Believe in Dog (Erin Scott (Erin the Dog Mom))

What’s more important to you: What your dog does?  Or how your dog feels? This question is at the core of Andrew Hale’s Dog Centered Care approach.

An emerging thought leader in the dog training world, Andrew draws on his background in human psychology to place empathy and a deep understanding of a dog’s emotional experience at the heart of his work. He’ll even share with us his biggest ethical dilemma with the field of dog training.

You might want to have a notebook handy as Andrew breaks down concepts for us such as: his “safety first” protocol, his Learn – Support – Teach mantra, and how the 3 A’s of psychology relate to dog training.

Andrew and I also discuss common challenges faced by pet parents, including the cycle of conflict triggered by a dog's reactivity, and how to emotionally navigate those moments when tough decisions must be made for your fearful or reactive dog, such as an emergency vet visit.

You can find Andrew in his Dog Centered Care Facebook Group or YouTube channel.

Find links and show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode114

February is Pet Dental Health Month! 

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Episode 35. The Great Adventures of Paddington & Zurich: A Follow-up with Carla & Wayne Greenside

Today we’re welcoming back Carla & Wayne Greenside. When we last spoke on Episode 21, Carla & Wayne shared the story of the unlikely friendship of Paddington the Morgan Horse and Zurich the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Carla & Wayne wanted to further share Paddington & Zurich’s friendship by creating a children’s book about the unlikely duo.

I’m excited to share that The Great Adventures of Paddington & Zurich is now available to pre-order and will ship out on February 14. There are 2 versions of the book, a picture book for younger children and a chapter-book novel for older kids.

Carla & Wayne also share their experiences competing in American Kennel Club Conformation dog show competitions with Quinn, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and Instagram Dog-fluencer.  They gave me a Dog Show 101 Tutorial as I’m completely unfamiliar with this world!

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode35

Episode Sponsored By:

The Hugs & Belly Rubs Dog Health Journal

Have you ever wondered if we’re [accidentally] making our dogs’ anxiety worse? 

Alex Peacock – a dog trainer who specializes in working with anxious dogs – is going help us answer this question and understand why anxious people and anxious dogs seem to attract each other.

Alex works with pet parents of anxious dogs through a comprehensive program he designed.  He’ll share with us the three pillars of his program and give us powerful tips for any pet parent dealing with an anxious dog. 

Alex also advises us on how to choose the best dog trainer to help with your dog’s anxiety.

But what if we could stop dog anxiety before it even starts?  Alex shares the one BIG thing pet parents can do to avoid dog anxiety in the first place.

Alex also reveals that he was inspired to be a dog trainer from a young age after watching THAT celebrity dog training tv show.  (But don’t worry, Alex’s training methods are nothing like that!)

Find links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode90

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Have you ever had one of those experiences that seemed like it was the worst thing that ever happened to you but then it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to you?

Kay Stewart was shocked when her position of 32 years was abruptly eliminated.  But this career loss helped Kay realize how out of alignment she had become with her childhood goal of helping animals.  When she stumbled onto a job listing posted by Ruby, Founder of Real Dog Box, Kay began to find her true passion.

Hired to create a course for the Feed Real Institute, Kay experienced a paradigm shift learning about what a true species-appropriate diet for dogs looked like.  And it wasn’t a bag of Kibble (used here in the generic sense to describe any dry dog food pellets). Kay & I discuss the history of Kibble and why it’s so bad for our dogs . . . even the “Good Kibble.”

We dive into the veterinary profession’s problems with fresh feeding – and why the Feed Real courses put these concerns to rest once and for all.  But what do veterinarians think about that?  Kay shares the reception of Feed Real’s RACE (continuing education)-approved course from both holistic and conventional veterinarians.

So what should our dogs be eating?  Kay shares the Feed Real approach to fresh feeding.  And some curious facts about chickens too.

Find Links & Show Notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode82

Dr. Ruth’s Holistic Shop: Save 10% on your orders from Dr. Ruth’s Holistic Shop featuring 400+ high quality supplements - including some of your favorite brands! - curated by Holistic Vet Dr. Ruth Roberts with the code: ERINTHEDOGMOM (aff. link)

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What do burnout, self-care and boundaries have to do with rescue? Everything! We’ll learn the emotional toll that rescue has taken on our Roundtable participants.  This conversation gets incredibly vulnerable and I commend the courage that it took to share this with the world.

Our Rescue Roundtable also explores ideas for creating a more sustainable organization and what they would differently in the future.

We start off picking up where we left off last week and jump right into those Home Visits.  While some people may think these are borderline invasive, our Rescuers spill the tea on the real reasons that they’ve turned down potential adopters after a home visit.  And it’s nothing to do with those dust bunnies behind the tv!

We also discuss how rescues choose the dogs that they take into their organization. I had a lot of questions about this because I’ve seen so much smack talk on social media about this over the years.  I was surprised to learn how much thought goes into creating the right balance of adoptable dogs!

And also, what do rescues do with difficult dogs that they don’t think they can safely place in a home?

I’m so grateful to our Rescue Roundtable: Nichol O'Marr (foster for Pitties & Purrs Rescue), Melissa Trotman (founder of Bella’s Bully Buddies which adopted out 1,000+ dogs from 2012 – 2019) and Jen Carle (currently Director of Operations for Tara’s House Animal Rescue).

If you like this episode, you won’t want to miss Episode 60 and Episode 75!

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode77

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It’s the Puppy Episode! 

I’ve always heard that the best way to set yourself & your dog up for success is by putting in 12 months of solid training with your puppy so you can reap the rewards for the next 12+ years (hopefully!) with your amazing dog.

So how do you best set up your new puppy for success – not just in your home but in the world too?  What is proper puppy socialization?  And what isn’t?

Kathy Callahan, CPDT-KA, has spent the past 10 years fostering 200+ puppies while attending dog training school in her free time -– so she knows a few things about puppies. Kathy believes that equal parts empathy and preparation are needed to successfully raising your puppy.

As the author of the book, Welcoming Your Puppy From Planet Dog – How to Go Beyond Training and Raise Your Best Friend, Kathy shares with us everything we need to before we bring one home.  From setting up your home to setting your expectations, Kathy’s book is not just a “how to” reference but a mindset guide as well. 

Kathy shares her insights with us on everything from the all-important potty training to juggling the Puppy Shots Dilemma.   We talk about how to build your puppy’s database of new people, places and things to set them up for their best life with you.

Find links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode94

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

We’re back from summer break.

I’m celebrating 5 years with my dog Penny and the good news that most of her hearing has returned.

Our first repeat guest.

Michelle Serocki from Episode 3 is back today to tell us about the birth of Pit Bull Advocates of America.

Michelle and I discuss:

• The origin story of Pit Bull Advocates of America and how Michelle saw a need and changed her mission from a local to national focus;
• New national campaigns that the organization is running;
• Old school vs. modern pit bull advocacy;
• Why messaging matters in pit bull advocacy and how we can have a united message;
• What Michelle has learned from the anti-pit bull movement;
• Michelle’s #1 tip for talking to someone who’s afraid of pit bulls; and
• Michelle’s biggest animal welfare hero.

Pit Bull Advocates of America, The Podcast.

Michelle announces the launch of her new podcast and I give a review of the first episode.

Find Pit Bull Advocates of America:

The Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pit-bull-advocates-of-america-the-podcast/id1529131313

Website:

https://pitbulladvocates.org/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pbaoa/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/pitbulladvocatesofamerica/

Links Discussed:

Pit Bull Advocates of America Podcast Launch Party on Facebook Live, Tuesday September 1

https://www.facebook.com/events/1242893046041946/

Humane Society of the United States – Animal Care Expo

https://www.animalsheltering.org/expo

The Jane Goodall Institute

https://www.janegoodall.org/

Let's Connect:

Facebook: @believeindogpodcast Instagram: @believe_in_dog_podcast Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review

Elizabeth Menegon is a lifelong dog lover who saw a problem in the world and decided to do something about it.

While Elizabeth spent a lot of time thinking about what dog breed would be a good match for her lifestyle, she would often look around the world and see many families whose dogs didn’t seem to be the best fit for their life.

After the COVID-19 quarantine happened, Elizabeth left her career in the hospitality industry and started Sugar Skinn, a boutique skin care company from her couch in 2 days. 

With the success of Sugar Skinn, Elizabeth decided to create a free app so all families and potential Pet Parents could be guided through questions to help them find the best dog breed to match their family’s lifestyle.

Elizabeth wants the Hands2Paws app to help disrupt puppy mills and backyard dog breeders while preventing dogs from entering the shelters.

You can download the Hands2Paws app for free on Apple and Android.

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode54

From running away from home with her dog to bringing her dog to college, Mindy Dutka has been passionate about her love for dogs since childhood.  And Mindy’s other lifelong passion is photography. 

6 years ago Mindy merged her passions to create her pet photography company: Dogs I Meet. From family photo shoots to working with pet brands, Mindy is dedicated to using photography to create connection through visual storytelling.

Mindy generously shares her best tips & tricks with us so we can all take better photos of our dogs with our phones. (I was doing one of these things right!)  Check the show notes for these tips!

We also discuss the value of investing in photography for your family and how that can take on even more meaning after your dog has passed.

From free spay/neuter clinics in Mexico to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, Mindy’s photography has taken her on several adventures to document the amazingly powerful work of rescuers and volunteers working to save dogs’ lives globally.

Did you know a good photo can even save a dog’s life? Mindy also shares with us about her experiences volunteering with animal shelters and rescues to take photos of dogs looking to be adopted.

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode62

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

If you’re playing a drinking game along with this episode, “shocked” is the word of the day.  I was utterly shocked learning about the institutionalized lack of accountability in caring for the retired military and contract working dogs that protect the U.S.

Many of us weren’t aware that this was a problem until the outcry of animal advocates after the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 where contract working dogs were left behind.   In fact, it wasn’t until 2016 that a law was passed stating that the U.S. military had to bring their retired dogs stateside – but Bob tells us about the loopholes that muddy the waters on this. (Researching more about this topic led me to the shameful history of the U.S. military’s abandonment of 5,000+ dogs during the Vietnam War.)

Fortunately, there’s people like Bob Bryant and Mission K9 in the world who are doing something about it. From arranging transport from the far corners of the world to rehabbing the dogs’ physical and psychological wounds to finding appropriate adopters, Mission K9 keeps these commitments to each dog they rescue.

Watch this video from the 2017 Petco Helping Heroes Award to learn more about Mission K9.

In this season of giving, I hope you’ll consider supporting organizations like Mission K9 or animal welfare organizations in your community.

Find links, show notes and photos of rescued K9s at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode84

Join Erin the Dog Mom’s email list at: https://www.erinthedogmom.com/

Liz’s Story – Tovi’s Gift

If you’ve ever lost a dog you loved, a dog that changed your life, your heart & soul dog, you may find a piece of yourself in Liz’s story.

Special thanks to Mindy of Hunter & Harvest Apothecary from Episode 2 for introducing me to Liz.

I start this episode sharing about losing our Lucy (Episode 1) and bonding with my girl, Penny.

Liz & Tovi had an amazing life together for 12+ years. In early 2017, Tovi’s health took an unexpected turn and a few weeks later, Liz was saying her final goodbye to Tovi. As Liz tried to navigate life without Tovi, she thought adopting a new dog would help her feel better. But she had a very complicated emotional experience after impulsively adopting her new pup, Mille. Liz struggled to bond with the unexpectedly anxious and fearful Millie and Liz felt a range of emotions from guilt to resentment. Liz is so open and honest about her emotional journey.

Through Tovi’s loss, Liz found the courage to pursue her childhood dream of writing. Using her background in psychology, Liz is writing about her own experience, as well as interviewing others about their experiences with pet loss or adopting a pet after loss.

Liz and I discuss:

• Why it’s difficult for her to talk about her childhood family dog;
• How pet loss can occur in many ways and we want to treat all of these with compassion;
• How Liz stayed too long in her first marriage out of concern for her pets;
• How our life experiences have helped us realize that life has many gray areas, not everything is black & white;
• Liz’s background in psychology and how she got the courage to leave her career to pursue her lifelong dream of writing;
• How a Greyhound bus ride led to Liz adopting Tovi;
• Liz & Tovi’s beautiful life together;
• That we try to make the best medical and end-of-life decisions for our pets based on the information and resources available, and we can’t use hindsight to question ourselves or second-guess;
• The origin of Pet Therapy Notes;
• How Liz was simultaneously mourning the loss of Tovi as well as her impulsive decision to adopt Millie;
• Liz’s relationship with Millie today and what she has learned along the way;
• An author who has inspired Liz’s writing; and
• Finding meaning in our grief, honoring the memories of our dogs and honoring our dogs for the individuals they are.

Find Liz online:

Website: www.pettherapynotes.com Pet Loss Resources: https://www.pettherapynotes.com/resources-1 Liz's Blog: https://www.pettherapynotes.com/blog-1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pettherapynotes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pettherapynotes/

Be a part of Liz's work:

If you or someone you know has a story about pet loss to share, please contact Liz through her Pet Therapy Notes website. Liz is particularly looking to interview people who have experienced:

• a pet that was lost or stolen;
• if you've had to re-home your pet;
• euthanasia due to behavioral issues;
• pet loss due to divorce; or
• pet loss due to incarceration.

Links we discussed:

Meghan Daum's The Gift of a Great Dog

Let's Connect. 

You can find photos of Liz, Tovi and Millie on my Facebook and Instagram. If this episode resonated with you, let me know.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believeindogpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believe_in_dog_podcast/ Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com

If you are enjoying this podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating or review.

Do you have goals for your dogs in 2025?

In this solo episode, Erin shares:

• My complicated relationship with the concept of goal setting;

• The goals I’ve had for my dogs over the past 20 years … before Nessie;

• How I feel about setting goals for my dogs today; and

• The goals I have for my dogs in 2025.

I’m also sharing the experience Nessie & I had when we dipped our toe into the world of dog sports with our Odor Recognition Test - and whether or not we’ll continue on with nose work titles.

Tell me your goals for your dog in 2025! @erin_the_dog_mom

Find links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode115

February is Pet Dental Health Month! 

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

How are you enriching your dog’s life today? This Canine Enrichment Round-Up episode features segments with three amazing guests who are leading the way in canine enrichment. Each guest shares ideas to help you bring more joy to your dog’s life and celebrate their dog-ness.

First, we’ll hear from Michelle Baker of Fur Kids, Inc. in Tampa, FL. Michelle shares her inspiration for modernizing the world of doggy daycare. We’ll learn about a typical day at Fur Kids, the training and education their staff receives, and how they honor the needs of each dog in their care.

Next, we welcome back Tori Mistick of Wear Wag Repeat. As a Certified Canine Enrichment Technician, Tori reveals the enrichment you’re probably already doing without even realizing it!

