadable in mp3 format.  DM me on Instagram if you have questions!

In this episode, I just wanted to catch up with you all - tell you where I've been, how things have been going, and the plans I have for the future.  Want to partake in my virtual dog activity advent calendar or have ideas for podcast episodes? DM on Instagram!

In this episode, I give step by step directions on how to start teaching a place or station behavior. This is a foundation behavior that is useful in so many different scenarios, and I think all dogs should know this.  The main things to remember are: 1) Simply reset and put your dog back on the station if he leaves. 2) As you increase duration or distance, make sure you increase your rate of reinforcement. 3) Remember to experiment with the rate of reinforcement and slowly increase time between treats, otherwise you risk a dog that gets frustrated and overzealous. Click here to get my best 3 tips for training a reactive dog! CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM! Subscribe & Review on iTunes!  

I've decided to make a new series on the podcast! Tuesdays will now be Training Tip Tuesdays. This will be super short episodes with one specific piece of advice or or something to think about the next time you go hiking with your dog or in your next training session.  Really though, I would love to answer YOUR questions in these episodes! You can email me at alix@fetchformehuman.com, or DM me on Instagram, or you can even leave me a voicemail! I want to make sure these episodes provide value to you but are short, sweet, and to the point so you can start implementing them or thinking about them right away.  In this episode, I provide a list of high value dog treats. You have to make sure that the value of your treat is adequate for the training session you're doing. You don't go to work for free, so why should your dog?  Some of my favorite high value treats include hotdog slices, cheddar cheese slices, lunch meat or pepperoni, freeze dried liver, plain boiled chicken/beef/pork, and liverwurst. Join the FB group for reactive dog owners! Subscribe and rate in iTunes!

In this episode, we discuss why harnesses are NOT the problem. Harnesses do not ultimately encourage every dog to pull. In fact, harnesses can be used easily with great success. We discuss the differences between common harnesses on the market, and why some are not recommended and could be problematic for dogs. A good article about harnesses from Dr. Christine Zink https://www.caninesports.com/uploads/1/5/3/1/15319800/harnesses_for_agility_dogs.pdf CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM! JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP! Subscribe and Review in iTunes! Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you're not, I encourage you to do so! This ensures that you don't miss an episode, and it's automatically downloaded to your phone.  If you really want to give me some positive reinforcement, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other people fid this podcast, which helps me help them and their dog! Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review." Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is! THANK YOU!    

Connect on Instagram!   Subscribe and Review in iTunes! Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you're not, I encourage you to do so! This ensures that you don't miss an episode, and it's automatically downloaded to your phone.  If you really want to give me some positive reinforcement, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other people fid this podcast, which helps me help them and their dog! Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review." Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is! THANK YOU!    

Does your reactive dog have issues traveling in a car? Does he bark and react? In this episode, I share some tips on how to lessen the stress and anxiety (for you and your pup), so you can both travel in the car more comfortably.  Join the FB group! Connect on Instagram!

Do you love the earth? Do you practice sustainability? Did you know that it can be really really easy to be more sustainable? There are even dog specific ways to be more sustainable and help the earth! In this episode, I give you a ton of tips not only for yourself but also for your dog! CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM! https://www.instagram.com/fetchformehuman/ JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP! https://www.facebook.com/groups/readysetfetchinsiders/ SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW IN ITUNES! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ready-set-fetch/id1486321854

These are unprecedented times. This can be particularly hard on a reactive dog as well as on you!  CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM! Subscribe and Review in iTunes! Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you're not, I encourage you to do so! This ensures that you don't miss an episode, and it's automatically downloaded to your phone.  If you really want to give me some positive reinforcement, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other people fid this podcast, which helps me help them and their dog! Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review." Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is! THANK YOU!  

Do you get anxious or nervous when you travel to or hike in locations or parks? It can be unnerving when you don't know what to expect. We get comfortable in our "regular" parks, so branching out can be scary with a reactive dog. The good news? It doesn't have to be so scary! I provide some tips that help me get over my anxiety and prepare myself for unwanted situations that are more common in new environments. These tips should help you too! CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM! REACTIVE DOG COMMUNITY ON FACEBOOK! Subscribe and Review in iTunes! Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you're not, I encourage you to do so! This ensures that you don't miss an episode, and it's automatically downloaded to your phone.  If you really want to give me some positive reinforcement, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other people fid this podcast, which helps me help them and their dog! Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review." Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is! THANK YOU!

