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Is your dog ready for the holiday season? Tara and Laura remind owners to start now prepping their dogs for the holiday season. This includes preparing for holiday decor, guests, travel, and more during a time that is usually very stressful for everyone involved. Don't wait until the last minute! Prep your dogs now, expose them, and be fair with your expectations based on what you have practiced.

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This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.

Should your puppy be allowed to get excited and/or socialize in public? Tara and Laura work through the importance of balancing proper social skills, teaching your puppy expections, and also allowing your puppy time to have fun. They explain the different expectations for puppies depending on the future goals/jobs their handler has in mind and how that can influence their time in social settings.

Sponsored by K9 Workingmind

This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.

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Is your dog resource guarding or showing a completely different behavior? Tara and Laura go over the ways that resource guarding gets mislabeled and overused to explain a dog's behavior. These inaccurate labels can cause owners to be treating the wrong problem, not see a positive change, or even make the behavior worse. It is important to know if your dog is actually resource guarding or if you are seeing a completely different behavior that needs to be addressed instead.

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This episode was edited and mastered by The...

Save the dates for this year's PMAD event!

Daytime event: Sunday, September 27th

Evening event: Saturday, October 24th

This is a re-released episode with our special guest, Courtney Leigh, from season 1 where she talks about the impact of puppy mills on dogs' behavior and the training challenges that arise from their traumatic pasts.

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This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.

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How do you socialize a shy dog?  Tara and Laura delve into the importance of socializing a dog that has an introvert personality, but stress doing it properly so your dog isn’t overly stressed.  Having a dog that is shy or less social doesn’t mean they shouldn’t go out, but it is knowing how to still practice positive exposure and socialization without flooding them or creating reactivity.

Sponsored by K9 Workingmind

This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.

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How concerning are behavioral problems with puppies?  Tara and Laura provide examples of true behavioral concerns that can be seen with dogs that are under 6 months of age that are possible red flags for future problems.  They stress knowing the differences between general puppy behavior and true behavioral problems in order to address concerns appropriately and make the right decision for your dog and your household.

Sponsored by K9 Workingmind

This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.

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Should you look into a stay & train to address your dog’s behavior?  Tara and Laura work through different examples of when utilizing a stay and train for a dog is the most beneficial or warranted.  Many owners are told to do a stay and train right away, but don’t see the success after their dog has returned home.  It is important to know if doing a stay and train for your dog will actually help or if it would just be a waste of your money.

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Should there be expectations when your dogs go camping with you?  Tara and Laura go over different boundaries, expectations, safety precautions, and general information that every dog owner needs to know prior to taking their dog on a camping trip.  Going on a fun vacation with your dog shouldn’t be overly stressful for either party.  It is important to be prepared for as much as possible while also creating a safe environment for your dog through proper obedience and boundaries.

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This episode was edited and mastered by The W...

Is that nipping at your heels mean your dog is trying to herd you?  This week, Tara and Laura debunk the myth that dogs are trying to herd people or other animals constantly.  They explain what this behavior actually means and how to know if your dog is truly trying to herd someone or if it is an entirely different behavior that should be addressed.  Many dogs are given a pass for this behavior because they are considered a herding breed, but this behavior should be taken seriously before it turns into something more dangerous.

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When is your dog’s age the reason for their behavior?  This week, Tara and Laura break down the different behaviors and challenges you may see from your dog at the different life stages.  They explain how many behaviors can be overlooked as “puppy behavior” when their dog is already past the puppy stage in life.  Understanding your dog and what behavior is acceptable helps you to set proper boundaries and expectations for your dog’s life.

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This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Min...

What does it mean to challenge your dog? This week, Tara and Laura cover a listener-requested topic to expand on what it looks like to challenge your dog, both from the human side and how your dog may perceive this behavior. They discuss how it can affect a dog's behavior, your relationship with your dog, and ways many owners may not even realize they are challenging their dog.

Sponsored by K9 Workingmind

This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.

Why are you blaming yourself?  This week, Tara and Laura work to help owners take less of the blame for their dog’s behavior.  Most owners don’t know dog communication or body language, so no owner should blame themselves for something they didn’t know.  Seeking a professional to help with those behaviors can be a great way to educate yourself in order to correct this miscommunication, but it’s important to not feel guilty about what you did not already know.

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Are you uncomfortable with your own training choices for your dog?  This episode, Tara and Laura discuss how some the training techniques and/or gear is being “covered up” or hidden in order to not have judgement from other people.  If you think what you are doing or using with your dog is the right thing, then you shouldn’t feel the need to hide it.  If you do, maybe it is time to stop and think of why.

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This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song...

What’s the worst that could happen?  This week, Tara and Laura cover why letting little behavioral things go can end up causing major issues later.  The more success your dog gains with a simple behavior can increase their confidence to continue and push farther.  They go over why addressing concerns earlier can make sure the behavior doesn’t become a habit or escalate to something more dangerous.