Tori’s philosophy is that enrichment should be fun, easy & affordable. She shares games, tricks, and activities to easily incorporate into your routine, making your dog’s life more exciting. Be sure to check out Tori’s Canine Activity Pack for even more inspiration.

Last, but certainly not least, we meet Michelle Morrow of Paws with Me K9 in Concord, NH. Michelle tells us about the dog who inspired her to become a trainer and enrichment specialist.

Michelle’s enrichment classes, designed with shy, anxious, and reactive dogs in mind, are packed with fun activities like obstacle courses and sniffaris that challenge your dog’s mind and body while boosting their confidence.

Find link, photos and show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode119

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

What does pioneering integrative veterinarian Dr. Marty Goldstein want you to know about the cause of cancer in dogs?  Today we’ll hear the 3 biggest causes for the exponential increase in cancer rates over the past 50 years.

I was fascinated to learn that it was Dr. Marty’s journey with his own health that led him to questioning the medical establishment for  both people and pets.  And when Dr. Marty witnessed the connection between diet and health, he made his life’s work to spread this truth even in the face of adversity. 

And there was plenty of adversity – from concerns of bankruptcy to having his veterinary license threatened. Of course this was before he started crossing paths with everyone from George Harrison to Oprah and having the documentary, The Dog Doc, filmed about his groundbreaking work.

Dr. Marty also regales us with tales from his upcoming book – like why he still cringes when he thinks about that time he met Ray Charles on an airplane.

Episode Sponsored by The Dog Health Journal

Find Links & Show Notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode74

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Episode 28. Katy McQuaid, Author of Everybody Loves Grace.

Katy McQuaid spent 32 years working for the CIA – Yes, that CIA! – and is now an award-winning children’s book author of the Everybody Loves Grace series.  Grace is Katy’s Finnish Lapphund dog.  (These dogs were actually bred to herd reindeer in Scandinavia!)

Katy’s book series shares Grace’s dog’s-eye-view perspective of their road trips throughout the U.S., the people she meets and the world around her. Grace has a special talent for finding those who seem to need her the most and looking into their eyes and straight into their hearts.

We’ll also hear from a special 5th grade guest who gives us her review of the Everybody Loves Grace books.

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode-28

Episode 17. Dog Mom & Dog Dad Round Table: Shy & Fearful Dogs.

We’re trying something different this week!  On this episode, we’re welcoming back previous guests, Mindy FitzGerald from Episode 2 and Liz Weiner from Episode 7. We’re also welcoming my husband, Tim, to the podcast for the first time.

Today we’re having a round table discussion about pet parents living with shy and fearful dogs.

We’re all at different places on our journeys with our pups:

• Tim & I adopted our dog, Neno, in 2016 and he is the most fearful dog that we’ve encountered. After our previous pit bull ambassador dogs, we’ve had to adjust our expectations for Neno.
• On Episode 7, Liz told us about adopting the fearful Millie and their journey together. Liz has now added more dogs to her household and shares how this has affected Millie. Liz also shares the perspective she’s learned from working at an animal shelter.
• 2 weeks prior to the recording of this episode, Mindy adopted a 1-year-old working dog from a farm. This pup had never been on a leash, in a car or spent time in a house before coming home with Mindy. Mindy also shares her experience with adopting a dog during COVID-19.

 Some of the experiences we discuss:

• How difficult it is to see your dog be scared;
• Learning our dogs' limits and respecting their boundaries;
• Questioning ourselves and our judgment;
• The emotional toll having a fearful dog can take on pet parents and being honest about own limitations;
• Seeing our dogs for who they are and adjusting our own expectations;
• The different ways we’ve bonded with and gained the trust of our shy & fearful dogs;
• Celebrating our dogs’ small victories;
• Stepping out of our comfort zone as pet parents to advocate for our dogs; and
• The rewards of taking on a shy & fearful dog.

At the end of the episode, I’ll give quick updates from Liz and Mindy about their pups.  We also remember 5 years since Tim & I lost our gal, Lucy, who is memorialized in the Believe in Dog Podcast logo.

Links Discussed & Favorite Resources:

Facebook Group: Shy & Fearful Dogs – The eXtraordinary Dog Community

Website:  https://shyandfearfuldogs.com/blog/

Links from Dr. Zazie Todd's (Episode 9) Companion Animal Psychology:

8 Tips to Help Fearful Dogs and De-sensitization and Counter Conditioning

Find Liz online:

Website: www.pettherapynotes.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pettherapynotes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pettherapynotes/

Find Mindy online:

Website: www.hunterandharvest.com Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/hunterandharvest1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunterandharvest/

Would you like to be part of a Dog Mom & Dog Dad Round Table?

Let's Connect:

Facebook: @believeindogpodcast Instagram: @believe_in_dog_podcast Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

It’s not an exaggeration for me to say that the information in this episode could save your dog’s life.

After a terrible accident, Paweenduh (you can call her “P” for short) found her purpose and has dedicated her life to raising awareness about keeping your dog safe in the car with dog seatbelts with Dogs Ride Certified.

Believe it or not, so many products for pets are not regulated.  So just because you buy a dog seatbelt that says that it is “crash tested,” P explains to us what this really means. 

By the end of this episode, you will know what the safest products for your dog are, where to find them and how to use them. 

I have to admit that we don’t use seatbelts with our dogs, but I’m going to change that.  I’ll share where we are with our journey, as well.

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode41

Episode Sponsored By:

Hugs & Belly Rubs Dog Health Journal: https://www.hugsandbellyrubs.com/doghealthjournal

Our dogs are always talking to us … but are we listening?   I believe that learning our dogs’ body language is one of THE most important aspects of being a pet parent.

So thank goodness for Lili Chin’s work translating Doggie Language for us humans. In fact, if you follow anything dog-related on social media, you’re probably familiar with Lili’s illustrations and artwork.

Lili never anticipated that adopting Boogie, the Boston Terrier, would impact her life and career in so many ways.  She also hadn’t anticipated Boogie nearly getting her evicted after biting her apartment building manager!

After a few disappointing experiences with other trainers, Lili was introduced to positive force-free training methods and learned to understand what Boogie was communicating all along.

Dog trainers and other professionals soon began commissioning Lili’s artwork to share important messages for pet parents.  From Dog Body Language to Your Dog’s Emotional Cup, Lili’s work is shared far & wide on social media impacting pet parents daily.

Get the Doggie Language book for your collection HERE. (Aff. link)

Find links and show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode89

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Oncotect: With 1 in 3 dogs being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, Oncotect is the first at-home screening test that Pet Parents can purchase to get peace of mind.  Get 15% off when you use the code: BELIEVEINDOG

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Has your dog ever helped you through a hard time in life?  Your answer  is most likely a resounding YES, right?

Author Christopher Dale credits Vector, his rescued “sato” dog from Puerto Rico, with helping him start a new chapter in life after going through hard times.  Like really hard times.  Like life-changing medical diagnosis turned depression turned addiction turned nearly blowing up his marriage-type hard times.

Chris became curious if other people were having a life-changingly special relationship with their rescue dog too.  In his book “We Saved Each Other: How Rescue Dogs Help Us Through Hardship,” Chris mixes in his own memoir reflections with profiles of other rescue dog adopters to explore experiences such as trauma, grief, addiction and mental health challenges and examine the role of their dogs in their journey. (Trigger warning for ongoing discussion of these themes throughout the episode.)

"Courageous Vulnerability" is the phrase I kept thinking while reading "We Saved Each Other".  I admire Chris and all those who share their stories for the vulnerability it takes to share some of the messier parts of life.  And I thank Chris for holding space for me to share a part of my life that I don’t usually talk about, as well.

Chris also shares with us what he’s learned about the condition of sato dogs in Puerto Rico, the work of The Sato Project nonprofit organization and what he knows about Vector’s early life.

My hope is for this episode to be a reminder that despite our differences, we’re all going through the same types of challenges in this human experience.

Find photos, links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode107

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

A lifelong animal lover, Natalie Keegan has created a life she loves by connecting her background in psychology with her passion for dogs.

After witnessing firsthand, the difference that the love of a dog made in her son’s life, Natalie decided to learn even more about dogs by becoming a dog trainer.

Seeing the power to connect her professional work with children with her dog training skills, Natalie founded the Kids-4-K9s organization and was awarded a prestigious Open Society Institute fellowship to launch her program in schools.  Kids-4-K9s has a mission to teach compassion in everyday interactions between people and companion animals.

If you have a high school-aged child in the Baltimore area, they can even learn from Natalie at the Kids-4-K9s Summer Camp at the Baltimore Humane Society.

In addition to Kids-4-K9s, Natalie  also runs her own dog training business, My Creative K9, and volunteers at local animal shelters in the Baltimore area.  Natalie & her husband also welcome children into their home through Maryland’s foster care system. 

Find Links, Show Notes & Lots of Awesome Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode44

Episode Sponsored By:

Hugs & Belly Rubs Dog Health Journal: https://www.hugsandbellyrubs.com/doghealthjournal

April Doherty has dedicated her career to seeing that animal abusers are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. As a paralegal with the Baltimore County State’s Attorney Office for the past 18 years, April shares her experiences witnessing animal abuse and neglect cases being taken more seriously by all players in the criminal justice system.  April’s impressive resume also includes training and educating law enforcement – both home and abroad! We also talk about the emotional toll that this work can take and why self-care is so important.

April also opens up about being diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2020. Her vulnerable social media sharing about this journey are helping women – including me! – with processing all the emotions that come from facing this diagnosis and learning to live this next chapter of life.

In her “spare time,” April also helped create the Love Leads Project, is a Show Your Soft Side “Softie,” works at Grand View Farm and is certified as a personal trainer. 

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode40

Episode Sponsored By:

Hugs & Belly Rubs Dog Health Journal: https://www.hugsandbellyrubs.com/doghealthjournal

Angela is a lifelong animal lover who is the founder of CBD Dog Health, as well as the Your Natural Dog Podcast and online store.  Angela also runs a rescue farm with geese, chickens, ducks, pigs and more!  

As a Pet Cannabis Expert and expert in holistic health for pets, I have so many questions for Angela.

I’ve been hearing about using CBD – for both pets and people – for the last several years. In fact, my dog Penny takes it for arthritis.  Some people swear that CBD has been a huge help for them or their dog. Some people think it’s snake oil.  I didn’t always know what to believe or how to find a trustworthy product. I’ve had questions. And Angela answers all of them!

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel confident about how to choose a high-quality CBD product to benefit your dog and understand why CBD is recommended for so many different health issues.

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode46

We’re diving into an age-old question today: do dog trainers train dogs … or people?  As a dog trainer and pet health coach, Jessica Fisher has a lot to share on this topic.

Despite having some “not so great” experiences with pets when she was growing up, Jessica was on her way to becoming a bit of a crazy cat lady when she met the man who would become her husband … and his chihuahua.

But it took her dog Kimberly, a rescue who came with separation anxiety, for Jessica to find her calling as a dog trainer.

Jessica and I discuss everything from how to work with a dog trainer over Zoom to how vulnerable it is to share your story on a podcast.

Jessica is also a member of the Two Podcasts Club – you can listen to her on The Parenting Reset and Pet Health Junkies.  I highly recommend listening to Jessica share her story on the episode: Why Are Dog Moms Not Having Kids?

Get 20% off your next order of Teef, for your dog's dental health with the code: ADM.

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode67

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

In Part 2 with Jennifer Ganz, we’ll hear more about her work with students, the 20+ dogs she’s fostered for animal rescue organizations and the social club she started for sighthound dogs in the Baltimore area.

I give some background on the Project Mickey Humane Education Program. (Trigger warning for mentioning animal abuse.)  And also discuss the connection between Adverse Childhood Experiences and how more animal-assisted programs could help.

While Jen has been kind enough to share her individual experiences with us, please note that she is not representing any specific school, district or institution.

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode27part2

Susan Shahoda is a lifelong dog lover who has devoted much of the past 15 years to volunteering with Westside German Shepherd Rescue in Los Angeles, CA.  But don’t let the name fool you –  Westside rescues dogs of all shapes & sizes and adopts to families throughout the continental U.S. and Canada. In fact, Westside is celebrating 20 years and 20,000 dogs finding loving homes!

What should potential adopters look for in a rescue organization? Why are those adoption applications so long? How do rescues determine which dogs get chosen?  And what do rescues really think about people who can’t keep their dogs anymore? Susan gives us a true behind-the-scenes view of running a rescue organization. 

Susan also shares her thoughts on the unsung heroes of the animal welfare community, the surprising benefit of the Nextdoor App, the best & the hardest parts of rescue and what keeps her going even in the tough times.

We’ll also learn how Susan’s life has been touched by Laurel, a special needs German Shepherd Dog who suffers from permanent neurological damage after contracting Canine Distemper virus.

In the season of giving, your generosity is appreciated by organizations like Westside German Shepherd Rescue and your local animal shelter and rescue groups.

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode60

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Episode 36. Aligning Your Heart With Your Career with Kristin von Kreisler

Today we’re welcoming award-winning, bestselling author Kristin von Kreisler to the podcast. A lifelong animal lover – and animal empathizer! – Kristin’s life was forever changed one night when she stumbled upon a terrified beagle in need of assistance.  Naming her Bea, Kristin made it her mission to show love and patience to this pup who had never experienced life outside of a cage. 

Several years later, the tables were turned and Bea helped Kristin get through the hardest time in her life.  And through this experience with Bea, Kristin made it her mission to change the focus of her career to align with her heart and focus her writing on animals. 

Kristin is with us today to share her newest book, A Reason for Hope is about a woman's fight for justice and a courthouse dog who comforts and supports her.

It was a true honor and pleasure to speak with Kristin.

TW: SA. If you have been impacted by sexual assault, 24/7 help is available at the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673.

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode36

Episode Sponsored By:

Hugs & Belly Rubs Dog Health Journal: https://www.hugsandbellyrubs.com/doghealthjournal

What do you think are the most common complaints our dogs have about us Pet Parents?  Animal Communicator Nancy Mello shares the two most common grievances she hears – and I definitely needed to hear this!

While some of us might be completely intrigued by the concept of animal communication, for Nancy Mello, her experience hasn’t been all love & light. 

Nancy describes herself as “not at all woo-woo.” She spent the first 30+ years of her life trying to repress her abilities and just live as a “normal” daughter, military spouse and mom. 

It’s only been a few years since Nancy finally made the decision to embrace her abilities.  And she has quickly made a name for herself having helped reunite 120+ lost pets with their families.

Nancy also shares with us what she’s learned from her End of Life sessions before a pet transitions.

You can listen in on Nancy’s animal communication sessions on her Creature Preacher podcast and follow her on Instagram and TikTok.

