For the Love of Dog

Charlotte has until May 7th to find a new foster — and this week, PJ and Christine are putting out the urgent call one more time. This episode also celebrates National Pet Week and Adopt a Shelter Pet Day with real talk about the bond you build with a rescue dog, plus separation anxiety tips that actually work (and one surprising reason YOU might be causing it). It wraps with PJ's passionate plea for Scoop the Poop Week.

Support the show

Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
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This week, PJ and Christine break down what really happens when a dog leaves the shelter — from vet quarantine and isolation care to the first days in a foster home, the 3-3-3 decompression rule, and why crate training is actually an act of kindness. Charlotte still urgently needs a foster by May 7th: she's easy, cat-friendly, and has come so far after more than a year in boarding. Foster or adopt at TheLittleRedDog.org.

Support the show

Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thelittlereddog

Charlotte is still waiting — and this week she got zero foster applications. PJ and Christine share an urgent plea for this sweet, low-energy girl who just needs a quiet home (cats welcome!). They also dig into one of rescue's most important topics: matching your energy level to the right dog. From Malinois to Frenchies, pit bulls to chihuahuas, they break down why breed stereotypes mislead adopters — and how being honest about your lifestyle leads to the happiest matches. Plus: how TLRD decides which dogs they can say yes to, and why even a one-week temp foster can save a life...

PJ and Christine kick off the very first weekly update from The Little Red Dog rescue. This week: an urgent foster plea for Charlotte, celebrating Gail and Daisy Ann's move out of boarding, why volunteers matter more than you think, and a conversation about what "selective" really means when it comes to rescue dogs. Plus — puppies!

Support the show

Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thelittlereddog
Follow on YouTube to see our virtual adoption events https://www.youtube.com/@TheLittleRedDog

In this episode, Steve McClain and Gary Newcomb tackle a common mistake many dog owners make: treating dogs like children. They explain why this well-meaning approach can lead to behavior problems, bites, and even dogs ending up in shelters.

Packed with real stories and science-based advice, this episode is a must-listen for both new and experienced dog owners. Learn how to understand your dog’s language, set clear boundaries, and build a stronger bond.

Stay tuned for our upcoming Patreon with even more dog training tips and exclusive content!

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In this episode of "For the Love of Dog," PJ and Christine reflect on the challenges and triumphs of dog rescue. As they wrap up the year, they discuss the ongoing needs of rescued dogs, the emotional toll of their work, and the joy of seeing dogs find their forever homes. From memorable saves to the importance of fostering, this episode is a tribute to the resilience of dogs and the dedication of those who care for them. Join us for stories that inspire and a call to action to support the rescue community. #dogrescue  #fosterlove  #adoptdontshop 

Sup...

Dog trainer extraordinaire Gary Newcomb joins Steve to discuss a few interesting news stories at the intersection of technology and dog behavior. They also give their thoughts on the meaning of licking, tail wagging, and why dogs eat grass. Basically, they attempt to answer some of the biggest mysteries of dog behavior! 

Support the show

Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thelittlereddog
Follow on YouTube to see our virtual adoption events https://www.youtube.com/@TheLittleRedDog

Join PJ Rosch and Christine Smith on the "For the Love of Dog" podcast as they reveal how fostering transforms adoption rates. Discover their journey through opening and closing a facility, learn about the success of "Miles for Mutts," and find out how you can be part of their mission. Get a sneak peek into future plans and witness the unwavering dedication of their team of volunteers and fosters.

Support the show

Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thelittlereddog
Follow on YouTube to see...

In this episode, Steve and PJ analyze the post-pandemic state of Little Red Dog Rescue. With a surge in pet surrenders and shelter euthanasia, yet a drop in adoptions, donations, and fostering, they explore the underlying causes of these troubling trends.