Sponsored by K9 Workingmind

This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.

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Is it you or the dog?  This week, Tara and Laura explain why sometimes it seems like every dog you own may have similar issues.  They discuss the importance of knowing a dog’s personality, confidence, and how many owners can cause these issues without realizing it.  Whether it is reactivity, resource guarding, protective behaviors, or anything else, making sure that you aren’t repeating mistakes that are causing the behaviors to occur in every dog is extremely important.

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This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our son...

Can your dog function without you or your other dog?  This week, Tara and Laura cover the topic of codependence and why this can be dangerous for your dog.  Many dogs are unable to be left alone or they don’t know what to do if they aren’t with your other dog, but this can create a very unhealthy relationship for your dog.  They explain why this isn’t cute, but instead problematic for your dog and offer ways to help them overcome the codependence to a human or other animal.

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What does your dog think when you move homes?  This week, Tara and Laura work through the difficulties that can come when you are moving with your dog.  Many people believe that dogs struggle to adapt to new homes, so they break down these different perspectives and offer insights into what your dog is actually communicating, or maybe what you are communicating to them instead.

Sponsored by K9 Workingmind

This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.

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Do you want to start running or joring with your dog?  This week, Tara and Laura took on a listener requested topic on the best way to teach your dog how to go running or joring with you.  We discussed different types of gear, leashes, how to acclimate your dog to the activity, and the importance of safety when doing these activities with your dog.  It is a great way to bond and enjoy each other’s time as long as you set a great foundation with them first.

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Who wouldn’t want longevity with their pet?  This week, Tara and Laura welcomed Dr. Kevin Toman to discuss his work on helping pets live longer and healthier lives.  We discussed his research on how to increase a dog’s health longevity and how his approach is different from other veterinarians.  If you would like more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Toman, please check out the links below.

www.helpingpetslivelonger.com

www.freevetcall.com

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This episode was edited and mastered by The Wil...

What dog sport is best for your dog?  This week, Tara and Laura covered all different types of dog sports that are available.  They explained the differences between the sports, which ones may be best for certain dogs, and which sports we don’t typically recommend.  Dog sports are a great way to enjoy time with your dog and build a wonderful bond and teamwork.

Sponsored by K9 Workingmind

This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.

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Who has impacted your communication the most with your dog?  This week, Tara and Laura were honored to have Turid Rugaas speak about her training methods and discuss why she is all able communication and body language.  Turid has been training without force for years and her methods are what impacted Tara the most when working to teach that communication to other dog owners.  Check out her facebook or website (en.turid-rugaas.no) and see all the amazing things she has been doing and the awesome literature she has available as well.

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Did you adopt a dog for protection and now they are too protective?  This week, Tara and Laura tackle a common problem with dogs that are brought into homes to protect, but then behavior problems arise.  They go over why this idea of getting a dog as a deterrent can cause a lot of miscommunication, behavior problems, and potential reactivity or aggression as well.

Sponsored by K9 Workingmind

This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.

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What are you training for?  This week, Tara and Laura pose the question of why people chose to train their dogs.  Many individuals are training for a specific goal, but what if you thought of training as a subscription?  What would that mean?  They explain the differences in these two ways of thought when approaching training with your dog and what that looks like when working with them.

Sponsored by K9 Workingmind

This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.

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What gear is best for your dog?  This week, Tara and Laura break down all the different types of gear available for dogs and explain when you would use them.  There are so many different options out there that it can be overwhelming, but knowing how to properly communicate your expectations on the leash is extremely important.  Some gear is better for certain dogs over others, some build frustration, and some only suppress behavior instead of teaching your dog alternatives.

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This episode was edited and mastered by The Wil...

Was that a sign of resource guarding?  This week, Tara and Laura cover some of the signs of general resource guarding that many people will miss.  Resource guarding is natural in all animals, but many times people won’t notice the subtle signs of his behavior.  The more confidence a dog builds with these simple behaviors the more likely it can escalate.

Sponsored by K9 Workingmind

This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWoman.

Hear more of her work here...

Is your dog partaking in terrier sparing?  This week, Tara and Laura dive into the known competition of terrier sparing.  They break down what this competition is, why they believe it is inappropriate, and what behaviors it can cause in terriers that can feed the stereotypes about the breed.  Many people have a negative viewpoint on the terrier breeds, and unfortunately, some of those opinions can be caused by what humans have taught these dogs to do.

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This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Wor...

Have you heard of The Mutty Professor?  This week, Tara and Laura were honored to welcome The Mutty Professor, Roz, on the podcast all the way from the UK.  They discussed training ideologies, struggles that positive trainers face in the mist of social media, and the importance of having great communication and listening to every dog when working with them.  Roz offered a lot of insight into training in the UK and the different obstacles they can face from dogs in the US.

