Sometimes There's Side Eye (Heather Brendle & Kristi McNeeley)

In this episode, Kristi and Heather explore the idea of why we assume our dogs are being jerks and what else could be contributing to the difficult, unusual, or uncooperative behaviors they display.  We hear about common issues that most dog owners will experience at some point including health, training, and environmental examples.  Also dive into more advanced issues in the same vein of dog behavior.  Hopefully this episode creates some curiosity around behaviors you see and helps you stop to consider if your dog is really being a jerk, or if they are just asking for a little extra help in the moment. 

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This week we are talking about scratching the enrichment itch.  Enrichment has become a popular buzzword in the K9 world, but for us enrichment just means fulfilling your dog's natural needs. This can look very different for different dogs. This episode was inspired by Kristi's foster dog Jaxon who was getting lots of different types of enrichment, but his needs were not being met until he was allowed dog to dog interactions on a regular basis. Dogs who have their enrichment needs met are easier to live with and that makes owning them more enjoyable.  Since individual dogs have individual and differing enrichment needs we are talking though a variety of enrichment ideas and what that might look like in a multi dog home.  We're also addressing how enrichment needs change as aging dogs change.  If you've ever wondered about enrichment or if you are as fascinated with enrichment as we are this is the episode for you!

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Join us as we explore Kristi's brain, or at least her thought process.  After watching a dog and owner out in public Kristi had a series of thoughts and feelings pile up in rapid succession.  Since these thoughts and questions about dog behavior and dog training are where the idea for this podcast stemmed from, we decided to talk through it here with all of you.  We think you will be entertained by the way Kristi's brain ping pongs from thought to thought, but we also hope you can see a little bit of yourself in some of those thoughts, and that it makes you think about how we all process the world around us.

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In this episode we are talking through adding a 3rd dog to your home (or really any new dog to a home with existing dogs).  Obviously expenses, time and space are considerations, but the list is much more than these basics.  Whether you are adopting an adult dog or adding a puppy there are many things to think through beyond the basics like dog personalities and individual needs.  Knowing your existing dogs, understanding their needs as well as the needs of the humans in your home are going to play a big part in adding another dog.  Often adding a 3rd dog requires more management, because additional relationships can quickly change the dynamic of the current household dogs.  Please be sure to stay tuned to hear Heather say nice things about the bulldog as well in this episode! 

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In this episode, we talk about responsible/ethical breeders.  First, we want to say this is an important and beneficial topic for everyone in the dog world; including rescue people, those looking for purebred or mixed breed dogs, and those in the sport and show worlds.  We are talking about some of the ways to define ethical breeders including everything from contracts, education, taking a dog back for any reason, health testing, to something as simple as producing functional dogs.  We decided to include breeders of purebred dogs as well as mix breed dogs when talking about ethical breeders and go through a few of the reasons why we decided to do that.  We are even addressing some barriers to getting an ethically bred dog which can include wait times, cost, location, etc. 

Of course, we also talk about our own experiences and what led us to our own thoughts on this subject.  We understand that this subject has a million shades of grey, and can get messy quickly; but we are hoping that we at least give you a few things to think about. We also hope we teach you what to look for in ethical breeders, because at the end of the day we are invested in making this a better place for dogs and the people who live with them, and we think that ethical breeders play a part in making that happen.

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Links:

Online Course How To Find an Ethical Dog Breeder | Puppy K All Day (puppy-kallday.com)

In this episode we are talking about dog parkour.  Parkour combines elements of human parkour and dog obedience to create a fun and unique sport.  Parkour, just like any sport, has different levels starting with Novice and going to Expert.  They even have a Training level for dogs under 18 months since it's important to protect those growing pups' bodies.  There are also specialty divisions that dive into mastering specific behaviors in creative ways.  Parkour can be done on your own or through classes that are available online and in person.  We really believe this is one of the most low pressure dog sports owners will find. Since the behaviors are designed to be done in a variety of locations, the submission video is expected to be pieced together instead of done all at once.  This means that tricks can be done over several hours or even several months. Of course, there are ribbons and certificates available, but it's also very possible to simply follow the check list from the International Dog Parkour Association's website and complete tricks on your own.  We believe parkour gives dog owners a fun and creative way to interact with their dog while training or refining tricks for new and unique environments. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More information about this episode:

What is Dog Parkour? | International Dog Parkour Association

Dog Parkour Training | Facebook

In this episode, Heather and Kristi take a closer look into the common phrases "It's all in how you raise them" and "I want to get a puppy so I can raise it right".  Hear several examples of dogs who were and were not "raised right" and had unexpected outcomes in each case.  Additionally, join Heather and Kristi in exploring the why behind these common sayings and why they might be doing more harm than good.

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Looking for more information? We encourage you to check out these links: 

No, It's Not All How They're Raised | HuffPost Good News  

Pibbling with Theodore | Mars Hill NC | Facebook

In this episode we are tackling the topic of responsible rescue. We acknowledge that this is a difficult topic, but we feel it's important because ethics matter when it comes to rescue. While there can be a lot of grey area and exceptions to the rules in rescue, we also think there can be some solid pillars to look for responsible rescue. Having a nonprofit status, transparency, responsible disbursement of available resources, dogs getting adopted out/dogs not being hoarded, cleanliness, ongoing owner support, a lifelong commitment to the dogs adopted out, and adopting out dogs that are safe for adopters and the community are just some of the pillars we believe need to be present for responsible rescue.  We also address the pitfalls of the "No Kill" and "Save Them All" movements.  Lastly, we wrap things up by exploring ways to support responsible rescues so they can continue doing great work for the dogs and our communities. 

