The Canine Lowe-Down

I'm a dog whisperer—so my clients and followers say. One of the most frequent questions I am asked is, “Have you ever come across a dog you couldn't help?” I suppose another way to ask this is, “Ever encountered a dog who couldn't be whispered?“Yes. The answer is yes. I'll talk about the reasons why in this episode of The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“I LOVE dogs!!” I hear this all the time. So what's wrong with that, you may wonder. Well, technically nothing—I love dogs too. But so often, the person who is professing their ardent love of dogs to me is in possession of a canine who is unruly, uncontrolled and chronically misbehaving. If you think about it, it's pretty apparent that the human emotion of love is not enough to drive good behavior in our dogs and give them a balanced, harmonious life. I'll explain more as we chat about this very important topic today on The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Independence Day! Most folks relish Fourth of July festivities, which typically include lots of food, lots of fun…and lots of FIREWORKS!!Fireworks. Thrilling fun for most humans, but a source of terror for most dogs. While the human masses enjoy the eardrum-throbbing fireworks displays, terrified dogs everywhere huddle in closets or under beds, trembling in fear.On today's podcast, I'll offer some suggestions to help take the edge off your dog's fireworks-induced fear. My heart goes out to your furry family members. Let's see if I can help.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the evening of November 13, 2019, Fishers police K9, Harlej, was shot and killed by a suspect he was attempting to apprehend. In this heartbreaking and heartwarming episode of The Canine Lowe-Down, Harlej‘s handler and law-enforcement partner, Fishers police officer Jarred Koopman, recounts how he grieved, healed, and moved forward with life after the loss of his beloved canine partner.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

According to an online article published by Forbes Advisor in October 2023, each year an estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States, with approximately 800,000 people seeking medical attention for their injuries. The number of fatalities resulting from a dog attack, however, is comparatively small, averaging around 30 deaths a year, according to a CDC report. Tragically, a great majority of these fatal attacks are from Pitbulls.My client, Katie Rice, was nearly one of those fatalities.Katie‘s story, including her unbelievable journey from traumatic fear of bully breeds after her attack, to becoming a bully mom, and eventually starting a dog walking service, is the subject of this podcast episode. Katie is living proof that it is possible to recover, heal, and come to love a breed again—even after a life-threatening attack.A WORD OF CAUTION: Some of the subject matter discussed in this podcast episode may be distressing for some listeners.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The soulful eyes. The fuzzy ears. The little paws. Who among us has not been smitten, at one time or another, by puppy fever! But there's more to these cute little canines than meets the eye. A LOT more! Getting a puppy is a huge commitment, and the commitment is real. I'm going to tell you just HOW real on this episode of The Canine Lowe-Down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whenever I complete an in-home canine consultation, I customarily give my client an “after card” – an 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” card reviewing the philosophy, rules, and approach I have just coached them through. It's a summary of my training methodology—a “cheat sheet” of sorts.Today on the podcast I'll reveal this “cheat sheet” to you, and explain my thinking behind it. There's a good chance you'll learn an interesting thing or two that will help you enjoy a more harmonious relationship with your beloved canine!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of the podcast I thought I'd do something a bit different, and answer the Internet's most-asked questions about dogs.Sound like fun? Let's do it!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If dogs could choose our New Year's resolutions, what do you suppose they would want us to resolve to do…or NOT do?On today's podcast I'm going to share some New Year's resolutions I believe dogs everywhere would want us humans to make. See if you agree! It's a special New Year's edition of The Canine Lowe-Down!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to a special mid-month, mini holiday episode of The Canine Lowe-Down! There are a few VERY important things to bear in mind when it comes to your dog this holiday season. Let's have a quick chat about it…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is daycare a good option for your dog? The short answer is “yes”—but a qualified “yes.” In this episode of the podcast I'm going to give you a few important things to consider when choosing a daycare for your pup; PLUS a couple of entertaining stories from my days working as a doggie daycare staffer.