Support the show

Donate, adopt, or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/
Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thelittlereddog
Follow on YouTube to see our virtual adoption events https://www.youtube.com/@TheLittleRedDog

In this long-awaited return episode of The Little Red Dog Podcast, hosts PJ Rasch and Christine Smith discuss the challenges and triumphs of running a dog rescue organization. After a three-year hiatus, they share their excitement for the group's upcoming 13th anniversary and reflect on their journey of saving over 6,000 dogs. They address the financial struggles faced by non-profit rescues, the importance of individual donations, and the complexities of volunteer management. PJ and Christine emphasize the emotional and physical demands of rescue work, touching on the joy and heartbreak involved in fostering and adopting dogs. Notable stories, like those...

Author, life coach, volunteer grief counselor, and friend of TLRD, Teeanna Isaac joins Steve and PJ to discuss her upcoming book, Why I Had To Lose. Isaac lost her father at a young age and has spent the last decade studying grief, vulnerability, confidence, and empathy. Please visit her website - teeannaisaac.com - and sign up for her newsletter for book updates and other inspirational content.

At the top of the show, Steve and Gary discuss the genius dog competition where pups are actually able to remember and locate toys by name!

The Little...

Correcting your dog's unwanted behavior takes a lot of practice. Trainer Gary Newcomb brings a handy visual chart that shows how dogs react to stimuli and how quickly and intensely an owner should respond accordingly.

After the break, Steve and PJ welcome the second-ever volunteer for our dog rescue (The Little Red Dog) to help kick the 10th anniversary of the rescue on 10/11/21!

The Little Red Dog needs your support | Donate, adopt or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/ | Subscribe and review For the Love of Dog | Follow us at instagram.com/thelittlereddog to watch our...

Psychotherapist Marina Resa joins Steve and PJ to share her thoughts on moving through the grief of losing a pet. Marina provides thoughtful advice for anyone experiencing grief of their own. Marina provides counseling and can be found at https://www.marinaresatherapy.com/

The Little Red Dog needs your support | Donate, adopt or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/ | Subscribe and review For the Love of Dog | Follow us at instagram.com/thelittlereddog to watch our LIVE recording and ask your questions | Like and subscribe to our weekly virtual adoption events https://bit.ly/3e2XDay

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We're back! Steve and Gary discuss a recent article about the science that bonds dogs and humans (https://www.businessinsider.com/dogs-hardwired-to-communicate-with-humans-as-puppies-2021-9) Be sure to check out the video version on our YouTube to see Gary's new haircut...

After the break Steve and PJ talk to Barbara and Lourdes, co-founders of Animal Wellness Center of Orange County about their amazing facility and approach to animal wellness. Please visit their website - https://animalwellnessoc.com/ - and follow them on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/animalwellnessoc/ - for more amazing stories!

The Little Red...

Steve and Gary discuss the trend of prescription drugs for dogs. After the break, they get into frequent issues they encounter when dog owners don't see instant results from dog training.

Join us for a par-tee! The 3rd Annual Putts For Paws golf tournament is coming May 6, 2021. To register or sponsor visit https://puttsforpaws2020.com/ (2020 because we didn't get to have an event last year!)

Chippin is making environmentally friendly dog food! Visit chippinpet.com to see their story (as well as their dog poop chart). Use promo code TLRD 15 for 15% off and The Little...

Actor Mark Valley (Boston Legal, Fringe) joins Steve and Gary for a conversation about his life transitioning from the military to his remarkable acting, producing, and directing career. Mark recently joined The Little Red Dog foster squad and shares his experiences with his current foster pup, Tyson.

Join us for a par-tee! The 3rd Annual Putts For Paws golf tournament is coming May 6, 2021. To register or sponsor visit https://puttsforpaws2020.com/ (2020 because we didn't get to have an event last year!)

Chippin is making environmentally friendly dog food! Visit chippinpet.com to see their story...

Fiona Cole and Carlo Cesario, a husband-wife documentary filmmaking team join Steve and PJ, a husband-wife dog rescue team, to discuss their documentary film Mondo Stray. The film is about what it means to be a stray dog in different parts of the world. Follow their Facebook to see the film and support their next work! https://www.facebook.com/filofilms

Chippin is making environmentally friendly dog food! Visit chippinpet.com to see their story (as well as their dog poop chart). Use promo code TLRD 15 for 15% off and The Little Red Dog will receive a donation...

