The Dog Owners' Podcast

In this episode of The Dog Owners Podcast, Vinnie Somma and Brent LaBrada sit down with veterinarian Dr. Evan Antin for a wide-ranging conversation about dog health, veterinary medicine, and the questions every dog owner should be asking.Known for his work with exotic animals around the world, Dr. Antin brings a unique perspective to the challenges veterinarians face every day. Together, they tackle some of the toughest topics in animal health, including things vets consider when working with dogs, common misconceptions about pet care, and what dog owners can do to help their dogs live longer, healthier lives.Dr. Antin also shares incredible stories from his experiences working with wildlife in their natural habitats and explains how those lessons have shaped his approach to caring for animals of all kinds (including our dogs).Whether you're navigating a health concern with your dog, looking to become a more informed pet owner, or simply curious about the veterinary profession, this episode is packed with valuable insights, practical advice, and fascinating stories from one of the most recognizable veterinarians in the world.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.evanantin/?hl=enWonder Dog: https://www.instagram.com/wonderdoghealth/?hl=enLearn more about Wonder Dog on their website: https://wonderdoghealth.com/

Are you thinking about getting a second dog... or even a third?Before you bring another dog into your home, there are some critical factors you need to consider.In this episode of The Dog Owner’s Podcast, Vinnie Somma and Brent LaBrada break down what really matters when adding another dog to your household. From understanding age gaps, littermate syndrome, temperament compatibility, and pack dynamics... this episode covers it all.If you already have a dog and are wondering:Should I get a second dog?Is it better to have two male dogs or one male and one female?What age difference works best between dogs?Is getting littermates a bad idea?How do I know if my current dog even wants a companion?You’ll get clear, experience-based guidance to help you avoid common mistakes and set your dogs up for success.Adding another dog can be an incredible experience, or a stressful one, depending on how you do it. Brent and Vinnie explain how to evaluate your current dog’s temperament, energy level, and social skills so you can make the best possible decision for your household.Whether you’re considering a second dog, third dog, or expanding your multi-dog household, this episode will help you make a smart, informed choice.

What really happens after a dog enters the shelter or rescue system?Brent and Vinnie talk with longtime rescuer Angela Adan about the evolution of dog rescue, the truth surrounding shelters and rescues, and why matchmaking dogs to the right homes matters more than ever.Angela is the founder of Deserving Paws and the creator of Deserving Dogs, a YouTube series focused on pulling dogs from shelters and finding them ideal families.Topics include:The biggest misconceptions about dog rescueWhy spay/neuter and behavior training save livesHow education can prevent dogs from dying in sheltersWhat dog owners should know before surrendering a dogIf you would like to Support 🐾 Deserving Paws Donate to the foundation!💚 To donate directly via Zelle: Send to admin@deservingpaws.org💙 Donate via Venmo:https://venmo.com/deserving_paws🐾 Deserving Paws (Nonprofit):https://www.instagram.com/deserving_paws📸 Deserving Dogs on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/deservingdogs

In this heartfelt episode of the Dog Owners Podcast, Brent is joined by Vinnie Somma and his wife Francesca as they open up about the recent loss of their beloved St. Bernard, Xena, who was a cherished part of their family for nine years.Together, Brent and Vinnie share their personal experiences with grieving a dog, navigating the emotional challenges that come with end-of-life decisions, and coping with the pain of saying goodbye to a lifelong companion. This episode offers honest insight and practical guidance for dog owners facing the difficult reality of losing a dog.The conversation also explores how the loss of a dog can impact the pack dynamic in multi-dog households, what behaviors to watch for in surviving dogs, and how to support them through the grieving process. Finally, Brent and Vinnie discuss one of the hardest questions many dog owners face: when and if you’re ready to welcome a new dog into your life after loss.Whether you’re currently caring for a senior dog, grieving a recent loss, or preparing emotionally for the future, this episode provides compassion, clarity, and reassurance that you’re not alone.

In this episode of The Dog Owners Podcast, co-hosts Brent and Vinny break down everything you must know before socializing your dog. Whether you’re a new dog owner or an experienced handler, this conversation dives deep into the true meaning of dog socialization, the common misconceptions, and the exact prerequisites, procedures, and protocols needed to help your dog develop into a safe, confident, and socially functional companion.You’ll learn:What real dog socialization actually is (and what it’s not)The foundational skills your dog needs before meeting new dogs or environmentsProtocols for structured, safe socializationHow to prevent fear, reactivity, and negative associationsThe step-by-step framework for building a well-balanced, socially fluent dogIf you want to raise a dog that can confidently interact with new dogs, people, and environments, this episode gives you the roadmap. Tune in and discover how to set your dog up for lifelong social success.

In this episode of The Dog Owners Podcast, professional trainers Brent LaBrada and Vinny Somma break down everything dog owners need to know about nervous, anxious, or insecure dogs. They bust common myths about anxiety, explain what actually causes fearful behavior, and share the confidence-building strategies they’ve learned over 15 years of working with puppies, rescue dogs, and older anxious dogs.Whether your dog struggles with new environments, people, other dogs, or everyday sounds, you’ll learn practical steps to help your dog feel safer, more secure, and more fulfilled—so they can finally live their best life.

This week on The Dog Owners Podcast, co-hosts Vinnie Somma and Brent LaBrada switch seats as Vinnie interviews Brent about his life-long passion for dogs. From his early days volunteering in shelters to overcoming personal loss, Brent’s story reveals how dogs have been both his teachers and healers. Hear how mentorship, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose shaped his approach to training — and how he’s now using his success to help the rescue community and inspire responsible dog ownership.

In this first episode of The Dog Owners Podcast, professional trainers Brent LaBrada and Vinnie Somma break down one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of raising a balanced, happy dog: a healthy daily routine.They introduce the simple, easy-to-follow system built around four essential stages every dog should go through multiple times a day: Sleep, Potty, PET (Play, Exercise/Training), and Decompression.Brent and Vinnie share their insights on how this structure helps dogs feel calm, fulfilled, and connected to their owners — whether you’re raising a new puppy, welcoming a rescue, or just trying to bring more peace to your household.Tune in to learn how consistency can transform your relationship with your dog — and make life easier for everyone under your roof. 🐾