Mediation, Man's Best Friend & Breaking Impasse

About this episode

This episode explores how pets, particularly dogs, can aid in resolving legal disputes and the science behind their impact on negotiations.

Why Do Pets Matter? PodcastEpisode Feature: David A. HoffmanMediation, Man's Best Friend & Breaking Impasse 🎙️ Podcast Episode IntroductionWhat if the secret to breaking a legal deadlock walked into the room on four legs?Welcome back to Why Do Pets Matter? — the podcast where we explore the profound, complicated, and sometimes hilarious ways animals shape our lives, our relationships, and yes, our legal disputes. I'm Debra Hamilton, and today's guest is someone who has been quietly revolutionizing the way we think about conflict resolution — one wagging tail at a time.David A. Hoffman is a mediator, attorney, and founding partner of the Boston Law Collaborative. He's a lecturer at Harvard Law School, a thought leader in the world of alternative dispute resolution — and the proud handler of Bella, a golden retriever who may be the most effective mediator in New England. Bella has attended numerous mediations and has a perfect settlement record. Not one loss. Zero impasses on her watch.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why bringing a dog into a legal dispute room can accomplish what hours of argument cannot• The science behind why pets release oxytocin — and why that matters…

People in this episode

Host: Debra Hamilton

Guest: David A. Hoffman

Topics covered

• mediation
• pets in legal disputes
• conflict resolution
• oxytocin
• animal welfare
• negotiation strategies

Keywords

• mediation
• pets
• conflict resolution
• oxytocin
• legal disputes
• animal welfare
• negotiation
• David A. Hoffman
• Breaking Impasse

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Boston Law Collaborative, Harvard Law School

Books & works: Breaking Impasse

Places: New England

More episodes of Why Do Pets Matter? Hosted by Debra Hamilton, Esq.

• The intersection of animal welfare and human relationships · May 9, 2026 · 40 min
• Ask Mambo · April 24, 2026 · 32 min
• When Environmental Law Meets Animal Law: The Case of the Million-Dollar Horses · April 10, 2026 · 40 min
• From Exam Room to Trail Ride: Leadership, Boundaries, and the Human–Animal Bond with Stith Keiser · March 19, 2026 · 38 min
• Living On Purpose (With a Corgi): Belief, Biology, and Behavior with Jim Bishop · March 5, 2026 · 44 min
• Connection Heals: Turning Medicine Into Meaning with Dr. Adam Christman · February 19, 2026 · 35 min