Find links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode92

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Sometimes a dog comes along, and nothing is ever the same again – in the best way possible!  In 2017, when Chris Hannah decided it was time to adopt a dog, he didn’t realize exactly how much of a life-changing of a decision this would be.

Chris shares with us why adopting a deaf dog was the obvious choice for him – even when it might sound like a surprising decision for a music teacher to make.  And yes, Cole the Deaf Dog’s name was inspired by the movie Mr. Holland’s Opus (the deaf son of a music teacher).

From day one, Chris witnessed the impact Cole made on his students and everyone he meets.  Learning about Cole’s disability opened an unexpected dialogue for children (and adults too!) that disabilities aren’t inabilities – and sometimes those qualities that make us different are our superpowers.

Cole’s presence in students’ lives even led Chris’ school to launch a unique emotional-social learning program. Chris and Cole also created a motivational school assembly program for other schools in their region.

In Part One of Chris and Cole’s story, we’ll also hear about the surprising challenges they faced for Cole to become a therapy dog and about their meaningful work with a Veterans’ Memorial Home.

Follow Chris & Cole on Facebook or Instagram to brighten up your day (like Cole bowling a strike!).

Find photos, links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode96

How to show your support for Erin & Believe in Dog Podcast:

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Ever since Nessie joined our family, I’ve had to step up my pet parenting to incorporate more enrichment and training into our home than ever before.

I’ve spent a lot of time (and money!) over the past year trying numerous different online dog training platforms. While many of them have great information, not all of them worked well for me.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing the 4 factors you should know before choosing an online dog training class and my top 5 favorite online learning platforms.

Find links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode116

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Sarah Lauch was already a lifelong animal lover and an active shelter and rescue volunteer when she met the dog that changed her life. Roo (shelter name Cisco) was an owner surrender to Chicago’s open admission animal shelter due to his trouble urinating. Unfortunately, Roo’s health issue was caused by a terminal cancer diagnosis.

Sarah decided to give Roo the best possible life for all his remaining days. Roo’s Bucket List and Sarah’s #LiveLikeRoo went viral and was even featured on Access Hollywood.

After Roo passed away, Sarah started sending out care packages to other families facing a cancer diagnosis in their pet, which featured Roo’s favorite things. These efforts grew into the Live Like Roo Foundation.

Today, the Live Like Roo Foundation provides care packages, financial support and emotional support to families facing a cancer diagnosis in their pet.

Sarah and I discuss:

• Her childhood menagerie of animals;
• How Sarah started volunteering in Chicago’s animal shelter and rescue community;
• The rewards and challenges of being an animal shelter volunteer;
• Roo’s story;
• The beginnings of the Live Like Roo Foundation;
• The most important type of support that Sarah provides to those dealing with a cancer diagnosis in their pet;
• How to genuinely connect with your social media audience;
• The rewards and challenges of growing and scaling an organization to help more pets and their families; and
• The importance of having a supportive partner, family and friends when running an organization in addition to your full-time day job.

More about the Live Like Roo Foundation:

Website: https://livelikeroo.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveLikeRoo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livelikeroofoundation/

Donate: https://livelikeroo.org/donate

Let's Connect:

Find photos of Sarah & Roo and more at:

Facebook: @believeindogpodcast Instagram: @believe_in_dog_podcast Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Support this podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating or review.

10 Years of Serving Baltimore’s Dogs with B-More Dog - Part 2

In September 2011, B-More Dog’s (a Baltimore-based non-profit organization)  scrappy group of volunteers launched a program called Community Pit Bull Day to provide free vaccines to dogs in under-resourced communities in Baltimore City.

Now known as the B-More Dog Wellness Clinics, over the past 10 years, more than 3300 dogs have received services from B-More Dog. The Clinics have grown in size, in services provided and in partnership with other organizations.  All dogs visiting the Clinics receive an exam with a veterinarian, vaccines (if needed), medications to treat common illnesses & conditions (if needed), nail trims & light grooming, leashes & collars and free dog food.

In this episode, we hear mini-interviews with volunteers Dr. Michelle Myers, Jennifer B., John, Christina, V, Garrick and Rachel, sharing their experiences over the past 10 years from why they were motivated to volunteer their time to what they’ve learned along the way.

To support the work of B-More Dog in the community:

DONATE: https://bit.ly/BmoreDogDonate

VOLUNTEER: https://www.bmoredog.org/volunteerform

Episode 21. The Adventures of Paddington & Zurich with Carla & Wayne Greenside.

There’s nothing I love more than an unlikely animal friendship. So when Carla reached out to me to share the story of Paddington (the horse) and Zurch (the Swiss Mountain Dog), I was immediately smitten.

Paddington & Zurich spent 10 years together as best friends – doing everything from romping in the snow to grazing on grass in the sunshine to sharing some bran mash.

Carla, Wayne & I discuss:

• Their childhood experiences with animals;
• How Carla & Wayne met;
• The “gotcha” stories of Paddington and Zurich;
• How this unlikely friendship started and some of the adventures they shared together;
• The unexpected health journeys we take with our animals;
• Making quality-of-life decisions for our animals;
• Moving through grief and opening our hearts & homes to a new animal; and
• How Carla & Wayne want to honor the memories of Zurich & Paddington with a children’s book.

Links Discussed:

• Follow Carla, Wayne & Quinn – as well as find photos of Zurich & Paddington:  https://www.instagram.com/quinnzurichpaddington/
• Morgan Horses:  https://www.morganhorse.com/

Let's Connect – I’ll be sharing photos of Zurich & Paddington at:

Facebook: @believeindogpodcast Instagram: @believe_in_dog_podcast

Support this podcast:

Subscribe on your favorite podcast app or leave a rating or review.

Email me: erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Has your dog ever shown fear, anxiety or reactivity?  If your dog hasn’t, I’d be willing to bet that you know someone whose dog is dealing with one of these issues.

Returning guest Dr. Zazie Todd is a psychologist who digs into the science of dog behavior to help us make the best decisions for our dogs. https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode105

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Did you know that the most common cause of trauma in dogs is at the hands of people – particularly harsh handling by Pet Professionals such as groomers, veterinarians and dog trainers?

Caroline Alupo is a Sweden-based ethologist and dog trainer who literally wrote the guide to diagnosing PTSD in dogs.  This topic is extra-personal for me as I believe my dog, Neno, meets the criteria for Complex PTSD from abuse and neglect he experienced before we adopted him.

Caroline shares the signs to look for in your dog’s behavior AND physical health when determining if PTSD is present. 

We’ll also learn the Do’s and Don’ts to creating a healing environment for dogs that have experienced traumatic events. And we’ll learn tips for protecting our dogs and how to prevent these situations from happening in the first place.

Learn more from Caroline on the Petli app! (Available for Apple and Android.)

Happy Holidays from the Believe in Dog Podcast!  Join Erin the Dog Mom’s email list at: https://www.erinthedogmom.com/

Find links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode85

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

What is life like with a rescued puppy mill dog?  And is there anything we can do to stop puppy mills? 

These are the questions we explore today with Dog Mom and Advocate Jo Anna Kloster, author of Lily Unleashed.

Jo Anna shares the story of how Cagney, her first rescued puppy mill dog, changed her life and gave her passion and purpose.  Jo Anna shares all that she’s learned about the inner workings of puppy mills, pet stores and the laws that aren’t being enforced.

Jo Anna’s passion and career as a teacher led her to writing Lily Unleashed, a chapter book for all ages that tells the story of how a rescued puppy mill dog inspires an insecure 6th grader to speak up and take a stand for what’s right. We’re also joined today by Megan, a young lady who just completed 6th grade, who gives us her book review of Lily Unleashed and what she thinks about puppy mills.

The good news is that more Congressional leaders than ever are sponsoring new laws – Goldie’s Act and the Puppy Mill Protection Act – which all of us can support with emails and phone calls. 

Check the Show Notes for quick links to take action and support these laws today!

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode72

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM

https://www.teefhealth.com/?aff=58

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

It feels like we’re finally at a time in society when pet loss grief is starting to be acknowledged and resources are becoming more readily available.  But do we really know how to take care of ourselves and others in times of pet loss?  Do you know how to give good grief?

We’re joined by Mindy Meiering, LCSW, a licensed therapist, life coach, and mindfulness teacher who specializes in grief and loss. Even though Mindy has supported thousands of clients and families through major losses and life transitions, she was blindsided by how devastated she felt after losing her first dog, Ellie.

Calling upon all the tools and resources she learned, Mindy created the Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Deck to support pet parents grieving the loss of a beloved companion.

Mindy and I discuss the best self-care practices in times of our own loss as well as the best ways we can show up for our friends & family who are grieving.  We also talk about unconventional types of loss including a lost pet, rehoming a pet and situations of behavioral euthanasia.

While many of us have heard of the Five Stages of Grief, a recent book examines the concept of a 6th stage of grief – finding meaning in your loss.  Mindy and I examine ways we’ve found meaning in our own pet loss grief and how you can do this in your own life and in your own way.

Find links, photos & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode98

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Dog Mom Confession: Sometimes it’s stressful adopting a new dog!    

Have you ever heard of the 3-3-3 Rule?  This advice gives Pet Parents an expectation of what to expect 3 Days, 3 Weeks and 3 Months after bringing a new dog home.

Today’s guest Ann King is the dog trainer who has popularized the 3-3-3 Rule for the shelter & rescue community.

Ann is also the creator of the Rescue SMART framework. SMART is an acronym for Ann’s five steps to successfully introducing and integrating a new dog to your home:

• Structure
• Management
• Activity
• Red Flags
• Training

Ann will share what each of these components means and how to implement the SMART framework in your home. Ann will also tell us how she developed the framework – including all the mistakes she made along the way.  

We’ll also learn the most common mistakes that Pet Parents make when introducing a new dog to their home and the easy ways to fix or prevent these.

Share this episode with your shelter and rescue friends!  Rescue SMART is a totally free resource that includes videos and PDF downloads to help anyone introducing a new dog to their home.

Find links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode87

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Episode 32. Building a Community of Pet Parents with the DogHood.

While Purvi and Ruchi both grew up in India, it was just 2 years ago, while living in the San Francisco area that dogs brought them together.

Purvi shares her story of growing up afraid of dogs and never thinking that she’d one day be a “dog person” after giving in to her husband’s & sons’ desire for a dog.  Purvi jumped right into the deep end with Oreo, a sheepadoodle they got as a puppy. Being a first-time dog owner, Purvi had many questions about what was “normal” dog behavior.  And this is where Ruchi brought the peace of mind.

Ruchi shares with us her childhood and how her & her husband decided to become pet parents first, before having children. Ruchi’s 20+ years as a pet parent has led her in many directions from photography (after her son wasn’t interested in being her subject) to boarding dogs.  Ruchi’s Dog Mom Wisdom has helped many of her friends and neighbors over the years.

Seeing so many first-time Pet Parents struggling during COVID-19, Purvi & Ruchi’s idea for The DogHood was born.  The DogHood app connects you with Pet Parents in your neighborhood as well as globally. From questions about your dog’s behavior to planning dog park meet-ups to sharing your adorable pet pics, the DogHood is a one-stop app for dog owners by dog owners.

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode-32

Episode 24. Animal Welfare Round Table: Mythbusters Edition

On this episode, we’re welcoming back previous guests Annie Pruitt, Kaitlyn Thomas and Liz Weiner. Between the 4 of us, we have nearly 30 years combined experience in animal sheltering and community pet support.

Special thanks to Chuck Nunn,  audio engineer for the Round Table - who also joins in the conversation when we put him on the spot.

On this Round Table, we’re confronting 4 myths that we see on social media and in our personal experience:

Myth #1: Heartless people dump animals at shelters.

Myth #2: If you can’t afford a pet, you shouldn’t have one.

Myth #3: Dogs with scars and injuries were used as “bait dogs.”

Myth #4: Pets end up at animal shelters because they were abused, have behavioral issues or are otherwise flawed in some way.

Annie, Kaitlyn, Liz & I talk through each of these statements and share the truths we’ve learned through our volunteer, work and life experiences.

Some of the topics we discuss:

• How we used to believe some of these but our experiences changed our minds – and we’re thrilled that we used to be wrong;
• How negative and judgmental comments on social media can create a dangerous situation for pets;
• Why we need to change the conversation from focusing on our opinions about the problem to focusing on solutions;
• Challenges faced by pet owners living at or below poverty level;
• How we can’t jump to conclusions or make assumptions about what goes on in a family;
• How imparting our own judgments on situations is the root cause of most conflicts and unhappiness;
• The power of making human connections;
• The importance of collaborating;
• Being responsible with social media consumption; and
• Compassion fatigue and burnout in the animal welfare community and the best way our panelists have found to reverse it.

Let's make Liz’s poem go viral!  Share now!

https://medium.com/creatures/i-adopted-your-pet-today-a-poem-921b7dab43fc

Connect with Annie of Charm City Companions:

Website: http://www.charmcitycompanions.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charmcitycompanions

Podcast Ep. 6:  https://believeindog.podbean.com/e/episode-6-annies-story-compassion-in-action/

Connect with Kaitlyn of Finding Knox:

Website:  https://findingknox.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FindingKnox

Podcast Ep. 19:  https://believeindog.podbean.com/e/episode-19-kaitlyn-thomas-of-finding-knox/

Connect with Liz Weiner:

Liz's Writing:  https://medium.com/creatures/liz-weiner/home

Podcast Ep. 7: https://believeindog.podbean.com/e/episode-7-lizs-story-tovis-gift/

Podcast Ep. 17: https://believeindog.podbean.com/e/episode-17-dog-mom-dog-dad-round-table-shy-fearful-dogs/

Let's Connect:

Facebook: @believeindogpodcast Instagram: @believe_in_dog_podcast Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

By day, Jen Danna is a scientist studying infectious diseases. But at night, Jen has immersed herself in creating the world of FBI K9 Handler Meg Jennings and her dog Hawk. 

From domestic terrorism to human trafficking, the FBI K9 series follows Meg & Hawk as part of the FBI’s Human Scent Detection Team.  From page one, these books had me hooked and it felt like I was along for the ride as Meg & Hawk are tasked with locating the missing, lost, escaped or dead.

Jen shares her writing process with us and how it has changed following the recent loss of her longtime writing partner, Ann Vanderlaan.

We discuss the critical importance of the partnership and bond between law enforcement K9s and their handlers.

At the end of the episode I share what I’ve learned about the history of law enforcement K9s in the US. I was surprised to discover that  my hometown of Baltimore plays a uniquely special role in this history of law enforcement K9s!

Get 20% off your next order of Teef, for your dog's dental health with the code: ADM.

