Ruffly Speaking with Laura and Olivia

In this episode of Ruffly Speaking, we discuss if dog ownership is a scam? Are we being sold an idealistic picture of what dog ownership looks like? Laura and Olivia chat about the financial aspects of dog ownership, including initial setup expenses and the decision to get a dog.

We also delve into the influence of marketing on consumer behaviour, the impact of lifestyle marketing, and the capitalization on time commitment in dog ownership.

At the end of the episode, we'll answer the question of "is it worth it?" and ultimately...

In this episode, we have a very fun and insightful conversation with Toby Craze from Craze Dog Training about rescue dogs, street dogs, and the nuance that comes with helping dogs adjust to life in a human world.

Toby shares his experience working with overseas rescue dogs, shelter dogs, and free-roaming dogs in Thailand. We talk about the multilayered reality of rescue work, what can happen when dogs move from one environment into a completely different one, and why expectations matter so much when adopting or working with rescue dogs.

We also get into the...

In this episode, we have a very fun and insightful conversation with Toby Craze from Craze Dog Training about rescue dogs, street dogs, and the nuance that comes with helping dogs adjust to life in a human world.

Toby shares his experience working with overseas rescue dogs, shelter dogs, and free-roaming dogs in Thailand. We talk about the multilayered reality of rescue work, what can happen when dogs move from one environment into a completely different one, and why expectations matter so much when adopting or working with rescue dogs.

We also get...

In this episode, we sit down with Bianca Barlow of Dogfulness to explore dog training through a thoughtful, global lens. Drawing from her experience as a German living in the United States, Bianca shares insights into the cultural differences that shape how we live with and train our dogs.

We dive into what it really means to support both dogs and their humans—covering everything from navigating life transitions and prioritizing wellness, to the powerful connection between psychology and dog training. We also unpack the realities of living with a reactive dog, including how it ca...

In this episode, we get real about our own experience with chunky dog denial. We talk about how easy it is to miss weight gain when it happens slowly, how we both brushed things off longer than we should have, and what finally made it click that our dogs were actually overweight.

We also share our personal experiences helping our dogs lose weight, including the habits that were contributing more than we realized, the small changes we started making, and what that process has looked like in real life.

This is...

In this episode of Ruffly Speaking, we sit down with Julia Schwark, certified Dog Trainer and Trick Trainer, to explore the world of dog sports—her journey, her dogs, and how to find the right fit for each individual dog.

We talk about why listening to your dog matters, how to adapt to their preferences, and how sports like agility and rally obedience can be more approachable than you might think. We also dive into why tricks can be a powerful gateway into dog sports, the difference between obedience and rally, and common misconceptions like th...

In this episode of Ruffly Speaking, we sit down with Sally and Weber from Wiggly Babies to nerd out on the real science behind freeze-dried dog treats and the behind-the-scenes reality of running a business most people never see.

We break down what freeze-drying actually is, why it preserves so many nutrients, and the downside people don’t always think about. Then we get into the heart of it: what it really looks like to live your values as a brand.

Sally and Weber share the tough calls they’ve made to p...

In this episode, we chat about our passion for business and marketing - sharing our experiences and insights with you!

We discuss balancing full-time work while growing our businesses, along with the marketing and branding strategies that have helped us connect with our community. We also talk about investing in visuals, paid ads, platform selection, and the role of Instagram and influencer marketing in client acquisition.

Join us as we explore vulnerability, authenticity, and navigating personal and professional boundaries online. From early mistakes and legal considerations to hiring and team growth...

In this episode, we sit down with Camille Martens from Farley’s Friends Pet Care to explore her incredible journey through the animal world — from working with wild cats in Bolivia to tree planting in the forests of BC with her loyal “bush dog,” and eventually building a dog walking business focused on trust and connection.

Camille shares stories of feeding and walking pumas on leash, living deep in the jungle, and learning to read body language across species. We talk about how those early experiences shaped the way she understands dogs today, especially those with big...

Ever feel like the pet care world is loud, crowded, and everyone’s starting to sound the same?

In this episode, we’re joined by Alysha Carusi from Tails & Tales, and we talk about what happens when you stop trying to imitate what’s “working” online—and start building a business that actually feels like you. Alysha shares her journey from media + marketing into pet care, how storytelling became the foundation of her brand, and why personal growth is basically part of the job description when you work with dogs.

We also dive...

In this episode of Ruffly Speaking, hosts Laura and Olivia delve into the complexities of life with dogs in Mexico, sharing personal observations from Laura's recent trips back home. They discuss the behaviour of street dogs, the cultural differences in dog ownership, and the challenges of dog reactivity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the human-animal bond and the varying perspectives on dog training and care across different cultures. Olivia and Laura explore the intricate relationships between dogs and humans, emphasizing the importance of connection, understanding, and respect for dogs as sentient beings. They discuss the nuances of...

In this episode, Laura and Olivia are joined by Justyne, founder and owner of Ollie B. Good, a Langley based pet goods business that specializes in slow feeders for dog enrichment. The conversation covers the challenges of dog parenting, the transition from traditional jobs to entrepreneurship, and the balance between financial decisions and business growth. We discuss the struggles and rewards of small business ownership, and the value of collaboration, community engagement and philanthropy. Justyne shares insights on prioritizing her own dogs' care and the impact of the dog world on personal growth. She also discusses future plans for...

Episode Summary

In this episode, Laura and Olivia welcome Marina Yamada, a pet care professional with a multicultural background, to discuss her experiences with dogs in Japan and Canada. They explore the cultural differences in dog ownership, the role of pet care professionals, and the importance of understanding dog behaviour. Marina shares her aspirations to integrate psychology with dog training and the challenges she faces in educating dog owners in Japan. The episode concludes with a fun segment where they guess each other's dog breeds, highlighting the unique personalities of each guest.

Summary

In this episode of Ruffly Speaking, Laura shares her journey from a marketing career to the world of dog care, detailing her experiences at a doggy daycare and the challenges of dog training. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and the evolution of her business, Curious Snoots. Laura discusses her aspirations for the future, including creating an apprenticeship program for aspiring dog trainers, and the significance of finding one's passion in the pet care industry.

Takeaways

💡 Episode Summary

In this episode of Ruffly Speaking, Olivia shares her transformative journey from a corporate career to becoming a passionate dog trainer. The discussion delves into the challenges and rewards of owning a reactive dog, the importance of understanding dog behaviour, and the transition from a stable career to pursuing a passion in dog training. Listeners will gain insights into the significance of empathy, realistic expectations, and continuous learning in both dog ownership and training.

🐾 What You’ll Learn

💡 Episode Summary

In this first episode of Ruffly Speaking, hosts Laura and Olivia introduce themselves and share their unique journeys into the world of dog training. They discuss their backgrounds, the challenges they faced with their own dogs, and their shared philosophy on dog training and behavior. The episode emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and open conversations in the dog training community. Listeners are invited to engage with the hosts and share their own stories as the podcast aims to create a judgment-free space for dog lovers.

More than training tips, Ruffly Spe...

Wanna know how and why this podcast started? We spill the tea in our first episode coming out Tuesday, November 11th, 2025!