In this episode, I share the top reasons why I use a clicker in training and why you should too.  LINKS: Buy clickers! (Please note - this is an affiliate disclosure. At no additional cost to you, I'll get a few cents to help me keep this podcast up and running!) Basically, the holy grail for all things related to clicker training is right here from Karen Pyror.  Check out the website! Reactive Dog Owner Community on Facebook! Follow me on Instagram!   Subscribe and Review in iTunes! Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you're not, I encourage you to do so! This ensures that you don't miss an episode, and it's automatically downloaded to your phone.  If you really want to give me some positive reinforcement, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other people fid this podcast, which helps me help them and their dog! Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review." Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is! THANK YOU! Just CLICK HERE to Subscribe and Review!  

In this episode, I want to discuss how important it is to communicate with others, specifically trainers who may have differing opinions, in a respectful and civil manner.  Subscribe and Review in iTunes! Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you're not, I encourage you to do so! This ensures that you don't miss an episode, and it's automatically downloaded to your phone.  If you really want to give me some positive reinforcement, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other people fid this podcast, which helps me help them and their dog! Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review." Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is! THANK YOU! SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW HERE CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM Join the Reactive Dog Support Group on Facebook

In this episode, Alix discusses some of the anxiety that we all struggle with from time to time, especially in owning a reactive dog.  The article I referenced briefly - make sure you have tissues! THE WEBSITE The Reactive Dog Support Group on Facebook CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM Subscribe and Review in iTunes! Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you're not, I encourage you to do so! This ensures that you don't miss an episode, and it's automatically downloaded to your phone.  If you really want to give me some positive reinforcement, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other people fid this podcast, which helps me help them and their dog! Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review." Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is! THANK YOU!

In this episode, I explain what canine enrichment is, and why it's important for your dog. I also give you a variety of ideas on how to get started on providing enrichment for your dog quickly and easily without spending any money! Get my guide on how to get started with canine enrichment! Join the Canine Enrichment Facebook group (PS - I'm in it, too!) Connect with me on Instagram! Join the Reactive Dog Support Group!  

In this episode, I urge you to have a shift in your mindset and thinking. Instead of thinking of the struggles and the challenges of owning a reactive dog, try to see the positive in those situations. Buster has taught me a lot in life, and I really believe that I wouldn't have learned these valuable life lessons - at least to such an extent - if I would have had an easy, friendly dog. Looking at the positive side of owning a reactive dog can be a challenge, but when we choose to shift our thinking, it opens us up and can truly make you a more positive person, which in turn, will improve your relationship with your dog.  Here are the 5 life lessons that owning a reactive dog has taught me:  Patience Be compassionate and understanding Learn to love hiking How to be better a better, kind, force free trainer Celebrate the small wins and even the small failures THE WEBSITE! CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM! JOIN THE REACTIVE DOG COMMUNITY!  

We participated in First Day Hikes this year on January 1, 2020. through the Virginia State Park system. As we were hiking, we had an experience that was unlike anything I've ever encountered before. This serves as a good reminder that everyone deserves to be outside in nature hiking - no matter what. 

Do you have a reactive dog and struggle with what to do with them during the holidays when there are lots of gatherings and events and guests? This espidoe gives you some tips on how to the handle the holidays and having guests over all while having a reactive dog!

In this episode, Alix describes Buster's story and life. This episode describes in details how Buster went from a non-reactive dog to a reactive dog and what that journey entailed. 