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode68

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Presley & Taylor are country music recording artists  – and sisters! – known for creating beautiful harmonies.  They are also huge animal lovers and have 3 dogs!

Presley & Taylor recently released a heartwarming song called “Choose Me” which tells the story of a shelter dog finding their forever home. The lyrics remind me so much of how my dog Penny joined our family that I was almost in tears the first time I heard it.

Today we hear the story of what “Choose Me” means to Presley & Taylor, the story behind the music video and how proceeds from the streaming & downloads will be donated to the Pedigree Foundation.  We’ll also hear more about what being Pedigree Foundation Ambassadors means to them and about their life as Dog Moms.

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode33

• WATCH THE VIDEO for “Choose Me”
• DOWNLOAD THE SONG “Choose Me”

This one is personal.

My own dog Penny has been dealing with a chronic health issue for the past 6 months. In May, she was prescribed a common ear medication by our vet. A few days later I noticed that Penny wasn’t responding to things normally, like not barking at the mailman and not greeting me at the front door.  I realized Penny wasn’t hearing properly. Apparently in a tiny percentage of dogs, this ear medication causes an “ototoxicity” reaction that causes hearing loss that's hopefully only temporary. This was totally unexpected and I’m having a lot of Dog Mom guilt.

This experience has me curious about communicating and living with a deaf dog, so I reached out to Christina Lee of Deaf Dogs Rock.

Deaf dogs hear with their hearts.

In 2010, Christina Lee and her husband were contacted by a friend who worked the local animal shelter where Christina volunteered. There was a tiny 8-week-old white boxer puppy who had been found abandoned.  The puppy was deaf. The shelter hoped Christina’s family would adopt the dog because they knew he would have a safe and loving environment. Christina and her husband, Chris, took the leap and Nitro joined their family.

While researching how to best care for a deaf dog, Christina and Chris didn’t find a lot of information. Looking for guidance, they quickly got Nitro into training classes and he excelled. A local news story highlighted Nitro’s training progress and the story went viral.  Suddenly Christina was being contacted by people all over the U.S. who had questions about caring for a deaf dog. And Deaf Dogs Rock was born.

Christina & I discuss:

• How Nitro became an ambassador for deaf dogs and his exciting life
• All the ways Deaf Dogs Rock provides support for deaf dogs and their families
• The role of positive reinforcement training for deaf dogs, and how the training methods are very similar for hearing dogs
• Christina gives a perfect description of how to crate train any dog
• How Christina learned American Sign Language to communicate with deaf people who adopt deaf dogs
• The danger of dogs running loose and the measures Christina takes to protect her dogs and herself on walks in her rural mountain area
• The safer alternative to giving dogs some room to wander in nature while still keeping everyone safe (Hint: Long line leash)
• Some of Christina’s favorite rescue stories

Transcript available:

A transcript of this episode is available for download here.

Find Deaf Dogs Rock online:

Website: https://deafdogsrock.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/deafdogsrock/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deafdogsrock/

Links Discussed:

• Beginning Sign Training with Alisha McGraw

• Deaf Dogs Rock Training Video Library (including Savannah who signs while training)

• Deaf Dog Rescue of America

• Amanda & Winston of Dog Mom Days

• Long line leashes on Amazon. Give your dog room to explore while keeping them (and everyone around you) safe.

Let's Connect:

Find photos of Christina, her family, Nitro’s adorable smushy face & more at:

Facebook: @believeindogpodcast Instagram: @believe_in_dog_podcast Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

If you can name a Dog Sport, Melissa Stagnaro has most likely tried it at some point over the past 20 years.  And today we’re so fortunate to have Melissa sharing tips and insight from her years of experience.  I loved her canine enrichment idea for dogs recovering from an injury!

But did you know that you can learn the sport of Search & Rescue?  If you’ve ever wanted your dog to learn how to find someone in the woods or track a scent trail, there’s a sport for that! 

Commonly referred to as “RH,” the dog sport of Search & Rescue is open to dogs of all ages, breeds and backgrounds.

Melissa shares with us all about RH and how to get your dog started.  I’m always curious how to start teaching your dog these more advanced skills and Melissa gives us a great breakdown of how to approach training sessions.

Plus, I got to meet Melissa and many other Search & Rescue competitors at a recent Mock Trial and I’m sharing everything I learned at the event.

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode48

Did you know there are many reasons why a dog could be wearing a muzzle?  I like to think that the presence of a muzzle isn’t the sign of a bad dog – but of a good pet parent!

While working with some of the UK’s most challenging dogs in rescue at Dogs Trust, Clara Hewson spent years advising pet parents on the benefits of training their dog to wear a muzzle.

But Clara had never experienced one of her own dogs needing to be muzzled in public – until she adopted Tolly.  And Clara became shocked by the stigma she & Tolly began to experience.

So Clara took to social media with the goal to change public perception of dogs wearing a “face fence.” She created The Muzzle Movement, a community where pet parents are supported, encouraged and receive education (from one of the UK’s top dog trainers!).

When Clara found that she couldn’t find the “perfect” muzzle design – one that gave Tolly enough room to pant and receive treats – she decided she would create it herself.  Now you can shop at The Muzzle Movement to find muzzles that are safe, secure and fun to accessorize.

Clara shares with us the exact steps to start muzzle training your dog.  And it starts way before you even think about placing the muzzle on your dog!  We also learn about a recent breed-specific law impacting the UK’s XL Bully dogs (aka pit  bull dogs).

Find links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode99

1. Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player.

2. Screenshot your review.

3. Email the screenshot to me at erin@believeindogpodcast.com and I’ll be sending you a free gift.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

I was recently asked for information on how to stop a dog fight in the house when a newly adopted dog isn’t getting along with a resident dog.  And when I couldn’t find the information that I was looking for online, I wanted to create a podcast about this topic to help anyone in this situation.

And I’ll tell you my Dog Mom Confession: I once had a dog fight in my house and I still have a little PTSD about it.

Today I’m bringing together Dianna and Nikki, 2 skilled professional dog trainers, and Nichol, an experienced foster mom who’s had 50+ dogs through her home while raising her [human] child.  These knowledgeable Dog Moms have all experienced dog fight situations in their homes and have developed smart strategies to successfully manage their multi-dog households.

Not only do we discuss how to stop a dog fight safely for everyone involved, but we also want to help you handle your dogs – and your emotions – successfully and confidently afterwards.  Our goals is to arm you with the knowledge to stop this from ever happening again – and help prevent these situations from happening in the first place.

Trigger Warning: This can be an emotional topic to hear discussed so please take care while listening. Please note that some of the methods mentioned for stopping a dog fight in your home are only to be used in extreme situations where the life of a dog is in danger.

Find links & show notes at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode51

I know that when I don’t feel good, I’m not always at my best. Some people – like my husband – even get “hangry” when they’re hungry, their blood sugar crashes and affects their mood.  And I’ve learned – usually the hard way – that when I eat junk food, I’ll have that “crash” afterwards when I’m definitely not at 100%.  But what about our dogs?

Tamara and I discuss what this looks like for our dogs and how what we feed our dogs affects their behavior.

Tamara joins us bringing her wealth of knowledge and  lifetime of experience about what it means to have a happy, healthy dog in mind, body and spirit.

Tamara shares her journey with us and how her career taken her from learning about training, obedience, behavior to canine nutrition, health and wellness.  I love the idea of looking at our dogs holistically in this way.

Tamara also shares the story of Sammy, her rescued laboratory beagle, who is memorialized in the book “Blessed,” the children’s book Tamara wrote in his honor.

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode45

From leaving New Jersey to start a new life – and a holistic dog boutique –  in Montana to history, science and technology, Ellie and I cover a lot of ground in this episode.

Ellie’s life was forever changed when she was scrolling on social media one morning and saw a video that shook her to her core. This was a video showing laboratory testing on beagles.  A beagle owner herself, Ellie was horrified and decided she was going to do something about this.

Now the Dog Mom to two rescued laboratory beagles among the rest of her menagerie, Ellie now adds author to her resume. 

Ellie’s book, Laboratory Dogs Rescued: From Test Subjects to Beloved Companions, takes a look through the past, the present and the future of the use of animals in research. In the second half of the book, we hear from the organizations rescuing these dogs and many heart-warming stories from the adopters of beagles rescued from laboratories.

So what can we do about this?  A lot, actually!  Ellie shares many easy things that each of can do right from our phones to help.

While the topic of laboratory testing on animals may sound like a grim subject, this topic is discussed in a sensitive manner filled with fact-based information and tangible takeaways.

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode-43

Episode Sponsored By:

Hugs & Belly Rubs Dog Health Journal: https://www.hugsandbellyrubs.com/doghealthjournal

If you're anything like me, you enjoy shopping for other people but have a more difficult time telling people what they should get you.  

This episode will give you plenty of ideas for your Holiday Wish List (and your dog), no matter where you are in your Pet Parent journey.

From 1st time Pet Parent to the Dog-Obsessed and everything in between, click here for the list: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode110

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Is your dog as happy as you think? Are there scientifically proven ways to make your dog happy?

Dr. Zazie Todd shines light on these questions in her book Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy.

This is a re-broadcast of Episode 9, which originally aired March 9, 2020.

Zazie Todd did not grow up with pets, while on her way to becoming an accomplished social psychologist. When she & her husband adopted 2 dogs within 6 weeks from their local humane society, Zazie used her psychology and research background to make sure she was doing the “right” things for her dogs.

As she began looking into the burgeoning field of canine science and what we are learning about dogs, Zazie shared her findings by starting her blog, Companion Animal Psychology.

If you’ve ever wondered if your dog is as happy as you hope, or if you are making the right decisions for your dog, Zazie shares all that she’s learned in her book Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy.

Find links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode86

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Has your life been impacted by the loss of a pet?  Erica Messer and her husband adopted Wolfgang, a sickly kitten found in a barn during the height of COVID quarantine in 2020.  But when a tragic accident ended Wolfie’s life the following year, it completely changed the direction of Erica’s life.

Now the Founder of Wolfie’s Wish, Erica created the product she was looking for on her grief journey but couldn’t find.  Wolfie’s Wish Grieving Cards are affirmation-style cards that help you incorporate healing practices into your day.

I’m so grateful to Erica for sharing her grief journey with us and the coping skills and tools she learned along the way.  Erica also holds space for me as I share about the unexpected loss of Penny in January 2023. We also discuss that the struggle that many of us feel to not show our emotions when we’re not ok. Erica & I believe: It’s ok not be ok.

You can get Erica’s template for writing a love letter to your pet at www.wolfieswish.com. 

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Find Links and Show Notes at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode78

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Have you ever struggled with your dog’s health?  Or with getting a proper diagnosis for your dog? Have you ever felt like your veterinarian wasn’t listening? Or felt pressured by your vet to make a decision that you didn’t agree with or couldn’t afford?  I’ve been there.

On a beautiful spring morning at the end of April 2014, my Lucy collapsed on our walk around the neighborhood. I struggled to get my 60 lb pit bull girl home as she kept falling over after walking a few steps at a time. But then an hour later, she seemed back to normal. And she was fine for a few more days, but then she collapsed again. What was wrong with my girl?

I’ve learned many lessons as a Dog Mom and today I’m sharing with you: 8 lessons I learned from my dog having a mystery illness. I learned these lessons the hard way, so hopefully you won’t have to.

8 Lessons Learned:

1. You know your dog better than anyone. If you think something is wrong, weird or unusual with your dog’s health, behavior or appearance, trust yourself.
2. Keep a dog health journal. This can be in a notebook or a typed document in your Google Drive. (**I am working to create a version of this. If you would like to be part of a test group, please email erin@believeindogpodcast.com)
3. Document your dog’s health concern by photo (e.g. lump, bump, wound) or taking video (e.g. seizure, movement problem, or an intermittent occurrence).
4. It’s ok to say “No” to your vet.
5. Get a second opinion. Or a third opinion. See a specialist. See a holistic vet. Get a consult at a veterinary teaching hospital.
6. Get a copy of your dog’s blood work for your own records. And any other lab results (e.g. pathology report). Compare your dog’s blood work results over time. If you are super organized, create a spreadsheet. (Note: I am not this organized.)
7. Don’t forget your own self-care. When we are dealing with a chronic or terminal illness in our dogs, it’s a very stressful time and can really take a toll on our own well-being. You can’t take care of anyone else if you aren’t taking care of yourself first.
8. Every day with our dogs is a gift. Enjoy every moment, every tail wag, every belly rub.

Links Discussed:

Understanding your dog's blood work. This is the best link I have found to explain what is being measured, the normal ranges and what these indicate about your dog's health.

https://www.caninecancer.com/lab-values

Please note: I am not a veterinarian and am not giving medical advice. This is information based on my personal experience as a Dog Mom.

Let's Connect:

Have you ever struggled to get a proper diagnosis for your dog?

Facebook: @believeindogpodcast Instagram: @believe_in_dog_podcast Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com

If you are enjoying this podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating or review.

Zazie Todd did not grow up with pets, while on her way to becoming an accomplished social psychologist. When she & her husband adopted 2 dogs within 6 weeks from their local humane society, Zazie used her psychology and research background to make sure she was doing the “right” things for her dogs. As she began looking into the burgeoning field of canine science and what we are learning about dogs, Zazie shared her findings by starting her blog, Companion Animal Psychology.

If you’ve ever wondered if your dog is as happy as you hope, or if you are making the right decisions for your dog, Zazie shares all that she’s learned in her new book Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, which comes out Tuesday, March 10.

Zazie and I discuss:

• Her background and how her dogs Ghost and Bodger joined her family;
• The behavior issues of her dogs that led to Zazie using her psychology background to looking to the research and science to ensure she was making the right decisions for her dogs;
• What motivated her to start her blog, Companion Animal Psychology;
• Attending Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers;
• How to find the “right” information for training your dog;
• Taking your dog on a “sniffari" and other items on the Checklist for a Happy Dog;
• Training cats;
• Zazie’s work with shelter dogs at her local humane society;
• The importance of selecting the right dog for your family’s lifestyle;
• Her #1 training challenge as a dog owner;
• What does “fear-free” mean for veterinary care?; and
• End-of-life care for our dogs.

I also give you 5 of my favorite takeaways from the book. When you order your copy of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, make sure you find the 3-page Checklist for a Happy Dog. You can even cross-reference each checklist item with the location in the book where this topic was discussed. While you may already be doing many of these but, there are a few that surprised me!

Order the book: Paperback or Kindle

When your book/ebook is delivered, share a photo in your IG stories, and tag @believe_in_dog_podcast and @zazietodd.

