The Make Dogs Your Life Podcast

Dogs were originally bred by us to do specific things and today those traits are still present even though they may not be needed to do the jobs they were bred for. We crafted dogs through selective breeding to work for us and it worked out really well. Whatever traits we wanted we got in a number of generations of breeding for those characteristics. In this podcast I go over some of the more common breed categories and discuss the behaviors you can expect, as well as how to better understand and fulfill those breeding desires in today's modern lifestyle. In this episode you’ll learn: Why you need to consider a dog's breed when working with a dog Common breed characteristics you will see How to provide a breed specific outlet for dogs Special considerations that go along with certain breeds Links: Dog Bible - the book I use for looking up breeds and so much more  

The first and most important step when meeting a dog for the first time is assessing it to see what he's like. If you work in a shelter or are a rescue volunteer this is a critical step not only for your own safety, but it could also mean life or death for the dog. I've seen too many dogs set up to fail because of flawed assessments. In this episode of the podcast I chat with my good friend and fellow dog trainer Jeff Coltenback about the proper way to assess a new dog, as well as how to do a formal temperament test.   Jeff has been involved in animal rescue for some time and knows a thing or two about assessing dogs - he's even documented his assessment the now infamous Patrick the pit bull in his book An Hour with Patrick. In this episode you’ll learn: The difference between an informal and formal assessment Important things to look for when assessing a dog for the first time Common mistakes people make when doing temperament tests How accurate are most temperament tests in shelters today Links: Jeff's book, An Hour with Patrick Paradise Pet - holistic pet shop in NJ Pitty Rescue Inc. Pet Talk Radio with The Coltenbacks Snake bite chaps - Jeff's tool to keep his legs protected Dog bite prevention gloves  

Rescue dogs are often misunderstood and even handled incorrectly by the very people that are trying to help them. In this episode I discuss how to work with dogs in shelters and rescues as well as how to help your own rescue dog. Too many well meaning people are inadvertently doing more harm than good and seriously jeopardizing a dog's future. We'll go over exactly what a rescue dog is (it's not just a dog in a shelter) and the attitude you need to have to effectively help them adjust and improve. This includes knowing how to properly assess them and tips to help you build a nice relationship with them. It's also imperative that you understand how the current environment can influence their behavior. Then I go over the specific ways we can work with them and get going on training. Whether you're in a shelter or working with your own rescue dog at home. I'll show you how we can set a dog up to succeed and see long lasting results. In this episode you’ll learn: How to avoid "rescue dog syndrome" To properly assess a dog and learn how to begin your encounters with them Training techniques that can help dogs overcome their issues How to make shelter dogs more adoptable Links: The FernDog Rescue Foundation Support our foster program in Strut Your Mutt

There are an endless amount of high energy dogs in shelters that are quickly labeled as trouble makers and unruly because of their energy and lack of manners. These dogs often get overlooked by adopters and can be avoided by shelter staff and volunteers. They are not bad dogs, just super high energy pooches that just never learned any manners. In the shelter environment these dogs usually spiral downward rapidly, however if given a constructive outlet for their energy, along with some basic training they can be really great dogs. In this edition of the podcast I talk with Roo Yori about his super high energy pit bull Wallace, who started off as one of these crazy shelter dogs but with some hard work and training became a disc dog champion and all around great dog at home. Wallace's story has been recently made famous due to Jim Gorant's latest book appropriately titled, Wallace. In this episode you’ll learn: How Roo worked with Wallace in the shelter Why Roo decided to bring Wallace home Some creative ways to give high energy dogs an outlet How to play to your dog's strengths Links: Episode 2 with Jim Gorant Your Dog's Bucket List - my blog post Wallace on Facebook Wallace the Pit Bull website Wallace the book on Amazon  WOD for Dogs on Facebook Wallace on Youtube  

So many dogs in shelters are shut down and seem unreachable. However, so often they just need some time, patience and the right person to work with them.   Although they may be damaged mentally and/or physically, they can have an amazing dog trapped underneath all of the negativity that their past has caused. I've worked with so many dogs that fit this description and I'm continually inspired as I watch them shake off the past and discover a new and bright future.   In this episode my very good friend Joe Dwyer tells how he was volunteering at a local shelter when an abandoned pit bull was brought in. She was frightened, battered and not eager to trust anyone. Joe took the time, made a connection and was able to help this poor abused soul become a truly spectacular dog. Now Joe and Shelby go to nursing homes and hospitals where Shelby is changing lives by being a therapy dog for those in need, she's part of a reading program where she sits and lets shy kids who are struggling with reading difficulties read to her, and she travels to schools to help kids understand the dangers and effects of bullying.   She's a perfect example of the potential that can be in every dog, if we just give them the time and training they need. In this episode you’ll learn: How to work with fearful dogs in shelters When training is right and when doing nothing is best The different ways to reach a fearful dog What taking the time and being patient can do for a fearful dog Links: Joe's website Shelby's Grace The Dog Ate My Homework (or did he) Daniel the Miracle Dog Noble Strength Dojo Noble Strength Spirituality My non profit, The FernDog Rescue Foundation

