Soul Touched by Dogs
Welcome to the Soul Touched by Dogs Podcast, the show for dog lovers who see dogs not as toys or tools, but as wise souls worth our respect and care. The 30-minute interviews with "Pawsome Humans", people who do great work for dogs and their people, you're listening to here on the podcast are one of the ways we celebrate the human-canine connection and advocate for holistic approaches to canine health and well-being.
Dog Training Starts With You: Boundaries and Connection with Miranda van der Heijden
Prefer video? Watch on YouTube.
Setting boundaries with your dog isn't about being harsh—it's about creating safety, connection and calm for both of you. In this conversation, Dutch dog trainer Miranda van der Heijden walks us through the delicate balance between unconditional love and healthy limits, and why the struggles we see in our dogs often mirror the patterns we carry ourselves.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why setting boundaries for your dog is an act of love, not control—and how it helps them feel safer when you're not around
How your...
Learn From Your Dog: 13 Life Lessons That Actually Work with Bruce Littlefield
LINK TO YOUTUBE
Prefer video? Watch on youtube.
Learning from dogs isn't just sentimental—it might be the most practical life advice you'll get this year. Bruce Littlefield, bestselling author and self-described "professional appreciator of American fun," stumbled into this truth one morning when his dog Felix was having the best day ever while Bruce was having the worst. What followed was a notebook full of observations that became a book, and a shift in how he approaches his entire day.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
How one melted shirt on book launch da...
Dobermans as Family Dogs: What Nobody Tells You Before You Get One with John Walter
Prefer video? Watch on YouTube.
Doberman owners often wonder why their high-energy, intelligent dog seems harder to train than other breeds—or why four hours of daily walks still leave them with a restless, sometimes destructive companion. John Walter, founder of Doberman Planet, shares what makes this breed different, how they think in patterns and multi-step sequences, and why mental stimulation matters just as much as physical exercise when raising a loyal, balanced family Doberman.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why Dobermans are called emotional mirrors and what that means for daily life with themHow their pa...Holistic Dog Nutrition and Healing: Trust Your Dog's Wisdom with Dr. Alexia Mellor
Prefer video? Watch on youtube.
Canine nutrition goes far beyond what sits in the bowl. When your dog won't eat, struggles with chronic health issues, or shows puzzling behavioral patterns, the answer might lie in how we understand nourishment itself. Dr. Alexia Mellor shares how her own dog's health crisis led her to question everything she thought she knew about feeding dogs—and ultimately transformed how she understands the bond between dogs and their people.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why "balanced and complete" is a marketing term, and what bioavailability actually means for your do...
Your Dog Heals You: Heart Synchronization to Transform Your Health with Michael Priv
Prefer video? Watch on YouTube.
Your dog heals you in ways you may not fully realize. The simple act of having a dog in your life already offers measurable health benefits, but there's a whole world of untapped potential in that relationship. This conversation explores how the human-dog bond can become a deliberate pathway to better physical health, emotional balance, and everyday wellbeing.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
How synchronizing with your dog creates what Michael calls a "cocoon"—an energy system that amplifies wellbeing for both human and dog
The measurable health be...
Dog-Friendly Offices Boost Productivity and Retention with Emily Birch
Dog-friendly offices aren't just a perk—they're a productivity strategy. If you've ever declined a job because you couldn't bear to leave your dog at home, or felt your stress spike during a late meeting knowing your pup had been alone all day, this conversation is for you. Emily Birch walks us through how companies can thoughtfully introduce dogs into the workplace in a way that benefits everyone—dogs, employees, and the business itself.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
How dog-friendly offices actually increase productivity and employee retention, backed by peer-reviewed research
Why predictability matters more...
Fear-Based Training Creates Shutdowns: What You're Really Seeing | with Annie Grossman
Is your well-behaved dog actually shut down? A calm, compliant dog might look like the goal — but fear-based obedience isn't the same as trust. In this conversation, journalist-turned-dog-trainer Annie Grossman explains why understanding how your dog feels matters more than getting them to behave, and how a little science goes a long way in building the relationship you both deserve.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why a dog who looks calm and well-behaved might actually be scared and shut down — and how to tell the differenceWhat classical conditioning really means, and why it matters more than you think when...Pet Health Coaches and Vets Working Together for Your Dog with Dr. Ruth Roberts
Pet health coaches offer support that many veterinarians simply don't have time to provide. When your dog faces a serious diagnosis or chronic condition, the clinical visit might last 15 minutes—but the questions, confusion, and overwhelm can last for weeks. This conversation explores how certified pet health coaches are stepping in to bridge that gap, working alongside veterinary care to help guardians make informed, confident decisions for their dogs.