Little humans are prone to all kinds of behaviors, that annoy, terrify, exasperate and bewilder. “I hope they outgrow this” parents often declare. Like children, puppies, do outgrow some unwanted behaviors. But some issues can linger on into adulthood if they aren't addressed properly.We're chatting about this very important topic right now on The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Separation anxiety! Probably one of the most common issues dog owners contact me about. A severe case of separation anxiety in a dog affects more than just the animal…it affects the humans too. Folks often feel confined to their home, and worry whenever they have to leave the house—even on a short errand. On today's episode of the podcast I'll give you my thoughts on separation anxiety—what it is, and how to work on reversing it!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should you ever rehome a dog? Folks disagree. Some say that under NO circumstances should a dog be rehomed, while others believe that if a dog causes them inconvenience it should be rehomed ASAP. The topic can be an emotionally-charged one, and understandably so. My appeal in this podcast is for us to examine this topic reasonably, rationally and with cool heads. Let's do that right now on this episode of The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's apparent to many that little dogs have earned a reputation for “attitude.” “You know how little dogs are,” I often hear people say after particularly obnoxious eruption from, say, a Chihuahua...or Yorkie...or Dachshund.But is the sassy, ferocious reputation of little dogs justified? If not, how can we account for the “bad rap” out smaller canines have earned? I've got an answer for you on this episode of The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many dog owners have had the highly exasperating experience of dealing with a furry family member who demands attention at all the wrong times! (Zoom meetings, important cell calls, computer work, etc.) It seems that any task which requires a human's full attention immediately causes the dog to demand attention for themself! What to do...

The dog park has become something of a “given” in the life of our dogs, hasn't it? Our dogs get treats, go to the groomer, go on walks…and go to the dog park. Dog parks are assumed by many loving dog owners to be an optimal way for the animal to socialize as well as acclimate to new situations. But I couldn't disagree more. My explanation is forthcoming on this episode of The Canine Lowe-Down!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How many times have we heard a plea from a shelter or rescue that sounds something like this: “This poor fur baby just wants to be loved and is looking for a forever home and a family who can spoil her.” Oh my goodness. Our hearts immediately melt when we see the photo of said “fur baby” with huge, sad eyes and a body posture that seems to say, “nobody loves me.”

I don't know about you, but I love watching documentaries on wolves. The raw social interactions. The heartwarming bonding rituals. And the primal hunt. There's something majestic in the pure wildness of the beautiful, terrifying ritual of the hunt. First come stalking. Then…the chase! Finally, if all goes well, the prey is captured at last. The canine hunting ritual is gripping, stirring, even thrilling to watch on screen. But when these primal instincts show up in your domesticated canine living within the walls of your home—well, it doesn't always feel so majestic. In fact, for many, it can be downright annoying. Get comfy and let's talk about prey drive and your dog on this episode of The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Control freaks ain't no fun to be around, are they? But did you know that taking complete control of key elements in your household environment is the key to enjoying a peaceful, harmonious relationship with your dog? We're chatting about the importance of “claiming behavior” right now on The Canine Lowe-Down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Puppies are so stinkin' cute, aren't they? Their innocent little faces routinely give us “the warm fuzzies,” and that's just feels amazingly good! While puppies are undeniably cute to look at, raising one can be a downright challenge, as many of you know—or are currently finding out! Just when you think you have unwanted behaviors under control, a new behavior emerges which throws you for a loop. AARGH!! Yes, raising a canine youngin' can often be a frustrating experience. But if you arm yourself with a few basic principles, the experience can be a little less frustrating—and a LOT more productive! Let's talk about it right now on The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Petting a dog. It's what we do when it comes to canines, and is an ideal way to interact with a dog...right? Would it surprise you to learn that there are some instances in which you should NOT pet a dog—even your own?! If you're skeptical about that, I completely understand. I'll explain everything on today's episode of The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(WARNING: Today's podcast content is, at times, graphic. Listener discretion is advised.) When you're a dog trainer, getting bit is a perpetual risk. And while there are certain precautions that can be taken to minimize said risk, canines are often unpredictable, and will go “off-script” at the most inconvenient moments imaginable. In today's episode of The Canine Lowe-Down I'm going to tell you about one such “inconvenient moment” which occurred many years ago while I was working with a highly aggressive dog. The resulting injury I received is, to date, the most severe bite I have ever experienced in my 16 years of dog training. The story is, in the vernacular, a bit gnarly. But if you're up to hear it, I'm down to tell it. So here we go...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aren't puppies the cutest? The tender parental feelings evoked by the wide-open eyes and fuzzy little paws are undeniable. Head-over-heels-in-love dog owners refer to their furry charges as “babies,” “kids,” and many other terms of endearment. But these feelings of soul-melting love can backfire when it comes to your approach to your canine. Confused by the high-pitched fawnings and entreaties of their human family members, dogs usually find themselves feeling responsible for the “human puppies” in the home. Disorder—and even disaster—can be the result. Don't believe me? Let's chat about it on today's episode of The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many a (human) hackle has been raised over the matter of one's emotional support animal being denied access to public places of business such as grocery stores, clothing retailers, entertainment venues and more. The slight feels personal, and tempers have flared over the issue, prompting many emotionally-pulsating social media posts. The matter can be quite confusing, and, for many troubled hearts, the burning question remains: “why can't my emotional support dog go anywhere I go?” After all, isn't an emotional support dog a service animal? Surely providing comfort to an anxious human is a service if ever there was one? Well, in today's episode of the podcast I hope to clear up some of the confusion, with help from the clear-cut guidelines of the ADA—The Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA is a federal civil rights act that guarantees disabled folks and their service animals access to publicly accessible businesses. The million dollar question is, does the federal government recognize your disability, and/or your dog's status as a service animal? It's a testy topic, and we're diving into it today on The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When the French bulldog nabbed “Best in Show” honors at the National Dog Show last year, bells pealed and people cheered. In that celebratory moment, folks all across America thought, “maybe I ought to get me one of those!”Perhaps. And perhaps you are one of the many individuals considering bringing on a “frenchie,” as the French bulldog is affectionately known. “And why not?” you may ask. “After all, there's no denying they are charming as the day is long!” But not so fast there, my friends. There are a few less glamorous facts you need to consider before ushering a member of this little bully breed into your family. Frenchies! They're our topic today on The Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When COVID hit, we locked down… and we got PUPPIES!!!

