We've learned quite a lot about dogs over the last 5-10 years and we now know how to take care of them better, make that happier and keep them with us for longer. To help us keep up with all this new info on health and wellness I've invited veterinarian Mark Nunez back to the show to share some of the current things going on right now so that we can take the very best are of our dogs.

We've learned quite a lot about dogs over the last 5-10 years and we now know how to take care of them better, make that happier and keep them with us for longer. To help us keep up with all this new info on health and wellness I've invited veterinarian Mark Nunez back to the show to share some of the current things going on right now so that we can take the very best are of our dogs.

FernDog158: Wellness Chat with Veterinarian Mark Nunez

I'm joined by my first dog training mentor and long time friend, Jeff Coltenback, and we discuss how far dog training as come in the last couple of decades, as well as where we think it's going to go in the future. We'll talk about how the industry has changed and what we like and don't like about how we live our lives with dogs. Jeff and I also go over what we believe is important for the future as dogs are more integrated into our lives. 

I'm joined by my first dog training mentor and long time friend, Jeff Coltenback, and we discuss how far dog training as come in the last couple of decades, as well as where we think it's going to go in the future. We'll talk about how the industry has changed and what we like and don't like about how we live our lives with dogs. Jeff and I also go over what we believe is important for the future as dogs are more integrated into our lives.

FernDog 157: Dog Training Trends

Teaching your dog some basic skills will help him learn what we want, behave better and settle down more. In this episode I'll go over what I consider the five most important things to teach our dog, as well as the things you need to do in order to help your dog learn them faster and become more compliant with them. 

Teaching your dog some basic skills will help him learn what we want, behave better and settle down more. In this episode I'll go over what I consider the five most important things to teach our dog, as well as the things you need to do in order to help your dog learn them faster and become more compliant with them.

FernDog 156: The 5 Essential Skills 

Believe it or not there are many things in your home that are not only tempting for your dog to chew but that can also be dangerous to him. It's critical that you set your dog up to succeed and take the time to teach him exactly what is okay for him to sink his teeth on and what is off limits. In this episode we'll go over what items to be careful of in your home, what's potentially harmful to your dog and the best ways to minimize problems and create a safe environment for your dog to live in.

Believe it or not there are many things in your home that are not only tempting for your dog to chew but that can also be dangerous to him. It's critical that you set your dog up to succeed and take the time to teach him exactly what is okay for him to sink his teeth on and what is off limits. In this episode we'll go over what items to be careful of in your home, what's potentially harmful to your dog and the best ways to minimize problems and create a safe environment for your dog to live in.

FernDog155: Dog Proofing Your Home

Training your dog can be frustrating when you're not seeing the results you want. Often the problem lies with the foundation of what and how you're working with your dog.  In this episode I'll go over the 9 most important things to remember about dog training. If you understand these concepts you can really help your dog reach his full potential. 

Training your dog can be frustrating when you're not seeing the results you want. Often the problem lies with the foundation of what and how you're working with your dog.  In this episode I'll go over the 9 most important things to remember about dog training. If you understand these concepts you can really help your dog reach his full potential.

FernDog154: Dog Training Demystified

Front

Most dogs get worked up when someone knocks on the front door. The reasons that they do it vary a bit but the treatment plan is very similar no matte what the cause.  In this episode we'll explore this common behavior problem and I'll give you specific ways you can improve your situation, no matter what level of crazy your dog is when people come to your front door. 

Most dogs get worked up when someone knocks on the front door. The reasons that they do it vary a bit but the treatment plan is very similar no matte what the cause.  In this episode we'll explore this common behavior problem and I'll give you specific ways you can improve your situation, no matter what level of crazy your dog is when people come to your front door.

FernDog 153: Dogs Who Go Crazy At The Front Door

Many people are often confused about rewarding their dog. Some feel they're doing it too much, while others don't want to use rewards at all. In this episode, I'll give you my take on if you need to use rewards, how to do properly, when to reward you dog and for how long you need to keep doing it.