Laura Colagrande, the co-founder of Chippin, joins Steve and PJ to talk about her company's innovative pet food products. Chippin uses sustainable proteins to reduce the 64 million tons of greenhouse gases produced by the pet food industry annually.

Visit chippinpet.com to see their story (as well as their dog poop chart). Use promo code TLRD 15 for 15% off and The Little Red Dog will receive a donation for your order!

Join us for a par-tee! The 3rd Annual Putts For Paws golf tournament is coming May 6, 2021. To register or sponsor visit https://puttsforpaws2020.com/ (2020 because...

Steve and Gary talk through a common question: Why does my dog have "the zoomies?" Be sure to watch the video version on YouTube to see some real-life zoomies (or FRAPS as they are known scientifically). After the break, PJ and MacKenzie talk through some of their new and effective fundraising strategies for The Little Red Dog.

The Little Red Dog needs your support | Donate, adopt or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/ | Subscribe and review For the Love of Dog | Follow us at instagram.com/thelittlereddog to watch our LIVE recording and ask your questions | Like and...

Gary shares an article that breaks down the most loyal breeds which leads Steve to questions how a dog shows ""loyalty."" After the break, MacKenzie joins PJ for the first time in the studio to share her social media and general marketing strategies that have helped The Little Red Dog raise their profile over the last few years.

The Little Red Dog needs your support | Donate, adopt or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/ | Subscribe and review For the Love of Dog | Follow us at instagram.com/thelittlereddog to watch our LIVE recording and ask your questions | Like...

Dogecoin and cryptocurrencies are in the news every day, but what does it have to do with rescue? Steve and Gary chat with crypto evangelist Kieran about how the traceability and accountability inherent with cryptocurrencies could be the future of finance for dog rescues and non-profits.

The Little Red Dog needs your support | Donate, adopt or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/ | Subscribe and review For the Love of Dog | Follow us at instagram.com/thelittlereddog to watch our LIVE recording and ask your questions | Like and subscribe to our weekly virtual adoption events https://bit.ly/3e2...

An incident with first dogs Champ and Major reminds Steve and Gary of common misconceptions around "aggressive" dog behavior. Later, Steve and PJ interview Liz Nowell, founder of Best Life Leashes about her beautifully designed dog leashes. Use promo code TLRD at bestlifeleashes.org to receive 10% off your order and TLRD will receive a free product for every order placed!

The Red Dog Dash is a nationwide 7 day walk-your-dog-a-thon taking place March 13th-20th aimed to advocate the importance of walking your dog, raise funding to save more lives, and most importantly to have some fun! Visit...

Experienced dog foster, adopter, and supporter of The Little Red Dog, Cindi Opdyke, joins Steve and Gary remotely to talk about her experiences with dog rescue. Cindi is one of our biggest fans and graciously shares some of the big dog behavior epiphanies she has had after listen to Steve and Gary discuss dog behavior.

The Red Dog Dash is a nationwide 7 day walk-your-dog-a-thon taking place March 13th-20th aimed to advocate the importance of walking your dog, raise funding to save more lives, and most importantly to have some fun! Visit thelittlereddog.org for more info!<...

Steve welcomes back Clint Lien, founder of Natural Pet Oil, to talk about the benefits of CBD oil for pets and introduce the latest addition to his team Thor and Dudeman. Visit https://www.naturalpetoil.com/ to read more about their array of CBD products! After the break, PJ shares some dog trivia including the origins of the phrase, "Man's Best Friend."

If you haven't yet, please follow and subscribe to the video version of this podcast at youtube.com/thelittlereddog

The Little Red Dog needs your support | Donate, adopt or foster at https://thelittlereddog...

Steve and PJ welcome actress and activist Jacqueline Piñol via Zoom to discuss her project The Canine Condition, a "Dogumentary" about canine homelessness and rescue in the United States today. Jacqueline hosts a podcast by the same name. Please visit www.thecaninecondition.com to findo out more about her work!

