The Bitey End of the Dog

Dr. Hauser pulls back the curtain on one of the most overlooked factors in pet behavior problems—physical pain. This eye-opening conversation reveals how arthritis affects not just senior pets but surprisingly young animals too, with research showing 40% of dogs between 8 months and 4 years have joint issues that often go completely undiagnosed.

The discussion challenges common misconceptions about how animals display pain. That dog who still enthusiastically plays fetch? The adrenaline is temporarily masking their discomfort. The cat who no longer jumps to their favorite windowsill? They're making a subtle accommodation for painful joints. These insights explain th...

Chirag Patel brings his decades of behavior expertise to unpack the complex topic of aggression in dogs, exploring why labels are less useful than understanding behavioral function and how human-centered perspectives often complicate our work.

• Defining aggression as subjective – what falls under this label depends on the observer's learning history and context
• Looking beyond topography (what behavior looks like) to examine the function that behavior serves
• Understanding emotions as part of contingencies rather than as explanations for behavior
• How classical and operant conditioning work together rather than as separate processes
• The importance of functional a...

In the season finale of The Bitey End of the Dog, we sit down with Dr. Daniel Mills, a leading authority in clinical animal behavior, to unearth the complexities of canine aggression. Dr. Mills challenges the conventional wisdom that labels dogs as aggressive, advocating instead for an objective observation of their behaviors. 

Our journey continues with an exploration of the emotional lives of dogs, guided by the influential work of Jaak Panksepp. We discuss how miscategorizing aggression can lead to misunderstandings and ineffective solutions. Dr. Mills emphasizes the importance of distinguishing context, motivation, and emotion to address b...

What if you could turn your dog's natural sniffing instinct into a powerful tool for behavior modification and enrichment? Join us as we explore this intriguing idea with Nancy Reyes, a dog training expert with over thirty years of experience. Nancy takes us through the captivating evolution of nose work—a sport initially developed to help shelter dogs that has now garnered widespread recognition. Together, we navigate the fascinating world of scent detection activities, ranging from tracking to barn hunts, and discuss how utilizing a dog's sense of smell can revolutionize your approach to behavior modification and enrichment strategies.

In this episode, I chat with Christine Neumeyer-Smith, a master groomer, behavior specialist, AND certified professional dog trainer, to uncover the secrets of making grooming a stress-free experience for dogs. Christine's journey from a boarding kennel intern to a leading expert in the field is nothing short of inspiring. We tackle the communication gaps between groomers and trainers and reveal practical strategies like counter conditioning and consent-based training to enhance dog comfort and safety during grooming sessions.

About Christine:
"I'm a Master Groomer Behavior Specialist (MGBS), Certified Professional Groomer (CPG), Certified Behavior Consultant for Canines (CBCC-KA...

What if you could unlock the secrets of your dog's behavior through their gut? In our latest episode, we welcome Sarita Pellowe, an esteemed dog trainer and researcher, to guide us through the fascinating world of the gut microbiome and its profound impact on canine behavior. Sarita demystifies the vast and diverse ecosystem residing in your dog's gut, explaining how these microorganisms can shape health and behavior. You'll be amazed at the parallels between human and dog gut microbiomes and what this could mean for advancements in mental health research for both species!

About Sarita:
"I’m...

Kathy Callahan joins us for this episode to chat about the enriching world of puppy fostering, focusing on the critical aspects of puppy socialization and building resiliency. Her personal stories are filled with practical advice on setting up a positive environment to ensure puppies grow into well-adjusted dogs, making this episode a must-listen for anyone eager to foster and socialize a puppy effectively.

About Kathy:
Certified as a dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and a family dog mediator (FDM), Kathy Callahan specializes in puppies. She and her family have fostered more than 200 of them in the past decade...

What are the emotional challenges faced by both professionals and pet owners? This episode promises to shed light on this intriguing question as we sit down with Valerie Bogie who has a unique breadth of experience in both animal care and veterinary social work. With over two decades of experience, Valerie shares her incredible journey from feeling overwhelmed and bullied in the workplace to finding her calling in veterinary social work, where empathy, active listening, and resiliency are key.

Valerie and I explore the unique applications that address human needs wherever a human-animal bond exists. We discuss...