Today, we're going to discuss 5 tips for walking your reactive dog. If you're listening to this podcast, you are most likely a reactive dog owner. Likely, your whole goal in listening to this podcast is to gain more tips and knowledge so that you can start living a more active life with your dog. Of course, that means you have to get out, and you have to walk your dog. I know firsthand that walking a reactive dog can be challenging and stressful. You always have to be scanning the horizon to be on the lookout for triggers. Then, heaven forbid, if your dog does react, you start worrying about what other people are thinking about you, and you start worrying that they're judging you. So I'm going to provide 5 tips that I think are entirely necessary and will help you and walking your reactive dog. TIP #1Stop worrying about what other people think about you. You're already doing the right thing by getting out with your dog and trying your best to train him so that he's not reacting, and that is all that matters. Don't let other people change that for you. Just keep on doing what you know is right and doing right by your dog. Don't let anybody else's opinions or judgments or anything else affect you, because you know what's best for your dog and you're working on it. So keep up the good work. And just let everybody else's opinions just slide right off. TIP #2 Teach your dog an emergency U-turn. TIP #3 Always carry high value treats with you. You also need to keep in mind that what is high value to one dog may not be high value to another. So you need to experiment and you need to find what your dog considers to be high value. If you haven't found that out already, here are some things that I would recommend experimenting with:  cheddar cheese, pepperoni, liverwurst, meatballs, boiled chicken or beef, hot dogs, or even lunchmeat. You could even use spray cheese peanut butter on a stick or even get one of those refillable camping tubes and fill it with a canned food and water mixture. The takeaway here is just to find something that your dog finds absolutely irresistible. Tip #4  Make sure that your dog is wearing good gear. I personally recommend walking your dog on a harness with the leash attached to either the back clip or the front clip. There isn't any equipment on the market that will fix a pulling issue. If your dog pulls, you have to spend the time teaching loose leash walking. It's not the most fun thing to teach, but it's going to be something that you will be grateful for every single time you pick up your dog's leash to take him on a walk.  TIP #5 Teach your dog a focused heel that relies on environmental cues only. You're going to teach your dog to perform this heel position on his own in response to an environmental cue, with no prompting or cues coming straight from you. So those are your five tips for walking a reactive dog! I hope that you guys get some ideas from these tips, and maybe feel a little bit inspired to go out and try these with your dog. I hope that it just gets you in the mindset that it's okay to take your reactive dog outside and be more active with him. It's always a couple of steps forward and a couple of steps backward. And that's fine, you're going to keep kind of doing that dance for a while. Again, you're doing what's best for you and your dog. Your dog does not deserve to be locked up inside all the time because he may or may not react to something outside. You're doing what's right for your dog. So keep up the good work. And I hope that these tips help you. I hope you feel more confident getting out in the trail with your dog. So until next time, I'll talk to you later. LINKS MENTIONED FOR LOOSE LEASH WALKING: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45lk4_tud9Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP3l9ouRnl8 CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM! JOIN THE REACTIVE DOG COMMUNITY! GET THE FULL SHOW NOTES! SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW IN ITUNES! Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you're not, I encourage you to do so! This ensures that you don't miss an episode, and it's automatically downloaded to your phone.  If you really want to give me some positive reinforcement, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other people fid this podcast, which helps me help them and their dog! Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review." Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is! THANK YOU!  