Many people are often confused about rewarding their dog. Some feel they're doing it too much, while others don't want to use rewards at all. In this episode, I'll give you my take on if you need to use rewards, how to do properly, when to reward you dog and for how long you need to keep doing it.

FernDog152: The Right Way To Use Rewards

This year, 2020, has been a challenging one as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. It's caused us to alter our lifestyles, change the way we live and as dramatically affected our dogs, as well. In this episode we'll discuss what this crisis has done to our dogs and the things you can do to help them adjust and adapt. 

This year, 2020, has been a challenging one as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. It's caused us to alter our lifestyles, change the way we live and as dramatically affected our dogs, as well. In this episode we'll discuss what this crisis has done to our dogs and the things you can do to help them adjust and adapt.

FernDog151: How The Pandemic Has Affected Our Dogs

DOGBIZ SERIES – This episode is for all my dog trainer friends. We’ll discuss 7 keys to having a successful, long term business as a dog trainer. I’ll share with you some of the things that I’ve done to grow my business over the last ten years to give you some new things to try for yourself to have more success. In this episode 0:50  Why I’m doing dog business episodes 2:28  How I started out 5:08  Get smart 8:20  Learning the business side of things 12:20  The dangers of being a “dog person” 14:44  Casting judgement 20:04  Developing the right relationships 22:38  We’re all on the same team Links Free guide: 5 Quick &amp; Simple Ways To Promote Your Dog Training Business

DOGBIZ SERIES – This episode is for all my dog trainer friends. We’ll discuss 7 keys to having a successful, long term business as a dog trainer. I’ll share with you some of the things that I’ve done to grow my business over the last ten years to give you some new things to try for yourself to have more success. In this episode 0:50  Why I’m doing dog business episodes 2:28  How I started out 5:08  Get smart 8:20  Learning the business side of things 12:20  The dangers of being a “dog person” 14:44  Casting judgement 20:04  Developing the right relationships 22:38  We’re all on the same team Links <a href="http://dogbizrocketship.com/trainer-guide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Free guide: 5 Quick &amp; Simple Ways To Promote Your Dog Training Business</a>

FernDog150: How To Achieve More Success As A Dog Trainer

Many people are frustrated and angry at their dogs because they “just don’t listen.” This common problem is usually less about the dog and more about the situation we put them in. In this episode, I’ll show you your dog’s perspective and explain exactly why your dog isn’t as compliant as you like and then show you the ways you can change things and get your dog to take more direction on a regular basis. In this episode 2:11  Expecting the wrong thing 4:15  Practice matters 6:42  Reassessing your expectations 9:35  Is energy killing you 12:00  Your outer environment 14:50  Assessing and improving your relationship

Many people are frustrated and angry at their dogs because they “just don’t listen.” This common problem is usually less about the dog and more about the situation we put them in. In this episode, I’ll show you your dog’s perspective and explain exactly why your dog isn’t as compliant as you like and then show you the ways you can change things and get your dog to take more direction on a regular basis. In this episode 2:11  Expecting the wrong thing 4:15  Practice matters 6:42  Reassessing your expectations 9:35  Is energy killing you 12:00  Your outer environment 14:50  Assessing and improving your relationship

FernDog149: 6 Reasons Why Your Dog Doesn’t Listen

I don’t write many reviews. I listen to a very few select podcasts and have become accustom to a certain audio quality & tempo of conversation. He doesn’t pause, go far off topic, rant or ramble and has good audio quality.  
👍👍 from me.

Excellent quality and content.

This is education people need!  Even for someone who has 5 dogs and strives to be the best dog mom and been raised around dogs and animals in general, there are educational pieces that I either need to be reminded of from time to time or I. Fact things I don’t know or methods I should try. But this speaks volumes in so many ways, even with repetition.  It’s phenomenal. Great work.  I hope you do more. I also love the Facebook page!

Yes yes yes!

