The Co-Regulated K-9s Podcast

Have you ever wondered if your dog's anxiety and your anxiety are actually feeding each other? In this episode, Ashley sits down with Bianca Barlow - certified dog trainer, life coach, and yoga practitioner - to explore the nervous system connection between dogs and the humans who love them. 

Bianca brings a uniquely holistic perspective to dog behavior; one that looks at the whole picture, including the human on the other end of the leash. In this episode, Ashley and Bianca explore how the nervous system connection between dogs and their owners is more powerful than most p...

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Stoddard, a certified breathwork practitioner, new mom, dog mom, and somatic EMDR-informed practitioner, to talk all things nervous system regulation and co-regulation. We explore the striking parallels between parenting dogs and children, and how understanding your own nervous system is the first step toward helping your loved ones feel safe, calm, and supported.

Sarah shares practical tips for dog parents and caregivers on how to resource yourself in stressful moments so you can be fully present for your dog or child. We dive into strategies for helping your dog...

In today's episode, you'll get a seat at the table for a reactivity masterclass with yours truly. We'll go over: what factors contribute to leash reactivity, why your dog's reactions aren't random, the systems I teach my clients, and the mindset shifts that will keep you sane when living with a leash-reactive dog. I'm sharing how I view every dog I work with as a mini science experiment, testing and tracking what works best in different scenarios to support them, what to do when you're trigger stacked and sh*t out of luck, and why supporting your dog's nervous...

When your dog struggles with problem behaviors, it can feel overwhelming. But what if the solution didn’t always require more training—and instead started with something simpler?

In this episode, I’m joined by Juliana DeWillems, Certified Dog Trainer, Behavior Consultant, and founder of JW Dog Training. Juliana is also the author of Manage It! Hacks for Improving Your Dog’s Behavior, a faculty member at the Karen Pryor Academy, and her expertise has been featured in National Geographic and Forbes.

Together, we dive into:
✨ What “management” really means (and why it’s not just a tempo...

Living with a dog who struggles with behavior problems can be overwhelming, emotional, and at times isolating. In this episode, I’m joined by Kelly McCoullough, LCSW to explore the powerful connection between owner anxiety and dog behavior challenges, and the surprising ways human and dog psychology mirror each other.

We cover:

Why anxiety isn’t always bad — and how it can serve as useful information for both humans and dogs.

When anxiety becomes harmful, creating a cycle that fuels behavior struggles.

The realities of living with a dog with behavior proble...

In this episode, I sit down with Mattison Skoog Simpson, founder of Freed by Training, to hear her remarkable story of resilience, redemption, and the healing power of dogs.

Mattison Skoog-Simpson is a multi-certified dog trainer and behavior consultant—and a firm believer in second chances. After learning to train dogs in a prison program, she now helps people build deep, lasting relationships with their complex or sensitive dogs through her business, Freed by Training. Her story is one of transformation, purpose, and the powerful connection between dogs and the people who love them.

This co...

What if boundaries aren’t about shutting others out, but about creating safety, clarity, and trust? In this solo episode, Ashley dives deep into the role of boundaries across three key relationships:

Whether it’s managing your own emotional capacity, setting ground rules in your personal life, or teaching your dog where the “line” is in a way that feels fair and kind—boundaries are the foundation of he...

Tired of dirty paw prints on your clothes the second you walk in the door? In today’s quick training tip, I’m breaking down how to teach your dog a calmer way to greet you and your guests. You’ll learn why dogs jump in the first place and my simple, step-by-step strategy to replace that jumping with a behavior you actually want. Whether you have a bouncy puppy or an adult dog with a long history of springing up, this tip will help you set clear boundaries and keep greetings stress-free for everyone.

What You’ll Learn...

Can positive reinforcement be... coercive? 🤯 In this episode, I sit down with dog behavior expert Karishma Warr (@transformbehavior) to explore the often-unspoken power dynamics that can show up even in the most well-intentioned training. We talk about choice, consent, emotional pressure, and how to recognize when your dog is simply complying — not healing. If you're interested in truly ethical, relationship-based training that goes beyond surface-level R+, this is a must-listen. 

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:

What coercion really means in a positive reinforcement context

What if the way we shape behavior—of dogs, of people, of ourselves—could change the world?

Today’s guest has spent his life proving that it can.

Ken Ramirez is more than one of the greatest animal trainers of our time. He’s a visionary. A mentor. A global leader in applying the science of behavior to build trust, connection, and possibility across species.

From training over 900 species across zoos, sanctuaries, and conservation projects worldwide, to leading one of the most respected training organizations on the planet—Ken has taught thousands how to use rei...

In this solo episode, I’m diving deeper into a topic that sparked a lot of interest after my conversation with Mike Shikashio—the role pain can play in a dog’s reactivity. Could discomfort, injury, or even subtle chronic pain be the missing piece in your dog’s behavior puzzle?

I’ll explore:

Signs that pain might be contributing to reactivity

Why pain is so often overlooked in behavior cases

How physical discomfort can change perception, stress thresholds, and coping skills

What to do if you suspect your dog is in...

In this episode, I sit down with world-renowned aggression expert Michael Shikashio, CDBC, to talk about what aggression really is—and what it definitely isn’t. We dive into how he got started in the field, the lessons he’s learned from teaching around the world, and the importance of staying curious and non-judgmental in our work with both dogs and people. Michael shares insights into handling disagreements in the industry with grace, why leading with compassion matters, and tips for anyone consulting on behavior cases. Whether you’re a professional trainer or just passionate about dogs, this conversation is packe...