Links discussed: Companion Animal Psychology blog The Ultimate Dog Training Tip Is My Dog Happy? How Dogs' Body Language is a Guide 10 Tips to Integrate Dog Training into Your Everyday Life

Find Zazie online: Companion Animal Psychology blog, Facebook or Instagram

Let's Connect: Facebook: @believeindogpodcast Instagram: @believe_in_dog_podcast email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Episode 20. Shy & Fearful Dogs: Brittany’s Story with Maria Montgomery, Trainer.

After hearing the Shy & Fearful Dog Roundtable (Episode 17), Brittany Roger reached out to me with her own story. While Brittany was a lifelong animal lover, it wasn’t until she & her husband adopted Sam, an elderly obese chihuahua, that they learned exactly how much they didn’t know about dog behavior . . . after a trip to the emergency room.

A few years later, after starting her new job at the Maryland SPCA as a Digital Specialist, Brittany fell in love with another chihuahua, Carmelo, who she hoped would have all the good traits of her first dog, with none of the more challenging traits. Carmelo, however, had different plans in mind. 

When the COVID-19 quarantine hit last year, Maryland SPCA’s Lead Trainer & Behaviorist, Maria Montgomery, was working to move the shelter’s training classes online and with Brittany’s help, was able to do just that.  Brittany meanwhile was tasked with editing hours of dog training videos and was learning by osmosis exactly what she needed to help Carmelo become comfortable in his new family at his own pace.

Brittany, Maria & I discuss:

• Brittany’s childhood critters;
• How Maria, a reluctant puppy owner, accidentally fell into dog training and how it changed her life;
• How Sam & Carmelo joined Brittany’s family and the challenges that each dog brought;
• Learning how to “handle” a dog that’s sensitive to being touched;
• Dealing with the “fantasy” of what we want our dogs to be versus accepting the reality of who our dogs truly are and what they need from us;
• How Brittany started learning how to help Carmelo during COVID-19 through the Maryland SPCA’s online training videos and consultations;
• How sometimes our dog’s challenges mirror the same challenges we experience as people – and learning to have compassion for our dogs and ourselves;
• Why your dog’s growling is a good thing!;
• Knowing when and how to push your dog – the right way to challenge your dog to expand their comfort zone through creating games and finding your dog’s joy;
• The importance of training dogs – especially fearful dogs – in short bursts and how to include new skills into your lifestyle;
• Why we should spend more time watching our dogs;
• How the Maryland SPCA was able to pivot their dog training classes online during COVID-19;
• The benefits of online training classes for shy and fearful dogs;
• Tips for finding the right dog trainer for you and your dog; and
• How you’re training your dog whether you know it or not.

Links Discussed:

Maryland SPCA:

https://www.mdspca.org/

Maryland SPCA’s Online Training Classes – For any dog owner:

https://www.mdspca.org/education/training/

Episode 1, Erin’s Story as a Reluctant Dog Owner

https://believeindog.podbean.com/e/erins-story-i-love-lucy/

Let's Connect:

Facebook: @believeindogpodcast Instagram: @believe_in_dog_podcast Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Episode 19. Kaitlyn Thomas of Finding Knox.

Coming home from work one day to find that your dog isn’t there is pretty much the worst nightmare of any dog owner. When this happened to Kaitlyn, her plea to get her dog, Knox, back went viral. And Kaitlyn found a way to keep the momentum of her sudden unexpected platform going and turned it into the Finding Knox organization.

Finding Knox’s free microchip program has become a valued partner of the B-More Dog Wellness Clinics – the organization I volunteer with – since 2017. Finding Knox has provided nearly 1,000 free microchips to Baltimore residents and are now expanding their programs to provide even more services to Baltimore’s pet owners in need.

Kaitlyn & I discuss:

• Her childhood experience with pets;
• How Knox came into Kaitlyn’s life;
• The event that led to Knox disappearing;
• How Knox was recovered;
• How Kaitlyn was inspired to turn a negative event into a positive force for good and created the Finding Knox organization;
• About Finding Knox’s work in the community and Kaitlyn’s inspirations for expanding beyond her initial mission;
• Supporting Baltimore’s pet owners during COVID-19;
• Community fostering and informal rescue in Baltimore’s neighborhoods;
• The power of animal welfare conferences and collaborations;
• What it’s like to work in an animal shelter; and
• Kaitlyn & Knox’s humane education experiences.

Finding Knox online:

Website: https://findingknox.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FindingKnox

Links Discussed:

Maryland SPCA: https://www.mdspca.org/

Charm City Pet Connect: https://www.ccpetconnect.com/

Jasmine’s House: https://jasmineshouse.org/

Project Mickey: http://projectmickey.org/

HSUS Expo: https://humanepro.org/expo

HSUS Pets for Life Program: https://www.humanesociety.org/issues/keeping-pets-life

Annie Pruitt of Charm City Companions featured on Episode 6: https://believeindog.podbean.com/e/episode-6-annies-story-compassion-in-action/

Michelle Serocki of Pit Bull Advocates of America featured on Episode 15: https://believeindog.podbean.com/e/episode-15-michelle-serocki-pit-bull-advocates-of-america/

Let's Connect:

Facebook: @believeindogpodcast Instagram: @believe_in_dog_podcast Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

We see these memes online everyday joking that all of our dogs are freelance emotional support dogs.  But what if it’s your dog’s behavior that’s causing you anxiety?

I’m grateful to Karoline Edmonds of Dog Mom Mentality for courageously sharing her ups and downs with us today.

Admittedly a bit of a reluctant and naïve dog owner, in early 2020 Karoline agreed that her boyfriend could get a dog – if he was willing to do all the work.  Then COVID happened and Karoline found herself being the one at home all day everyday with Layla the Australian Shepherd mix.

When Layla began showing fear, reactivity and even some fear aggression, Karoline found that her dog’s anxiety was giving her anxiety!  So now what was she going to do?

Over the past 3 years Karoline has embarked on a journey of Growing & Heeling – working on her own mental and emotional health, as well as Layla’s behavioral challenges.

Karoline has now created the Growing & Heeling Journal to help pet parents navigate through both the awesome times and those times when it’s unexpectedly difficult sharing your life with your dog.

Get 10% off Karoline's Growing & Heeling Journal with the code: BID10.

Get 20% off your next order of Teef, for your dog's dental health with the code: ADM.

Find Links and Show Notes at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode66

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Have you ever heard someone say that you should be your dog’s “alpha”?   I’ve heard all types of odd advice over the years, like don’t let your dog walk through the doorway before you or never feed your dog before you eat. 

And I’ve always had lots of questions.   Do dogs have alphas?  or is that a wolf thing? You often hear the term “alpha male,” but in nature aren’t alpha females just as common?  What is the role of the alpha in a pack?  Are dogs even looking for humans to be their alpha?

 Fortunately we have renowned ethologist Dr. Marc Bekoff to answer all these questions and more for us. Though a self-proclaimed “terrible student,” Dr. Bekoff is a prolific writer, and his remarkable career often has him collaborating with the likes of Jane Goodall.

As a pet parent companion animal guardian, Dr. Bekoff makes me think about the type of relationship I want to have with my dogs and the type of human I want to be.  (And also about some of the past blunders I’ve inadvertently made.)

From sniffing & playtime to navigating dog parks, Dr. Bekoff gives us practical ways to truly honor our dogs’ “dogness.”

Find links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode103

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Join the Facebook Group: Believe in Dog Pet Parent Support Group

1. Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player.

2. Screenshot your review.

3. Email the screenshot to me at erin@believeindogpodcast.com and I’ll be sending you a free gift.

Have you – or someone you know – ever struggled with a challenging dog?  Where you’ve tried everything from trainers to vets to behaviorists, but life with the dog is still a daily struggle – whether fear, reactivity or feeling like the dog runs the house instead of the humans.

If any of this sounds familiar, then you won’t want to miss this episode.

After struggling for 5 years with her own dog, Maya, Souha met a series of life-changing teachers and mentors.  These experiences led her to develop a philosophy to heal the relationship and strengthen the bond we have with our troubled dogs.

Souha explains to us her 3-stage method that she calls the Way of Life Method. This system is like hitting the “reset” button on your relationship with your dog – at any age and no matter how long your dog has been part of the family.

Souha’s Way of Life is a methodical approach to adjusting the expectations we have for our dogs and involves re-establishing our life and our home in a structured way that sets our dogs up for success.  This is a completely force-free and non-aversive methodology.

In Souha’s book, The Way of Life Method, she provides daily schedules, exercises and bonding activities intended to create the connection with your dog that you’ve always wanted but didn’t think was possible.

Find links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode88

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Oncotect: With 1 in 3 dogs being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, Oncotect is the first at-home screening test that Pet Parents can purchase to get peace of mind.  Get 15% off when you use the code: BELIEVEINDOG

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Episode 29. How Billie Groom of UPWARD Dogology is Helping Dogs with a "Checkered Past"

While Billie Groom didn’t grow up with pets, the dogs started finding her when she was in her 20s.  Billie’s passion was ignited when she stumbled upon a dog hiding under a log on a beach and found her a loving home.

After traveling through the U.S. in a renovated bus and running an informal dog rescue in North Carolina, Billie returned to Canada and fell into starting a dog walking company.

While running her business, Billie found she had a knack for working with dogs with behavioral issues and found herself helping pet parents improve their dog’s problematic adolescent behavior and assisting dogs with a “checkered past.”

Billie’s UPWARD Dogology has helped hundreds of families who are often in a crisis due to their dog’s behavior.   Billie’s methodology differs from traditional training methods and is based on the principles of cognitive behavior therapy.

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode29

Today we’re continuing our discussion from last week so make sure you’ve listened to Episode 51, as we jump right back into the conversation.

In Part 2, we start with a discussion of how to resolve the difficult emotions that can arise when you’ve experienced a dog fight situation in your home.  Everyone vulnerably shares their experiences and how they were able to move forward.

But how do you prevent these situations in the first place?  How should you go about introducing a new dog to your home? Do dogs need to be best friends from day one? 

We answer all these questions and give all the Do’s and Don’ts to help pet parents confidently integrate a new dog into their pack in a slow & steady manner.

What about when you’re outside your home and get approached by a loose dog?  Or at a beach or dog park?  How can you be prepared?

You’ll hear how our Dog Moms prepare themselves for any unexpected loose dog – or other wildlife! – situations that may arise outside the home.  

Trigger Warning: This can be an emotional topic to hear discussed so please take care while listening. Experiences with behavioral euthanasia are discussed. Please note that some of the methods mentioned for stopping a dog fight are only to be used in extreme situations where the life of a dog is in danger.

Find links, Show Notes & Photos of Di's Batman Utility Belt at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode52

Join us today as we celebrate the life of Catherine Violet Hubbard who was taken from her family & the world much too soon. Catherine was just 6 years-old in the First Grade on December 14, 2012 when the Sandy Hook tragedy took place.

Catherine’s dream was to be an Animal Caretaker.  She was so passionate about this that she made her own business cards which she handed out in Kindergarten. Known for collecting “animal pals” around the backyard, Catherine would always release her pals with a parting whisper to “tell all your friends I am kind.”

Carrying out her daughter’s lasting legacy of kindness to all creatures, Jenny Hubbard shares the story of how the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation and Animal Sanctuary came to be.

Since its inception, the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation has raised over $6.5 Million and is now home to a 34-acre property in Newtown, Connecticut and pays tribute to Catherine and her spirit of kindness towards all living things by honoring the bond between humans, animals and the environment.

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode49

Episode Sponsored By:

Hugs & Belly Rubs Dog Health Journal: https://www.hugsandbellyrubs.com/doghealthjournal

When she was experiencing an “empty nest,” Jodi’s husband, a retired Marine, encouraged her to express her feelings through writing.  Now Jodi Burnett is the author of more than a dozen suspenseful thrillers – with a bite!

All of Jodi’s books include dogs as central characters in the stories.  I’m a huge fan of the Tin Star K9 books featuring Renegade, the law enforcement K9.  Since Jodi doesn’t have experience working in law enforcement, I was curious how she learned so much about working K9 dogs.

Jodi shares with us all that she’s learned about these highly trained dogs, her favorite part of writing her books, where she comes up with these heart-stopping ideas, how to nurture your own creativity and just how much of her own life ends up in her books.

We’re also celebrating the 50th episode of the Believe in Dog Podcast!

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode50

Have you ever wondered if your dog could be a Therapy Dog?  Are you & your dog ready to be a therapy team?  Where do you even start?

After working in tech for many years, Sherrie Rohde decided to make a career change and become a therapist. And when she learned (through Instagram!) about animal-assisted therapy work, Sherrie became excited about the idea of incorporating dogs into her new career.

When Sherrie adopted her dog Sunny, they started training courses right away.  Sherrie became more determined than ever that Sunny would be great therapy dog partner.

But what did Sunny think?  From eating her obedience certificate to needing more practice on her therapy dog skills, Sherrie realizes that Sunny’s imperfect journey has been a great lesson to them both.

Through her Therapy Dog Talk Podcast and online course for therapy dog teams, Sherrie is an incredible resource for anyone interested in learning more about therapy dog work.

Exciting news! The Believe in Dog Podcast is featured in Women Who Podcast Magazine and we’re celebrating the 4th anniversary of Believe in Dog!

Find Links & Show Notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode81

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Have you ever struggled with your dog’s reactivity?

 Whether your dog is reactive to other dogs, people or something in the environment, Grisha Stewart’s Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) may be what you’ve been looking for to help your dog lead a more comfortable life.

Grisha developed BAT training while dealing with her own dog, Peanut’s, reactivity.  Despite doing everything “right” – according to the dog training advice available at the time – she was she still struggling.

Grisha shares with us the principles of BAT and how BAT is based on positive reinforcement, but without the use of food.  Focusing on resiliency and empowering your dog, BAT builds your dog’s confidence, communication and trust.

What about those times when we face a setback and our dog does get reactive?  We’ll learn about the choices we can make to best support our dog from the human end of the leash, as well.

Find links, photos and show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode117

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Have you ever been around a dog who doesn’t “dog” like other dogs?  Maybe you’ve experienced a dog who is reactive or has separation anxiety or a noise-phobia?

Sharon Vincuilla and I explore how dogs (and people!) can experience the world differently and how neurodiversity shows up in a dog’s behavior.  And Sharon has experienced this first-hand with her dog, Muggins!

Sharon found that life with Muggins was even triggering her own trauma.  Seemingly ordinary life events like walking the dog or having a friend stop by her house would turn into stressful ordeals with Muggins.

Leaning on her work as both a dog trainer and an Occupational Therapist, Sharon shares with us the strategies she developed that allow both her and Muggins to thrive.  And she teaches us strategies we can incorporate into our lives with our dogs who might “dog” a little differently.

Find Links & Show Notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode80

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

While Lynne Cox is known to the world as an elite world-class swimmer who’s set open-water swimming records all over the world, she is also someone whose life has been shaped by the love of dogs and the lessons she has learned from dogs.