The Little Red Dog needs your support | Donate, adopt or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/ | Subscribe and review For the Love of Dog | Follow us at instagram.com/thelittlereddog to watch our LIVE recording and ask your questions | Like and subscribe to our weekly virtual adoption e...

Gary Newcomb welcomes Thor and Dudeman to talk about some of the incredible stunts and media appearances this incredible pup has been a part of. They also discuss their shared affinity for mohawks. Check out our new studio on the video version of the podcast on YouTube now!

The Little Red Dog needs your support | Donate, adopt or foster at https://thelittlereddog.org/ | Subscribe and review For the Love of Dog | Follow us at instagram.com/thelittlereddog to watch our LIVE recording and ask your questions | Like and subscribe to our weekly virtual adoption events https://bit...

The For the Love of Dog team is taking the week off to upgrade our podcast studio! This week, enjoy a replay our most popular episode from 2019:

Special guest Clint Lien, founder of Natural Pet Oil, sits down with Sean to discuss the various benefits of CBD oil.  Could your doggie benefit from a daily dose of CBD oil?  Listen and decide for yourself!  

Learn more about Natural Pet Oil and high quality CBD oil at naturalpetoil.com

To donate or get involved, please visit thelittlereddog.com

Support the show

D...

Gary tears down a story he found that attempts to tear down using dog behavior to train over positive reinforcement. After the break, PJ joins Steve in studio to run down some of the changes and landmarks that have taken place with The Little Red Dog through this tumultuous year.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: We're raising $50,000 to save 50 underdogs this holiday season! https://secure.givelively.org/donate/little-red-dog-inc/home-for-the-holidays

New Road Foods makes fresh-baked, human-grade dog treats and ships them straight to your door. Visit https://newroadfoods.com/ and use promo code REDDOG15 at checkout...

Steve and Gary break down a new Microsoft commercial featuring dogs using computers... Then PJ joins to go over the progress with Home for the Holidays.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: We're raising $50,000 to save 50 underdogs this holiday season! https://secure.givelively.org/donate/little-red-dog-inc/home-for-the-holidays

New Road Foods makes fresh-baked, human-grade dog treats and ships them straight to your door. Visit https://newroadfoods.com/ and use promo code REDDOG15 at checkout for 15% off your order. For every order with our code, The Little Red Dog receives a small donation!

The Little Red Dog...

Steve and Gary share their opinion of why Vanderpump Dogs only rescues perfect little dogs... After the break PJ breaks down how her rescue works with shelters.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: We're raising $50,000 to save 50 underdogs this holiday season! https://secure.givelively.org/donate/little-red-dog-inc/home-for-the-holidays

New Road Foods makes fresh-baked, human-grade dog treats and ships them straight to your door. Visit https://newroadfoods.com/ and use promo code REDDOG15 at checkout for 15% off your order. For every order with our code, The Little Red Dog receives a small donation!

The Little Red...

Gary lays out more science behind the dog brain and why applying human traits to dog behavior is always a mistake. PJ gives a very open view of the behind the scenes of working with fosters as The Little Red Dog is in the middle of trying to save 50 underdogs by the end of the year.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: We're raising $50,000 to save 50 underdogs this holiday season! https://secure.givelively.org/donate/little-red-dog-inc/home-for-the-holidays

New Road Foods makes fresh-baked, human-grade dog treats and ships them straight to your door. Visit https://newroadfoods.com/ and...

Gary shares a recent Smithsonian Magazine article about the relationship between dogs and humans. After the break PJ joins to share upsetting news of a recent dog surrender.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: We're raising $50,000 to save 50 underdogs this holiday season! https://secure.givelively.org/donate/little-red-dog-inc/home-for-the-holidays

New Road Foods makes fresh-baked, human-grade dog treats and ships them straight to your door. Visit https://newroadfoods.com/ and use promo code REDDOG15 at checkout for 15% off your order. For every order with our code, The Little Red Dog receives a small donation!

The Little...