Question for you... Does your dog come when you call? Chances are, for many of you, your dog's recall performance is 50/50 at best!

We all love our dogs. No doubt about it. But nothing disrupts the peace and quiet of our homes like our beloved furry family member erupting in explosive barking when the Amazon delivery driver drops a package on the doorstep—or when the neighbor strolls by the window with her dog in tow. So how do you get your dog to stop exploding at the windows and doors of your house? You want your dog to alert you to danger—that's for sure. But how do we teach our dogs what's okay to bark at, and what to leave alone? How do we establish a “no barking zone?” We're chatting about it today on the Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dogs love food. That fact is nearly indisputable. This has led many well-meaning dog owners to believe that an endless supply of treats is the best way (or sometimes the ONLY way) to get their dog to obey them! Then there's a matter of giving a dog “people food.” But hold on...is there any such thing as "people food" to a dog? We're talking rules for food (and treats) on this episode of The Canine Lowe-Down! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leash aggression. It's a commonly discussed problem among dog owners—and a commonly misunderstood one. There are some well-meaning but misguided narratives out there, including the belief that fear drives leash aggression, or that correcting a leash-aggressive dog will make them worse. Not true, and not true. Let's talk leash aggression today on the Canine Lowe-DownSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

My dog is so jealous!” I hear it all the time. For some folks, their beloved furry family member barks, growls and/or becomes disruptive when, say, mom is being hugged by dad—or even by one of the kids. And many two-dog households cannot pet one of their pups without the other “bulldozing in” to interfere. So what's this behavior all about? Is it truly jealousy? Is there a way to solve it? Answers are coming up on today's episode of the Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The story begins in 2006 when I took up volunteering at a large dog adoption facility in South Carolina. The rest, as they say, is history...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dogs engage in lots of behaviors that people can find annoying. One behavior that often ranks as most obnoxious of all is “jumping up”— something many canines do when “greeting” a human. If the dog is a 6-pound Maltese, the annoyance is usually mild and fleeting. But if a 175-pound Newfoundland is fond of throwing his gargantuan front end up on guests in greeting, well...you have another level of obnoxiousness altogether! (And potential injury too.) So why do dogs jump up anyway? Why can't folks seem to successfully address this behavior? Can this habit really be stopped? Let's talk about it today on the Canine Lowe-Down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is it bad to love dogs? OF COURSE NOT!! (If I didn't love dogs I would never have chosen this profession!) That being said, acquiring a dog in order to meet your emotional needs will nearly always put the dog in the unwanted, detrimental position of authoritative parenting and possession. A tense, anxious and/or neurotic dog is usually the result.Love for dogs should motivate us to become thinking, canine-style parents for them so they can relax and enjoy a life of calm, happy curiosity. Effusive displays of human emotions can make a dog feel responsible to parent us—and this stresses them out. They don't want this parental responsibility, but they will take it up if they feel it's necessary. The best thing we can do when deciding to get a dog is to prepare to lead them in a canine way—with our head, not with our heart.