FernDog Podcast: Dog Training & Behavior Tips and Advice

You’ve heard me go on and on about how important walking your dog is but did you know that you can use your walks as training opportunities? Oh yes – working on some training with your dog while going for a walk is a great way to get some better leash manners from your dog, increase your communication and make your stroll more of a team activity. This episode will get you set up on how to use your walks as partial training sessions, and the following 2 episodes (GDA83 and GDA84) will guide you through your walk. In this episode 1:10  Why the walk is so important 1:55  Defining the walk 3:23  Mix it up 4:01  Who’s walk agenda are you on? 5:59  Intro to the Walk n’ Train Trax 8:07  Setting expectations 11:00 Equipment needed Links Wooftrax app

You’ve heard me go on and on about how important walking your dog is but did you know that you can use your walks as training opportunities? Oh yes – working on some training with your dog while going for a walk is a great way to get some better leash manners from your dog, increase your communication and make your stroll more of a team activity. This episode will get you set up on how to use your walks as partial training sessions, and the following 2 episodes (<a href="http://thegreatdogadventure.com/episode83/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GDA83</a> and <a href="http://thegreatdogadventure.com/episode84/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GDA84</a>) will guide you through your walk. In this episode 1:10  Why the walk is so important 1:55  Defining the walk 3:23  Mix it up 4:01  Who’s walk agenda are you on? 5:59  Intro to the Walk n’ Train Trax 8:07  Setting expectations 11:00 Equipment needed Links <a href="http://www.wooftrax.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wooftrax app</a>

GDA82: Training While Walking Your Dog

So many people are frustrated with their dog’s behavior when the dog is just being himself. It’s not that they want to misbehave, it’s that they are just acting according to their personality characteristics. In this episode, we’ll explore how you can better understand where your dog is coming from so you can finally see your dog for who he really is and create a better world for the both of you. In this episode 1:59  My upcoming speaking engagements 4:58  The role of breed 7:00  Personality first 10:03  Different dogs, different experience 13:24  Using training 15:50  Creating a happy balance Links World Dog Expo

So many people are frustrated with their dog’s behavior when the dog is just being himself. It’s not that they want to misbehave, it’s that they are just acting according to their personality characteristics. In this episode, we’ll explore how you can better understand where your dog is coming from so you can finally see your dog for who he really is and create a better world for the both of you. In this episode 1:59  My upcoming speaking engagements 4:58  The role of breed 7:00  Personality first 10:03  Different dogs, different experience 13:24  Using training 15:50  Creating a happy balance Links <a href="https://www.worldexpo.dog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Dog Expo</a>

FernDog148: Understanding The Dog You Have

FernDog140: Balancing Your Dog’s Needs With Your Busy Life

FernDog120: Teaching Your Dog To Walk Off Leash

By far the most common thing people hire me for is dogs that are reactive to other dog while on leash. To us it seems strange that our lovable dog would act so grumpy toward another pooch, but it’s actually quite common. When we put restraints (leash) on our dogs we change natural behavior and introduce tension into our dogs. And tension is never a good thing. Leash reactivity is caused by a variety of factors and understanding both the cause and the ideal treatment plan is the best way to help it improve. In this episode we’ll discuss what’s going on with leash reactive dogs and go over how you can work with them to change their behavior pattern. In this episode  1:20  5 causes of leash reactivity 2:30  What to do if your dog has a bad experience with another dog 4:15  Genetic factors 4:46  How fenced in yards can increase reactivity 7:19  Balancing treatment and management 10:12  Changing your dog’s state of mind 12:09  How repetitions leads to bad habits 14:00  Finding your dogs threshold of tolerance 18:54  The power of a pack walk 22:47  Working in the environment 25:32  Experiment with some training leashes/collars 30:34  How our energy can affect our dog’s Links  Blog post: Take That Mailman   Subscribe To The Show  And get the Great Dog Gear Guide free.     Yes - Subscribe Me   No worries, I'll protect your email with a pack of wild Chihuahuas

