Dog Chats

As a new year begins, we’re trading pressure and perfection for something better: kindness. In this episode, we talk about our hopes and positive intentions for the year ahead—adding more gentleness, self-care, and compassion not just for ourselves, but for our dogs and our communities too. From letting go of unrealistic expectations to noticing the small moments that matter, we explore how kindness can shape the way we show up—for our dogs, for each other, and for ourselves. No rigid resolutions here—just thoughtful reflections, a few laughs, and a reminder that doing less and caring more can be a powerful place to start. Pour a cup of something warm, grab your pup, and join us as we welcome the new year with softer intentions and open hearts. 🐾💛

In this episode, Emma and Kirsten dive into everything you need to know about helping your dog feel safe, secure, and even excited about car rides. Whether you're planning a big road trip or just want to make vet visits less stressful, we’ve got you covered. We’ll chat about the best ways to support your dog while riding in the car—think comfy setups, calming techniques, and safety must-haves. Plus, we share gentle, step-by-step tips for easing anxious pups into car travel, so every journey can feel a little more like home.

Remember when summer felt endless—when every day was an invitation to explore, get a little sunburned, and create memories with your favorite people? In this episode, Emma and Kirsten take you back to those golden days and challenge you to bring that same spirit of joy, freedom, and fun into the time you spend with your dog. From creative ways to beat the heat to spontaneous backyard adventures, it’s all about making the most of these sun-soaked days with your four-legged best friend. After all, summers with your pup are precious—and there are never quite enough of them. So grab the leash, fill the water bowl, and let’s make this summer unforgettable.

Did you know that dogs can’t see anything that is 12-18 inches in front of their face? Or that the size of their skull affects their ability to hear different frequencies? During this episode, Emma and Kirsten share the details of how your dogs are taking in information in their environments by using their visual, olfactory, auditory, taste, tactile and awareness sensory perception faculties. By understanding how our dogs take in information, we get a clearer picture of how they think and feel. Ready to see the world through your dog’s brain? Interested in learning more about dog behavior? Check out Kirsten’s Canine Behavior Education courses at www.caninebehavior.com or send her an email at kwhappydogs@gmail.com

In this episode, Emma and Kirsten sit down with Kim Brophey, an applied ethologist and a leading voice in the movement to transform the way we understand and interact with dogs. Kim shares her insights on the much-needed paradigm shift in the dog profession world—one that focuses on seeing dogs as sentient beings with their own needs, emotions, and agency. She delves into the concept of a "Good Life" for dogs, discussing how a deeper understanding of canine behavior, communication, and welfare can shape more humane, effective training and caregiving practices. Whether you’re a dog owner, trainer, or just passionate about animal welfare, this conversation offers a thought-provoking look at how we can better meet the needs of our canine companions and reimagine our relationships with them. The Dogs Truth movie on youtube https://www.familydogmediation.com/ https://www.instagram.com/familydogmediation/ Check out Kim Brophey's incredible courses here!

Have you ever been in a new place- maybe a subway in another country or a county fair on a crowded holiday- and been overwhelmed with the sights, sounds and smells around you? Sometimes our brain is so busy taking in sensory input, it can be hard to relax and process information. This is also the case for our dogs. In this episode, Emma and Kirsten discuss the impact of the environment on your dog’s behavior and ways you can help to support them so they can learn and thrive.

Dog training is an unregulated industry where anyone can call themselves a ”trainer” and make an eye-catching website in order to sell you their quick fix services- sometimes at great cost to the welfare of your dog. In a world where we have so many options, it is vital to educate yourself on the types of methods available and to consider how you want to teach and support your dog in a humane way. In this episode, Emma and Kirsten unpack different training methodologies and ask the question: ”How can we best support our dogs’ learning and well-being?” Buckle your seatbelts because this is a courageous ride into the dichotomy of the dog training world. Fear not as Emma and Kirsten are yet again your confident and wise guides.

Have you ever considered adopting a dog with special needs? This episode takes you on one couple’s heartwarming adventure of bringing a blind dog into their life. Scout was born with a degenerative condition that is causing blindness, and though he faces some challenges, his pet parents have found ways to support him and he is thriving! Check out reels and photos of Scout in action here https://www.instagram.com/rogersnaps/

The holidays are almost upon us and Kirsten and Emma have some thoughtful tips about how to keep our dogs healthy and happy during this special season. Also they offer creative ways to include our dogs in our rituals and traditions, while sharing some humorous stories about their own past holiday dog memories. Baking dog biscuits, preparing for holiday guests and thinking about the holidays from our dogs’ perspective- Episode 7 will leave you with warm, holiday spirit feelings and practical advice.

Fall is in the air and kids are back in school, so we thought, why not find out what students want to know about dogs? Kids have such creative minds and fresh perspectives, and It seems to us that having more knowledge about dogs should be a priority. No Dog Left Behind. So we asked some local teachers to poll their students and gather up some questions, and the result is a podcast episode meant for adults and children alike. Sometimes funny and always interesting, answering these twenty questions made Emma and Kirsten think a bit and laugh a lot.

Camping with your dog can be so fulfilling if you are prepared and set up for a positive experience. Episode 3 discusses the incredible enrichment camping offers both dogs and their guardians, along with some practical advice of what to pack and what to consider when you pick a destination. And don’t worry, Kirsten shares her strong feelings about Snowy Plovers and their ”nesting rights,” but she is really a bird lover at heart.

Emma and Kirsten give you a bit of their background into why they were inspired to work as dog behavior professionals and they share some fun stories about their own dogs. They point out that dog training philosophy and the socio-cultural perspective of our pet dogs today is so different from their childhood memories of 70’s dogs. A few wise tips and some witty repertoire in this episode will get you hooked on their podcast.