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Additional reading:

https://www.shelterbehaviorhub.com/blog/the-perils-of-placing-marginal-dogs

Additional Links: Community Canine Project – community-canine-project

The topic of rehoming a dog can be a sensitive one.  However, we believe there are situations where rehoming a dog can be in everyone's best interest.  Join us as we share examples of rehoming successes, that we have been involved in or that have affected us personally.  Explore how quality of life for everyone in your home (both 2 and 4 legged) should be considered when approaching the subject of rehoming, and why getting training isn't always enough.  We will also address some best practices if you find yourself in a situation where you need to rehome your own dog.  Despite it being a taboo subject, we think you will find this conversation both uplifting, and beneficial.

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Link mentioned in this podcast:

Rehoming Resources — Hello Bully

This week we are talking about barn hunt with special guest Heather Bilodeau.  Barn hunt is a relatively new sport and was created in 2012 to give dogs an outlet for their natural scent and hunting skills.  Dogs use their natural abilities to sniff out rats that are in protective tubes within a preset course of stacked straw bales. There are several levels for people and dogs to compete at which we break down in detail. The sport can accommodate dogs and people of all ages and abilities.  Additionally, there are no breed restrictions when it comes to this sport. This is considered a family sport and is geared to be inclusive of all.  The sport takes rat safety and care very seriously and outlines how to make sure rats are safe and comfortable in their rule book.  The rats are considered to be important partners in the sport and are respected as such but both competitors and judges.  While this sport does have a lot of rules that competitors need to be familiar with, a defining theme of this sport is having fun.  

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More information about this episode:

Barn Hunt Association

Barn Hunt - A Game of Hide & Seek for Dogs E-Book - Clean Run

This week we are talking with Jessica Stricker who has 2 Australian Shepherds, Ivy and Riddler.  She competes in a variety of sports including disc, dock diving, barn hunt, agility, scent work and fastCAT. Additionally, she is a Canine Good Citizen and Trick evaluator for AKC as well as being a trick evaluator, canine conditioning and fitness coach, animal actors evaluator, and stunt dog judge for Do More With Your Dog.  As if that wasn't enough, she is a judge for UpDog and the Anthem Toss and Fetch club. 

We discuss tick training, which is not technically a sport but a certification.  However, it's a great place to get started with classes or even training on your own. The great thing about trick training is it is great for beginners, or you can take it to the level Jessica has with her dog Ivy, who knows 101 different tricks and is only 1 of 3 dogs in AZ who has a Trick Dog Champion Masters title.  AKC and Do More With Your Dog are two organizations that you can currently get certifications through.  We all agree that training tricks helped enhance our relationship with our dogs, which is why it holds such a special place in our hearts.

We also had the chance to talk about disc (frisbee).  There are a variety of teams and organizations to compete and train with, so you can be sure to find the right fit for you and your dog.  There are even different types of competitions that range from rolling discs on the ground to making a 90-minute routine that include tricks interwoven with disc.  Jessica shares how inclusive disc is for dogs and people, at all levels.  There are lots of options to play the game of disc including having someone else throw for you.  So, if you are worried about your throwing arm abilities there are still ways for you to get involved with your dog.  We love that Jessica recognizes and emphasizes the relational elements of training tricks and disc over the certification levels of each.  So even if you aren't interested in competing, she breaks down how it could still benefit you to join a club or train with your dog on your own, because at the end of the day it's all about having fun with your dog.

Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More information about this episode: Instagram/Facebook: @thearkhamaussies

Tiktok: @jessicastricker_

Business Instagram: @stricktlycanine

Facebook Spark Team: The Arkham Aussies Spark Team

Do More With Your Dog

AKC Trick Dog

Toss & Fetch

UpDog Challange

skyhoundz

This week we are talking about puppy parties! We've mentioned puppy parties in some of our previous episodes, and since Heather just got back from a puppy party, we are talking through this recent experience.  This fun and lighthearted episode gives a more personalized recap of puppy parties for anyone who may be curious about them. We talk about how stations are set up, what the stations included, and why.  We also talk through the benefits of meeting the puppies in person, and why this was important enough to Heather for her to travel to another country to participate. Additionally, we talk about how Heather and Lisa (the breeder) were able to compare notes and make sure they were both on the same page.  While there weren't many surprises when meeting the puppies, Heather was able to gain a lot of insight during her interactions with them.  

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This week Heather and Kristi take on the topic of Doodles.  Love them or hate them, Doodles are now a common part of the dog landscape in America.  Kristi and Heather will address why they think this is, some things to contemplate if considering a Doodle, and why bashing Doodles is harmful to more than just Doodles.  This episode will give you some food for thought regardless of your personal feelings towards Doodles, and some laughs along the way.

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This week we are talking with Cady Jones about the sport of dock diving. Cady and her husband compete with their 12 dogs in a variety of dog sports including dock diving. Dock diving consists of a dog jumping off a stationary 40-foot dock for one of three events.  Distance Jump is the most popular event.  This is where dogs run from the end of the dock and jump for a toy that is being thrown for them.  Hydrodash, on the other hand, has a bumper suspended from a rig that the dog needs to swim out to and retrieve. Last but not least is Air Retrieve, where dogs have to jump to and knock down a bumper being suspended in the air by a rig. NADD (North American Diving Dogs), Dock Dogs, and Ultimate Air Dogs are currently the 3 big organizations participants can title through.

