The Dog Gone Positive Way

Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through the end of November — and preparation can save lives. In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, we talk about what every pet parent and family should do BEFORE a storm is headed their way.We discuss hurricane preparedness kits for both people and pets, including food, water, medications, crates, leashes, first aid supplies, important paperwork, and emergency planning. We also dive into the unique challenges disabled individuals may face during evacuations and emergencies, including transportation, accessible shelters, backup medical equipment planning, and preparing with a service dog.Having a plan ahead of time can reduce stress, confusion, and panic when severe weather strikes. Whether you stay, evacuate, or need community shelter assistance, this episode is about helping you think ahead and protect the people and animals you love most.Because preparedness matters — for every member of the family.🎧 Follow, like, and share The Dog Gone Positive Way to help us advocate for pets and empower pet parents.#HurricanePreparedness #HurricaneSeason #PetPreparedness #Pets #ServiceDog

What if the products being used to control rats are actually putting pets, wildlife, and even entire ecosystems at risk?In Part 1 of this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, Maria speaks with David Dorfman about a father-son business focused on a safer, non-toxic approach to rodent control using a pheromone-based deterrent.They discuss:• Why dogs may actually be one of the biggest attractants for rats• The surprising similarities between what attracts dogs and rodents• The alarming rise in rat populations over the last decade• The dangers rat poison poses to dogs, cats, wildlife, and birds of prey• Why pet-safe alternatives matter more than everThis conversation explores an important issue many pet parents may not even realize is happening in their own neighborhoods.🎧 Follow The Dog Gone Positive Way for more conversations advocating for pets & empowering pet parents. https://bit.ly/4cCQE7I@rodentstophttps://rodentsstop.com/#DogPodcast#PetSafety#RatControl#NonToxic#WildlifeProtection

Rover’s trainer certification through GoodPup might be more flexible than you think.In Part 3, we break down what it’s actually like to work as a dog trainer on Rover. From setting your own schedule to choosing the types of dogs you want to work with—this model gives trainers more control than you might expect.We also talk about:No non-compete (you can still run your own business)Free training and certificationCommission-based pay as an independent contractorChoosing your niche (puppies, behavior, etc.)If you’re a dog trainer—or thinking about becoming one—this might be a low-risk way to get started or expand your services.👉 Follow for more dog training insights👉 Advocating for pets & empowering pet parents 🐾GoodPup Dog Trainer Certification: ⁠⁠http://get.rover.com/goodpup-certification⁠⁠ ⁠⁠gpcertification@rover.com⁠⁠Already certified and interested in offering training on Rover? ⁠⁠https://www.rover.com/become-a-trainer⁠⁠ ⁠⁠training@rover.com⁠#dogtraining #positivereinforcement #dogtrainer #rover #goodpup#freetraining

Rover has announced that credentialed dog trainers will now be added to the platform — and this marks an important step forward for the pet industry.In a field where standards can vary widely, credentialing represents a commitment to education, ethics, and professional development. This move has the potential to increase transparency for pet parents while elevating expectations for trainers across the board.This isn’t about exclusivity — it’s about raising the bar and improving outcomes for dogs and the people who love them.If you care about ethical training, professional standards, and empowering pet parents, this conversation is for you.GoodPup Dog Trainer Certification: http://get.rover.com/goodpup-certification gpcertification@rover.comAlready certified and interested in offering training on Rover? https://www.rover.com/become-a-trainer training@rover.comRover.com @rover#ProfessionalDogTrainer #CredentialedTrainer #PositiveReinforcement#PetParent#DogTrainer#Podcast #EthicalDogTraining#Animalwellfare#PetCare#TheDogGonePositiveWay #ROVER#dog #cat

In this episode, I sit down with Lantz Tucker’s mom, Crystal, and discuss how you can help Pawsitive Tails, a 501c3 Foster and adoption organization that rescues pregnant moms, goes through the birthing process, in addition to all the veterinary care, massive amount of cleaning, and raising of the litters, socialize them to other pets, people, children, great trains, and begins if not, fully completes house training, no matter how small or large, and of course Pawsitive Tails, rescue daddy's too so they are not euthanized. These pregnant moms are going to be euthanized the minute they go into local shelters because of a lack of resources and volunteers. Pawsitive Tails, Crystal, and all of her volunteers dedicate their lives and homes to care for these unwanted pets. This is a full-time job that requires expertise and dedication from a team working toward a common goal! Save as many unwanted pets' lives as possible, and find them loving homes forever. But that takes help from you and from me. This episode talks about how you can donate and what you can donate to Pawsitive Tails. Please follow the links below and see how you can help and what they can use to support life-saving measures ❤️ by providing these unwanted animals.#LantzTuckerMemorialFund #HonorLantz #PetParents #Pets #VeterinaryCare #Kansascity #dogs #donate #501c3 #CompassionForAnimals #Podcast #veterinarian #mom #dogmom #grief #dog #cat #kismet #https://www.pawsitivetailskc.org/⁠⁠⁠https://www.lantztuckermemorialfund.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/LantzTuckermemorialfund⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/kPS9z8HkSH4?si=R7utbP6pifPkcD6Q⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lantztuckermemorialfund.org/success-stories⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.dea.gov/onepill⁠⁠⁠⁠

