This week, Jess and Scott discuss when telling your dog no may be in your best interest as well as your dog’s best interest. This is a highly debated topic in dog training, and this episode explains why this communication between owners and dogs is both relevant and important.   What are some situations where you should say “no” to your dog? How frequently should you be saying “no” to your dog?   Is there a difference between using “no” with puppies or adult dogs?   To learn more about ViaGen Pets, visit their website at: https://www.viagenpets.com/   For more in ..read more

This week, Jess and Scott welcome Teresa Hanula and the one and only Leonard- the painter, the traveler, the trickster, the disc catcher, the Guinness Book record holder, and the lover. Leonard's art is displayed internationally, and he is definitely a one of a kind artist!   How does Leonard paint? Where can people purchase Leonard's art?   What is the best part of Leonard's style?   To learn more about ViaGen Pets, visit their website at: https://www.viagenpets.com   To check out Leonard on Instagram, click: https://www.instagram.com/liveloveleonardlee   T ..read more

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the rise of aggression in dog sports. Whether your dog has human or dog aggression, you are putting others at a huge risk by allowing your aggressive dog to participate in competitions in any dog sport.    If your dog has an issue with other dogs, what kind of control should you have in a competitive environment?    Why has aggression in dog sports escalated so much over the past decade?    Who should be in charge of making sure aggressive dogs are not welcome at competitive events?    To learn more about ViaGen Pets, vi ..read more

This week, Jess and Scott welcome animal communicator Shannon Cutts, host of Let’s Talk To Animals podcast. Shannon is a highly sensitive animal intuitive who specializes in one on one virtual sessions with all types of species and recently just returned from a bucket list trip to the Galapagos.  How was Shannon called to this career path?   Why is it important for Shannon to listen to the pet’s perspective rather than only the owner’s perspective?   What is Shannon’s process for doing an animal communication session?   To learn more about Viagen Pets, click here:&nbs ..read more

This week, Jess and Scott discuss how to introduce your dog to a select group of dogs that your friends and/or family own. Some owners want their dogs to have a long term relationship with certain dogs even with dogs that aren't necessarily social or may seem somewhat introverted. How do you begin to expand your dog's circle?   What is the best method to mix high energy and low energy dogs?   Why does taking your time with introductions sometimes pay off in the long run?   Show Sponsor – Viagen Pets To learn more about ViaGen Pets, visit their website at: https://www.viagenpets ..read more

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the changes we have seen in dog ownership over the last 50 years. This episode talks about the culture of dogs in the US in the 1980’s, early 2000’s, and today and compares various aspects of the three time periods.   How did dog officers change the way dog ownership has evolved?   Where have we seen the most drastic changes in spending over the past 50 years?   Why is it important to also think about where we are headed in dog ownership?    For more information about Scott and Jess and their strategies or to book an online consult for ..read more

This week, Jess and Scott welcome Jamie Robinson, founder of Service Dog Games International. Jamie is introducing a new area in dog training that allows service dogs to finally achieve the recognition they deserve.   What is the specific criteria for having a service dog?   Can you title more than one service dog through Service Dog Games International?   Where is the best resource to learn more about the actual testing for this venue?   To purchase any of Jamie’s books, click here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jamie-Robinson/author/B09BMHDN23?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIn ..read more

This week, Jess and Scott discuss taking your dog to work. In this day and age, many employees want at least a hybrid option of work and home if not for a complete work from home position. Many workers who do go into an office want to bring their dogs. We unpack some of the basics of what taking your dog to work should actually look like in this episode. What equipment should I consider bringing to work?   Why should you limit dog to dog contact in an office with multiple dogs?   Where can you do some practice sessions of taking your dog with you?   For more information about Sc ..read more

This week, Jess and Scott welcome one of their cherished clients to discuss her own journey with her German Shepherd. Lola had major issues with anxiety, reactivity, and handling. Kelly discusses how a consistent training program made life significantly better for not only Lola but for the entire family.    Why did Kelly decide it was best to wean Lola off of Prozac with the help of her veterinarian?    What does it look like as Kelly maintains Lola’s training at home for continued success for all parties?    How has Kelly’s life changed since Lola came home ..read more

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the concept of eye contact. While getting and maintaining your dog’s attention is definitely an integral part of successful dog training, attention games are often misused in real world settings and this episode dissects exactly that.   Where in training does it actually make sense to teach your dog to focus on you? Is teaching focus really necessary for an engaged dog?   How can asking for focus sometimes escalate fear or reactivity?      For more information about Scott and Jess and their strategies, please check out: https://c ..read more