🐾 Thinking about getting a dog? Hold that thought! Before you bring home a pup based on a cute face or a trending breed, let’s talk about what really matters when choosing the right dog for your life.

This week on Muddy Paws and Hairballs, I sit down with Pete Campione to expose the biggest mistakes people make when picking a dog—and how to avoid them. If you’ve ever wondered why so many dogs end up in shelters or why some adoptions fail, this episode is a must-listen.

What We Cover:

✅ The dangers of choosing a dog based on looks or a sad story 🐶💔
✅ What self-reflection has to do with responsible dog ownership
✅ The research you MUST do before adopting
✅ How to recognize key behavior signals in a dog
✅ Why structure and routine are non-negotiable for a successful adoption
✅ The first 30 days: What makes or breaks a new home

Friends, if today’s episode saves even one person from adopting or buying a dog they had no business bringing home, Pete and I have done our jobs.

🎧 Tune in now and let’s make sure every dog finds the right home!

🔗 Listen & Subscribe

#MuddyPawsAndHairballs #DogAdoption #RightDogRightHome #DogOwnership #PetPodcast

Learn more about Pete, his services, and his new book here: https://www.ksk9.com/

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

Starting Sunday, April 27, 2025, we’re switching things up—new episodes will now drop every Sunday instead of Tuesday!

Why the change? Because Sundays just feel better. Quieter mornings, fewer midweek distractions, and a better chance to catch up with your favorite pet podcast (aka us 😎).

Set your alarms (or don’t—we’ll be waiting patiently like a well-trained Golden Retriever 🐾) every Sunday morning starting at 8AM EST / 7AM CST.

Support the show

✅ Subscribe to Muddy Paws and Hairballs for real talk and expert advice on pet care.
✅ Share this episode to help more pet parents navigate life with their pets.

💬 We’d Love to Hear from You! Got thoughts on this episode or a topic you want covered? Leave a review or comment—we value your feedback!

🎧 Listen & Follow:
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📩 Contact: Amy@muddypawsandhairballs.com

Thanks for listening to Muddy Paws and Hairballs, your go-to resource for all things pet care. From dog training, behavior, and socialization to cat enrichment, pet adoption, and tackling behavior problems, we provide expert advice and real talk to help you create a happy, healthy life with your pets. Whether you're dealing with dog anxiety, looking for puppy training tips, or exploring enrichment ideas for your cat, we've got you covered. Be sure to check out all our episodes!