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At the junction where human and canine cultures meet, misunderstandings and frustrations abound. My clients often contact me in desperation, bewildered, puzzled, even grieved, by an unwanted behavior in their dog that they just can't seem to solve.As a dog trainer, if I had to identify a single unwanted canine behavior that MOST exasperates human owners, it would be this one...peeing in the house. Frustrated owners considering resigning themselves to a life of stained carpet, short tempers, hypervigilance, and strategically-placed, rapidly-accessible floor cleaning spray (with accompanying rag).So what's going on? Your dog KNOWS how to pee (and poop) outside. Why do they opt to deposit their waste inside when there's so many places to do so outside? Knowing WHY your dog pees (or even poops) inside your home is the key to adopting an effective strategy to address it.It's a podcast all about pee, today on the Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Few things bring folks greater embarrassment and anxiety than having their dog react violently to another person or another dog they encounter. My clients are often stumped as to how their sweet, loving family member can suddenly turn into a snapping, snarling werewolf when encountering a strange dog or person.There are reasons for everything—including your dog's bewildering reactivity. We're going to talk about that today on the Canine Lowe-down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“My dogs are my children.” I hear this a lot. Dogs become “fur babies,” and our bumperstickers proclaim, “My Kids Have Four Paws.” “So what's wrong with that?” you may ask. “What could possibly be wrong with babying our fur-covered family members?” Believe me, I know how attached we can get to our dogs. But the reality of a domesticated apex predator lounging in our living room seems to be lost omid the delighted squeals and squeaks we administer to them on a daily basis. Is love really all they need? Is sentiment and affection sufficient to give a dog the life they really want? Does a canine even interpret love the way we do? What is it that a dog really needs in order to have a calm, peaceful life? We'll talk about all that and more on this episode of the Canine Lowe-Down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You may be a bit puzzled by the title of this episode of the podcast. Isn't feeling sympathy for a canine in distress a natural response for most human beings? Indeed it is...and therein, ironically, lies the problem. You'll notice that the title of this podcast episode isn't “Feel Sorry for a Dog.” It's “HOW to Feel Sorry for a Dog.” While there's certainly nothing wrong with feeling sorry for a dog in need, if the goal is helping the canine through their suffering, outward expressions of sympathy can actually be quite detrimental. Our human sympathy must drive us to behave in ways that truly help the dog achieve relaxation, stability and peace. We'll talk about that today on the Canine Lowe-Down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are, perhaps, few things more embarrassing than having to apologize when your over-excited canine jumps all over a guest! Many of my clients have contacted me with very concern, believing that their dogs manic jumping is a result of their happiness to see a new person. One of the first things I have to explain to them, however, is that what they are seeing is NOT happiness! You may be as surprised as they are to hear this. I'll explain what's actually going on, and give a clear strategy for polite guest greeting on this episode of the Canine Lowe Down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the years I have been contacted by concerned expecting couples who aren't quite sure how to integrate their dog with the tiny human family member who is about to arrive. Their anxiety is often palpable. They want desperately for dog and baby to relate as harmoniously and peacefully as possible, but they're not sure how to make that happen!Much well-meaning advice has been dispensed on this topic, but I have found most of the coaching to be ineffective—and sometimes downright counterproductive. For over a decade now I have facilitated the successful integration of newborns and dogs, and I'll share my methods on this episode of The Canine Lowe-Down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a fact… each holiday season dogs are given as gifts for Christmas. But the recipient's initial cry of surprised delight often becomes a groan of dismay months later when the new furry family member is tearing up socks, pooping in the house, and barking incessantly at anything that passes by the windows. So how do you choose the right dog for your family? And what do you do once you take the dog home for the first time? Perhaps most importantly of all, what is the best way to help this furry being integrate peacefully into your home?We'll talk about all that and more on this special episode of the Canine Lowe-Down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.