By far the most common thing people hire me for is dogs that are reactive to other dog while on leash. To us it seems strange that our lovable dog would act so grumpy toward another pooch, but it’s actually quite common. When we put restraints (leash) on our dogs we change natural behavior and introduce tension into our dogs. And tension is never a good thing. Leash reactivity is caused by a variety of factors and understanding both the cause and the ideal treatment plan is the best way to help it improve. In this episode we’ll discuss what’s going on with leash reactive dogs and go over how you can work with them to change their behavior pattern. In this episode  1:20  5 causes of leash reactivity 2:30  What to do if your dog has a bad experience with another dog 4:15  Genetic factors 4:46  How fenced in yards can increase reactivity 7:19  Balancing treatment and management 10:12  Changing your dog’s state of mind 12:09  How repetitions leads to bad habits 14:00  Finding your dogs threshold of tolerance 18:54  The power of a pack walk 22:47  Working in the environment 25:32  Experiment with some training leashes/collars 30:34  How our energy can affect our dog’s Links <a href="http://ferndogtraining.com/take-that-mailman/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blog post: Take That Mailman</a> Subscribe To The Show And get the Great Dog Gear Guide free.  Yes - Subscribe Me No worries, I'll protect your email with a pack of wild Chihuahuas

GDA61: Dealing with Leash Reactivity

FernDog125: 7 Things You Think Are Good For Your Dog But Are Bad

FernDog114: The 3 Musts of Having a Great Dog

FernDog139: 7 Things That Dog People Do That Piss Me Off

Let’s face it, just about everyone has a problem with their dog jumping up on people in the beginning. It’s because dogs love us and are very excitable, which is understandable, however it doesn’t make it any less annoying. The problem is that many people are actually rewarding the jumping instead of discouraging it. In this episode I’ll show you how you can easily get your dog to keep his paws on the floor. In this episode 1:00  My online Basic Obedience &amp; Manners class 3:52  Your dog’s perspective on jumping 4:40  Easiest way to get rid of jumping 6:19  Dog training mojo 7:38  Make people a calm trigger 8:45  What to do for strangers 9:26  Training an alternate behavior

Let’s face it, just about everyone has a problem with their dog jumping up on people in the beginning. It’s because dogs love us and are very excitable, which is understandable, however it doesn’t make it any less annoying. The problem is that many people are actually rewarding the jumping instead of discouraging it. In this episode I’ll show you how you can easily get your dog to keep his paws on the floor. In this episode 1:00  My online Basic Obedience &amp; Manners class 3:52  Your dog’s perspective on jumping 4:40  Easiest way to get rid of jumping 6:19  Dog training mojo 7:38  Make people a calm trigger 8:45  What to do for strangers 9:26  Training an alternate behavior

GDA70: How To Stop Jumping

This may shock a lot of people out there but I believe that having a fenced in yard increased the chances of behavior issues and I actually don’t like them for dogs if used improperly. I know that’s hard to understand, considering almost every other dog “authority” says that a fenced in yard is a plus for having a dog. Take a listen to my reasons and you just might find yourself rethinking that fenced in yard of yours. In this episode 1:32  Pointing the figure at rescues 4:42  Exercise? . . . no 6:24  Dogs will be dogs – always 7:58  The repetitions will hurt you 10:30  My encounter with an “undomesticated” dog 12:00  The one thing you NEED to do but don’t if you have a fenced in yard 13:51  Call I got that proves it all 16:44  My plea for rescues

This may shock a lot of people out there but I believe that having a fenced in yard increased the chances of behavior issues and I actually don’t like them for dogs if used improperly. I know that’s hard to understand, considering almost every other dog “authority” says that a fenced in yard is a plus for having a dog. Take a listen to my reasons and you just might find yourself rethinking that fenced in yard of yours. In this episode 1:32  Pointing the figure at rescues 4:42  Exercise? . . . no 6:24  Dogs will be dogs – always 7:58  The repetitions will hurt you 10:30  My encounter with an “undomesticated” dog 12:00  The one thing you NEED to do but don’t if you have a fenced in yard 13:51  Call I got that proves it all 16:44  My plea for rescues