Some stories are hard to tell… but important to share.In this episode, I sit down with Lantz Tucker’s mom, Crystal, to talk about the life of her son and the love that continues to carry his legacy forward.The Lantz Tucker Memorial Fund was created because of one simple but powerful question Lantz asked: “Why not?”Why can’t pet parents get help when they can’t afford veterinary care? Why should an animal suffer because someone doesn’t have enough money? Why should pet owners have to surrender their pets because they can't afford an expensive treatment?That question stayed with his mom—and today, because of that conversation she had with Lantz, this fund helps pet parents who just need a little help to save their animals.Lantz may no longer be with us, but his compassion continues to change lives—both human and animal. ❤️#LantzTuckerMemorialFund #HonorLantz #PetParents #Pets #VeterinaryCare #Kansascity #dog #CompassionForAnimals #Podcast #veterinary #mom #dogmom #griefhttps://www.lantztuckermemorialfund.org/https://www.facebook.com/LantzTuckermemorialfundhttps://youtu.be/kPS9z8HkSH4?si=R7utbP6pifPkcD6Qhttps://www.lantztuckermemorialfund.org/success-storieshttps://www.dea.gov/onepillhttps://www.pawsitivetailskc.org/

In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, Jon Patch and I talk about what it is like to be a pet parent to other animals such as Koi fish, catfish, exotic animals, like parrots, domestic cats and chickens. HTTPS://SHAMBALA.ORG/HTTPS://WWW3.UCA.EDU/IQZOO/HISTORY/HISTORY.HTMHTTPS://ENCYCLOPEDIAOFARKANSAS.NET/ENTRIES/MARIAN-BRELAND-BAILEY-2529/#TalkinPets #JonPatch #Radio #Podcast #DogGonePositiveWay #Storytime #dog #cat#BehindTheMicFB Live @talkinpetsradio, #250 on your smartphone, Alexa CRN4tuneinFollow Jon @talkinpetsradioTune in every Saturday at https://talkinpets.com/new/Follow Maria @doggonepositive on social media

Ever wonder how a love for pets and hunting with beagles can lead to a career in radio? Jon Patch of Talkin’ Pets shares his journey from first pets to behind the mic — Full of stories, laughs, and a few muddy boots along the way! In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, we talk about getting started in radio, early influences, first pets, and hunting with beagles — and how those experiences shaped a voice behind the mic. #TalkinPets #JonPatch #Beagle #Hunting #Radio #Podcast #DogGonePositiveWay #Storytime #dog #cat#BehindTheMicFB Live @talkinpetsradio, #250 on your smartphone, Alexa CRN4tuneinFollow Jon @talkinpetsradioTune in every Saturday at https://talkinpets.com/new/Follow Maria @doggonepositive on social media

In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, with Chrissy from @pittiehoarder, we go deeper into the fascinating world of dog body language. Exposure to appropriate play with dogs other than littermates is crucial, too. Chrissy talks about the important roles her dogs, Peach & Hunk, play in all the foster puppies' development, from nose boops to lessons on appropriate play and appropriate corrections; they cover it all.#Dog #Podcast #CanineBehavior #DogTrainingTips #puppy #DogLovers #boop #noseboopsDonationsPawsitive Tailshttps://www.pawsitivetailskc.org/Follow Chrissy @pittiehoarder on all social media Follow Maria @doggonepositive on social media

In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, with Chrissy from @pittiehoarder, we go deeper into the fascinating world and the skills puppies should and need to learn before they ever meet their human families. We discuss how early, positive exposure to touch prevents future behavioral issues and why reading body language is the foundation of a trust-based relationship. The simple exercises to help prepare your puppy for a lifetime of nail trims, ear cleanings, grooming, veterinary visits, and everyday handling exercises are paramount to having a better-behaved dog. Socialization with all people, in all situations, can save your pets and you a lifetime of stress and anxiety. Crate training is vital, and being around and socializing with other pets is vital, too. This is how a puppy gets FUTURE PROOFED. This is how a puppy stays in their forever home and NOT turned into the shelter or euthanized because of bad behavior.#Dog #puppy Podcast #PuppyDevelopment #CanineBehavior #DogTrainingTips #LessonsFromMom #DogLoversFollow Chrissy @pittiehoarder on all social media platforms. Follow Maria @doggonepositive on social media

In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, I have a great discussion with Chrissy from @pittiehoarder for a second time to discuss body language. She talks about how her dog Hunk's behavior started to change slowly, and he wasn't enjoying going for a ride anymore. He also gained weight and had patches of missing hair. After changing veterinarians and getting a tip from one of her followers, she asked about hypothyroidism. After some bloodwork, she found that he indeed had low thyroid production. Follow Chrissy @pittiehoarder on all social media platforms. Here is the link to the video that did not play.https://www.tiktok.com/@pittiehoarder/video/7579487004493106446?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc#bodylangauge #thyroidtests #veterinarian #dogallergies Dr. McConnellPiloerection https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/piloerection-in-dogs-scared-or-just-glad-to-see-me/Follow Maria @doggonepositive on social