WHAT YOU''LL LEARN
Why veterinarians often don't have time to answer all your questions, and how pet health coaches fill that critical gap without replacing veterinary care Wh...Turmeric for Dogs: From Cancer Diagnosis to Three Extra Years with MaryBeth Powers
Natural remedies for dogs facing cancer, arthritis, inflammation and allergies are becoming a lifeline for pet parents looking beyond pharmaceuticals. This conversation with MaryBeth Powers began with a devastating cancer diagnosis and turned into a mission to help dogs live healthier, more comfortable lives through carefully chosen herbs, spices and whole-food ingredients.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
How MaryBeth developed a turmeric-based blend when her dog Teddy was given only weeks to live, and what happened when his aggressive sarcoma disappeared after four months on the formula
Why ingredients like turmeric, ginger, flaxseed and medicinal...
Milton Makes a Move: Teaching Kids Bravery Through Adorable Pugs with Jonathan Graziano
Senior dog adoption isn't just about giving an older dog a home—it's about discovering a personality who's already fully themselves, no training required. When Jonathan Graziano adopted Noodle, a seven-and-a-half-year-old pug, he had no idea this little dog would redefine his life, teach millions about self-care, and leave a legacy that continues to inspire kids and adults alike. This is a story about love, loss, and the unexpected joy that comes from saying yes to a dog who's already lived a full life before you even meet them.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why adopting a se...
Dog Coaching for Leadership and Personal Growth with Frank van Nimwegen
Dog-assisted coaching brings leadership development out of the boardroom and into a space where authenticity can't be faked. Frank van Nimwegen, Dutch agility handler turned coach, uses dogs to help corporate teams and individuals develop confidence, clear communication, and grounded leadership. Because dogs respond to who you really are, not who your business card says you should be.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
How dogs reveal the gap between who we pretend to be and who we actually are, and why that matters for leadership and personal growthWhy people-pleasing patterns show up instantly when working with dogs, and...Dog Diet Changes Everything: Medical Rescue and Whole Foods | with Wendy Brown
Dog food and canine nutrition can feel like a minefield when your vet tells you one thing, but your dog's body is telling you something completely different. If you've ever stood in the pet food aisle overwhelmed, or watched your dog struggle with skin issues, digestive problems, or low energy despite "doing everything right," this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and a path forward that makes sense.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why kibble alone might be contributing to your dog's skin issues, digestive upset, and low energy, even if it's the expensive "vet-approved" brand
<...Dog Sleep Health: Why Your Pup Needs Rest as Much as You Do | with Lauren Davis
Sleep quality for dogs isn't something most of us think about — until now. We obsess over their food, their exercise, their training. But what about the 14 hours a day they spend resting? Dr Lauren Davis, a vet turned pet sleep expert, reveals why the bed your dog sleeps on could be just as important as the one you sleep on — and how we're missing some of the earliest signs that something's wrong.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why your dog needs around 14 hours of sleep a day, and what happens when they don't get it
The...
Service Dog Training from Day One: Building Confidence and Independence | with Christina Reiser
Service dog training begins long before you might imagine—and the journey from newborn puppy to life-changing companion involves far more than teaching basic commands. For people with disabilities, the right service dog can mean the difference between needing round-the-clock care and living independently, but the process of matching dog to human requires insight, patience, and a deep understanding of what both species need to thrive.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why service dog training actually starts on day one of a puppy's life, and what those earliest lessons look like when you're preparing a dog for su...
Service Dog Training from Day One: Building Confidence and Independence | with Christina Reiser
Service dog training begins long before you might imagine—and the journey from newborn puppy to life-changing companion involves far more than teaching basic commands. For people with disabilities, the right service dog can mean the difference between needing round-the-clock care and living independently, but the process of matching dog to human requires insight, patience, and a deep understanding of what both species need to thrive.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why service dog training actually starts on day one of a puppy's life, and what those earliest lessons look like when you're preparing a dog for su...
