The Human-Animal Connection - Pet Life Radio Original

It is wonderful to share our lives with animals. But sometimes they can get bored, or stressed with having to fit into our human world. How can we address their needs to help them be more themselves? Animal Chaplain Shel Graves, a dog trainer and cat behavior specialist who has worked in rescue for years, explains simple things you can do to give your animals a greater sense of choice, which increases their well-being by reducing boredom. Animals can get frustrated, anxious, and fearful just like us. Helping them by providing small opportunities to do more of their “natural behaviors” can alleviate many behavior issues. She explains how you can create novelty in their life with just simple things you can do at home. And as an animal chaplain, she acknowledges that our lives with our animals are always far too short. What we can do is meditate with our animals or have special times where our attention is just on them. This sacred bonding time is something we will never forget, making every minute we have together peaceful and delightful. Shel Graves does consultations online and in person. EPISODE NOTES: How to Have a Happier Life with Dogs and CatsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

We love the animals who share our lives so much that it can be very painful to watch them go through the degenerative processes of aging. They used to run, jump, and play, and easily jump up to cuddle on the bed. Now, they may be doing none of those things. We wonder if they are in pain or suffering, if they need pain medications or other therapies. And, of course, we wonder if we are doing the right things, or enough things, to improve the quality of their daily lives. The amount of time, energy, and focus required to care for a dog that no longer has normal mobility can be draining and demoralizing at times. They may be unable to maintain their potty-training habits. These changes, which may be sudden or gradual, can produce compassion fatigue, and people who have not experienced this level of care for an animal may not understand what we are going through. Mobility is directly related to the quality of life, and in many cases, we humans can help, everything from specific exercises to simple household adaptations. Kate Titus is the founder and director of A Loyal Companion, which offers hydrotherapy, wheelchair fitting for paralyzed dogs, and helps their owners make simple changes to accommodate aging dogs' mobility issues. She is the author of From Emotion to Motion. EPISODE NOTES: Oh, the Guilt! Caring for Very Senior DogsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

Dogs are communicating all the time – it is just that we don’t always know what they are saying. Dog Trainer Jesse Sternberg, author of Enlightened Dog Training, has some radical ideas about what dogs need from us and how we can get into sync with each other. First, he doesn’t focus on “trying to get dogs to behave a certain way.” He focuses on what emotion the dog is feeling, which is what drives behavior. Understanding how dogs confront and then can instantly calm each other can go a long way toward creating harmony in the household. Jesse talks about how dogs need structure to make the right choices. How can we create a peaceful, calm experience that dogs will respect and model? That is what his soulful method is all about. Dogs want to respect us, and using fear is not the way to gain their respect. We gain their respect by being a calm, peaceful leader who allows them to look to us for a sense of safety and order. If you are ready to explore this exciting, gentle method, you will love this episode. You can reach Jesse Sternberg at PeacefulAlpha.com and get the first chapter of his new book for free.EPISODE NOTES: The Forbidden Angle – What Dog’s Know About ConfrontationBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

Some cats cry incessantly, leaving owners worried and frustrated. As a shelter volunteer, I've witnessed owners surrendering their pets out of desperation. But there's hope! Tapas Fleming, a pioneer in Energy Psychology with over 30 years of experience in Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT), explains that crying in cats can often be resolved. Many are sensitive to negative energy patterns, which can cause distress. In this episode, Tapas shares transformative stories of animals whose lives improved after removing these energy blocks. Plus, she works with my dog, Sophia, tackling her physical and behavioral issues. Witness Sophia's relief after just one session addressing energetic disruptions. Curious if your pet is affected by similar disturbances? Don't miss this enlightening episode.EPISODE NOTES: Why is My Cat Crying?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

Ellie Laks from The Gentle Barn and I share some of our favorite, joyful, inspiring stories about communicating with animals and discovering their rich inner lives. We don’t always realize how multi-dimensional their worlds can be. In this episode, a horse named Whisper who, has gone on to the Rainbow Bridge “appeared” – literally as a shadow that kept crossing the room (you can see this on the YouTube video podcast) – until Ellie told Whisper’s very moving story of healing and transformation. I tell a story about my cat Wolfie, who told me when it was time to pass – the exact day and time. When you open the door to animal communication, you enter a rich and delightful world that opens our eyes in so many ways. These heartwarming stories will inspire you go deeper in all your interactions with animals. And they will love you even more for joining them on this delightful journey. EPISODE NOTES: Whispers from the Rainbow Bridge: Animal Messages of LoveBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

Does your animal have a choice about what they do or don’t do? Retired psychology Professor, Deborah Jones has been training dogs for over three decades and has developed a philosophy and method she calls Cooperative Care. This method is about giving dogs choices whenever possible during training and in daily interactions. Although there will always be situations where the dog has no choice (such as being examined at the vet’s office!), but we can best prepare dogs for this experience by finding and training situations where they can let us know how they are feeling. By paying attention to the way they are communicating with us, we can observe and correctly interpret their feelings — are they comfortable in this situation? What is bothering them? Are they tired? Are they reacting to our tension or agenda? We can greatly improve all situations for the animals who share our lives when we respect their feelings and provide opportunities for them to choose pace, duration and timing. EPISODE NOTES: Animals Have Feelings TooBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

This week on The Human Animal Connection, host Genie Joseph welcomes Jesse Sternberg, author of Enlightened Dog Training, for a thoughtful conversation about creating peace and harmony in our relationships with dogs. Drawing from decades of experience—including his early days running a doggie daycare—Jessie shares his deep understanding of pack dynamics, canine communication, and how mindful, non-coercive training techniques can transform the way we live with and care for our pets. Genie and Jessie explore the energetic influences of group settings, the subtle art of interspecies connection, and how embracing new, enlightened approaches can lead to more joyful, balanced lives for both humans and dogs. If you're curious about expanding your bond with your dog using compassionate, consciousness-based methods, this episode is not to be missed.EPISODE NOTES: Enlightened Dog Training: Peaceful Solutions for a Harmonious PackBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.

For thousands of years, donkeys have walked beside us—carrying our burdens, plowing our fields, and offering quiet companionship in times of peace, war, and hardship. These remarkable beings are far more than beasts of burden; they are deeply intelligent, profoundly social, and, perhaps most importantly, natural healers. Their gentle, steady presence is exactly what the world needs right now. In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Suzanne Velasquez, Director of Forever Home Donkey Rescue and Sanctuary, a 30-acre safe haven in Benson, Arizona, where over 30 rescued donkeys roam freely, at last experiencing the love and kindness they deserve. Yet, the story of donkeys is not always one of kindness. Too often, they have been misunderstood, mistreated, and unfairly judged. But if you take the time to truly see them—to look into their soulful eyes—you’ll understand the truth: donkeys are extraordinary. Their ability to sense human emotions and offer comfort as therapy animals is nothing short of life-changing. Therapy donkeys can be our partners in healing. With their deep sensitivity and unshakable calm, they have an innate ability to guide people toward safety—both physically and emotionally. For those who have endured suffering and trauma, simply standing in their presence can be transformative. Donkeys show us what it means to trust, to heal, and to find peace. This World Donkey Day, we invite you to celebrate with us. Join The Human-Animal Connection and Forever Home Donkey Rescue in honoring and protecting these incredible animals. These stories of resilience, love, and healing will stay with you long after you’ve listened. Tune in and let the magic of donkeys touch your heart.EPISODE NOTES: Forever Love with DonkeysBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-human-animal-connection-pet-life-radio-original--6669311/support.