Unlock the secrets to understanding and treating trauma in dogs with our special guest, Caroline Alupo, an authority in dog behavior and canine trauma. Caroline breaks down the similarities and differences between human and canine trauma, highlighting common symptoms like hyper-vigilance and avoidance behaviors, while explaining why traditional training methods might fall short in addressing these issues.

ABOUT CAROLINE:

"My name is Caroline Alupo, and I am a dog behaviorist and ethologist. In addition to a master's degree in ethology, I have 19 years of experience helping anxious and reactive dogs find peace. 

I a...

What unique challenges do shelter animals face in their journey to find a forever home? Tune in to this enlightening conversation with Dr. Sheila Segurson, America's first veterinary behaviorist to specialize in animal shelters, as she walks us through her groundbreaking work and daily responsibilities at Maddie's Fund. Dr. Segurson shares her experiences consulting with shelter organizations and fostering community collaboration, providing insight into the stressors faced by shelter animals, including lack of sleep and limited choices. Her admiration for the dedication of shelter workers shines through, shedding light on their often underappreciated efforts.

Dr. Sheila Segurson...

Ever wondered how structured routines and dog training can transform lives? Join us in this enlightening episode as we welcome Mattison Simpson, a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant who found her true calling during a five-year prison sentence. Mattison shares her incredible journey from being overwhelmed by prison conditions to finding purpose through rehabilitating retired greyhound racing dogs and participating in honor dorm programs. Her story paints a vivid picture of how these programs provide inmates and dogs with a second chance and the profound emotional bonds formed through this work.

We also dive into Mattison's...

Ever wondered what sets a service dog apart from therapy dogs and emotional support animals? Get ready for a deep dive into the legal frameworks, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Air Carrier Access Act, and how they impact the lives of individuals with disabilities. 
Veronica Sanchez, the distinguished founder of Cooperative Paws Service Dog Coach shares her wealth of experience and anecdotal wisdom, shedding light on the profound responsibilities and challenges faced by service dogs and their handlers.
We also dive into the topic of encountering off-leash dogs, which can be a daunting experience f...

What does it take to truly understand and live with Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs)? Join us for this enlightening episode to hear about the knowledge and strategies that are essential for successfully integrating these remarkable, independent dogs into your home. Our special guest, Elizabeth Ingalls, an LGD behavior expert, shares her personal journey from fostering a Pyrenees mix to leading Big Fluffy Dog Rescue and running her own consulting practice.

Elizabeth unpacks the unique traits of various LGD breeds such as the Great Pyrenees, Maremas, and Anatolian Shepherds, shedding light on their intelligence, autonomy, and the behavioral...

Join us for this spectacular episode with Dr. Melanie Uhde as we explore the cutting-edge intersection of neuroscience and dog behavior. Understanding the role of neurotransmitters like dopamine can transform the way we approach canine aggression, as well as provide insights into the so-called winner effect. Dr. Uhde takes us on a journey from her groundbreaking research at Columbia University to her hands-on experience with village dogs in Thailand, emphasizing the importance of translating academic findings into actionable strategies for dog trainers and owners alike.

ABOUT MELANIE:

Melanie is passionate canine specialist, pioneer of innovative...

Ever wondered how to navigate emotionally charged training sessions? Our latest episode features Carmaleta Aufderheide, who brings a unique blend of a master’s degree in conflict resolution and a robust background in working behavior cases. Carm’s journey began from a personal loss that fueled her passion to merge these fields. She emphasizes the critical role of empathy and communication, sharing invaluable techniques for understanding both the human and canine sides of aggression and separation anxiety cases.

We explore the art of reading clients as skillfully as reading dogs. Carm shares her insights on balancing actionable solu...

This is a fascinating discussion that dives into everything from dogs to coyotes; from selective breeding to feral dog populations; from social facilitation to intentional thinking --- a jam packed episode! Join us for a compelling chat with my longtime friend and esteemed colleague, Ken McCort, a luminary in animal training since 1979. Together, we share our journeys through the early days of animal training and reminisce about unforgettable moments from conferences. Ken's illustrious career, notably his exceptional work with wolves and contributions to veterinary education, provides invaluable insights into the complex world of animal behavior.

About Ken:<...