Animal Communication Opens Deeper Conversations with Your Dog | Emily Snyder
Animal communication isn't magic, and you don't need to be born with a gift to do it. If you've ever wondered what your dog really thinks about that new bed you bought, why they keep digging in the same spot, or how to support them through a tough vet visit, this conversation will show you that the answers might be closer than you think.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
How to start hearing what your dog is already trying to tell you—and why talking to them out loud actually matters for their mental health What dogs typically wa...Pet Longevity Science: How to Extend Your Dog's Life by Years | with Dr. Kevin Toman
Pet longevity science is revealing how to help dogs and cats live up to 25% longer through a combination of advanced diagnostics, integrative care, and lifestyle changes most pet parents overlook. This conversation offers practical, evidence-based strategies to extend not just the years in your dog's life, but the quality of those years — especially for older pets facing cancer, chronic pain, or heart disease.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why dental care is the single most important longevity strategy for small dogs and cats, and how dental disease can shorten lifespan by up to 15%The truth about glucosamine and ch...Pet Longevity Science: How to Extend Your Dog's Life by Years | with Dr. Kevin Toman
Pet longevity science is revealing how to help dogs and cats live up to 25% longer through a combination of advanced diagnostics, integrative care, and lifestyle changes most pet parents overlook. This conversation offers practical, evidence-based strategies to extend not just the years in your dog's life, but the quality of those years — especially for older pets facing cancer, chronic pain, or heart disease.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why dental care is the single most important longevity strategy for small dogs and cats, and how dental disease can shorten lifespan by up to 15%
The truth ab...
Disenfranchised Grief: Honoring Pet Loss Like It Matters | with Koryn Greenspan
Pet loss and grief are rarely spoken about with the seriousness they deserve. When a beloved dog dies, many people find themselves lying to their employer, suppressing their heartbreak, or being told it's time to "just get another one." This conversation with Koryn Greenspan explores why grief for our animals is so misunderstood, what anticipatory grief really means, and how we can honour the bond that continues long after goodbye.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why pet loss often hits harder than losing a human, and why that's completely validWhat anticipatory grief is and how recognising it can...Grieving Senior Dogs: Finding Love Beyond Loss with Peggy Frezon
Therapy dogs don't just comfort humans — they also help us understand grief, resilience, and the kind of love that doesn't end when a heartbeat stops. Peggy Frezon writes books that honour the human-animal bond, runs a retirement home for senior golden retrievers, and has learned how to hold space for both joy and loss at the same time.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
What makes a dog suited to therapy work — and why it's about temperament, not breed or size How rescue dogs who've lived through trauma can become certified comfort dogs for people in crisis Why some dogs...Assistant Dogs Transform Wheelchair Life: Daily Tasks and Freedom | with Claudia Hendrix
Assistance dogs do far more than most people realise — not just guiding, but helping their humans shower, get dressed, and move through the world with dignity and independence. This conversation with Claudia Hendrix reveals what life with an assistance dog actually looks like when you're a wheelchair user living alone, and how a Labrador named Katya (yes, Cat) became the reason Claudia doesn't need round-the-clock care.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
How assistance dogs are trained from puppyhood through foster families, school, and personalised instruction — and why only about 80% graduate What daily tasks an assistance dog performs that most...Holistic Dog Health Beyond Symptoms and Pills with Dr. Jeff Feinman
Holistic veterinary medicine isn't about rejecting science—it's about expanding it to include what we already know works: energy, joy, and the body's innate ability to heal. In this episode, Dr. Jeff Feinman shares how shifting focus from symptoms to something he calls BEAM (Behavior, Energy, Appetite, and Mood) can transform how we support our dogs' health and happiness.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why symptoms are clues, not problems—and what your dog's body is really trying to tell you when something feels offHow energy balance at the cellular level affects everything from red ears to excessive wate...Herding Dogs & Rotational Grazing: Building Connection Over Control | with Seth Thompson
Herding goats with a working dog isn't about force or control—it's about partnership, patience, and understanding what your dog was bred to do. In this episode, we meet a farmer who traded in his old life three years ago to become a goat herder in Wisconsin, bringing regenerative agriculture to his land with the help of his English Shepherd, Dutch. Their work together is a beautiful reminder of what happens when we honour a dog's natural instincts and let them do what they were born for.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why goats need a different ki...
Herding Dogs & Rotational Grazing: Building Connection Over Control | with Seth Thompson
Herding goats with a working dog isn't about force or control—it's about partnership, patience, and understanding what your dog was bred to do. In this episode, we meet a farmer who traded in his old life three years ago to become a goat herder in Wisconsin, bringing regenerative agriculture to his land with the help of his English Shepherd, Dutch. Their work together is a beautiful reminder of what happens when we honour a dog's natural instincts and let them do what they were born for.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Why goats need a different kind of...Herding Dogs & Rotational Grazing: Building Connection Over Control | with Seth Thompson
Herding goats with a working dog isn't about force or control—it's about partnership, patience, and understanding what your dog was bred to do. In this episode, we meet a farmer who traded in his old life three years ago to become a goat herder in Wisconsin, bringing regenerative agriculture to his land with the help of his English Shepherd, Dutch. Their work together is a beautiful reminder of what happens when we honour a dog's natural instincts and let them do what they were born for. **WHAT YOU'LL LEARN** - Why goats need a different kind of herding dog th...