For most people if you want to walk with your dog outside (and who doesn't) you will have to use a leash - at least sometimes. And the walk can become a dreaded chore if your dogs is barking, lunging and snarling on leash. There are a number of things that can contribute to a dog's reactivity and if we can minimize or avoid them all together, when you get outside the reactivity can be lessened. You really need to think about a dog's behavior as a wholistic thing, where everything effects and influenced everything else. In this episode Fern goes over the reasons why dogs become reactive on leash, how we can best manage the situation, and when possible treat it. Treatment can be tricky though because it means being able to control the environment, which is difficult in the unpredictable outside world. The key to working with a reactive dog is recognizing when treatment is possible and when you have no choice but to manage it. In this episode you’ll learn: The 5 most common causes for reactivity When you should treat reactivity and when you need to manage it Some techniques to treat grumpiness on leash What the scale of reactivity is and how to use it Links: My blog post: "Take That Mailman" See how I do my group pack walks

In this episode Fern talks about the importance of puppy socialization with Ariana Kincaid of Operation Socialization. Lack of socialization is an epidemic and one of biggest causes of behavioral issues in adult dogs, and most people have no idea how to properly socialize their new puppies. Combine that with the multitude of misinformation online and from some trusted professionals it's no surprise that there is so much confusion as to what is the best and safest way to socialize. Socialization should start early and is very time sensitive. In this episode you'll find out exactly where those pups should be socialized and how every dog's plan for socialization differs. In this episode you’ll learn: When is the right time to begin socialization What exactly do we need to be exposing puppies to How long should socialization continue The myths of puppy socialization Links: Operation Socialization Socialization Myths Behavioral Vaccinations for Your Puppy Expert interviews on Socialization Ariana's APDT webinar recording

Leadership is a very misunderstood term in the dog world. I've seen people do some bizarre and really bad things to their dog in the name of leadership.  In this episode I clear the air and discusses what it really means to be a leader to the dogs in your life. I tell you how I see leadership and describe what I call "the leadership umbrella." This is foundational stuff and understanding it will effect everything you do with your dog and enable you to communicate more effectively. We'll also talk about resource control and how it relates to leadership. In this episode you’ll learn: The myths dog leadership Do dogs really need leadership? What will make you a good leader How leadership compares with parenting Links: Best Friends Animal Society

I started my dog training career in a doggie daycare where I observed and interacted with groups of dogs all day, and that really helped me understand the group dog dynamic. Now one of my specialties is dog-dog interactions. With more and more dog parks opening up nationwide, we have more opportunities to get dogs together than ever before. The problem is that even though we love the idea of dogs playing together, most people have no idea what's really going on and it often turns bad. To dive deep into the topic of dog group interactions I brought in the best in the field: dog training legend and shelter superstar Sue Sternberg. Sue is the founder and director of Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption, she's an innovator in creating shelter programs and protocols, she's an author, speaker, educator, and has has over 3 decades of dog behavior experience. Recently Sue has spent a lot of time studying and working in dog parks and shelters, and shares some some really amazing insight on dog behavior when in groups. Listen in and be prepared to learn a lot. I promise you'll never see a dog park the same way again. In this episode you’ll learn: The dangers of getting dogs together in groups What "red alert behaviors" to look out for How we can help dogs play together safely The best way to start a dog-dog play program in a shelter How Sue's new iPhone app can help you and your dog stay out of trouble Links: Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption Dog Park Assistant iPhone app Sue on Facebook Great Dog Productions Out and About with Your Dog (kindle) Dog-Dog Group Dynamics seminar - 5/11 - 5/12 2013 in Madison, WI Sociability vs. Aggression in Pet Dogs seminar - 6/8 - 6/9 2013 in Accord, NY To get a copy of Sue's Red Alert Cards email her at sue@suesternberg.com

