Conversations with Dog

Pam has the possibility of adopting Suzy’s dog, Charlie. Before making the decision to bring Charlie home, Pam would like to know what questions she should ask. What does she need to be aware of while choosing this change? What questions can Pam ask to make a choice that works for everyone involved? In this episode, Suzy will talk with Pam and provide her with questions and tips for making this important choice. Pam also wants to know, if she does decide to adopt Charlie, how can she prepare everyone in the household, including her children? Pam’s family already has a dog. How does she make sure both dogs would be happy with the new arrangement? Suzy will provide tools that can help everyone make the transition with ease.

A puppy! How exciting! Now what? There's a lot of new information you want your puppy to receive from you right from the beginning. Suzy will share ways to work on establishing a relationship of clear communication from the moment you bring the puppy home. What training needs does a puppy have compared to adopting a grown dog? How can you designate the puppy's job in the household? Why it's important to clear judgments and projections in order to allow your puppy to flourish and grow into an amazing dog. This show will help you maximize the joy of having a new puppy in your life!

This is a pre-recoded intro class about how to talk to animals that Suzy Godsey facilitated. This is a special 'bonus' show that will give you the possibility to get some more information on how it works to talk to your dog, or cat or any animal, and how they talk to you! There are processes to make this easier for you and some examples of people asking about their animals that are not present in the room and how that can be facilitated! Enjoy this show!

Some cats and dogs naturally get along together really well.  Other times, there is conflict between the cats and dogs in the house, which can make it unpleasant for everyone. How can you “negotiate agreements” and communicate what is acceptable behavior for everyone living under the same roof? How do you encourage the animals to be "friendly" with each other, and what does that mean? Are there ways to know if the current animals would like to have a new animal move in? What are the best ways to introduce a new cat or dog? Suzy will share stories of what she’s seen work for households with both cats and dogs, and discuss different arrangements that can be made so that every member of the household is happy with the living circumstances.

  Does you know how to get your dog’s attention in the moments when it really matters? Does your dog take off chasing cats? or cars? Are there certain things that completely distract your dogs to the point you feel as though they are no longer listening to you? Having command of your dog’s focus can be crucial.  Suzy will take you step-by-step through teaching the “Look at me!” process so that your dog successfully knows what this means, and acts accordingly when requested. Suzy will also share how to increase your communication by being aware of the energy behind your words. You and your dog can have fun practicing this tool together, and then you both will have it mastered when it matters most. 

Suzy has worked with Laurie and her dog, Ria, in person.  During their first meeting Suzy gave Laurie some tools regarding Ria’s dog aggression. Now, Laurie would like to further the training and follow-up with other questions.   One of Laurie’s main questions is how to clearly communicate with Ria, what works and what doesn't. Other trainer’s have suggested that Laurie needs to play the role of “Alpha dog” in order to have Ria listen to her. Is this true? Suzy will offer her perspective.   Ria has some unusual behaviors. With some people she rolls over and gives them her belly, then she growls at them when they touch her. She's never bitten anyone, but Laurie wants to know why Ria does this. How can she help Ria to feel safe with new people?   Laurie is also curious about Ria’s relationship with what’s happening around her? Does any of Ria’s behavior have to do with the overall picture of what’s happening in the household? Join Suzy and Laurie for this conversation!  

  Many dogs have a lot of fun going for walks in places it’s appropriate for them to be off their leash.  There are some basic tools you can use in order to make the walk enjoyable for you and your dog. Suzy will discuss: -What does it mean to micro-manage your dog? -What happens if you are constantly calling your dog while walking off leash? -When should you call your dog back to you? -How to make it rewarding for him to come to you when called. -How to know if your dog is checking in with you enough while off leash. Ultimately, you can walk your dog off leash with ease if you are willing to be totally aware of your dog at all times. Suzy will provide ideas to make this a reality for you!

  Some dogs have very specific roles to play in the world. We see dogs working on farms, in hospitals, at the firehouse and even acting on television. What questions can be asked when selecting a dog for a specific job? How do we know if it’s a job the dog would like to do? Suzy will share tools that support working dogs and how the people in their lives can assure these dogs are happy and fulfilled both on and off the job.