Veterinary burnout and mental health: Why vets leave the profession | Dr. Marie Holowaychuk
Veterinary burnout is reaching crisis levels — but most vets don't see it coming until they hit the wall. If you've ever wondered why your vet seems stretched thin, or why practices feel different than they used to, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what's really happening behind the exam room door.
What You'll Learn
Why burnout in veterinary medicine often goes unnoticed until it's too late, and what signs to watch for in yourself or someone you care aboutHow the demands of modern veterinary practice have shifted dramatically from previous generations, and why that matters fo...Veterinary burnout and mental health: Why vets leave the profession | Dr. Maria Holowaychuk
Veterinary burnout is reaching crisis levels — but most vets don't see it coming until they hit the wall. If you've ever wondered why your vet seems stretched thin, or why practices feel different than they used to, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what's really happening behind the exam room door.
What You'll Learn
Why burnout in veterinary medicine often goes unnoticed until it's too late, and what signs to watch for in yourself or someone you care aboutHow the demands of modern veterinary practice have shifted dramatically from previous generations, and why that matters fo...Resource Guarding in Dogs: Sonia Fetherling on Trust Over Control
What do you do when your dog turns into a tiny (or not-so-tiny) dragon over… a sock?
This conversation with Sonia Fetherling goes far beyond “how to fix it.”
Because what looks like stubbornness, dominance, or “bad behavior” is often something much more vulnerable underneath.
We talk about resource guarding in a way that feels… human.
The fear.
The tension.
The pressure it creates in a home.
And what becomes possible when we stop trying to control the behavior, and start understanding what’s driving it.
Sonia shares...
When Dogs Choose Their Own Medicine - With With Animal Healer Lisa Tully
What if your dog already knows exactly what they need to heal?
In this fascinating conversation, I’m joined by Irish animal healer and communicator Lisa Tully, who works with dogs and cats around the world using a deeply intuitive and holistic approach.
Lisa combines animal communication, Chinese medicine principles, and plant-based healing to uncover the root causes of emotional and physical imbalance in animals. And sometimes… the answers point right back to us.
We explore how animals can mirror their guardians’ emotions, why some dogs seem “misunderstood,” how animals instinctively choose their own botani...
Adam Spencer - Furlanthropy: A New Model for Helping Pets in Crisis
When Love Meets Innovation: Helping Pets Get the Care They Deserve
Some dogs simply arrive one day… and change everything.
In this episode of Soul Touched by Dogs, I’m joined by Adam Spencer, founder of Furlanthropy — an innovative nonprofit that’s reimagining how pet parents can access life-saving veterinary care when money stands in the way.
Adam’s journey into animal welfare didn’t begin with a lifelong love of dogs. In fact, it started with reluctance… and a rescue dog named Hazelnut who quietly cracked his heart wide open.
What followed...
Miranda Wimbush - Dogs as Mirrors: Healing at the Human End of the Leash
What if your dog’s behaviour isn’t something to fix… but something to listen to?
In this beautifully grounding conversation, I’m joined by Miranda Wimbush, founder of The Mindful Canine, to explore what becomes possible when we slow down, soften our nervous systems, and reconnect with the wisdom that lives beneath the noise.
Miranda brings together science, intuition, and embodied awareness in a way that feels both practical and profound. We talk about dogs as mirrors, grief as an initiator, and why true change so often begins at the human end of the leash.<...
Andy Honda - Beyond the Holidays: A Therapy Dog’s Love Letter to New York City
Yes… this episode should have gone out before Christmas.
And yet, there’s something quietly perfect about sharing it now, at the very beginning of January.
Because this conversation isn’t really about Christmas.
It’s about connection.
About slowing down enough to notice the magic that’s already there.
And about the kind of presence dogs offer us - especially when the world feels loud, fast, or overwhelming.
In this episode, Andy Honda invites us into life in New York City through the eyes (and paws) of her therapy dog, Koa, and i...
Stephanie Rombough - How to Stop the Chase (Kindly)
If your “sweet-as-sugar-until-a-squirrel-appears” dog can’t resist the thrill of the chase, this one’s for you.