Cady shares the joys and challenges in training a variety of breeds and personalities for the sport.  She loves dock diving for a variety of reasons; one is because it has different divisions, so your dog can jump competitively without having to jump extra long distances.  It can take a lot of time and a lot of patience for some dogs to get comfortable on the dock or in the water, but that doesn't mean that the dog won't eventually love the sport.  Cady emphasizes that this is just another way to build a bond with your dog(s) and a great outlet for dogs who need to burn off some extra energy.

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More information about this episode: Cady Jones of Dozen Tail Designs Facebook Cady Jones (@dozentailsdesigns) • Instagram photos and videos NADD | Home (northamericadivingdogs.com)

In this episode we will be discussing the veterinary industry and have a veterinarian guest that we will refer to as the "Dogtor."  She has asked to remain anonymous so she can speak freely and unfiltered with us. We tackle all sorts of topics like pet insurance and why it might be useful for pet parents.  We talk through the cost of diagnostic tests, and how vet care costs and treatments compare to human healthcare. The Dogtor gives us some solid advice on when to go to an emergency vet versus your primary vet for care, and when to ask for a second opinion. We discuss how the pandemic affected the industry, including influx of pet ownership paired with an exodus of vets from the industry.  We talk through how "anti-science" and "anti-vaccination" mentality is affecting pet health care and the cost/benefits of going to the vet.  Of course, we are also addressing how we can support veterinary staff, as well as our own pets when we need to go to the vet. 

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This week we have Danielle Cyr on the podcast to discuss weighted pull and canine fitness.  Daniel has a number of titles and certificates including Judges' Liaison and Treasurer for United Dog Sports of Northern New England, Founder/President of Dirigo Working Dogs, UKC Weight Pull Judge, APA Weight Pull Judge, Iron Dog Weight Pull Judge, W3PO Weight Pull Judge, CGC Evaluator, SPOT Evaluator, ATTS Tester and Certified Canine Athlete Specialist.  
Danielle got involved in the sport of weight pull when she needed to provide her shy dog an outlet to build confidence.  It ended up being such a success that she started providing a training outlet to other dogs who suffered from behavioral issues. Danielle gives us an overview of the sport including one rule of weight pull that stands out, which is that dogs are never allowed to fail. If a dog is failing the human behind the cart will help push the cart to ensure the dog succeeds in moving the cart.  Additionally, a lot of care is put into avoiding injuries including a specialized harness that ensures the dogs comfort and safety. The movements are very controlled and deliberate, much like in human weightlifting.  There should not be jumping or alligator rolling since those movements increase the dog's risk of injury.  The sport is open to all breeds, and Danielle has even seen Chinese Crested compete in this sport.  While the sport was actually created by the Malamute Club, there can be a stigma associated with pitbulls/dog fighting.  However, the sport is a straight slow walk with weight, which is much more controlled than a lot of other sports or even everyday play that we do with our dogs.  Additionally, the sport provides a great way for responsible owners to strength train with their dog. Danielle works in the veterinary field and sees a lot of injuries and is now a certified canine athlete specialist, which is comparable to a canine fitness instructor. Much like human athletes, dogs need to have cross training days as well as warm up and cool downs depending on the sports they participate in.  Danielle gives us a great overview of how she keeps her dogs and other dogs safe and healthy in a variety of sports. If you've ever been curious about weight pull for dogs, we think you are going to love all the insights Danielle provides us. 

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Contact Danielle "Dani" Cyr:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/danielle.cyr.7

IG https://www.instagram.com/cyrius_knls/

Email: dlynne1123@yahoo.com

More information about this episode:

Dirgo Working Dogs http://www.dirigoworkingdogs.com/

United Dog Sports of Northern New England https://www.facebook.com/share/chFi23GjUrd9cZr1/ World Wide Weight Pull Organization/W3PO

http://www.worldwideweightpull.net/

UKC Home | United Kennel Club (UKC) (ukcdogs.com)

Do you want to know some of our favorite dog related things? We seem to have a favorite everything!  We are covering everything from favorite podcasts to favorite kennels, life jackets to nail files, and the list goes on.  We even throw in 2 favorite items that aren't even products as a bonus.  Listen to find out what all our favorite things are and why we recommend them. 

This episode does not feature any sponsored products or links.

Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share!

Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Links to our favorite things:

The Podcast | Cog Dog Radio | Sarah Stremming, Cog Dog Coach (thecognitivecanine.com)

New Podcast – Drinking from the Toilet | Hannah Branigan – Wonderpups Training

Dog Training Podcast - Listen Now | Paws & Reward Podcast (pawsandreward.com)

Rescue Strong

Tooth & Honey – Pitbull Clothing I Large Dog Clothes for Bully Breeds (toothandhoney.com)

https://rufflandkennels.com/

Home | Primo Pads

Amazon.com : biothane long line

Collections | RuffwearBeadie Babiez bead pet colllars

***Beauty Secrets Black Rectangular Cushion Nail File | Nail Files (sallybeauty.com)

ASP Extra Heavy Black Angle Board Nail File 100/180 (sallybeauty.com)

This week we are taking a post directly off social media and discussing it in detail.  This post stated that "shelter dogs are not normal" and that they "may never be normal." We both feel that this statement is incredibly damaging to shelter dogs everywhere as well as rescue dogs.  We work our way though some subtext that implies shelter dogs are not safe which we also disagree with as a generalization.  Many of the comments on the post were blaming adopters and/or the public in general, which can be equally damaging to the adoption of shelter dogs. Coming  from a background that celebrates and respects adopters we found this trend to be concerning and wanted to discuss the long term damage some of these flippant remarks can have.  We believe there are lots of "normal" and safe dogs available for adoption, and we believe there are lots of amazing adopters.  We hope that this episode makes you stop and think about how you talk about rescue dogs as well as adopters on social media so we can continue spreading the word about how great rescue dogs can truly be.

Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

*Welcome to Sometimes There's Side Eye, thank you for giving us a listen! We know our audio on episode 1 and 2 isn't the best, but stick with us because we get it dialed in as we go. We can guarantee, no matter the audio quality, we always have a good time and share some interesting perspectives! Thanks for listening!*

We are Heather Brendle and Kristi McNeeley! In this episode, find out why we wanted to create this podcast, and learn about the dogs we are currently living with. We explain our differing backgrounds, how we met, and why we are friends. We also talk about why our differing backgrounds, combined with our open and honest friendship, makes this podcast unique and interesting. We hope you will join us as we have unfiltered, open, and thought-provoking conversations. We don't think you need to agree with us to enjoy these conversations; but we do think you need a good sense of humor (an appreciation of sarcasm is also helpful) and we hope that at the very least, we provide a well-rounded approach to supporting the dogs and people in our lives. That support comes through honesty, good training, and education, paired with a bit of kindness and grace and a whole lot of laughter.

Thank you for joining us and don't forget to subscribe and share!

Follow us on IG: @sometimestheressideeye | Instagram

Have you ever been in a situation where you couldn't comfortably afford your pet's veterinary care?  Most pet owners have experienced this at some point. What if money wasn't a concern, would it change the veterinary care you chose for your pet?  Kristi and Heather break down the benefits and pitfalls of pet insurance. They explore the idea of being a partner with your veterinarian, when the money concerns are taken off the table.  Listen as they share their own experiences with their dog's health, and how those experiences impacted their finances. 
How Much Is Pet Insurance? (2023 Guide) – Forbes Advisor

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This week we have Molly Purcell on to share her adventure of adopting a rescue puppy named Juniper, who has become an all-around sport dog.  Molly and Juniper came to Heather for puppy training and Heather quickly saw the potential for Juniper to be a sport dog. Additionally, Heather was able to see that a confident, high energy, intelligent dog like Juniper was going to need a constructive outlet.  So, although the Purcells never anticipated doing much more than the average pet owner in terms of going for walks/runs, Juniper has now trained in toss and fetch disc, fast cat, barn hunt, dock diving, and scent work.  Molly shares that even though Juniper has big feelings and can be reactive, dog sports has been a safe outlet for her. Molly really sees dog sports as an important enrichment  tool that can provide the needed environment and stimulation for a well rounded dog.  Sports also allows Juniper to be the best family member she can be by allowing her to exercise her mind and her body.  However, it's not only about the dog, Molly is also having a great time participating in dog sports and making a new community of friends.  It's equally important that both dog and owner are having a great time and to find a sport or sports that provides enrichment for both ends of the leash.  Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sometimestheressideeye?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== More information about this episode: AKC Events Search https://www.akc.org/sports/events/ UKC Events Search https://www.ukcdogs.com/show-ops-events-calendar?view=month&offset=1

This week we are talking about not tricking your dog.  We talk through how we can build trust through positive reinforcement, which will enhance your relationship with your dog overall.  Often our tone and intention can play a big role in how we set up our dogs for success both when they have a choice and when they don't. Many times, people aren't tricking their dog on purpose; the things they are asking of their dogs are simply non-negotiable. So we talk through how we can build reinforcement and trust even in activities that our dogs find less enjoyable.  We can't have a party all the time, as Heather said, so it's important to know the difference between a consolation prize so to speak and tricking your dog into doing something they don't want to do. Trust, reinforcement, and our overall relationship with our dogs are all closely related. It is beneficial to keep that in mind even in those frustrating moments that we all encounter when living with dogs. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week we are talking with Marissa who is known on socials as @kotaspen.  She is a dog mom and sport handler of two adopted dogs, Kota and Aspen.  Marissa has experience in Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, Rally/Obedience, Agility and FastCat with her dogs.  Additionally, she co-teaches group training classes on the weekends along with offering some day training. 

We wanted to bring on this well-rounded guest for so many reasons, including her vast experience in so many different sports, as well as being able to showcase how owners of rescue dogs can compete in dog sports just like owners of purebred dogs.  Marissa highlights how training for and competing in dog sports has helped grow the relationship she has with her own dogs, and how the confidence in both dogs has grown.  We also dive into some of the costs associated with competing and training.  Overall, we think you will walk away from this episode feeling the joy and excitement sports have to offer for dogs of all backgrounds and their owners.  

Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We are wrapping up our series on ethical rescue and breeding with ethical breeder Lorelei.  She tells us about her breeding program and rescue efforts alike.  Lorelei explains how much time and effort she put into selecting purchasers, selecting breeding pairs, and building a strong foundation for her puppies through things like puppy culture. She also shares everything from why she started breeding dogs to some of her favorites, and even some of the most difficult parts of dog breeding.  We discussed some of the ways ethical breeders work together to keep dogs out of the shelter, while preserving the breeds they love.  Additionally, we talk through the good and bad parts of phrases like "adopt, don't shop" and how the dogs in our communities at large, can benefit when we have ethical breeders available because of the immeasurable knowledge they have, and are willing to share.

