What happens when a dog loses someone they love?

Whether it’s the death of a human family member, the loss of another pet, or a major change in the home, many dogs seem different afterward. They may eat less, sleep more, search familiar places, or simply become quieter than before.

But are they actually grieving?

In this episode of The Recall Room, we explore what science can—and can’t—tell us about grief in dogs. We’ll look at the research behind behavioral changes after loss, the emotional lives of dogs, and why this question is more complex than it first appears.

Because understanding grief isn’t just about knowing what dogs feel.

It’s about learning how deeply our lives become intertwined with theirs.

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References & Further Reading

• The Emotional Lives of Animals by Marc Bekoff
• How Animals Grieve by Barbara J. King
• Barbara J. King’s articles and interviews on animal grief
• Research by the Dog Aging Project on behavioral changes in dogs
• The Mourning Dog Questionnaire study by Morris Animal Foundation researchers (2022), which surveyed thousands of owners about dogs’ behavior after the death of a companion animal
• Work from the Center for the Human-Animal Bond on the human–animal relationship

Why does your dog stare at you while they’re pooping? Spin in circles before lying down? Eat grass, steal socks, kick dirt after going to the bathroom, or suddenly sprint around the house like they’ve completely lost their mind?

As strange as these behaviors may seem, most aren’t random at all.

In this episode of The Recall Room, we explore the science and instincts behind some of the most common—and most puzzling—things dogs do. You’ll learn how evolution, communication, body language, and individual personality shape the behaviors we see every day, along with how to recognize the difference between harmless quirks and behaviors that may warrant a closer look.

Whether you’ve laughed at your dog’s zoomies, wondered why they sniff every inch of a walk, or questioned why they insist on making eye contact during bathroom breaks, this episode will help you see those moments from your dog’s perspective.

In this episode, you’ll learn things like:

• Why dogs spin before lying down or circle before going to the bathroom

• The truth about eating grass

• Why dogs sniff everything on walks

• What zoomies, head tilts, play sneezes, and other “weird” behaviors are actually communicating

• Why dogs roll in foul smells, steal socks, and stare while they poop

Sometimes the strangest behaviors have the simplest explanations—and sometimes they remind us just how remarkable dogs really are.

Because once you stop asking, “Why is my dog being weird?” and start asking, “What is my dog trying to tell me?” everything begins to make a little more sense.

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Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

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References & Further Reading

• Horowitz, Alexandra. Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know. Scribner.

• McConnell, Patricia B. The Other End of the Leash. Ballantine Books.

• Overall, Karen L. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.

• Yin, Sophia. Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs & Cats. CattleDog Publishing.

• Bekoff, Marc. The Emotional Lives of Animals. New World Library.

• Coppinger, Raymond & Lorna Coppinger. Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior & Evolution. Scribner.

• Hart, B. L. (1985). The Behavior of Domestic Animals. W.H. Freeman.

• Miklósi, Ádám. Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition. Oxford University Press.

• Coren, Stanley. Research and publications on canine cognition, sensory perception, and behavior.

• Hecht, Julie. Research on canine behavior and cognition.

• Hart, V., et al. (2013). “Dogs are sensitive to small variations of the Earth’s magnetic field.” Frontiers in Zoology.

As always, every dog is an individual. If behavioral concerns persist after medical causes have been ruled out, seek guidance from a qualified, evidence-based behavior professional.

Welcome back to Part Two of our conversation about senior dogs.

In Part One, we talked about what happens as our dogs age and some of the changes we might notice along the way.

Now we’re getting into the practical side:

How do we actually help our dogs through this stage of life?

In this episode, we’re talking about the ways we can adapt our care as our dogs’ needs change — from supporting mobility and managing pain to making changes around the house, thinking about nutrition, keeping their minds engaged, and paying attention to changes in behavior or cognitive function.

We’ll also talk about something that can be surprisingly difficult for dog owners: knowing when a change is simply part of aging and when it’s time to call the veterinarian.

Because senior dogs often don’t need us to completely change their lives.

They need us to make their lives a little easier.

A softer place to sleep. A safer way to get around the house. A slightly different exercise routine. More patience. More observation. And sometimes, a little more help from their veterinary team.

And perhaps most importantly, we’ll talk about quality of life.

Our dogs don’t get to stay young forever. But that doesn’t mean their senior years can’t be full of comfort, enrichment, connection, and really good days.

So let’s talk about how we can help make those years as good as they possibly can be.