When Lynne found out there was a school in Italy that trains water rescue dogs to jump out of boats and helicopters to save people from drowning, her first thought was: I have to go there right now! So Lynne traveled to Italy and was able to learn first-hand about the training process of these elite canine athletes.

Which brings us to the story of Al, an exuberant Newfoundland with a lust for life who isn’t quite meeting the expectations of the Vice-President of the Italian School for Water Rescue Dogs – or is she? 

Lynne’s new book, Tales of Al – The Water Rescue Dog – The Making of a Canine Athlete, is a story of dreams, expectations, disappointments and courage. And if you’ve ever felt misunderstood, you might find a piece of yourself in Al’s story.

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode47

Episode Sponsored By:

Hugs & Belly Rubs Dog Health Journal: https://www.hugsandbellyrubs.com/doghealthjournal

Want to give your dog the best year ever?  Let your dog be a dog with more canine enrichment activities in their lives!

When Taylor Finton & her husband adopted their American Village dogs – rescued from the island of St. Lucia - Taylor thought it would be fun to document her dogs’ new lives in Canada.  So Taylor started Bindi’s Bucket List as a blog and on Instagram.  When she started sharing her Kong recipes, pet parents around the world took notice!

But as Taylor shares with us, canine enrichment isn’t just Kong recipes – it’s so much more! Taylor’s new book, The Happiest Dog on the Block: Canine Enrichment Activities to Keep Your Dog Young & Healthy, is packed with fun and easy activities that are also backed by scientific research.

Did you know there are 6 different categories of canine enrichment? Taylor shares examples of each type and how to determine which are your dog’s favorites. 

We’ll also learn how to create a canine enrichment plan for our dogs and the #1 thing to avoid when trying new enrichment activities.

Taylor even tells us how to choose or modify enrichment activities for puppies and senior dogs, as well as fearful or reactive dogs. 

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode112

Interested in more about canine enrichment?  Join Erin the Dog  Mom’s email list for a resource roundup coming soon.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Episode 31. Erika Kovacs with Pinups for Pit Bulls.

A lifelong dog-lover, Erika is one firecracker of a Dog Mom. Erika is a vet tech by day and spends her free time advocating for pit bull dogs with the Pinups for Pit Bulls organization. Ericka even modeled in the Pinups for Pit Bulls 2020 calendar…as Miss March 2020 … or Miss COVID!  But Erika shares with us how she was able to redeem herself in the 2022 “Greatest Pits” edition of the calendar.

Erika has so much to share about her experiences as a Dog Mom including Hogan’s leash reactivity and everything she’s done to improve this behavior over time. 

Plus, we discuss life as pit bull owners & advocates, from the pressure we put on ourselves to have the “perfect” breed ambassador dogs to everything we’ve learned about advocating and breed discrimination to dealing with other people’s reactions to our dogs.

Make sure to follow Erika on her always entertaining Instagram where she shares the adventures of her pit bull dogs, Hollywood Hulk Hogan and Erlenmeyer Flask.

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode-31

Marta Negro is one of the bravest and coolest people that I’ve ever met and I can’t wait for you to hear her story.

Leaving at the end of 2019 to embark a solo adventure around the world, Marta hitchhiked her way through Poland and worked as a tour guide in Russia before landing in Thailand to volunteer at an animal rescue helping Thai street dogs.  On her first day at the rescue, Marta fell in love with a little dog named Teaspa who really needed some TLC.  Marta knew she had to bring Teaspa home with her to Scotland and made a promise to Teaspa that she was now Marta’s dog.

Unfortunately, Marta happened to meet Teaspa in March of 2020. And there were some major things happening in the world.  Marta had to make the heart-breaking decision to leave Teaspa behind in Thailand temporarily.

While Marta spent months trying to figure out how to get Teaspa from Thailand to Europe, she discovered there was not one central clearinghouse for pet owner or travelers to coordinate.  So she decided to create it.  And Help The Dog Fly was born.

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode42

Plus listen for details on how to win tickets to Pawject Runway!

I first started following Danny & Ron’s Rescue back in 2018 when I saw the documentary about them called Life in the Doghouse. So it was a complete joy to have the opportunity to speak with them about their new book Forever Home: How We Turned Our House into a Haven for Abandoned, Abused and Misunderstood Dogs - and Each Other.

Forever Home is such an honest and vulnerable share of the ups & downs that Danny and Ron have experienced - in life and in rescue.

I think so many Pet Parents will find a piece of themselves in Danny & Ron’s story as it’s a universal experience for our dogs to help us through everything from illnesses to grief.

Of course it’s not as universal of an experience to have 100+ dogs living in your house at any given time! After rescuing more than 600 dogs from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Danny & Ron formalized their long-standing rescue efforts into an official organization and have now gone on to find loving home for 14,000+ dogs.

But unlike many rescues which rely on foster homes or kennels to house adoptable dogs, Danny & Ron are unique in that all the dogs in their rescue live with them in their home.

From how they gain the trust of the most traumatized dogs to finding the best homes for their dogs, we learn what it means to be a Danny & Ron’s Dog. Danny & Ron share about the hardest part of running a rescue, how their lives changed after the documentary and all about the famous singer who has become a personal friend of theirs after learning about the amazing work of Danny & Ron’s Rescue. From Ukraine to Australia to Aruba, Danny & Ron also tell us about the people, causes and organizations around the world that they help support.

I can’t help but think that the world would be a better place if we had more Dannys and Rons in it.

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode58

I found out about Pittie Clothing Co. as I was researching for Episode 11 with Sarah Lauch & Live Like Roo Foundation. I love their bright, fun patterns. As a pit bull owner, I know how difficult it can be to find cute clothes that properly fit your dog.

Erin Crowley founded Pittie Clothing Co. so she could finally have matching pajamas with her dog. But after having experienced negative public reactions to her own lovable pit bull dog, Erin’s greater mission is to help pit bull dogs look more approachable and defeat stereotypes.

Erin & I discuss:

• Her childhood experiences with pets;
• How Erin & her boyfriend decided to adopt a pit bull dog and name him Duncan;
• Erin’s experiences with Duncan’s crate escapism and separation anxiety;
• How Erin & her boyfriend handled Duncan’s unexpected health issue;
• Erin’s connection to Sarah Lauch & Live Like Roo Foundation;
• Pittie Clothing Co.’s origin story and the struggle of pit bull owners to find cute clothes for their dogs;
• Erin’s process for determining the sizing and samples for Pittie Clothing Co.;
• The multitude of ways that Erin & Pittie Clothing Co. give back to shelters, rescues and the community;
• Erin’s hope that pit bulls in pajamas will have make them look more approachable and non-threatening;
• Erin’s own experiences receiving negative reactions to her dogs;
• How breed discriminatory housing policies lead to more dogs in animal shelters;
• The fun of themed dog walks;
• How Dougie joined Erin’s family; and
• Pittie Clothing Co.’s products, designs and partnerships.

Links discussed:

Live Like Roo Foundation

Chicago SociaBulls

Find Pittie Clothing Co. online:

Web: https://pittieclothing.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pittieclothingcompany/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pittieclothing/

Let's Connect:

Facebook: @believeindogpodcast Instagram: @believe_in_dog_podcast Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Dogs, drama and death threats…oh my!

On this Roundtable, we’ll hear from 3 women in Baltimore’s animal rescue community who have collectively impacted the lives of countless dogs.

I brought these guests together so we could dive into topics such as who determines Adoption Requirements & Procedures and how rescues can set up their Foster Families for success.

But while I’ve been around the animal welfare world since 2008, there was still a lot that I didn’t know – especially about the “dark side” of rescue and even dogs in “witness protection.”  Some of it was quite shocking!

In fact, while we were recording the Roundtable, Nichol was getting text message updates about a dog situation that had been unfolding since 3 AM – and this is emotional to hear.

So we dig into the tough topics as well: guilt, social media drama and why can’t the rescues just all get along?

Special thanks to: Nichol O’Marr (foster for Pitties & Purrs Rescue), Melissa Trotman (founder of Bella’s Bully Buddies which found homes for 1,000+ dogs from 2012 – 2019) and Jen Carle (currently Director of Operations for Tara’s House Animal Rescue).

If you like this episode, you won’t want to miss Episode 60 and Episode 75!

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode76

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Annie’s Story – Compassion in Action with Charm City Companions

Happy New Year! Happy New Decade! Today I share a brief reflection on how my volunteer work in the community with B-More Dog has helped me become a happier person than I was 10 years ago by releasing judgment and having compassion for others. I also explain some of the Baltimore-specific references that Annie & I discuss.

At the start of Episode 3 with Michelle Serocki, I gave a little bit of background on some of Humane Society of the U.S. programs to help dog owners in underserved communities. HSUS’s former End Dogfighting program morphed into what is now known as Pets For Life. The Pets For Life program helps to address the lack of resources pet owners experience in underserved communities by providing free veterinary care, supplies, services and information.

Our guest today, Annie Pruitt of Charm City Companions (“CCC”), literally wrote the book on the Pets For Life program. Annie worked for more than 20 years in the field of communications and market research. When her company was hired by the Humane Society of the U.S. to help create the Pets For Life campaign, Annie’s life changed forever.

Through her own experiences, it became so clear to Annie that the benefits of the human-animal bond reach beyond someone’s socio-economic status. Annie now runs Charm City Companions full-time. Her days are spent doing door-to-door community outreach in East Baltimore neighborhoods that are also known for high rates of gun violence.

Annie and I discuss:

• How supporting pets is also creating healthier communities;
• Annie’s unconventional childhood;
• How her professional marketing career led to the creation of Charm City Companions;
• How Annie decided to concentrate CCC’s efforts in the East Baltimore communities of McElderry Park and Ellwood Park;
• How Annie’s own pets supported her during a life-altering break-up which affected her both personally and professionally and made her realize the strength and importance of the human-animal bond to pet owners of all socio-economic backgrounds;
• How the work Annie & I have done in underserved communities has changed our perceptions and understandings and how we hope the animal welfare community will continue to evolve in presenting stories in a manner that’s compassionate and respectful to all parties; and
• Stories about some of the people Annie has met in the community through CCC.

To end, I “geek out” about a book I read that affected how I think about poverty, “Scarcity, the New Science of Having Less and How it Defines Our Lives.” This “Malcolm Gladwell-style” read helps us correlate how a busy person’s lack of time, or dieter’s lack of will power, can affect decision-making, similar to a poverty mindset.

Find Charm City Companions online: Website: http://www.charmcitycompanions.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charmcitycompanions

Links talked about:

• HSUS Pets For Life
• Baltimore "butterfly map" and also here
• Safe Streets - East Baltimore

Let’s connect. You can find photos of Annie, her dog Poly and her work with Charm City Companions at:

Facebook @believeindogpodcast Instagram @believe_in_dog_podcast NEW Email! erin@believeindogpodcast.com 

In Part 2 with Chris Hannah (Dog Dad to Cole the Deaf Dog), I share my observation that not only is Cole a special dog, but that Chris is a special human to have the emotional bandwidth to hold space for the many people he encounters during their therapy work.  Chris explains how Cole’s influence has shown him parts of himself that he didn’t know he had.

We discuss the powerful experience of volunteering at a hospice facility supporting patients and their families during the most difficult time.  Chris reflects on some of the more memorable encounters with patients, as well as students that he & Cole have helped through difficult times – including the pandemic.

Chris reveals his hopes and plans for the future and also shares with us the incredible media opportunities and awards of recognition that he & Cole have received.  From Good Morning America, Rachel Ray, Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight and Lester Holt to being the first deaf dog to receive a Hero Dog Award.  Oh Em Gee! (Ahem, *cough* Kelly Clarkson next?!)

But while this attention has been thrilling and surreal for Chris, it’s also come with a dark side – online harassment and bullying due to Cole’s breed. Chris tells the toll this has taken on him and the precautions he now must take.

You can support Chris & Cole’s work, as well as find videos of their media appearances at: http://www.colethedeafdog.com

Find links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode97

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

and check out: Dog Profiles

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Holiday Giving Campaign:  Let’s help Cara Achterberg (Episode 75)  provide her newest book Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories & Solutions for FREE to America’s shelters and rescues!

What If you could solve your dog’s biggest behavior challenge TODAY? Dog trainer Juliana DeWillems says that while immediate results usually aren’t possible in dog training – they can be when we use management techniques. 

In her new book Manage It! Hacks for Improving Your Dog’s Behavior, Juliana shares how us Pet Parents can easily solve many of our dog’s behavior challenges by changing our environment.  

Juliana explains different approaches to managing our dog’s behavior when greeting holiday visitors at your home as well as dealing with reactive dogs.  Her book even includes charts, worksheets, photos and videos (via QR code) to help you find the best hacks for your unique home, life and challenges.

We’ll discuss the difference between training and management – and when to use each one (or both!).  Juliana & I also share some of our favorite management tools and techniques that we use with our own dogs.

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode109

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Episode 23. Peter Ciancarelli of Allie’s Canine Crew

Peter is a Dog Dad Extraordinaire! When Peter’s dog Allie was struggling with health issues, he had a difficult time getting the right answers for her – even a veterinary college’s animal hospital couldn’t help.  So Peter then started seeking out holistic veterinary practitioners and began working Dr. Margo Roman – one of the pioneers of gut microbiome research in pets – who was able to help Allie begin to thrive. Peter created the Facebook Allie’s Canine Crew to share all that he was learning and doing to help Allie. Allie’s Canine Crew has grown to 5,000+ pet parents who are all trying to make the best health decisions for their dogs.

Warning: Poop talk ahead!

Peter & I discuss:

• His childhood experiences with dogs and how Allie came to be “his” dog;
• How Peter started dog (and people) training as he helped Allie with behavioral issues;
• Some of the hard times Allie has gotten Peter through;
• Allie’s health issues and all the places he tried to get help for her;
• How Peter found Dr. Margo Roman;
• Fecal Microbiome Transplants and Microbiome Restorative Therapy for dogs;
• Factors that can negatively impact your dog’s gut microbiome;
• The most important change you can make to help your dog’s gut microbiome;
• How to build your pet’s wellness team;
• Allie’s current health challenges; and
• Giving ourselves permission to look “outside the box” and find a vet or practitioner with more tools in the toolbox to help our dogs

Links Discussed:

Join Allie’s Canine Crew on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/724785157871642

Dr. Margo Roman http://www.mashvet.com/dr-margo-roman.html

Dr. Roman’s Microbiome Restorative Therapy https://microbiomerestorativetherapy.com/

Read more from Dr. Roman https://ivcjournal.com/author/margoroman/

What is Ozone Therapy for our pets? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsdNHLFCASw

Find a vet who uses Ozone Therapy http://www.o3vets.com/vets/

Find a Holistic Veterinarian https://www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/

Test your dog’s gut microbiome with Animal Biome (Join their email list for discounts!) https://www.animalbiome.com/

MiDog Pet Microbiome Testing (for your vet) https://www.midogtest.com/

Ion Biome Gut Health Supplement for Pets https://ionbiome.com/products/ion-gut-health-pets

Canine Healthy Soil Project https://caninehealthysoil.com/

Plechner’s Syndrome http://drplechner.com/what-is-plechners-syndrome/

Dr. Karen Becker https://drkarenbecker.com/

Rodney Habib https://www.planetpaws.ca/

Rita Hogan, Canine Herbalist https://www.canineherbalist.com/

Andrea Ring, DCH, Homeopath https://www.andrearing.ca/

Julie Anne Lee, DCH, of Adored Beast Apothecary https://adoredbeast.com/

Let's Connect – I’ll be sharing photos of Peter and Allie at:

Facebook: @believeindogpodcast Instagram: @believe_in_dog_podcast Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

How did Ruby Balaram go from being a reluctant dog mom to pet industry CEO? You don’t want to miss this episode.