Do you ever walk outside and realize you’ve completely missed the moment? You didn’t notice the birds. You didn’t feel the breeze. You didn’t even breathe deeply. If that feels familiar, you’re not alone — and today’s episode might just shift something big for you.

In this soul-level solo episode, Ashley Cipolletti explores how emotional disconnection is keeping us from noticing beauty, building connection with our dogs, and truly enjoying the present. She shares her journey from a suburban Massachusetts upbringing to tracking wildlife in Africa, slowing down in Brazil, and learning deep reverence...

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your dog training journey — like you’re doing all the “right things” but still not making progress — this episode is for you. We’re diving into the real forces that impact learning and behavior change, not just for your dog, but for you and even your trainer. 

From how sensory processing differences show up in daily training to how breed tendencies, emotional regulation, stress, and even nutrition shape your dog’s ability to take in and apply information. 

Whether you're a pet parent or a fellow trainer, this conversation will...

We often think of socialization as a checklist: meet people, meet dogs, go for walks. But socialization — true, meaningful socialization — goes so much deeper. It’s not just about exposure. It’s about cultivating an internal feeling of safety, emotional resilience, and learning how to exist in our human world without fear. In this episode, we explore what socialization really means for dogs and for us. From critical windows of development to the role of the nervous system, attachment, and early experiences, this conversation draws a powerful parallel between puppy raising and human healing.

You’ll learn:

🐾 Ho...

Today’s episode is going to fundamentally change the way you think about enrichment — and what it truly means to help our dogs live more enriched lives.

Ashley sits down with Emily Strong, one of the world's leading experts on pet enrichment. Her groundbreaking work as a behavior consultant, mentor, author, and animal rescuer helps shape how we care for animals with compassion, intention, and science-backed strategies.

In this episode, they explore:

What enrichment really means (beyond food puzzles and chew toys)

How Emily got started training animals — including training spiders and wa...

In this episode of The Co-Regulated K-9s Podcast, we’re talking all about pressure—and not just the obvious kind. From spatial and physical pressure to emotional, social, and perceived pressure, we unpack how these forces show up in our dog training—and in our personal lives.

You'll learn:

How obedience and compliance don't tell us much about our dog's feelings

Why using treats doesn't necessarily mean you're creating a positive emotional experience for your dog

What it means to offer your dog more space and choice to opt in or out...

In this deeply personal and educational episode, I share how stress shaped my own health journey with chronic illness and how it shows up in the dogs I work with—sometimes with heartbreaking consequences. From the story of a shelter dog who died from chronic stress to what I’ve seen in clients and my own body, we dig into the difference between acute and chronic stress, what it does to the body (in both species), and how our well-meaning choices can sometimes unintentionally do more harm than good. We explore the physiological impacts of stress, how it touches ever...

In this episode, we're diving deep into something that’s often overlooked but incredibly powerful — acknowledgment. From recognizing your dog’s efforts (even the tiny ones) to noticing your own progress, I’ll share how this simple practice can radically shift your training outcomes and your relationships.

We’ll also talk about:

✨ Why a daily gratitude practice isn’t just fluff — it can rewire your brain 

🐾 How positive reinforcement works on both ends of the leash

🧠 Why social media feels so exhausting — and how the algorithm can hijack your brain

👀 What to do when you f...

In this special bonus episode, I sit down with Marco Adda—researcher, anthrozoologist, dog behavior consultant, and educator—to explore how ethics, empathy, and co-regulation are reshaping our relationship with dogs. This candid conversation offers deep insights from our recent webinar and invites you to think differently about the human-canine bond. 

This leaked episode from our recent webinar, is packed with insights on:

What co-regulation looks like between species

The subtle, often-overlooked ways dogs reflect our internal states

Why moving beyond dominance-based methods is crucial for real connection

How we ca...

In this episode of Co-Regulated K-9s, we’re diving into the wild world of dogs eating things they definitely shouldn’t—yes, we’re talking about pica in dogs. From rocks and socks to mulch and mystery objects, I’ll unpack why some dogs develop these habits and what you can actually do about it. But that’s just the beginning. We’ll also talk about: Why energy matters in dog training (especially for recall!) The art of shaping behaviors instead of forcing them Setting realistic expectations for both you and your dog And yes... some light shade thrown at old...

In this episode of The Co-Regulated K-9s Podcast, we’re talking about something we don’t talk about enough in the dog training world—resilience. Not just for our dogs, but for ourselves too. Whether you're navigating a rough patch with your pup, feeling stuck in your personal life, or just trying to stay grounded in a world that can feel chaotic—resilience is the piece that brings us back to ourselves.

We'll explore:

What resilience really means in the context of your dog’s behavior

Tips to grow you + your dog's resilience...

In this episode, we dive into the world of co-regulation — a foundational concept in building stronger, more connected relationships with our dogs. But co-regulation isn’t just about your dog; it starts with you. I’ll explain why self-regulation is the first step to connecting with your dog on a deeper level and how awareness of your own emotions plays a crucial role. Plus, I share practical tips on how to help your dog navigate the hard stuff, from everyday triggers to more challenging moments. Let’s dive into how understanding and practicing co-regulation can lead to a calmer, more bal...

Welcome to the Co-Regulated K-9s Podcast, the go-to podcast for animal lovers, dog parents, and anyone looking to build deeper, more connected relationships through the lens of co-regulation! In this trailer episode, I’m introducing myself—Ashley, the founder of Co-Regulated K9s, a multi-certified professional dog trainer with a background in psychology and animal behavior. I share my journey from working in mental health and animal rescue to launching this podcast, where I combine science-backed training methods with emotional regulation strategies to help dog parents reduce stress, build trust, and improve their relationship with their dogs. 

Wha...