This week’s caller loves having her dog on the couch — when he’s clean. But when he’s muddy? Not so much.Totally fair… except for one tiny problem: dogs find our 'grey' areas very tricky. “Sometimes” isn’t in their language file. So when the boundaries shift - they’re not being naughty — they’re just confused. *Enter frustration for EVERYONE!In this episode, we explore why clarity is actually the KINDEST thing we can offer our dogs.🫖 We share:- Why “sometimes” rules make dogs guess — and stress.- How to meet your dog’s social and comfort needs before setting human ones.- Why clear boundaries build trust, not tension.💛 Plus, our hack of the week — a simple trick to help your dog understand when it’s a “yes” and when it’s a “not today.”____________________SHOW NOTES:To leave us a message and to buy Justine or Kim's programs go to our home page:https://www.thefamilydog.com/your-dogs-not-brokenIF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR... ⭐️ RATE or REVIEW to help us reach more people🎧 SUBSCRIBE and you'll be first to hear new eps❤️ SHARE with a friend who needs itGet 15% off The Dial Method®️: ⁠⁠https://www.thefamilydog.com/dial-method-podcast⁠

In this episode of Your Dog’s Not Broken, we meet a shepherd mix who says “heck NO!” anytime a brush comes near her tail.

If this sounds familiar, a) you’re not alone and b) your dog’s not being dramatic... they’re giving you great intel on how they feel.

We’re untangling WHY so many dogs hate being brushed, what it feels like from their side, and how to turn grooming from a battle into teamwork.

Want to read your dog’s signals, feel confident, and make grooming calm and predictable? This one’s for you.

🫖 We share:

- What allogrooming (yep, science-y word for grooming each other) teaches us about how dogs connect.

- How to keep your trust account topped up, even when the brush comes out.

- The “grooming goodies” hack — to make things go more smoothlySHOW NOTES:

To leave us a message and to buy Justine or Kim's programs go to our home page: https://www.thefamilydog.com/your-dogs-not-broken

IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR:

⭐️ RATE or REVIEW to help us reach more people

🎧 SUBSCRIBE and you'll be first to hear new eps

❤️ SHARE with a friend who needs it

Get 15% off The Dial Method®️: ⁠https://www.thefamilydog.com/dial-method-podcast⁠

FAB PEOPLE mentioned in this episode:⁠Suzanne Clothier's Book: Bones Would Rain from the Sky⁠:https://suzanneclothier.com/shop/bones-rain-sky/

In this episode, we’re wading into a topic that might raise an eyebrow or two ... “parenting” your dog.

Before you roll your eyes, hear us out!

From setting boundaries and meeting needs to being clear and kind, we unpack how the stuff that works for kids actually works beautifully for dogs too.

This episode’s full of lightbulb moments, real-life stories, and easy shifts that’ll make life with your dog a whole lot smoother.

We reveal:

• A TOOL for identifying trouble areas and solving problems in your own household.
• A helpful HACK to channel zoomies into fun (and sane) play
• ONE single shift in perspective that changes everything.

Get 15% off The Dial Method®️: ⁠https://www.thefamilydog.com/dial-method-podcast⁠

Welcome to Your Dogs Not Broken ... and neither are you! The podcast where we stop trying to fix dogs and start actually understanding them!

Join us - Kim and Justine, 2 professional dog nerds as we explore the messy, fascinating and crazy world of dogs and the humans who love them. This is NOT a "How to make your dog perfect" kind of show. No 5 easy steps or quick fix nonsense. We're here to unpack why dogs do what they do, how you can get the most out of your time together, and why the stuff that makes you roll your eyes and pull your hair out is usually the most interesting part.

We'll answer your real-life dog stories, explore the science and quirks behind their behavior, and laugh.... a lot - sometimes at our own expense. Let's do this!

Ever walked into a room and found your dog perched on the kitchen table like it’s totally normal? In Episode 3 of Your Dog’s Not Broken ...and neither are you!, Justine Schuurmans and Kim Brophey use one listener’s “baby whippet on the table” story to explore a powerful concept that could transform your relationship with your dog: acceptance.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Why your dog’s “weird” behaviors often make perfect sense from their perspective
• The freedom that comes from saying “You are here” instead of rushing to fix.
• How to compromise with your dog without losing your mind (or your dinner)
• Why breed compatibility matters more than looks when choosing a dog
• Real-life strategies to turn conflict into cooperation and connection

Whether your dog’s on the table, chasing cars, or just being their quirky self, this episode will help you swap frustration for understanding.

Get 15% off The Dial Method®️: ⁠https://www.thefamilydog.com/dial-method-podcast⁠

To leave a message or buy Justine & Kim's books and videos, simply go to the website: https://www.thefamilydog.com/your-dogs-not-broken it’s the one-stop shop!

💩 Ever wondered why your dog loves rolling in poo or even eating it? In Episode 2 of Your Dog’s Not Broken (And Neither Are You), Justine Schuurmans and Kim Brophey dive nose-first into one of the grossest — yet most normal — dog behaviors. With a poop bag FULL hilarious (and horrifying) personal stories, plus an ethological deep dive, we unpack:

• Why dogs roll in and eat poop — and why it’s natural, not “bad” behavior
• The surprising evolutionary link between dogs and human poo
• How your dog’s poop can reveal their stress levels, diet issues, and emotional state
• Gut-brain connection: how anxiety can cause stomach issues (and vice versa)
• Our “Poo Party Hack” — a fun, science-based way to stop your dog from eating poop

🎙 Whether you’ve stepped in it, cleaned it out of fur, or caught your dog in the act, this is the ultimate episode to laugh, learn, and love your dog a little more — dirt and all.

Get 15% off The Dial Method®️: ⁠https://www.thefamilydog.com/dial-method-podcast⁠

To leave a message or buy Justine & Kim's books and videos, simply go to the website: https://www.thefamilydog.com/your-dogs-not-broken it’s the one-stop shop!

Dig into the science: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animals-and-us/202008/did-eating-human-poop-play-role-in-the-evolution-dogs/amp

Welcome to the very first episode of Your Dog’s Not Broken ...and neither are you! – the podcast that ditches “quick fixes” and dives deep into truly understanding your dog. Hosts Justine Schuurmans (family dog specialist) and Kim Brophey (applied ethologist) share decades of experience helping families navigate the messy, fascinating, and sometimes frustrating world of dog behavior .

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why 99% of dogs show moderate-to-severe behavior challenges – and why that doesn’t mean they’re “broken”.
• How traditional obedience training may not solve your problem – and what to focus on instead.
• Real stories from dog owners, plus our “Handy Hack” segment to make daily life with your pup easier.
• The Post-it Pivot: a simple mindset shift to create lasting change for you and your furry friend

✨ Whether you’re a seasoned dog parent or a first-time pup owner, this podcast is here to make life with your dog more fun and less frustrating.

Get 15% off The Dial Method®️: https://www.thefamilydog.com/dial-method-podcast

To leave a message or buy Justine & Kim's books and videos, simply go to the website: https://www.thefamilydog.com/your-dogs-not-broken it’s the one-stop shop!