Force-free trainer Stephanie Rombough (Happy Hounds Dog Training, Alberta, Canada) joins me to share the reward-based process behind her new book inspired by her own high-drive herder, Nera.
We dig into why chasing is so reinforcing, how to prevent dangerous rehearsals, and exactly how to teach voluntary disengagement—from “laser-eyes on bunny” to “I see it… and I choose you.”
You’ll hear how Stephanie moved from a compulsion-based upbringing in dog training to a compassionate, science-grounded appro...
Dr. Holly Tett - Looking Beyond "Good Dog / Bad Dog" - Healing Both Ends of the Lead
A psychologist walks into a dog park… and realises half her clients have tails.
That’s pretty much how Dr. Holly Tett discovered her calling — blending trauma-informed psychology with force-free dog training to heal both ends of the lead.
In this lively, heartfelt conversation, we talk about why obedience can’t fix overwhelm, how to spot the difference between shut down and calm, and what happens when we finally look at our dogs — and ourselves — through a lens of compassion instead of correction.
Plus, you’ll hear the story behind Holly’s now-famous “Cheeky Chicken” elevator game — proo...
Jill Hedgecock - Fiction That Heals, Teaches & Celebrates Dogs
What happens when a lifelong animal lover and environmental scientist weaves her passions into stories where dogs see ghosts, save the day, and change lives?
In this episode, award-winning author Jill Hedgecock joins us to talk about her Shadow series — suspenseful, heart-filled novels that entertain while quietly teaching readers about compassion, responsible dog stewardship, and the beauty of the human–animal bond.
From champion agility runs and nose-work discoveries to celebrating a famous Doberman named Ruby who inspired an entire book series — Jill’s world is where storytelling, science, and canine love meet.
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Tricia Montgomery - Marching for More Memories: Early Detection and Hope for Dogs with Cancer
When Tricia Montgomery lost her beloved Moose to cancer, her world stopped.
But out of heartbreak came a mission — to make sure no other pet parent wakes up one morning to find it’s too late.
In this deeply moving conversation, Tricia shares how grief became fuel for purpose and how her non-profit, Moose’s March, is leading the charge for early detection of pet cancer so more dogs (and cats) can live longer, happier lives with the people who love them.
She’s not just raising awareness — she’s sparking hope.
In this epis...
Toni Shelaske - What Happens When One Dog Mom Decides the Pet Industry Can Do Better
When one chance encounter with a groomer feeding raw chicken legs made Toni Shelaske stop in her tracks, she had no idea it would set her on a path to becoming one of Pittsburgh’s most influential voices in pet wellness.
From running her own pet sitting business to building four thriving natural pet supply stores, and now hosting the Toni Unleashed podcast, Toni has always been driven by curiosity, courage, and the belief that pets - and their people - deserve better.
In this conversation, Toni shares how she turned a lightbulb moment into a...
Vivian Zottola - Being a Good Dog in a Human’s World
What does it mean to be a good dog in the human world?
In this heartfelt, eye-opening conversation, I’m joined by Vivian Zottola, human-dog relationship therapist, educator, and author, to talk about what it really takes to live in harmony with our dogs. Vivian brings decades of experience (and a deep well of wisdom) to help us shift the way we think about our relationships with our canine companions.
We explore what happens when dogs are treated like toys or tools instead of sentient beings, why understanding their perspective changes everything, and how learning to...
Lauren McKnight - The Truth About Calm, Peaceful Walks (It’s Not What You Think)
Ever felt like every walk with your dog is a tug-of-war—complete with the judgemental stares, unsolicited advice, and the odd “Who’s walking who?” quip from passersby? You’re not alone.
In this episode, I chat with Lauren McKnight, founder of Lead with Luna in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Lauren started as a dog walker and quickly became the go-to person for reactive, strong, or “quirky” dogs that others might avoid. Today, she’s a qualified trainer using only humane, reward-based, science-backed methods—supporting not just the dogs, but the humans holding the other end of the lead.
We tal...
Dr. Nancy Kay - From Trusting to Questioning: A Vet’s Call for Smarter Dog Advocacy
Speaking for Spot: Becoming the Advocate Your Dog Deserves with Dr. Nancy Kay
What if the biggest difference you could make in your dog’s life isn’t about training or nutrition, but learning to ask better questions?
In this heartfelt, information-packed episode, I sit down with Dr. Nancy Kay - veterinarian, author, and passionate animal welfare advocate - to explore what it really means to "speak for Spot".
From her own story of medical advocacy that sparked a bestselling book, to the eye-opening realities of veterinary culture, to her bold new mission to e...