Did you know that some dogs choose to heal people’s bodies? How do you recognize if your dog has healing gifts? There are particular tools and support you can provide a dog who wants to heal others. Suzy will suggest some processes you can use with your special healing dog. She’ll also share stories of amazing healing dogs she’s met.

There is so much out there about the “right” way to feed your dog. Did you know your dogs can give you information about what is best for them? Does your dog ever reject the food you offer?  Do you sometimes wonder why she eats things you think are not good for her? Do you know how to read the clues your dog is giving you with her behavior regarding what she eats? You’ll discover how to navigate easily through all the information about feeding your dog and move beyond right and wrong to find what works for you and your dog. We’ll talk about tools that help you know what you dog’s body requires and eliminate the confusion. 

In this episdode, we’ll follow-up with Robbie from “The Transformation of a Rescue Dog...with a lot of energy!”  from the 11/2/11 episode.  How are things going now that Robbie is using the tools and tips Suzy gave him? Has he noticed any changes in Ashling’s behavior? What is working and what needs further refinement?  We’ll discuss the process of ongoing progress in working with a rescue dog. Here’s Ashling’s story from 11/2/11: Robbie adopted Ashling from his local shelter. They have done a lot of good work together since. When Ashling first came home Robbie couldn’t touch her paws without her getting upset, and now he can pull thorns from her paws with no problem. Robbie will join Suzy as a guest for this episode because there are still a few things he would like to work on with Ashling. Robbie wonders how to clearly communicate when you want your dog to stay right by your side versus when you want her to stay where you put her. Ashling has a lot of energy and even though Robbie takes her on long walks each day, he would like to know how to be sure he’s keeping his high-energy dog happy.

  Join us for a special Thanksgiving week episode! We’ll follow-up with Dottie from  “A Special Needs Dog, Excessive Barking and Guarding” from the 11/09/11 episode to hear how Mollie, Ellie and the whole family is doing after their conversation with Suzy. Then, we’ll share stories of thanks for our pets.  Please call in to share what you are grateful for about the animals in your life. What do they contribute to your life? Do you have a special story you’d like to share? Suzy will tell some of her favorites. It’s the time of year we give thanks for those in our life, and this episode celebrates the animals that bring joy to us every day!

Mija is a 7 year old rescue dog who was found tied to a dumpster and starving. Shirley took Mija home and has been working with Suzy and the Access Consciousness™ processes to help her have a more joyful life. The work she’s done already has improved some behavior, but Mija still has room for increased ease in her life. Mija will release one behavior for awhile and then start doing another nervous behavior.  Shirley wonders how fear contributes to all of Mija’s behaviors: barking at people (even those she knows), aggression with dogs, and nervousness during storms and with sudden noises. Mija often has her tail between her legs--even when she is barking excessively at someone. When Mija goes for a walk and hears a dog barking somewhere, she just wants to run away. How can Shirley help Mija eliminate her fears once and for all?

Dottie and Pete have two special dogs, Mollie and Ellie. Mollie was born deaf and was an only dog for a number of years. Dottie and Pete have struggled with the best ways to teach her commands and work with her special needs. Then a few years later, Ellie, came to live with them! Ellie came from a household that was incompatible for her and is much happier in her new home. Ellie and Mollie now love to bark together and do not stop barking when they’re asked to stop. Dottie wonders if there’s a more effective way to use the dog’s crates, which they love, as a way to get them to stop barking? What other tips help with excessive barking and crate training? Another question: Do dogs get jealous? Ellie is happy to spend time with Pete alone, but when she’s with Dottie and Pete comes into the room, Ellie starts to bark. Why does she only bark at him when Dottie’s around? What is that about? Join us for this dynamic conversation!  

Robbie adopted Ashling from his local shelter. They have done a lot of good work together since. When Ashling first came home Robbie couldn’t touch her paws without her getting upset, and now he can pull thorns from her paws with no problem. Robbie will join Suzy as a guest for this episode because there are still a few things he would like to work on with Ashling. Robbie wonders how to clearly communicate when you want your dog to stay right by your side versus when you want her to stay where you put her. Ashling has a lot of energy and even though Robbie takes her on long walks each day, he would like to know how to be sure he’s keeping his high-energy dog happy. Join the conversation!