Like me, Ruby grew up in a house where she wasn’t allowed to have pets - except that one time she & her mom tried to sneak in a cat! So when Ruby met her partner, Turk, he came with a dog and she wasn’t so sure about jumping into the Dog Mom Life.

But when Turk’s dog got a second cancer diagnosis, Ruby witnesses the power of feeding fresh real food to dogs when the grumpy old Doberman started running around with puppy-like energy. Ruby & Turk were so amazed that they wanted to start a company to make fresh real food accessible to all dog owners.

Ruby shares their early entrepreneurial journey with us and all the pivots they made along the way to form Real Dog Box in 2015.

No matter what diet you feed your dog, Real Dog Box is an easy and affordable way to add fun and healthy variety to your dog’s bowl. And you definitely don’t want to miss out on the fun of the Secret Shop!

Ruby & her team have now launched the Feed Real Institute which was born out of all the questions they’ve received from Pet Parents over the past 8 years.

Creating digital courses for both Pet Parents and Veterinarians, Ruby wants everyone to have access to the scientific-backed information showing the healthiest food choices for our dogs.

Want to try Real Dog Box for your dog? Save $10 off your first order at: https://real.dog/erinthedogmom

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode69

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

10 Years of Serving Baltimore's Dogs with B-More Dog - Part 1

In September 2011, B-More Dog's (Baltimore-based non-profit organization) scrappy group of volunteers launched a program called Community Pit Bull Day to provide free vaccines to dogs in under-resourced communities in Baltimore City.

Now known as the B-More Dog Wellness Clinics, over the past 10 years, more than 3300 dogs have received services from B-More Dog. The Clinics have grown in size, in services provided and in partnership with other organizations.  All dogs visiting the Clinics receive an exam with a veterinarian, vaccines (if needed), medications to treat common illnesses & conditions (if needed), nail trims & light grooming, leashes & collars and free dog food.

In this episode, we hear mini-interviews with 6 volunteers (Pauline, Dianna, Hillary, Dawn, Ashley and Jennifer G.) sharing their experiences over the past 10 years from why they were motivated to volunteer their time to what they’ve learned along the way.

To support the work of B-More Dog in the community:

DONATE: https://bit.ly/BmoreDogDonate

VOLUNTEER: https://www.bmoredog.org/volunteerform

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode-34

Episode 16. Shannon Glenn, Executive Director of My Pit Bull is Family

I don’t know about where you live, but I see stickers for My Pit Bull is Family all over Baltimore and throughout Maryland. This organization was so supportive when Maryland’s pit bull advocates were working to get a breed specific law changed from 2012 – 2014 and I still these stickers daily.

My Pit Bull is Family has become a national animal welfare leader on the issues of breed discriminatory housing and insurance practices as well as a leader in programs keeping pets & their families together. Shannon has a unique combination of expertise and experience in these areas from both her professional and volunteer activities.

Based in Minneapolis, My Pit Bull is Family has been affected by the civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd earlier this year.

Shannon & I discuss:

• Her childhood pets and how Shannon started volunteering in the animal welfare world;
• The “why” behind discrimination against pit bull owners;
• How My Pit Bull is Family has been responsive to the needs of their community during the civil unrest in their city of Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd;
• Challenging “old school” animal welfare beliefs that “people shouldn’t have pets unless they can afford them” or “I’d live in my car before giving up my pet”;
• The rise of more proactive programs in the animal welfare world that help keep families with their pets;
• How My Pit Bull is Family is creating inclusive programs to help people and pets without barriers to access and what that means during COVID;
• Breed discrimination and restrictions in housing and insurance;
• All dogs are individuals and bringing back the saying: Don’t judge a book by its cover

Find My Pit Bull is Family online:

Website: https://www.mypitbullisfamily.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyPitBullisFamily/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypitbullisfamily/

North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center:

https://www.facebook.com/North-Minneapolis-Pet-Resource-Center-100298391502139/

My Recommendations:

Movie: Gridlock’d

https://smile.amazon.com/Gridlockd-Tim-Roth/dp/B00007ELEN/

Podcast: Best Friends Animal Society Podcast – Episode 31

https://network.bestfriends.org/tools-and-information/best-friends-podcast/best-friends-podcast-ep-31

Book: Scarcity by authors Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir

https://smile.amazon.com/Scarcity-Science-Having-Defines-Lives/dp/125005611X/

Links Discussed:

My Pit Bull is Family’s national database of pet friendly housing

https://www.mypitbullisfamily.org/housing/

Visual Breed Identification – Literature Review:

https://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/research-library/visual-breed-identification-literature-review

Study: Comparison of Visual and DNA Breed Identification of Dogs and Inter-Observer Reliability

http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.sociology.20130302.02.html

Study: “Pit Bulls” misidentified in animal shelters:

https://www.maddiesfund.org/incorrect-breed-identification.htm

Animal Farm Foundation

https://animalfarmfoundation.org/shelter-rescues/removing-breed-labels/

Let's Connect:

Facebook: @believeindogpodcast Instagram: @believe_in_dog_podcast Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Jen’s lifelong love of animals and work experience in the nonprofit world have combined to create a meaningful career in animal sheltering. Jen became the Executive Director of the HSHC in August 2015 and every year since 2016, the shelter has achieved a 90%+ live release rate.

Jen and I discuss:

• Her background and how her work and volunteer experiences led her to the world of animal sheltering;
• How special needs animals keep finding her;
• The importance of building “people” relationships to help more animals;
• How to get involved in your local and state humane legislation;
• Why it’s important to get involved in your local shelter and ask questions;
• What does the term “No Kill” really mean?;
• The importance of self-care in the animal sheltering world;
• Replacing “compassion fatigue” with compassion resilience;
• Pros and cons of social media for animal shelters; and
• Challenges and successes of the job.

Links discussed:

• Visit Humane Society of Harford County Find HSHC on Facebook and Instagram too.
• Humane Society of Harford County's 2019 Report Card
• Maryland Humane Lobby Day (Please note I was could not find a comprehensive link to Humane Lobby Day events in other states, so I encourage you to google “Humane Lobby Day + [your state]" to find out more about events in your area.)
• Mid-Atlantic Animal Care & Field Services Conference
• HeARTs Speak
• Compassion Fatigue Resources: https://www.animalsheltering.org/topics/compassion-fatigue
• Compassion Resilience: https://redrover.org/resource/compassion-resilience/

Please note: If someone you, or someone you know, is struggling emotionally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is confidential, free and available 24/7. 1-800-273-8255

Let’s Connect:

Facebook @believeindogpodcast

Instagram @believe_in_dog_podcast

NEW Email! erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Panita Senjit grew up in India where she learned to be terrified of dogs.  So you might be wondering how she’s become the award-winning author of a children’s book series based on her therapy dog, Lil’ Leo.  And the answer is: her son really wanted a dog.

When living in Austin, Texas, Panita was introduced to Therapy Dog work and realized their family dog, Leo had the perfect temperament for being a therapy dog.  Panita was quickly drawn to the impact of therapy dog work with children.

After moving back to the UK, Parnita and Leo passed another Therapy Dog assessment – so he’s a therapy dog in two countries!

During COVID-19, Parnita was inspired to write children’s books based on Leo’s adventures.  With 3 books currently published, Parnita shares with us why she’s so focused on having the books translated into many different languages – to spread a message of kindness globally.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Find Links and Show Notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode79

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Have you ever wondered if you’re making the “right” decisions for your dog during an injury or illness?

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Hear Erin on the Rescued by a Dog Podcast

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

***

Have you ever wondered if you’re making the “right” decisions for your dog during an injury or illness?

All Michelle Slater ever wanted was to have a dog of her own with whom she felt a special connection and bond.  And her German Shepherd, Brady, was that dog. 

In fact, Michelle even started learning animal communication to enhance her connection with Brady – something that she kept to herself, concerned her fellow professors in academia wouldn’t understand or would ridicule.

However, after a rollercoaster of adventures, Brady was struck with a life-threatening illness at only 5 years old.  He spent months living at a vet hospital – where Michelle often slept on the floor next to him at night.

Michelle again turns to animal communication to guide her – with Brady’s input – to make the best decisions for his health during this scary time.  And Brady’s profound messages are lessons for all of us.

Exploring topics of grief, loss – both human and animal – and the human-animal bond, Michelle’s book Soulmate Dog is part memoir and part essay.  If you’ve ever been curious about how people have viewed animal telepathy over the years, it’s fascinating!

TW: Themes of grief and loss, both human and animal, throughout.

Find links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode111

You might be surprised to learn that Billy Hoekman grew up without pets while eating take-out and fast food. Because today Billy is known for being THE Dog Nutrition Guru.

Billy’s life changed forever when an adorable pug named Lua caused Billy to ask the question: What’s the best thing for my dog to eat?  And he’s been obsessed with answering that question for the past 15+ years. 

As the Vice President of Nutrition and Communication for Green Juju, Billy is involved in formulation, product development, working with farmers, sales & marketing – and more.   So you might be surprised to learn that he worked for free for 2 years to get his foot in the door of the pet food industry.

Billy and I also talk about misconceptions about the Amish, the #1 thing he wants Pet Parents to know about feeding their pets, and the special relationship he had with his friend and mentor, Jacqueline Hill (who recently passed away).

We’re also celebrating the 3rd anniversary of the Believe in Dog Podcast!

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode57

Have you ever used herbal remedies for your dog? or yourself?  If you started your day with a cup of coffee or tea, then your answer is Yes!

Rita Hogan, the Canine Herbalist, has so much wisdom to share with us.  From being raised on a rural farm to running a holistic pug rescue, Rita has dedicated her life to practicing western herbal medicine for pets and people.

For many of us, essential oils are a common form of herbal remedies that we’re familiar with.  But Rita shares with us why essential oils should NOT be your first choice for healing – and what to use instead.

Rita also discusses her wholistic perspective on the treatment of anxiety in dogs – giving us a sample of what to expect from https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode113

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

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Happy Holidays!

In Part 2 of John’s Story, we discuss:

• The biggest challenge John faces as a dog trainer (Hint: we walk on 2 legs);
• Divorce and dating with dogs;
• Some of John’s dog training philosophy;
• What to do if you need help with your dog’s behavior; and
• How to select a dog trainer and red flags to look out for.

Takeaway Training Tips:

• #1 Most Important Thing when training your dog = consistency;
• If you want to improve your dog’s behavior, you have to do the work;
• Sometimes you have to choose your battles;
• Take responsibility for the energy you bring to working with your dog. If you are frustrated, your dog knows that.;
• Learn your dog’s body language;
• 3 dog trainer “red flag” words: fix, guarantee, perfect;
• When deciding on a dog to join your family, be honest with yourself about your lifestyle. If you are a couch potato, then a purebred herding dog may not be the best choice for you.

 Dog Training Resources from John:

• Book: On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas

• Find an IACP Dog Trainer

• IACP Videos

• Canine Human Relationship Institute

*Please note: This episode does have a few instances of NSFW (or children) language.*

Find John online: http://barktodaytraining.com/ https://www.facebook.com/barktoday/ https://www.instagram.com/bark_today/

Listen to the Why I’m Single podcast, hosted by John’s girlfriend, Amy: https://whyimsinglepod.podbean.com/ or https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-im-single-the-podcast/id1452121345

Let’s connect. You can find photos of John, Amy, Hexie & Hammer on my Facebook and Instagram. Facebook @believeindogpodcast Instagram @believe_in_dog_podcast NEW Email! erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Lisa Tully has a passion for healing pets and Pet Parents – physically, mentally and emotionally.

When you hear that Lisa is an Animal Communicator, you might be surprised to learn that she has a degree in Science and used to work for a pharmaceutical company.  But I believe that science and “woo-woo” aren’t mutually exclusive.

From Ireland to a wildlife sanctuary in the Amazon rainforest to living amongst the Tibetan monks in the Dalai Lama’s community, Lisa shares her world travels with us and the incredible experiences she’s had along the way.

We’ll hear how Lisa first learned she could communicate with animals, the most common reasons Pet Parents contact her and what she says when people don’t believe in her work.  

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode56

Steph Evans is a Physiotherapist (UK term for Physical Therapist) for both people and animals.  She shares with us everything we should know to not only rehab our dogs after an injury – but also how to prevent injuries in the first place with Prehab.  We’ll also learn signs of pain to look for in our dogs and thoughts about how to choose a harness versus a collar for your dog.

Steph is also the creator of the Ultimutt Bootcamp for Pet Parents and their pups to exercise together.  Not only is this a great way to keep our bodies moving but it’s an amazing way to bond with our dogs! With her background in Physiotherapy, Steph is able to tailor exercises for each Pet Parent and their dog based on their limitations.

There’s so much more to my conversation with Steph though. After wanting a dog her whole life, 3 years ago Steph finally became a Dog Mom to Teddy the Golden Retriever – who has NOT been an easy dog. Steph is incredibly honest about her struggles with Teddy and all that she’s learned along the way. From how to select a dog trainer to motivating a dog who’s not interested in food, Steph shares invaluable insights.

Steph is so much fun to listen to and you can’t help but laugh at her adventures chasing Teddy through a sheep field in Wales, hoping he’s ok when he jumped off that cliff and becoming the Pied Piper of all the dogs in her neighborhood – except Teddy! – as she tried to lure him with a roast chicken.

Thank you for listening to the Believe in Dog Podcast and making 2022 our best year yet!