Steve and Gary give their thoughts on choosing the right dog for someone that has never adopted before. They go into behavior, training, and equipment for first time dog owners. After the break, PJ interviews Cora Baker, a Reiki Master that has a healing practice geared towards helping pets and their owners. Follow Cora at https://www.instagram.com/coraevergreenpaws/

New Road Foods makes fresh-baked, human-grade dog treats and ships them straight to your door. Visit https://newroadfoods.com/ and use promo code REDDOG15 at checkout for 15% off your order. For every order with our code, The...

If you haven't checked out the video version of the podcast on YouTube, this would be a good one to check out! In this episode, Gary discusses and shows a video a mama dog correcting unwanted behavior from her obnoxious puppies. This video encapsulates Steve and Gary's philosophy on dog training and behavior.

New Road Foods makes fresh-baked, human-grade dog treats and ships them straight to your door. Visit https://newroadfoods.com/ and use promo code REDDOG15 at checkout for 15% off your order. For every order with our code, The Little Red Dog receives a small donation!<...

With the projected outcome of the 2020 presidential election, it looks like a dog will be back in the White House, and for the first time ever, it will be a rescue dog! Steve, PJ, and Gary all talk about the news and discuss the history of presidential pets as well as the elected French Bulldog mayor of a town in Kentucky.

New Road Foods makes fresh-baked, human-grade dog treats and ships them straight to your door. Visit https://newroadfoods.com/ and use promo code REDDOG15 at checkout for 15% off your order. For every order with our code...

Gary surprises Steve with the facts surrounding plastic surgery for dogs. The origins of this bizarre and controversial trend are fascinating. After the break PJ stops by to urge listeners to vote (every day) for TLRD rescue pup Florence in the Wahl Pets dirty dog challenge at a.pgtb.me/PGGrzZ/rB86z - TLRD can win $5000 if we got the most votes!

New Road Foods makes fresh-baked, human-grade dog treats and ships them straight to your door. Visit https://newroadfoods.com/ and use promo code REDDOG15 at checkout for 15% off your order. For every order with...

Gary shares a recent encounter with a stranger that scolded him for walking his dog with a prong collar. Steve and Gary are pretty passionate about prong collars and share their beliefs. After the break PJ quizzes Steve on a recent article about American animal shelters.

Please visit a.pgtb.me/PGGrzZ/rB86z and place a vote for Florence every day so TLRD can win a $5000 grant!

New Road Foods makes fresh-baked, human-grade dog treats and ships them straight to your door. Visit https://newroadfoods.com/ and use promo code REDDOG15 at checkout for 15...

Steve, Gary and PJ discuss the effectiveness of laws and investigations surrounding dog attacks. Working in dog behavior and rescue, Steve and Gary have seen their share of "Dangerous Dog" hearings and need to consider their experiences when approving dog adoption applications. Also, PJ and Steve share their advice to anyone interested in starting a dog rescue.

New Road Foods makes fresh-baked, human-grade dog treats and ships them straight to your door. Visit https://newroadfoods.com/ and use promo code REDDOG15 at checkout for 15% off your order. For every order with our code, The Little Red Dog...

Today marks the 9th anniversary of The Little Red Dog! Steve and PJ talk about some of their most memorable moments from the last 9 years of saving dogs in Southern California.

At the top, Gary shares a recent story about the development of fully robotic dogs that can go into dangerous spaces before humans which is cool.... but they are also developing augmented reality goggles for working dogs that let handlers see what the dog sees and send signals back.

New Road Foods makes fresh-baked, human-grade dog treats and ships them straight to your door...

Steve and Gary agree on many dog training philosophies, but their biggest difference of opinion is about dog treats. Gary, the self-titled "treat piñata," shares his positive reinforcement strategy. After the break, PJ joins to talk about two very entertaining stories from the first year of The Little Red Dog involving transporting pups from shelters.

New Road Foods makes fresh-baked, human-grade dog treats and ships them straight to your door. Visit https://newroadfoods.com/ and use promo code REDDOG15 at checkout for 15% off your order. For every order with our code, The Little Red Dog receives a...