FernDog146: Why I Don’t Like Fenced In Yards

So you’ve got a good dog, but . . . He’s a bit rambunctious, likes to play rough and bite the leash like it’s a game of tug of war. This behavior seems innocent enough at first but gets old real fast and is something you need to be addressed. I’ll explain why your crazy dog does what he does and what you need to do to save your hands from bruises and your leashes intact. In this episode  0:57  Enjoy your dog today 3:40  Why dog’s are mouthy 4:13  Always think of the big picture 6:45  Rules of play 9:55  Begin treating leash biting before you leave the house 11:35  Why dogs like to bite the leash 12:40  Your dog’s “sweet spot” 15:01  Making your walk a training exercise This episode is sponsored by 4Knines: high quality car seat and cargo covers for your vehicle. www.4knines.com GDA SPECIAL: use this coupon code at checkout and get 10% OFF your purchase: ADVENTUR

So you’ve got a good dog, but . . . He’s a bit rambunctious, likes to play rough and bite the leash like it’s a game of tug of war. This behavior seems innocent enough at first but gets old real fast and is something you need to be addressed. I’ll explain why your crazy dog does what he does and what you need to do to save your hands from bruises and your leashes intact. In this episode  0:57  Enjoy your dog today 3:40  Why dog’s are mouthy 4:13  Always think of the big picture 6:45  Rules of play 9:55  Begin treating leash biting before you leave the house 11:35  Why dogs like to bite the leash 12:40  Your dog’s “sweet spot” 15:01  Making your walk a training exercise This episode is sponsored by 4Knines: high quality car seat and cargo covers for your vehicle. <a href="http://4knines.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.4knines.com</a> GDA SPECIAL: use this coupon code at checkout and get 10% OFF your purchase: ADVENTUR

GDA77: Mouthy Dogs & Leash Biters

GDA112: How To Exercise Your Dog Passively

FernDog132: Territorial Dogs

The big problem between dogs and people is that we are speaking two very different languages and neither of us is really understanding the other. As humans, we rely on verbal methods of communication, whereas our canine companions are non verbal. So we both keep talking but very little of our messages are being received as intended. Now I know your dog is smart and can make many word associations, however he’ll never learn the language of English. So it’s up to us to bridge the gap and learn how to speak in our dog’s language. The good news is that it’s not the hard if you learn how. And that’s what I’ll be teaching you right here. In this episode 0:49  All of Fern’s Spanish 1:40  Three cheers for 4Knines.com 4:01  The problem between people and dogs 4:49  Does yelling work? 6:42  Can dogs sense fear? 10:30  The impact of eye contact 13:33  How you can use physical presence 14:40  How much discipline is necessary 16:57  The best way to communicate with an anxious dog 18:00 Think like a dog This episode is sponsored by 4Knines: high quality car seat and cargo covers for your vehicle. www.4knines.com GDA SPECIAL: use this coupon code at checkout and get 10% OFF your purchase: ADVENTUR

The big problem between dogs and people is that we are speaking two very different languages and neither of us is really understanding the other. As humans, we rely on verbal methods of communication, whereas our canine companions are non verbal. So we both keep talking but very little of our messages are being received as intended. Now I know your dog is smart and can make many word associations, however he’ll never learn the language of English. So it’s up to us to bridge the gap and learn how to speak in our dog’s language. The good news is that it’s not the hard if you learn how. And that’s what I’ll be teaching you right here. In this episode 0:49  All of Fern’s Spanish 1:40  Three cheers for <a href="http://4Knines.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">4Knines.com</a> 4:01  The problem between people and dogs 4:49  Does yelling work? 6:42  Can dogs sense fear? 10:30  The impact of eye contact 13:33  How you can use physical presence 14:40  How much discipline is necessary 16:57  The best way to communicate with an anxious dog 18:00 Think like a dog This episode is sponsored by 4Knines: high quality car seat and cargo covers for your vehicle. <a href="http://4knines.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.4knines.com</a> GDA SPECIAL: use this coupon code at checkout and get 10% OFF your purchase: ADVENTUR