Lorelei has been involved in the sport of purebred dogs since she was a teen in the 70s. Her parents had Russian Wolfhounds. In the 80s, she worked on a cutting horse ranch and had an Australian Shepherd and Schipperke. They used the dogs and horses to bring cattle in from the pastures.  In the late 90s, she got involved in Miniature Bull Terriers, and then Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and then eventually standard Bull Terriers.  Lorelei has always valued her partner mentor breeders because there is so much to learn from others.   In the last 10 years she has breed 8 litters and has 8 home bred champions and a number of Staffords competing successfully in sports.   She operates under the affix Ciera Staffords and Bull Terriers. Her main concern in breeding is temperament and health from a pet owner’s perspective. She is a member in good standing of the SBTCA, BTCA, and MBTCA. She is the current Editor of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club magazine and Annual book. Lorelei also helps the Bull Terrier club with articles for the magazines.  Recently, she has been approved to judge Staffordshire Bull Terriers at AKC events. She is looking forward to adding Bull Terriers in the future.

Lorelei did not get involved in rescue until 2010.  Prior to that, she had only been a foster fail. In this time, she has fostered countless puppies and dogs over the last 13 years. She focuses primarily on puppies but been willing to help wherever needed. She has gone to shelters to identify dogs, evaluate temperaments, and help transport.  She has also photographed and videoed dogs for marketing purposes.  She has gone to many an adoption event.  Currently she works with Bull Terrier Rescue, and I usually have a Bull Terrier foster at my house.  

Lorelei loves to write and has written articles on fostering successfully, choosing homes, and contracts, and many more dog that are dog related. She also enjoys graphic, publication and web design and photography.      

You can find Lorelei at her website: https://www.cierastaffords.com/

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Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Links:

Online Course ⁠How To Find an Ethical Dog Breeder | Puppy K All Day (puppy-kallday.com)

In this episode we are talking about puppies again, but this time we are discussing what to consider before, and when you meet your potential puppy.  Getting a puppy is an amazing and joyous time, but full of emotion and sometimes void of logic. It's tough to be logical when you're surrounded by adorable puppies - we get that, we're dog people too!  So we are addressing ways to help set yourself up for success in choosing the right fit for you and your family.  We talk about overcoming the emotional factors with some simple tricks, such as taking a step back to evaluate what your day-to-day life looks like and requires in a K9 companion, preparing questions before you meet your potential puppy, bringing a friend who can be logical, and having a plan for when you meet your potential puppy.  With a little bit of planning, choosing the right puppy can be a fun and positive experience.

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This week we are talking with Tina Vickrey, who is an ORT (Odor Recognition Test) judge and an active competitor in the sport of scent work.  Scent work is relatively new and only became a dog sport in 2005.  There are two major organizations you can compete with in scent work, which are AKC and NACSW. While both have the same goal and are considered the same sport, the organizations take very different approaches in how they set up and judge competitions.  Although scent work is sometimes known for being good for older dogs who can no longer do sports that involve running and jumping, Tina assures us that this can be a very fast paced and fun sport for young dogs as well.  The benefit to starting a dog in the sport at a young age is that you can continue to peel back the layers of learning what this sport offers.  Scent work expenses can also be modified depending on your budget.  It can be a very cost effective sport since you can teach scent work at home and you never need to compete for your dog to benefit from the sport.  However, you can also invest a lot of money if you want to take group classes or travel for competitions.  We also talk about training on different scents and how to progress in the sport of scent work for both organizations.  Additionally, Tina will make you laugh with her personal experiences and stories of competing with her Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More information about this episode:NACSW | NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CANINE SCENT WORKAKC Scent Work – American Kennel Club

Are you considering adding a new dog to your family?  In this episode we discuss the many things we personally think through before adding an additional 4-legged family member.  One item that is a high priority on both of our lists is energy level.  Now is not the time to hope your future dog will be your workout coach, inspiring you to a new levels of fitness that you've never experienced before. We also carefully weigh what health issues  are important and what health issues are functional in our homes and for our dogs.  Other top considerations are lifestyle, motivation levels, intelligence, size, and a variety of other physical characteristics.  Additionally, we just had to mention how important personality is to us.  This can be something as simple as a dog who has a silly side to as important as sociability levels with dogs and people.  While our list is not exhaustive, we think it will give you a good foundation to start thinking through what is most important to you in your next dog.

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This week we are talking about advocating for our dogs, but we're looking at it from a slightly different angle. We are talking about why advocating can be tougher than expected.  There are a variety of reasons advocating can be difficult including standing up to an authority figure, not knowing how to advocate without causing a scene, along with countless other reasons.   We'll be sharing our own experiences with advocacy - both the times we were successful advocates and the times we fell short.  We're also going over ways to better prepare for unexpected and expected situations with our dogs.  Sometimes advocating for our dogs can be uncomfortable but we believe with some practice and forethought we can all become the advocate our dog deserves.