This episode of "The Bitey End of the Dog" kicks off Season 5 with none other than Ken Ramirez, a legend in the field of animal training. Ken takes us on an extraordinary journey that began at a guide dog school and expanded to working with a variety of species, from tigers to dolphins.

We explore groundbreaking conservation projects where innovative strategies were employed to alter animal behaviors. Imagine training elephants to change their migration routes using artificial barriers and man-made watering holes, or reducing human-wildlife conflict involving polar bears. Ken shares eye-opening insights on ethical wildlife management...

Step into the world of canine behavior with the distinguished Dr. Marc Bekoff, a professor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology. This episode takes you on a captivating journey as we delve into the emotional landscape of our furry friends, the impact of confinement on their behavior, and the fascinating dynamics of dog-human relationships. We don't stop there, we also tackle the often ignored segment of free-range and feral dogs globally, citing Dr. Bekoff's invaluable experiences with the Jane Goodall Institute and his insightful publications.

We also discuss the...

Imagine a world where our understanding of dog bites and aggression is rooted more in fact than fear, and where we can coexist harmoniously with our canine companions, regardless of breed. Welcome to that world, as we navigate it with our guide for this episode, Janice Bradley, the eminent author and revered Director of Communications and Publications at the National Canine Research Council. Graced with her depth of knowledge and wealth of experience, we dissect the misconceptions shadowing dog bites, and unravel the truth underpinning aggressive dog behavior.

The Aggression in...

Handling dog-to-dog aggression in the home can feel like navigating through a minefield, but guess what? We've got just the right person to guide you - my friend and colleague Sarah Stremming, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with nearly two decades of experience under her belt. She's here to unravel the complexity of dog aggression, spotlighting common triggers like resource competition and dog incompatibility and the fascinating role of humans in these cases.

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Ever wondered how trauma transcends species boundaries, impacting both humans and dogs alike? Here's your chance to unravel this complex topic with us and our esteemed guests, Dr. Linda Randall, a seasoned veterinarian, and Dr. Kathie Nurena, a medical doctor with a wealth of knowledge. Together, we'll explore the multifaceted nature of trauma, the invisible scars it leaves, and how understanding it as a 'wound' can illuminate its impact.

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"Can't we get a little respect?!"
Our pint-sized companions often don't get the respect they deserve, a topic we dive into with Abbey Johnson, a keen advocate for small dogs. Abbey shares her journey from initially fostering a small dog with behavior issues, to becoming a well-known defender for these little champs, shedding light on their unique needs, training strategies, and the need for representation in dog-related conversations.

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What does chaos theory have to do with dogs? Join us as we sit down with the charismatic and knowledgeable Brian Fleming, a dog behavior consultant and licensed Family Dog Mediator.
Brian takes us on a journey from stability to disorder, unraveling how this intriguing concept applies to complex aggression cases in dogs. He brilliantly illustrates the role of reductionism and its importance in understanding dog behavior.

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Get ready to unearth the profound joys and challenges of the dog rescue journey with our special guests, Andrea Dinan and Carla Filies. Together, we unravel the complexities of helping a rescue pup adjust to a new home environment. We tap into a pandemic silver lining that catapulted the trend of dog adoption, providing rescues with a loving home, and address the behavioral issues that often come with these canine companions due to their unique histories.
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Are you ready to venture into the world of emotional safety with Andrew Hale as our trusty guide? Hold tight as we discuss the interconnectedness of physical safety and emotional safety, revealing the profound impact of our emotional experiences on our interactions and behaviors, for both humans and dogs. We look at how the illusion of physical safety does not necessarily equate to feeling emotionally secure, and how this distinction plays a critical role in training our canine companions and fostering trust in our relationships.

The Aggression in Dogs...

Our guest this episode, Saharai  Salazar, works tirelessly on the frontlines, dedicating her life to dogs labelled aggressive and facing euthanasia due to misunderstood behavior. Navigating the world of shelter behavior makes for tough decisions and emotional toil. Sada takes us through the unique challenges she faces in evaluating dogs with fear and aggression, underlining the importance of a holistic approach to behavioral evaluations and behavior change strategies. The heartbreaking call of deciding on behavioral euthanasia, the effects of the pandemic on the industry, and the balance between no-kill missions and humane d...