Compassion Care for Those Who Care for Our PetsIn this emotional episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, I continue my conversation with Adam Spencer, CFRE, founder of Furlanthropy, to confront one of the most common crises in veterinary medicine today: Compassion Fatigue. The life-saving care and the emotional support veterinarians, veterinarian technicians, assistants, and front desk staff give their clients takes a toll. Veterinarians are 2-3 times more likely to die by suicide as compared to other professionals. We go to a veterinary office with a healthy pet for a routine checkup, or our pet in crisis who needs immediate care. In those moments, we expect compassion, understanding, and expertise—for our pets and for ourselves. But how often do we stop to think about what the people on the other side of the exam table are carrying? Veterinarians, technicians, assistants, front desk, and other staff work in a profession rooted in love and empathy. Yet it comes with an emotional cost few of us fully see. Compassion fatigue, burnout, moral distress, long hours, and repeated exposure to grief take a profound toll.When we are in crisis with our pets, it can be nearly impossible to hold space for anything else. But consider this: the veterinarian standing in front of you may have just walked out of the exam room next door after euthanizing another family’s pet—perhaps one they’ve known since puppyhood or kittenhood. And now, they must take a breath, steady themselves, and walk into your room offering calm, care, and compassion all over again.That emotional whiplash happens multiple times a day.What Is Compassion Fatigue?Compassion fatigue is the emotional and physical exhaustion that comes from prolonged caregiving and repeated exposure to trauma and grief. It doesn’t mean a lack of caring—it means too much caring for too long without enough support.How Can We Help Our Veterinarians and Their Staff?Small acts matter more than we realize:• Practice patience. Delays, tough news, or difficult conversations aren’t personal—they’re often the result of someone else’s emergency or loss.• Use kind language. Stressful moments can escalate quickly. A calm tone and respectful words can make a world of difference.• Say thank you—and mean it. A genuine “I appreciate what you do” carries weight.• Leave positive reviews. These help morale more than you might imagine, especially after difficult days.• Support fair care. Veterinary teams want to help every animal, but they face financial, ethical, and emotional limits.• Acknowledge their humanity. They are professionals—but they are also people who grieve, love, and hurt.If you’ve ever felt supported, comforted, or guided through one of the hardest moments of pet ownership, that care came at a cost to someone who chose this profession out of love.Mental Health Resources for Veterinarians & Veterinary StaffIf you are a veterinarian, technician, or staff member—or you love someone who is—support is available:• Not One More Vet (NOMV)NOMV Created by Dr. Nicole MacArthur October 1, 2014, following the suicide of world-renowned veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin. • AVMA Wellbeing & Peer Support ResourcesThe American Veterinary Medical Association provides mental health tools, wellness education, & confidential peer assistance.https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/wellbeing• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)Call or text 988 for immediate, confidential support—24/7.International:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines• Local Veterinary Peer Support GroupsMany state and regional veterinary associations offer confidential peer-to-peer programs.Asking for help is not a weakness. It is a sign of strength—and survival.Follow Furlanthropy on Social Media: @furlanthropyhttps://furlanthropy.org/#Caregivers #MentalHealth #CompassionFatigue #NotOneMoreVet #drsophiayin #sucideprevention #veterinarians Have A Dog Gone Positive Day!

In this powerful episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, my interview with Adam Spencer CFRE, the founder of Furlanthropy, shines a light on the impact high cost of life-saving treatments for pet parents and veterinarians. We dive into the inspiration behind his mission to change the way pets receive lifesaving medical care. Adam shares how adopting his dog, who had been surrendered because her original family couldn’t afford treatment, opened his eyes to a heartbreaking reality faced by thousands of pet parents.That moment sparked the idea for Furlanthropy, a 501 (c) (3) charity that brings communities together to fund crucial medical needs for pets in crisis. Adam discusses openly about the moment everything shifted, the emotional journey that followed, and why he believes no animal should lose their home—or their life—because of financial hardship.This episode is a must-listen for pet lovers, animal advocates, and anyone who loves a story born from compassion and purpose.Follow Furlanthropy on Social Media: @furlanthropyhttps://furlanthropy.org/#Furlanthropy #PetPodcast #AnimalRescue #PetMedicalCare #DogRescue #charity #501c3 #PetFundraising #AnimalAdvocacy #PetsInNeed #fundraising #PetHealth #AnimalWelfare #Podcast #PetParents #veterinarian #dog #cat #PodcastHave more questions for Maria? You can reach her on socials @doggonepositive or you can email her at maria@doggonepositivetraining.comDon't forget to have a Dog Gone Positive Day!