GDA89: How To Speak Dog

GDA108: Dog Training For Busy People

Do you know how to play with your dog? Sounds kind of silly doesn’t it? Well if you’re just letting your dog run around like a crazy dog you could be setting yourself up for some behavior problems. In this week’s podcast I’ll go over the smart way to play with your dog so that your pooch will be well mannered at playtime and other times as well. In this episode 0:57  My new website! 3:20  This is all Victoria Stilwell’s doing 5:50  How to most people play with their dog (that’s not helpful to you or your dog) 7:21  Play, the great reward 9:35  The rules of play 10:15  My one big rule for play 11:42  Who’s idea is it? 13:30  Watch the energy 15:54  Using training in play 17:34  Tug of war – good or bad? Links My new website This episode is sponsored by 4Knines: high quality car seat and cargo covers for your vehicle. www.4knines.com GDA SPECIAL: use this coupon code at checkout and get 10% OFF your purchase: ADVENTUR

Do you know how to play with your dog? Sounds kind of silly doesn’t it? Well if you’re just letting your dog run around like a crazy dog you could be setting yourself up for some behavior problems. In this week’s podcast I’ll go over the smart way to play with your dog so that your pooch will be well mannered at playtime and other times as well. In this episode 0:57  My new website! 3:20  This is all Victoria Stilwell’s doing 5:50  How to most people play with their dog (that’s not helpful to you or your dog) 7:21  Play, the great reward 9:35  The rules of play 10:15  My one big rule for play 11:42  Who’s idea is it? 13:30  Watch the energy 15:54  Using training in play 17:34  Tug of war – good or bad? Links <a href="http://ferndogtraining.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My new website</a> This episode is sponsored by 4Knines: high quality car seat and cargo covers for your vehicle. <a href="http://4knines.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.4knines.com</a> GDA SPECIAL: use this coupon code at checkout and get 10% OFF your purchase: ADVENTUR

GDA87: The Right Way To Play with Your Dog

FernDog124: Teaching Your Dog To Wait

Lack of socialization is an epidemic and one of biggest causes of behavioral issues in adult dogs, and most people have no idea how to properly socialize their new puppies. Combine that with the multitude of misinformation online and from some trusted professionals it’s no surprise that there is so much confusion as to what is the best and safest way to socialize. Socialization should start early and is very time sensitive. In this episode you’ll find out exactly where those pups should be socialized and how every dog’s plan for socialization differs. In this episode you’ll learn:  When is the right time to begin socialization What exactly do we need to be exposing puppies to How long should socialization continue The myths of puppy socialization  Links: Operation Socialization Socialization Myths Behavioral Vaccinations for Your Puppy Expert interviews on Socialization  Subscribe To The Show  And get the Great Dog Gear Guide free.     Yes - Subscribe Me   No worries, I'll protect your email with a pack of wild Chihuahuas

Lack of socialization is an epidemic and one of biggest causes of behavioral issues in adult dogs, and most people have no idea how to properly socialize their new puppies. Combine that with the multitude of misinformation online and from some trusted professionals it’s no surprise that there is so much confusion as to what is the best and safest way to socialize. Socialization should start early and is very time sensitive. In this episode you’ll find out exactly where those pups should be socialized and how every dog’s plan for socialization differs. In this episode you’ll learn: <ul> <li>When is the right time to begin socialization</li> <li>What exactly do we need to be exposing puppies to</li> <li>How long should socialization continue</li> <li>The myths of puppy socialization</li> </ul> Links: <a href="http://www.operationsocialization.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Operation Socialization</a> <a href="http://www.operationsocialization.com/soc-101/socialization-myths.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Socialization Myths</a> <a href="http://www.operationsocialization.com/for-puppy-owners/overcome-puppy-challenges.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Behavioral Vaccinations for Your Puppy</a> <a href="http://www.operationsocialization.com/for-puppy-owners/what-the-experts-have-to-say.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Expert interviews on Socialization</a> Subscribe To The Show And get the Great Dog Gear Guide free.  Yes - Subscribe Me No worries, I'll protect your email with a pack of wild Chihuahuas

GDA58: Proper Puppy Socialization

What is this?
1 quote, 3 ideas & 1 question from a carefully curated podcast episode.
Every Monday & Wednesday.

Want a 3rd insight and episode every week? Email me at curation@owltail.com.

OwlTail

OwlTail 1-3-1

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!