Let’s hop into the Room.

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Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

www.therecallroom.com

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hello@therecallroom.com

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References & Further Reading

This episode was informed by current veterinary research and evidence-based guidance on healthy aging, senior wellness, canine cognition, pain recognition, and quality of life.

• Epstein, M.E., et al. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 2023.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Senior Pets educational resources.
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – Riney Canine Health Center. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and Healthy Aging in Dogs.
• American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Educational resources on canine osteoarthritis, mobility, and pain management.
• Overall, K.L. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.
• Bender, A., & Strong, E. Canine Enrichment for the Real World. Dogwise Publishing, 2019.
• Landsberg, G.M., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat.Elsevier.

As always, this episode is intended for educational purposes and should not replace advice from your veterinarian. If your dog is showing sudden changes in mobility, behavior, appetite, cognition, or overall health, consult your veterinary team for an individualized assessment.

Senior dogs have a way of making us slow down.

They may not move quite as quickly as they used to. Their routines can change. They might sleep more, play differently, or develop little quirks that weren’t there a few years ago. And sometimes, it can be hard to know what’s simply a normal part of getting older — and what might be a sign that something else is going on.

In Part One of our conversation about senior dogs, we’re taking a closer look at what actually happens as dogs age.

We’ll talk about when a dog is considered a senior, how aging can look different depending on the individual dog, and some of the physical, behavioral, and cognitive changes we may notice as our dogs move into their later years.

Most importantly, we’ll talk about why “they’re just getting old” isn’t always the best explanation.

Aging is a normal part of life, but old age itself isn’t a disease. Understanding what’s normal — and knowing what changes deserve a closer look — can help us become better advocates for our dogs as they age.

And this is only Part One.

In Part Two, we’ll shift from understanding the changes to talking about what we can actually do to support our senior dogs and help them stay comfortable, engaged, and happy.

Because getting older doesn’t mean the good years are behind them.

Sometimes, it just means we have to learn how to experience those years a little differently.

Welcome to The Recall Room.

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Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

www.therecallroom.com

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hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

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References & Further Reading

This episode was informed by current veterinary research and evidence-based guidance on healthy aging, senior wellness, canine cognition, pain recognition, and quality of life.

• Epstein, M.E., et al. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 2023.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Senior Pets educational resources.
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – Riney Canine Health Center. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and Healthy Aging in Dogs.
• American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Educational resources on canine osteoarthritis, mobility, and pain management.
• Overall, K.L. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.
• Bender, A., & Strong, E. Canine Enrichment for the Real World. Dogwise Publishing, 2019.
• Landsberg, G.M., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat.Elsevier.

As always, this episode is intended for educational purposes and should not replace advice from your veterinarian. If your dog is showing sudden changes in mobility, behavior, appetite, cognition, or overall health, consult your veterinary team for an individualized assessment.

This is Part 3 of our Dog Development series, exploring how dogs grow physically, emotionally, socially, and behaviorally throughout their lives—and how understanding each stage can help us better understand the dogs beside us.

In this episode of The Recall Room, we explore the often-overlooked adult years and how dogs continue to learn, why routines and predictability matter, and why training is never really “finished.” Adult dogs might not come with the chaos of puppyhood or the emotional roller coaster of adolescence—but that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped growing.

We’ll also look at the subtle ways adult dogs learn to read our habits, communicate with us, and settle into the partnership that can become one of the richest parts of life together.

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Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

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Resources, References & Further Reading

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). 2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines.
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). Humane Dog Training Position Statement.
• Bensky, M. K., Gosling, S. D., & Sinn, D. L. (2013). The World from a Dog’s Point of View: A Review and Synthesis of Dog Cognition Research. Advances in the Study of Behavior, 45, 209–406.
• Duranton, C., & Horowitz, A. (2019). Let Me Sniff! Nosework Induces Positive Judgment Bias in Pet Dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 211, 61–66.
• Miklósi, Á. (2015). Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Horowitz, A. (2016). Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell. Scribner.
• Bradshaw, J. (2011). Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet. Basic Books.

One day they were eager to learn, happy to check in with you, and seemed to hang on your every word. Then suddenly they’re ignoring cues, pulling on the leash, chewing everything in sight, and acting like they’ve never heard their name before.

In this Part 2 of our Dog Development series here on The Recall Room, we explore the fascinating world of canine adolescence. You’ll learn what’s happening inside your dog’s developing brain, why behavior often seems to fall apart during the teenage months, and how normal developmental changes can influence everything from recall and impulse control to fear, independence, and curiosity.