Let me be clear - people with off leash dogs are ruining it for everyone. Not only are they ruining the experience for anyone they may directly come in contact with, but they are also potentially ruining it for everyone in the future. Most parks have leash laws. By violating those leash laws, they are risking these places to no longer allow dogs in the future. There are no ifs, ands, or buts. I assure you - your dog DOES NOT have some intrinsic requirement to be off leash. Your dog is not getting some magical benefit of simply being free of a 6 foot leash for a couple hours that is worth breaking the law, ruining the visit for all of the other visitors, and potentially worth getting in an altercation or having a police report filed as a result of said altercation. The main argument is that the dogs get "so much more exercise off leash," and that they're just "so much happier" running off leash. Let me assure you, your dog is getting plenty of exercise on a 6 foot leash. Just because he is attached to a 6 foot leash does not mean he is not getting a cardiovascular workout, because he is.   THE LAW.  MOST places require dogs to be on a 6 foot leash. It is the law. When parks continue to get unhappy visitors due to those breaking the law or continued reports of dog bites from off leash dogs, it is a very real possibility that they will start banning dogs altogether. Then what are you going to do, and where are you going to go? OTHER dogs, children, and people. I know we are living in the most self-absorbed and selfish time of history. People care more about themselves than anyone or anything. But, for just a couple of hours, can't you do better? Can't you be a better person than the majority of people? Can't you care just the tiniest bit about others? There may be other dogs on the trail that don't like dogs. There may be children who have been attacked and are terrified of dogs. There may be people who don't like dogs, or elderly people who may fall if your dog bumps into them accidentally. WILDLIFE. Wildlife is everywhere. Bears, coyotes, snakes, porcupines, etc. can all do serious damage to your dog if your dog gets into a scuffle. Plus, what about the smaller wildlife - baby birds and rabbits - will your dog leave those alone or will they incite your dog's prey drive which may result in a dead animal? UNSAFE WATER. Most dogs, especially during a long and hot hike, will naturally get into any body of water they see. I'm sure you've seen the news stories all over the country recently, but there are serious concerns of blue-green algae in water. It can be in ponds, lakes, and rivers. The water can even look clear, but it unfortunately could still be contaminated. There's just no way to know. Exposure to this blue-green algae can easily kill your dog in about an hour. In many parts of the country, there are also serious concerns of leptospirosis. This is a bacteria also found in standing water, which can be treatable if treated quickly, but otherwise, it too can be fatal. DOES YOUR DOG REALLY HAVE A RELIABLE RECALL? I have come across some parks that have signs stating something to the effect of, "Dogs must be on leash unless under direct voice control at all times." This essentially means your dog can be off leash, as long as you can recall him. But, can you really recall him? Can you recall him off of a deer, bear, snake, or squirrel? Can you recall him off the family you may be passing that's all eating delicious smelling beef jerky? Can you recall him off the excitable dog approaching who is on a leash? Most people like to think they their dog has a fabulous recall, but unfortunately, that is not the truth. Just because your dog has a great recall at home does not mean he will have a great recall on the trail with so many more exciting sights and smells. TICK BORNE DISEASES.  If your dog is off leash, he is likely to be traipsing through the tall grasses off the trail. While ticks are naturally a concern anytime you go outdoors, their prime environment is in those tall bushy grasses. So while you may not be seeing any ticks on the well maintained trail, your dog could be picking up tons in those tall grasses. Is a 2 hour off leash walk really worth a lifetime of tick borne disease. LONG LINES DO EXIST. Again, a lot of parks have a very specific "dog must be attached to a 6 foot leash" rule. But, for parks that don't have that rule, you can always use a long line. You can find long lines that range from 8 feet to 50 feet long! With the use of a long line, your dog has more room to roam, but is still connected to you, so you don't have to worry about everything else I've just listed here. My personal favorite long lines are the brahma long lines from Bold Lead Designs. If you've listened to all of this and for some reason, you still think your dog just absolutely needs to be off leash, then you need to find a place that explicitly allows dogs off leash. These places do exist, so do some research! There are many smaller secluded areas in larger parks off of the trails that are explicitly off leash friendly. You could also consider just taking your dog to a local dog park (try going at odd hours to avoid others if you wish). CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM! JOIN THE REACTIVE DOG COMMUNITY! GET THE FULL SHOW NOTES! Subscribe and Review in iTunes! Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you're not, I encourage you to do so! This ensures that you don't miss an episode, and it's automatically downloaded to your phone.  If you really want to give me some positive reinforcement, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other people fid this podcast, which helps me help them and their dog! Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review." Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is! THANK YOU!

Do you own a reactive dog? Or are you a dog trainer who focuses on reactive and aggressive dogs? Or do you have a pretty friendly and stable dog but you want to learn more about dogs in general? In this first episode, Alix lays the groundwork and sets some expectations on what you can expect from the Ready, Set, Fetch! Podcast going forward. This podcast is your one stop resource for everything and anything having to do with reactive dogs. You'll get actionable training tips to start training your reactive dogs, as well as tips and tricks for all sorts of aspects of dog ownership - from traveling with dogs to general health and wellness, and so much more.  CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM!  JOIN THE REACTIVE DOG COMMUNITY! GET THE FULL SHOW NOTES! Subscribe and Review in iTunes! Are you subscribed to this podcast? If you're not, I encourage you to do so! This ensures that you don't miss an episode, and it's automatically downloaded to your phone.  If you really want to give me some positive reinforcement, I would be so grateful if you left me a review on iTunes as well. Those reviews help other people fid this podcast, which helps me help them and their dog! Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review." Let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is! THANK YOU!