What if your dog’s behavior isn’t disobedience—but a misunderstood personality? In this eye-opening episode of the Courageous Canine Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Melanie Uhde, founder of Canine Decoded and a PhD-level scientist turned canine behavior expert. From her academic roots at Stanford and Columbia to the villages of Northern Thailand, Dr. Uhde shares how she uncovered the science behind reactivity, anxiety, and the five core personality traits in dogs.

You’ll learn:
🐾 Why some dogs are naturally cautious or neurotic—and how that’s not a bad thing
🐾 How to use science and empathy together for better training results
🐾 Real-life stories of transformation with anxious and reactive dogs
🐾 The truth about training “difficult” breeds like Shiba's, Border Collies, and wolf hybrids
🐾 How to identify your dog’s unique personality—and why it matters more than the breed

Whether you’re a dog owner, trainer, or just a canine behavior nerd, this conversation will change how you see your dog forever. Listen now and start decoding what your dog has been trying to tell you all along.

In this heartwarming and powerful episode, Michael sits down with Freddie B, a retired professional turned full-time dog rescuer with over 50 years of experience working with dogs—especially those who are fearful, aggressive, or feral. Freddie shares how he turned his retirement into a mission-driven life, founding Freddie B’s Furry Friends Rescue to help the dogs most others avoid.

Freddie opens up about:

• Why fearful and aggressive dogs are often the last to be adopted—and how he helps them heal
• The emotional and behavioral transformation of dogs like Tigger and Piglet
• The role of patience, body language, and energy in building trust with traumatized dogs
• The difference between shelter-based and foster-based rescue models
• Why understanding canine communication is essential for avoiding bites and creating lasting bonds
• How compassion fatigue affects rescue workers—and how he overcomes it by focusing on the joy of transformation

This episode is packed with wisdom, emotion, and practical insight. Freddie reminds us that every dog, no matter how broken or scared, deserves a second chance—and with the right support, they can thrive.

🦴 To support Freddie B’s work or become a foster:
Visit freddiebsfurryfriendsrescue.org

🐾 Sponsored by: BECanine.com – Human-grade supplements for happier, healthier dogs.

Next Episode: Don’t miss our next guest, Remy Mundschenk, an agility trainer and medical foster doing incredible work in Spokane, Washington.

In this heartfelt episode of The Courageous Canine Podcast, host Michael Pickens sits down with Tabitha Newell, a resilient dog mom, podcast host, and founder of RU & Crew Nutrition. After a shocking MS diagnosis and the sudden loss of her beloved Frenchie, Rupert, to an aggressive form of cancer, Tabitha turned her heartbreak into a mission. She shares how Rupert’s passing inspired her to dive deep into both human and canine wellness, launch a supplement line, and advocate for prevention through education and holistic care.

We explore:

-Her journey from thriving CrossFit junkie to chronic illness warrior.

-The tragic and rapid decline of Rupert—and what she wishes she knew sooner.

-The overlooked dangers of tap water, synthetic supplements, and poor breeding practices.

-What it’s really like raising a paralyzed rescue dog.

-French Bulldog pros, cons, and why they’re not for the faint of heart.

It’s a moving, empowering conversation full of laughter, tears, and takeaways every dog parent should hear.

Listen, learn, and love your pup a little deeper today.
🦴 Visit: RUandCrewNutrition.com
🎧 Check out Tabitha’s podcast: Little Bit of Life Cast on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.