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In this episode, we wrap up our sports series.  We talk through what we've learned from our guests, some common themes we saw, and our own outlook on sports. Dog sports provide such a unique way to bond with your dog; in addition to providing positive outlets for physical and mental stimulation.   Sports can be great for the average pet owner just looking to have fun with their dog, as well as for the high drive "difficult to live with" type of dog, or even the person who loves earning all the ribbons.  Our guests and their dogs came from a variety of backgrounds including both dogs with impressive pedigrees and rescue dogs.  We've had so much fun over the past several months learning and talking about such a wide variety of sports, and we hope this series inspired you to try something new with your dog.    Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on https://www.instagram.com/sometimestheressideeye/

This week we are introducing our upcoming series on dog sports.  We'll have a variety of guests from newer competitors to seasoned competitors, in a variety of dog sports.  Heather obviously loves dog sports, while Kristi loves training for sports, but never competes.  So even if you never plan to compete with your dog, we believe this series will be useful in giving you structured enrichment ideas for your dog.  If you have ever wondered about how to get started in dog sports or been curious about a sport that you are not currently competing in, this series is perfect for you.  We will be giving an overview of a variety of sports as well as going over resources to get started in them. This series is ideal for anyone looking to enrich the life of their dog regardless of if you live with a rescue or purebred.  We hope you'll join us as we dive into the wide world of dog sports.   Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode we are talking about grief and are honored to have Dr. Jenn Pereira, who is a licensed professional counselor joining us.  It will come as no surprise that we are going to issue a tissue warning for this episode, but we promise there is also a lot of laughter as well.  We talk about pet loss being a form of disenfranchised grief and how that can affect our grieving process.  Jenn gives us so many good nuggets of wisdom like how to include children in the grief process, how to best show up for friends and family who are going through a loss, how to navigate unexpected sadness along the journey, what things we can do for our own grief, and how to work through mixed emotions when grieving.  Additionally, we provide some resources we feel are useful to help work through the grief process after the loss of a pet.  We believe this episode will be beneficial and encouraging to anyone who has lost a pet, and we hope you find some comfort as we share both laughter and tears in this episode.

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Links mentioned in the show:

The Pet Loss Companion Podcast

When The Loss Is Deep by Deb Jones

Animals and the Afterlife by Kim Sheridan

Children's books:

The Rainbow Bridge by Adrian Raeside

Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant

The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst

Resource for Counseling:

Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist

In this episode, Heather is vulnerable enough to share her journey as she learns to bond with her newest dog, Trin. We are talking about why Heather has felt a lot of pressure to bond quickly with her new puppy and how that has been a struggle at times. While Trin is a wonderful puppy, there is a lot that goes into bonding with a new dog far beyond the puppy's personality. We also talk through some realistic advice for people who are feeling like they are struggling to bond with their dog. Things like finding non judgmental friends that you can talk to, focusing on what attributes you are thankful for in your dog, and having an outlet when you need a break. Relationships with dogs are like any relationship, and it is not unusual for them to take time. It's been our experience that joy deepens and grows as you continue to grow in your relationship with your dog. We think that this may hit home for a lot of people, and if that's you, we want you to know you are not alone in your journey.

In this episode we are talking with special guest Monica Adalsteinsson from Pup + Me Photo about her experience living with her last dog, Odin.  We would like to warn listeners that there may be content in this episode that some individuals may find triggering as we revisit some of her experiences over the years which do include dog bites, etc.  We also want to issue a tissue warning on this episode as all 3 of us shed a few tears at some point during this one.  However, even with these warnings, we think this episode is an important one. We talk through what Monica and her husband Evan went through when they adopted a dog who had more behavioral issues than they were initially led to believe.  We talk through how multiple emotions can exist at once, when loving a dog with behavioral issues, and how beauty can exist in difficult situations.  Odin is still influencing Monica and Evan's choices today in ways that honor him and the dogs they work with on a daily basis through their business; and that is a beautiful thing.

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We are wrapping up 2023 talking about what we are thankful for. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we thought it was time to share some of the things we've been most thankful for this year with our listeners topping the list! Our thankful lists run the gamut from adding a puppy to the family to celebrating a life well lived at the rainbow bridge.  We are issuing a tissue warning, but there are still plenty of laughs, sarcasm, and of course heartwarming stories as we make our way through some of the things we are thankful for this year.  This will be the last episode for 2023 as we plan to spend the remainder of the year enjoying time with our families over the holidays. We will be back at the beginning of 2024 with all new content and some special guests!

In this episode we're discussing puppy socialization.  We address what it is and what it is not, including the common misnomer that puppy socialization is simply letting puppies play together.  We are also addressing why it is important for current and future training in addition to the lifelong benefits dog's experience through appropriate puppy socialization.  As with any training implementation there are risks and rewards and we advocate for making smart choices on an individual basis while considering a variety of factors.  Of course, as always, we advocate for fun for both you and your puppy!

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This week, we are excited to have special guest and traveling guru, Tara McKinny, on the show!  This episode is for everyone, whether you've never traveled with your dog or if you travel consistently with your dog. Tara has so many straightforward and epic ideas to make multidog vacations safe and fun for dogs with different needs/personalities, including dog reactive dogs.  We are talking safety, short term rentals, camping, and all the products that will make traveling with dogs so much better. Of course, we are sharing stories of our success and hilarious mishaps, while traveling.  We can pretty much guarantee you will learn something new while being entertained.

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Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠

You can follow Tara: Tara's Fosters (@tarasfostersaz)

Links for items and businesses mentioned in this episode and more!