Dogs have many ways to alleviate conflict and help them get along together and once you recognize and understand the various dog calming signals you'll be able to better know how they are feeling and what's going on in social settings. I discuss what are some the most common calming signals and how they impact not only dogs but our relationship as well. When I first learned to identify the various dog calming signals it really opened the door for me to better understand and work with dogs. Now when I go into a dog park or work with a dog I feel I have a good idea of what they are feeling and I kind of feel like I just learned how to speak the language of dog and have been let into the conversation. Cool stuff. In this episode you'll learn: Why dog's need and use calming signals How it applies to both wild and domestic dogs The 5 most common calming signals you'll see How they affect interactions with other dogs and people Links: Business of Dog Training Bootcamp Canine Body Language by Brenda Aloff

This episode I sit down and chat with my good buddy and Veterinarian Dr. Mark Nunez. Mark shares his advice and information on dog health, vaccines, behavior and much more. We discuss common diseases and ailments and how you can keep your dogs healthier. And Dr. Nunez tells what to look out for that might mean your dog is sick and when you need to seek medical attention. We also cover some home remedies that you can use and the ones you that can be harmful to your dog. If you want to know the real deal about canine wellness, this is the podcast to listen to. In this episode you’ll learn: Why canine obesity is on the rise What vaccines do you really need and how often should you get them How often should you go to the vet What symptoms to look out for that could mean an issue Some good home remedies and which ones can be harmful to your dog Links: Levittown Animal Hospital The Balanced Canine Blog The Balanced Canine on Facebook

If I had to recommend one thing and one thing only to you about working with dogs, it would be to harness the power of calm energy. This takes place in two places: 1- with you, and 2- encouraging and facilitating calm in the dogs you're around. It's a pretty simple concept but one that so many dog owners and dog professionals overlook. First off, all your communication with dogs will suffer if you cannot stay calm - even in chaos. And second, dogs make bad decisions in anything but a calm state of mind, so it's important to make sure that we make calm a very rewarding thing. In this episode you'll learn: How to be a trigger for calm behavior in dogs The ways we can make calm a rewarding stat of mind for our dogs How to structured walks and play can alter state of mind Why my dog no long needs to know any obedience commands  

I have a great chat here with dog walker, pet blogger, animal rescuer and creator of the Dogs in Need of Space (DINOS) website and movement, Jessica Dolce. Jessica and I discuss her experiences as a dog walker and how to interact with them. We also talk about how her little blog post went viral and spawned the DINOS phenomenon, as well as how to work with dogs who are sensitive about their space and dealing with the uneducated public. Jessica gives some great advice for anyone with a dog who likes his/her space and how to deal with the public perception, among a bunch of other things. I had so much fun speaking with Jessica and could have talked dogs with her all day. In this episode you'll learn: How being a "Pez dispenser of meat" can help you win over new dogs How she went from unknown dog walker to overnight blog sensation What it means to be a DINOS How to deal with a dog who needs some space Links Mentioned: Jessica's blog: Notes From a Dog Walker The blog post that went viral: My Dog is Friendly Dogs in Need of Space DINOS Facebook page  

In this jam packed episode I talk about the one thing that you can do with a dog - whether you're a dog owner, trainer or rescue volunteer - that can have an amazing impact on the dog's behavior. This simple yet powerful tool is available to everyone and works on just about any dog, no matter the size, breed or issues. I've personally used this with my dog, my clients and with dogs I've worked with at shelters and rescues and I'm continually impressed with the results. You'll learn: How to properly use this techniqe How it applies to dog owners How to use it if you're a trainer How to get the most out of it when working with shelter dogs The ways you can maximize it Links Mentioned: Slip lead Front attaching harness

In the second episode I interview author Jim Gorant and discuss his two books, The Lost Dogs and Wallace. Personally I loved both books and think they do an amazing job showing the true nature of pit bulls and what they can accomplish with the right attitude, effort and love. The Lost Dogs is all about the story and rehabilitation of the dogs from football player Michael Vick's illegal dog fighting bust. It shows the horrors the dogs endured and documents their amazing comeback journey. Wallace is the story of a misunderstood shelter dog that was at risk of being put to sleep, but ended up showing the world what pit bulls are really about. In this episode you'll learn: What pit bulls are really capable of when given the right environment How Jim, who didn't know anything about pit bulls, has now become a voice for them About the amazing comeback of dogs that many thought were unreachable Why pit bulls are simply just great dogs Links Mentioned: Jim Gorant The Lost Dogs - Amazon.com Wallace - Amazon.com Jim's original article in Sports Illustrated that inspired the book The Lost Dogs Facebook Page Wallace the Pit Bull Facebook Page Wallace on Youtube   Wallace doing his thing