This episode is sure to help you see your dog through a new lens—and remind you that the challenging teenage months are just one chapter in the journey toward adulthood.

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Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

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Resources & References

This episode was informed by research and the work of leading experts in canine behavior, cognition, welfare, and learning, including:

• Dr. Patricia McConnell — The Other End of the Leash; For the Love of a Dog

• Dr. Alexandra Horowitz — Inside of a Dog; Being a Dog

• Dr. Zazie Todd — Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy

• Dr. Karen Overall — Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals

• Dr. Ian Dunbar — Puppy development and adolescent behavior resources

• Dr. Kathy Sdao — Learning theory and positive reinforcement

• Jean Donaldson — The Culture Clash

• Dr. Daniel Mills — Canine behavior and welfare research

• Dr. Clive Wynne — Dog Is Love

• Dr. Brian Hare — The Genius of Dogs

In Part 1 of The Recall Room’s Dog Development series, we’re discussing puppies. In future episodes, we’ll learn about adolescence, adulthood, senior dogs, and grief.

Puppies are adorable, chaotic, exhausting - and developing faster than we sometimes realize.

In this episode of The Recall Room, we’re kicking taking a closer look at what’s actually happening during puppyhood. From critical socialization periods and rapidly developing brains to biting, chewing, fear, and those seemingly endless bursts of energy. We’ll explore the science behind some of the behaviors that can make raising a puppy both fascinating and overwhelming.

We’ll also talk about what puppies really need from us during this stage, why socialization is about much more than meeting lots of people and dogs, and how the experiences we create now can influence the adults they become.

Whether you’re currently surviving the puppy stage, preparing to bring one home, or simply want to better understand how dogs develop, this episode is a reminder that puppy behavior isn’t just something to “get through” - it’s communication from a brain that’s still figuring out the world.

Because when we understand what’s happening underneath the behavior, we can respond with a little more patience, a little more intention, and a lot more curiosity.

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Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

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Resources, References & Further Reading

This episode was informed by current research and the work of leading experts in puppy development, canine behavior, learning, and socialization, including:

• Dr. Patricia McConnell – The Puppy Primer, The Other End of the Leash, and For the Love of a Dog

• Dr. Ian Dunbar – Early puppy development, bite inhibition, and socialization

• Dr. Sophia Yin – Resources on puppy socialization, canine body language, and low-stress handling

• Dr. Karen Pryor – Don’t Shoot the Dog! and foundational work in learning theory and positive reinforcement

• Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver – Canine Behavior: Insights and Answers

• Dr. James Serpell – The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People

• The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), including the Position Statement on Puppy Socialization

• The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB)

• Fear Free® – Educational resources on reducing fear, anxiety, and stress during early puppy development

The Recall Room is an educational podcast designed to help dog owners better understand canine behavior through current behavioral science and positive, evidence-based practices. The information shared in this episode is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized veterinary or behavioral advice.

Have you ever wondered why one dog trainer tells you to reward a behavior, while another recommends correcting it? Why do training philosophies seem to conflict so dramatically?

The answer lies in history.

In this episode of The Recall Room, we’re taking a journey through more than a century of dog training—from early military and working dog methods to the scientific discoveries of Ivan Pavlov and B.F. Skinner, the rise of the Koehler Method, clicker training, force-free training, balanced training, LIMA, and today’s evidence-based approaches.

Rather than debating which method is “right,” we’ll explore how each philosophy developed, the people who shaped them, and how our understanding of dogs has evolved over time.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a better understanding of why trainers sometimes disagree, how modern training philosophies came to be, and how to thoughtfully evaluate the advice you encounter as a dog owner.

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Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

www.therecallroom.com

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hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

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Resources, References & Further Reading

• Konrad Most. Training Dogs: A Manual (originally published in German in 1910; English translation, 1954)
• Ivan P. Pavlov. Conditioned Reflexes (1927)
• B. F. Skinner. The Behavior of Organisms (1938)
• William R. Koehler. The Koehler Method of Dog Training (1962)
• Karen Pryor. Don’t Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training (1984)
• Ian Dunbar. Before & After Getting Your Puppy (multiple editions)
• Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) – LIMA position statements and ethics
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) – Position statements on training and socialization

Note: This episode examines the historical development of dog training philosophies. Discussing a training method or historical figure should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any particular approach.