Tara's Amazon Store

Hip Camp Discover and book tent camping, RV parks, cabins, glamping, and more.

Tooth & Honey Incredible dog clothing options

Nellis Auction - Phoenix, AZ

Belly Bands For the boys dogs : )

Biothane Leashes Durable and waterproof leashes/Long lines

Sniffspot Private Dog Park Rentals

Aluminet Shade clothes

Ryobi Fans Battery operated fans

*Welcome to Sometimes There's Side Eye, thank you for giving us a listen! We know our audio on episode 1 and 2 isn't the best, but stick with us because we get it dialed in as we go. We can guarantee, no matter the audio quality, we always have a good time and share some interesting perspectives! Thanks for listening!*

Join Heather and Kristi as they recount the dogs that shaped them.  In this episode, learn where their personal dogs came from, how each dog contributed to making them who they are today, and the lessons they are thankful to have learned from each of their dogs over the years. They share stories of happiness, love, growth, and a few tears. You may even shed a few tears of your own along the way.

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Follow us on IG: @sometimestheressideeye | Instagram

In this episode we talk with Eve Hoehle of Von Major Sheds Kennel about shed hunting.  Eve lives with, competes with, and breeds German Short Haired Pointers.  Shed hunting gets its name from the antlers animals such as deer, elk and moose "shed" each year.  Shed hunting is scent work, but out in the open, off leash, and specifically for medium white tail deer antlers (if you are competing).  The sport is less than 10 years old and was developed from wild shed hunting.  Eve explains that for competition it can be any terrain which can make the sport physically demanding.  For championship trials it is set in a course the size of a football field with 5 antlers that are partially or fully hidden.  The dog needs to deliver all 5 antlers to the human competitor's hand within 10 minutes.  This sport naturally attracts more retrieving breeds, but is welcoming to every breed of dog.  Eve talks to us about how she got started in this sport as well as how she starts training dogs for the sport.  Although she starts exposing her puppies to sheds at an early age, she promises that dogs of all ages can be successfully introduced to the sport and gives some great resources to get started.

Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More information about this episode:

Elite Shed Dogs | United Kennel Club (UKC) (ukcdogs.com) Von Major Sheds (@von_major_sheds) • Instagram photos and videos

In this episode we are talking all things potty training!  The good, the bad, and the shitty.  We are going over the basics as well as common mistakes, and even some really great insider tips. Although the basics may be the same for big and small breed dogs there are some distinct differences pet owners should keep in mind. We are also discussing the benefits and downfalls of doggy doors, pee pads, and leashing your dog during this phase of training. Potty training, like all training, requires consistency and the right tools for the job.  We think this episode will help anyone in this phase of puppyhood as well as anyone preparing for a new puppy or adult dog who is not already potty trained.

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Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, explore how recognizing dogs as their own species may help deepen their relationships with the humans who love them.  Consider if dogs becoming part of the family in modern America has been more of a blessing or a curse for dogs. Also, listen as Heather and Kristi share the ways they enjoy letting their dogs be dogs. and strive to meet their dog's needs, including everything from sniff walks to rolling in cow poop. 

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Click here for the transcript to this episode and more. Episode Transcripts | Sometimes There's Side Eye (sometimestheressideeye.com)

In this episode we have an in depth conversation with special guests Cindy and Khrisann about their life with a seeing eye dog. Cindy is legally blind and June is her current seeing eye dog. CIndy gives us the inside scoop on guide dogs including the process of getting one, going to school to be matched with your dog, retiring a guide dog, and what happens when a dog is not a good fit. Cindy also shares how things like the pandemic and the rise of eclectic cars can and has affected training. Khrisann shares her unique perspective of living with a guide dog as a seeing person. They also share how fake service dogs have impacted the service and guide dog community at large and their own detrimental experiences with fake service dogs. Even though we have known these two for years we learned so much in this interview, and we think you'll find the interview equally informative, thought provoking and entertaining. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode we are excited to interview Christy Cole, the president of Desert Harbor Doberman Rescue (DHDR).  We are addressing all sorts of topics with Christy; from how she got involved with Dobermans, to how responsible breeders can help end the need for rescue.  Christy addresses both the immediate needs in rescue, as well as big picture, assessment, and planning. 

DHDR is diligently working to do right by both humans and dogs and have a lot of value centered policies around that concept, including not adopting out dangerous dogs.  While they adopt out about 100 dogs a year, they also help connect the nearly 500 potential adopters they get a year to other reputable rescues and breeders alike.  Christy is a wealth of knowledge and a pillar of responsible rescue. We think you will enjoy listening to this interview as much as we enjoyed having Christy as a guest.

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Links: Arizona Doberman Rescue - Desert Harbor Doberman Rescue (azdoberescue.org) DHDR on Facebook

DHDR on Instagram

This week we are talking with Amanda McGavin who shares her home with a pack of Brittanys. She currently trains and competes with her three Brittanys; Glory, Lyra, and Cherry Bomb, in agility. She also has experience in conformation, hunt tests, and field trials. Amanda started training agility in 2010 with her foster Brittany, Cooper who needed a positive outlet for his energy. We talk about some of the unexpected struggles and how mental management has been an important key to her success. We also touch on preventing injuries through warm ups, cool downs, and cross training for other sports. Because we pre-recorded our sports series interviews you will hear a reference to Jaxon being Kristi's foster dog, but he has since become a permanent member of Kristi's family.

Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More information about this episode:

https://www.akc.org/sports/agility/

CPE | Events - Canine Performance Events

In this episode, we are talking all about dog balls. Unneutered males have a reputation of being aggressive, marking, humping and overall having a variety of behavioral issues.  Because of this it is often thought that neutering a dog will solve any unwanted behavior in male dogs, however we are challenging that thought process.  Recent studies show health benefits for later spay and neuter surgeries and/or keeping dogs intact.  We are in no way saying that rescues should allow unaltered adult animals to be adopted out, but we do want to challenge the overarching trend of blaming all behavioral issues on male dogs having their balls.  We know that this can be a sensitive topic, and a very individualized decision but we want to help listeners hear both sides of the topic so they can make an informed decision that works best for them and their dog.   Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sometimestheressideeye/⁠

Links: ⁠Spaying or Neutering Your Dog | Animal Health Topics / School of Veterinary Medicine⁠

Join us as we talk about all things cooperative care; from defining what cooperative care is to diving into how we are personally using it in our lives with our dogs, and even ways you can easily start to use it with your own dog(s).  Find out how cooperative care can be used for day to day tasks as well as more substantial procedures in our dogs lives.   Also learn why we think it is so important to give our dogs choices in their care and provide a way for them to say no.  And join us as we seek to continue improving the cooperative care we implement in our own homes and what benefits we feel we have experienced by doing so.  

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Links: Cooperative Care: Seven Steps to Stress-Free Husbandry by Deborah Jones, Ph.D. Cooperative Care: Seven Steps to Stress-Free Husbandry: Jones Ph.D., Deborah: 9780578423135: Amazon.com: Books

Cooperative Care facebook group: (3) Cooperative Care with Deb Jones | Facebook

Nail files:

This is our #1 choice: Beauty Secrets Black Rectangular Cushion Nail File (sallybeauty.com)

Alternative:

ASP Extra Heavy Black Angle Board Nail File 100/180 (sallybeauty.com)

Nail Clippers: Amazon.com: Millers Forge Steel Pet Nail Clipper 743C with Safety Stop Bar Small Medium Dog : Pet Supplies

On this episode, come explore the sometimes tumultuous, and often divisive subject of dog training. Learn more about some of the labels like "positive reinforcement" and "balanced" training, and ways we can show kindness and respect to both people and dogs, regardless of what side of the fence you find yourself on. We hope you enjoy learning a little more about our training history and where we are now, in our training journeys with our dogs. We know this can be a tricky subject. We hope that you find our "just think about it and get curious" approach to be a less intimidating, and a kinder way to start thinking about the subject and address the human end of the leash. At the end of the day, we love seeing people out training their dogs, regardless of their method.

Operant Conditioning Examples | YourDictionary If you are looking for additional listening material on this topic, we encourage you to listen to episode 1, 2, & 3 of Sarah Stremmings's Cog Dog Radio: The False Dichotomy with Lisa Mullinax.

The False Dichotomy with Lisa Mullinax CDBC Part 1 | Sarah Stremming, Cog Dog Coach (thecognitivecanine.com)

https://thecognitivecanine.com/the-false-dichotomy-with-lisa-mullinax-cdbc-part-2/

The False Dichotomy with Lisa Mullinax CDBC Part 3 | Sarah Stremming, Cog Dog Coach (thecognitivecanine.com)

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What happens when an experienced foster falls in love with an "easy dog"?  Typically they give the dog up to another home so that they can take on a more difficult dog. In this episode we are pushing back on the idea that experienced dog people should take on more difficult dogs just because they can. We also know that everyone defines "difficult" differently, so a difficult dog for one person could be the perfect match for someone else. We believe dogs should be enjoyed and loved and that the people adopting them also matter.  So if you are an experienced dog handler and fall for a dog who could thrive in any home, we are here to say it's okay for that dog to thrive in your home.  Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sometimestheressideeye/⁠

Are you playing the shame game, like the rest of us? Where does shame come from and how do we combat it? Explore the subject of the shame game, and the equally fun shame spiral, that so many of us find ourselves in when the life we planned with our dogs, goes awry. Dive into the reasons we so often experience shame and why no one should feel alone as we experience difficulties in training, behavior, and sometimes just day to day life with our dogs. Both Heather and Kristi share some of their own experiences, and the shame they felt surrounding failed expectations, and the grace they've learned to give themselves, their dogs, and others experiencing unexpected difficulties.

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Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠

Links: Losing Lulu - a grief support group for anyone who has been through a behavioral euthanasia. https://www.facebook.com/groups/losinglulu/

Have you ever thought of fostering, wondered how to better support fosters in your community, or are you curious what all the fuss is about when it comes to fostering?  If so, this is the episode for you!  On this episode we are pleased to introduce you to our first guest, Kelsey Ankrom, who formerly worked as the foster coordinator for Almost There Rescue and is a foster herself.    We'll be discussing our personal experiences fostering along with a variety of topics around fostering.  We'll be addressing things like what types of fostering individuals can sign up for, what to consider when fostering, what's expected of fosters, and how fostering benefits shelters, rescues, dogs, and adopters.  We think you'll enjoy this honest look into fostering and hope to answer some common questions as well as answer some questions you didn't know to ask. 

Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share!

Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Links to the rescues mentioned in this podcast:

Almost There Rescue How to Become A Foster Dog Parent | Almost There Rescue

AZK9 Get Involved — AZK9 Rescue One Love Arizona Foster (oneloveaz.org)