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode61

Episode Sponsored By:

Hugs & Belly Rubs Dog Health Journal. Use Code: XMAS22 to save $2 before December 22.

https://www.hugsandbellyrubs.com/doghealthjournal

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Episode 25. Margrit Strohmaier, Author of What to Know Before You Get Your Dog

Inspired by her daughter’s “relentless campaign” for a dog of her own, Margrit is the author of What to Know Before You Get Your Dog. When she couldn’t find a children’s book that described the responsibilities of dog ownership in a way that kids could understand, Margrit decided to write it herself.  Then with the boom of dog ownership during COVID-19, Margrit was further motivated to get the book published to help all the families now considering dog ownership.

Margrit & I discuss:

• Margrit’s childhood experiences with pets;
• Pet ownership in the country of Austria, where Margrit grew up;
• Her daughter’s “relentless campaign” for a dog of her own;
• The unexpected challenges her family faced when they tried to get her daughter the dog she wanted;
• All of the research and preparations Margrit and her family did to prepare for owning a toy breed dog;
• The potential danger of eating 1 chocolate chip for a toy breed dog;
• All of the challenges and rewards of owning a toy breed dog;
• How COVID-19 motivated Margrit to finish her book; and
• Preparing your dog for traveling overseas.

Links Discussed:

Download your free Dog Care Contract and Dog Chore Chart:

https://www.margritstrohmaier.com/

Buy your copy of Margrit’s book, What to Know Before You Get Your Dog:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/1736999524

Pets and International Travel:

https://www.state.gov/pets-and-international-travel/

5 Surprising Ways Pets are Good for Kids & Families:

https://www.parents.com/parenting/pets/kids/the-benefits-of-pets/

Erin’s Interview with the Dog Podcast Network:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7iRIfvSslA

Facebook: https://fb.watch/7gPgs7jmoC/

Let's Connect – I’ll be sharing photos of Margrit & Scruffy at:

Facebook: @believeindogpodcast Instagram: @believe_in_dog_podcast Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Episode 27, Part 1.  Creating a Humane Education Career with Jennifer Ganz, School Psychologist.

I feel so fortunate to have met Jennifer Ganz through Baltimore’s animal welfare community. We had so much to talk about that it turned into 2 episodes!

A lifelong animal lover, Jen started her career as a teacher and then pursued further education to become a school psychologist.  I found Jen’s dedication to continuing her own education as well as her dog’s ongoing training inspiring. 

While Jen’s first rescued greyhound could be somewhat unpredictable at times, when Jen adopted her dog Charm, he turned out to be perfect canine companion for humane education with Jen’s students.

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode27part1

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to make a living being a Dog Mom? Tori Mistick is here to tell us how she turned her blog Wear Wag Repeat from a creative outlet into her full-time job – including all the pivots along the way.

I’ve learned so much from Tori’s online courses for petprenuers (entrepreneurs in the pet industry) and from her monthly membership group, the Wear Wag Repeat Society.  Tori also shares with us why it’s important to her that the Wear Wag Repeat Podcast is a platform for women in the pet industry.

Tori recently completed a course in Canine Enrichment and she gives us some fun & easy tips to create more joy in our dogs’ lives.

I’m also appreciative to Tori for vulnerably sharing some of her hardest moments as a young pet parent with us.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Find Links & Show Notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode71

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Are all of us communicating with our animals and we just don’t realize it?  This is one of the questions we explore today with Animal Communicator Shannon Cutts.

While Shannon grew up loving nature and always wanting a pet bird, it took many years for Shannon to follow her intuitive calling to work as an animal communicator.  Shannon shares her long and winding journey with us, including the many ways animals have been healers in her life.

We also explore how Highly Sensitive Pets experience the world differently and how pet parents can identify and best support their pets who fall into this category.

Shannon is also a Reiki Master and we explore what reiki is and how this is connected to her work as an animal communicator.  I also share my experiences with Reiki.

Does Shannon think we all have the ability to be animal communicators?  We discuss our intuition, how to quiet our minds and demystify the woo-woo.

Learn more about Shannon's work, classes, book and podcast at

https://animallovelanguages.com/.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Find Links & Show Notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode70

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Episode 30. Ekene Okeke of Shuree’s Organics.

Ekene is a first-time Dog Mom who started her company, Shuree’s Organics to provide safe and healthy treats for dogs. After not growing up with pets, it didn’t take long for Ekene to fall in love with the Dog Mom Life, even if there have been challenges along the way – from behavioral issues to injuries.

Each of the Shuree’s Organics treats contain only one ingredient which Ekene sources herself from local farms and butchers with meats fully traceable from farm-to-dog bowl.

We’re also celebrating 2 years since the start of the Believe in Dog Podcast. We share stories from listeners about the dogs who have impacted their lives.

Find Show Notes, Links and Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode-30

We know that people can have different types of intelligence, but what about our dogs?  I think every pet parent I know has been astonished by how smart their dog is – and usually in a good way.

Author Jennifer Holland explores the many different ways that dogs show their intelligence in her new book Dog Smart: Life Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence.

Jennifer interviewed everyone from scientists to dog trainers to pet parents to learn how dogs demonstrate their smarts.  I was fascinated to learn about all the different types of working dogs – some of which I’d never heard of before!

But what does this mean for pet parents?  Jennifer shares with us what she now does differently with her own dogs after everything she learned while writing Dog Smart. We also discuss the types of intelligence we’ve seen in our own dogs.

Jennifer may also have the most adventurous career I’ve ever heard of. While working on assignment for National Geographic, she did everything from swim with sharks to camp out amongst the Indigenous people of Papau New Guinea (and the mosquitos!).

While writing Dog Smart, Jennifer’s intrepid spirit shows when she dons a “bite suit” to be “attacked” by a law enforcement K-9 and again when led blindfolded through the streets of Manhattan by a guide dog-in-training.

(This was my dog Nessie’s first time being my in-person interview helper, so please excuse her kong-chewing and water bowl slurping in the background.)

Find links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode102

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Join my Facebook Group: Believe in Dog Pet Parent Support Group

1. Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player.

2. Screenshot your review.

3. Email the screenshot to me at erin@believeindogpodcast.com and I’ll be sending you a free gift.

Happy 100th Episode!!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with an animal communicator?   After connecting with Nancy Mello earlier this year, Tim & I decided to book a session with her to see if we could gain some insight into the lack of connection between our old man Neno and newly adopted Nessie.  

I was grateful that Nancy allowed us to record the session so we could reference back to it, but it hadn’t been my original plan to share this.

During our session with Nancy, there were several points that didn’t resonate with us at the time. But over the following days and weeks, more of Nancy’s insights started to make sense.  (In fact, Nancy recommended checking Nessie’s ears, and 5 days after our session Nessie was diagnosed with an ear infection!)

Tim & I decided to listen to our recorded session from start to finish and reflect on the statements that didn’t make sense at the time but later became a-ha! moments.  So I thought I’d turn on the microphones and capture this for you as I wanted to do something special for the 100th episode – something that I’d never done before.

In Part 1, you’ll hear Neno and Nessie each share their side of a scuffle that happened in our living room.  Then we check-in with Neno, both physically and emotionally. Tim & I will share our thoughts with you along the way.

Check the show notes for the exact photos and information that Nancy received prior to our session.

Find links & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode100

1. Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or your podcast player.

2. Screenshot your review.

3. Email the screenshot to me at erin@believeindogpodcast.com and I’ll be sending you a free gift.

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Did you know that hearing dogs are trained to support the deaf and hard-of-hearing community?  I recently learned this when I connected with David Allery, Founder of the nonprofit organization, Your Hearing Dog.

David, who experienced a loss of hearing due to a medical condition, shares his own experiences and the societal isolation experienced by many people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.  

Hearing dogs are not only trained to alert to vital needs such as a smoke detector, but serve an equally important role in connection and companionship.

We’re also joined today by Judith Mueller, a Board Member of Your Hearing Dog, who joined the organization due to her passion for dogs and desire to make a difference.   

David and Judith share with us why Your Hearing Dog is passionate about training shelter and rescue dogs, how the training process works and how dogs and people are matched.

If you or someone you know is deaf or hard-of-hearing, this episode offers valuable insights into the life-changing impact our four-legged companions can have.

A transcript of this episode is available for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community is linked HERE.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Find Links & Show Notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode73

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

A lifelong mutts-lover, Olivia uses her talent and passion to highlight the beauty of non-pedigreed dogs with her new book MUTTS: A Celebration of Mystery Mixed Breeds.

MUTTS is a big, beautiful coffee table-style book filled with portraits capturing the heart & soul of more than 100 beloved rescue mutts. Each photograph is accompanied by the dog’s name, best guess of breed mix and a fun or interesting trait about them. (One of my favorites is Elvis the Chihuahua/Basenji mix who passionately dislikes UPS and FedEx trucks.)

Olivia shares with us about the mutts, past and present, who’ve made an impact on her life. She also shares how she was introduced to photography and how passionately she feels about creating a visual legacy for the families she works with.  

We learn how Olivia was inspired to create a book for mutts, the logistics of finding and photographing 100+ dogs in just a few weeks and some of the special mutts and their people from the book.

Proceeds from MUTTS helps Louisiana-based animal shelters and rescue organizations.

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode55

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Episode 26. Krista Karpowich of Wag Out Loud

Krista’s passion for our dogs’ health and wellness is unmatched. As the creator and host of the Wag Out Loud Pawdcast, Krista is one of the most knowledgeable pet parents I’ve ever met! Krista’s love of dogs inspired her to obtain a certificate in Canine Nutrition and create Wag Out Loud to share everything she’s learned along the way.

Find the Show Notes, Links and Resources at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode-26

Join:

Join the Pandemic Pets Daily Gratitude Challenge! Share one photo, video or moment each day that you are grateful for with your pets during these challenging times. Special free gift coming soon for group members.

Di's Story:

A brindle pit bull named Snorkle with an underbite and a lust for life changed Di’s world forever. Di & I discuss everything from growing up with “outside dogs” to the life-changing effect your “heart dog” has on your life.  Through Snorkle, Di was introduced to dog training and eventually left her corporate job to run her training business full-time.

Di believes in bonding and connecting with your dog through training and Di’s specialty is as a trick dog trainer. Di’s dogs do everything from wave to nursing home patients to fetching a beer. You can even train with Di in her online trick training classes launched in response to the COVID-19 quarantine.

Di & I also discuss how many pit bull dog owners feel a duty to have well-behaved dogs to avoid judgment and stereotypes.

Di and her dogs participate in many difference activities and Di shares her experiences: volunteering with an humane education program in Baltimore City, having your dog freeze during a rally obedience competition, how Di and her mom make therapy dog visits together, what it’s like to have your dog live on QVC and the challenging distractions she encountered when shooting a top-secret national ad campaign that’s coming soon.

Find Di & Snorkle's Way:

Join Di's online trick training classes at https://www.snorkleswayadaptivedogtraining.com/

Snorkle's Way Facebook

Snorkle's Way Instagram

The Scuddle Bunch on Instagram

Links Discussed:

Pets Together, virtually bringing together pets and people to reduce social isolation and loneliness

Project Mickey, a program working with children to build positive attitudes towards animals in a safe and empathetic space

Wags for Hope, a therapy pet organization in Frederick, MD

Do More With Your Dog, the world’s leading trick dog program

Find out more about Rally Obedience

Let's Connect:

Episode 13 photo gallery and more!

Facebook: @believeindogpodcast

Facebook Group: Pandemic Pets Gratitude Challenge

Instagram: @believe_in_dog_podcast

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.

Andrew Cotter is a lifelong dog lover and sports lover. You may recognize his name or voice from his career as a sports broadcaster where he's announced everything from Wimbledon to the Olympics.  But since COVID-19, Andrew is better known as the Dog Dad to the internet’s most famous Labradors, Olive and Mabel.

You might imagine that when your career is a sports broadcaster and suddenly there’s a global pandemic and all sporting events are cancelled, that life may suddenly look different overnight.  So the first Olive & Mabel video started as a joke for Andrew to poke fun at his situation – a play-by-play video of his dogs eating breakfast.  And the world LOVED it and suddenly Olive & Mabel were going viral with millions of views, likes and re-tweets by celebrities. So Andrew kept making videos and kept going viral.

Andrew shares with us behind-the-scenes of making his favorite videos and the challenges of setting your expectations for non-professionally trained dogs to perform on command. And while Andrew just thought he was making some silly dog videos, the feedback he received from people all over the world who found moments of happiness from Olive & Mabel during COVID times was truly meaningful.

Andrew and I also talk about navigating fame, Hollywood and influencer opportunities as introvert in your 40s.  Spoiler Alert: You won’t be seeing Olive and Mabel in any dog food commercials. 

Andrew is the author of the hilarious and heartfelt books Olive, Mabel & Me and Dog Days: Life in Lockdown with Olive and Mabel.

You’ll also get to hear Andrew’s play-by-play of Olive and Mabel’s antics during our interview.

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode59

Meredith couldn’t wait to add Edie, the Golden Retriever puppy to her family. She knew it would be just like raising her first two dogs. 

She was wrong.

From the first puppy class to trying to take a walk around the block – nothing about Edie was easy.  Edie was anxious and terrified of the world around her. And that was not what Meredith expected.  So now what was she going to do about it?

I can’t wait for you to hear from Meredith May, author of Loving Edie: How a Dog Afraid of Everything Taught Me to Be Brave.

Both the book and my conversation with Meredith are honest admissions about the mistakes made along the way but ultimately about how the love of a dog can change the way we see the world and ourselves.

(And yes, the dog lives and there’s a happy ending!)

Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:

https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode53

Did you know that the health decisions you make for your dog today will impact their long-term health?  including whether your dog could be at-risk developing Canine Cognitive Dysfunction aka canine dementia?

I learned that as many as 50% of dogs show signs of canine dementia in their lifetime – and these signs can show up as early as 5 years old for larger breed dogs!

Francine Barish-Stern learned all of this first-hand after her experiences with her dog, Shamrock.  She spent years trying to get a proper diagnosis for Shamrock that would explain both the physical changes and the behavioral changes she was seeing in her dog - and that diagnosis was Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. 

Now a Dog Mom advocate on a mission, Francine shares with us everything Pet Parents should know about treating and preventing canine dementia in our dogs.

After interviewing more than 50 experts – from veterinarians to researchers of human dementia and Alzheimer’s – Francine published a book to help Pet Parents called Shamrock’s Story: From Hurricane Katrina to Doggy Dementia & Alzheimer’s.

No matter how old – or young – your dog is, Francine shares with us what the experts say about the choices to make for your dog right now to help them live the longest, healthiest life possible.

Find links, photos & show notes at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode93

Get your free checklist: Join Erin the Dog Mom's email list to receive the 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore checklist.

Teef: The easiest way to improve your dog’s dental health is with a spoonful of Teef powder in their water.  Save 20% on your Teef orders when you use the code: ADM.

Support this podcast, subscribe on your favorite app and leave a rating or review.