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What does your dog’s play look like?  This week, Tara and Laura break down what proper forms of play looks like between dogs.  They offer examples of inappropriate play, including excessive jumping, mouthing, and wrestling, and discuss why allowing this type of play can be a recipe for disaster.  They also explain what proper play between dogs should look and sound like and how owners can help teach their dog how to play properly.

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This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was a...

Are you depriving your dog?  This week, Tara and Laura answer the question on if dogs should be allowed to hunt and kill.  Many people believe that it is a natural instinct for all dogs to need the opportunity to hunt and kill, but they only want them to do it when they allow.  Tara and Laura explain how this idea of a dog needing this release isn’t true and why it can cause more problems if owners continue to believe they must allow this behavior.

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What GPS collar is the best for your dog?  This week, Tara and Laura compare the different GPS collars available for pet owners.  They break down the pros and cons of the different brands, why every pet owner should consider a GPS for their dog, and what they have experienced with their personal dogs.  There is so much to learn about your dog’s habits plus having the peace of mind that you could keep them safe if they got lost.

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This episode was edited and mastered by The W...

How well do you know Tara’s co-host?  This week, Tara turned the tables on Laura and had her on the hot seat.  Tara peppered Laura with questions for listeners to have an opportunity to get to know her co-host a little bit better.  It’s always refreshing to learn more about the people you are listening to and understand their background, thought processes, and personality a little bit more.

Sponsored by K9 Workingmind

This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by The WillaWo...

Is your dog stupid or actually smarter than you?  This week, Tara and Laura break open the myth that some dogs are unable to learn and are labeled as stupid.  They discuss why this is inaccurate, why some trainers may say this, and how to determine why your dog may be struggling to learn something.  Most of the time the fault lies with us and our communication or your dog knows they can ignore you instead.

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This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Min...

Do you know who you are listening to?  This week, Laura turns the podcast completely on to Tara and asks her questions about her life, her career, and details that many people may not know about her.  If you are listening and enjoying our episodes, we want everyone to know who the person behind the voice is, where they are coming from, and allow our listeners to feel more connected to us.

Sponsored by K9 Workingmind

This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was also created by...

Why is that dog taking medication?  This week, Tara and Laura vent about the common occurrence of medicating dogs to meet adopters that is happening more and more.  They stress the need for transparency to potential adopters if a dog is using behavioral medication while at the shelter or in a rescue so adopters understand the type of dog they may be adopting.  It is also important to know the red flags when adopting that would mean a dog may not be a good fit in a home or lifestyle if medication is required in order to interact with any...

Is a dog with gamma syndrome bad?  This week, Tara and Laura talk in depth about what it means if a dog has gamma syndrome.  They explain how this behavior starts, why it is completely human-caused, and what a dog with gamma syndrome will display when reacting.  This syndrome is completely different than omega syndrome, which they discussed in episode 162, and is more dangerous for handlers and other people and/or dogs in the space.

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This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds" was...

Why is your dog going crazy every day at the same time?  This week, Tara and Laura tackle the canine crazies.  This is the strange witching hour that many owners describe as the most difficult time of day for them to control their dog’s behavior.  Mouthing, jumping, zoomies, constant chewing, and other unwanted behaviors always seem to rile up during this time.  They explain why this is seen so often and how to handle these moments.

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This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Workin...

Does tethering your dog actually help them learn something?  This week, Tara and Laura cover the popular training technique of tethering.  They deconstruct the method, explain why it isn’t effective, and discuss how it can have a negative impact on our dogs.  Many dogs with different behavioral attributes will react to this technique in different ways, but they strive to help owners understand the importance of teaching the art of self-control in a different manner.

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This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Working Minds...

Is a lab the right dog for your home?  For the first guest of the year and this season, Tara and Laura welcomed Margaret Huston from Heart of Texas Lab Rescue.  Margaret shared her background in the animal rescue field, how they determine dogs to bring into the rescue, and the process for adoptions.  They discussed how the stereotype that a lab is always a great family dog can be inaccurate and how they work to make sure the dog adopted is matched in a home where they are the most likely to be successful.  If you are interested in l...

Why do you think that dog is the alpha?  In this first episode of season 4, Tara and Laura break down the difference between being an alpha and being a protector.  They debunk the common myths associated with behaviors that make an “alpha” in a pack and explain how most of the time the dog owners believe is in that role is incorrect.  They also explain why this term of needing to be the “alpha” of the pack is unnecessary and not what we should strive to be for our dogs.

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What are you hoping for in the new year?  This shortened episode is the last of this season and the year of 2025, so Tara and Laura talk about what they hope to see in the new year in regards to dogs and their owners.  Try to take a moment to reflect on your year with your dog and determine what goals you have for 2026 with your pup.  We hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year!

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This episode was edited and mastered by The WillaWoman. Our song "Wor...