A listener asked a great question about our “Zuko” episode: why did that dog like Cory but come after Melaney? Short answer: dogs read us—our body language, heart rate, even our scent—better than we read ourselves. In this conversation we unpack how your mental and physical state can flip a session from smooth to sketchy, why thresholds and territory matter, and how tiny life changes (a vet visit smell, moving a favorite chair, a new neighbor’s dogs) can ripple into “sudden” behavior shifts.

We also share practical tools: build a predictable routine, make a simple plan before you train, visualize success (shoutout Sheri Wolf Lucas), advocate for your dog with confident “no, you may not pet,” and know when to tap out for safety. Plus: cryptid tees, The Cranberries, and a post-college-drop-off birding field trip to get our heads right—because your vibe becomes your dog’s vibe.

Two puppies are always better than one… right? In this episode of Love ’Em & Lead ’Em, Cory and Melaney dig into the messy reality of littermate syndrome — the hidden challenges of raising two puppies from the same litter (or close in age). From sibling squabbles to tag-team chaos, they’ve seen it all.

You’ll hear stories of families who got more than they bargained for, what breeders and rescues don’t always tell you, and the real-life strategies that can make (or break) life with littermates. Plus, updates on past podcast favorites Nala the golden retriever and Guinness the miracle pup — spoiler: there’s some heartwarming progress to celebrate.

If you’ve ever thought about bringing home “just one more puppy,” this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

This week’s episode dives deep into one of our most medically complex (and emotionally rewarding) cases yet — a little Frenchie named Guinness. After being rescued from a life of breeding, he came to us with major potty problems, a seizure disorder, and more medical question marks than we’ve ever seen in one tiny body. Euthanization was on the table… but his dad wasn’t giving up, and neither were we. What happens when a dog might be *too sick to train* — and what does giving him a chance really take?

Then we lighten things up with the debut of a brand-new segment: Matchmaking with Matt. Our producer Matt wants a Shiba Inu, and we break down whether that’s a great fit or a disaster waiting to happen. (Spoiler: it’s giving “cat in a dog’s body.”) We talk breed research, choosing the right dog for your life, and why picking a dog is not unlike dating.

Whether you’re a rescue advocate, a Frenchie fan, or just wondering if you're ready for a Shiba, this episode brings all the feels — and plenty of laughs.

What we thought was excited jumping takes a turn when we meet Zuko — a powerful, sweet-faced, intensity-packed dog with a serious guarding streak and a zero-chill attitude. What started as a leash reactivity consult quickly became a masterclass in body language, impulse control, and surviving a close call (spoiler: no one got bit, but it got real close).

Later, we balance the chaos with a sweet update on Nala, a rescued golden retriever who went from shutdown to spoiled queen. We talk about what it really means when a dog "doesn't know how to dog," and how small wins can lead to lifelong change.

Whether you're managing your own Zuko or raising a Nala, this episode is packed with practical tips and real talk from the field.

In this episode of Love 'Em & Lead 'Em, we’re unpacking a recent rescue situation involving four small dogs with some very big opinions. From tangled potty routines to sibling squabbles and split living arrangements, it was clear this family needed a reset — fast.

Join Cory and Melaney as they unpack the lessons from this multi-dog rescue case, explore codependent human-dog dynamics, and share how simple changes can lead to powerful transformations. Plus, a surprise visit from Mat with a Google review that reminds us why we do what we do.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by dog ownership (or questioned your own sanity after adding just one more dog), this one’s for you.

In this episode of Love 'Em & Lead 'Em, we’re unpacking a recent rescue situation involving four small dogs with some very big opinions. From tangled potty routines to sibling squabbles and split living arrangements, it was clear this family needed a reset — fast.

Join Cory and Melaney as they unpack the lessons from this multi-dog rescue case, explore codependent human-dog dynamics, and share how simple changes can lead to powerful transformations. Plus, a surprise visit from Mat with a Google review that reminds us why we do what we do.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by dog ownership (or questioned your own sanity after adding just one more dog), this one’s for you.

In this deeply personal episode, Melaney and Cory pay tribute to Harvey—the unforgettable black German Shepherd who brought them together and helped shape both their business and their friendship.

From service dog struggles and wild training stories to grief, mental health, and the messiest lessons dogs can teach us, this episode is a raw, honest reflection on the dog who started it all. You’ll laugh, cry, and probably walk away feeling a little less alone in your own dog journey.

Because sometimes, the dog that changes your life is the one that challenges you the most.

In this deeply personal episode, Melaney and Cory pay tribute to Harvey—the unforgettable black German Shepherd who brought them together and helped shape both their business and their friendship.

From service dog struggles and wild training stories to grief, mental health, and the messiest lessons dogs can teach us, this episode is a raw, honest reflection on the dog who started it all. You’ll laugh, cry, and probably walk away feeling a little less alone in your own dog journey.

Because sometimes, the dog that changes your life is the one that challenges you the most.

Timestamps:

2:03 - Saying Goodbye to Harvey Walker.

6:24 - How Harvey Entered Cory’s Life.

10:11 - The Birth of a Dog Trainer.

14:14 - The Challenge of Training Harvey.

20:50 - Mutual Recognition and Mental Health.

24:03 - The Dog That Glued Cory and Melaney Together.

38:18 - How to Know When to Euthanize a Dog.

42:42 - Behavior Modification at its Core.

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