Very few people set out to deliberately be a jerk to their dog, but unfortunately, whether we mean to or not, we often end up doing just that. Even when we have the best of intentions, our own misconceptions, misunderstandings, and unrealistic expectations of dogs can end up causing unnecessary and unwanted stress to everybody involved.

That's where dog trainer Annie Grossman comes in. Using the combined powers of love and science, she aims to help people better understand the basic psychology that underlies positive reinforcement training, and let go of expectations that aren't helping either them or their dogs. Join us today for a conversation about science, dogs, and New York City, featuring a surprise guest appearance from Kermit the Frog!

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

We often think of simple commands such as "Sit!" and "Come!" as being the most basic thing we can teach our dog, and for many dogs, that's true. But if your dog is struggling to figure out what you're trying to teach them, there may be something even more basic you have to start with- teaching them how to learn in the first place. This seems like something that should come naturally, but for many dogs (and people as well!), it doesn't, leading to anxiety and frustration all around. Today, show favorite Melissa McCue-McGrath joins Tina once again to break down this idea of "learning how to learn," providing tips and advice for how to unlock your dog's full potential.

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

Have you ever wished there was some sort of emergency hotline you could call for help with your dog? Well, you're in luck because it turns out there is!

Today we welcome to the show Amy Castro, founder and host of the podcast Pet Parent Hotline. The show grew directly out of Amy’s years in animal rescue, where she founded Starlight Outreach and Rescue and personally fostered more than 4,000 animals. Through that work, Amy saw firsthand how often pet parents are trying to make difficult decisions without enough practical, trustworthy information. Inspired by this, she started the Pet Parent Hotline podcast to answer the questions she received every day from people desperate for help for their pet problems and/or those considering giving up their pets. Through the podcast, she aims to help people and animals by providing honest conversations, real-world advice, and practical solutions that support both pets and the people who love them.

For show notes and more (including our merch!), please go to Your Family Dog.

We all like a good treat now and then and our dogs are no exception. All too often, though, commercially available dog treats are packed full of allergens, sugar, wheat, and other undesirable ingredient that can irritate sensitive stomachs and exacerbate existing health issues. That's where today's guest comes in.

Marcy Pellegrino is the founder and Chief Brand Barketing Officer of Marcy's Pet Kitchen, a small-batch, USA-made, and healthy, dog treat brand built on one belief: that every all-natural ingredient should have a purpose for YOUR dog. Inspired by her two previous Labs who passed from cancer, and today by her silver Lab Barkley and his severe allergies and sensitive stomach, Marcy set out to create clean-label, whole food treats that pet parents can actually trust. Made with simple, recognizable ingredients that you can pronounce, MPK's low-glycemic, superfood treats are a great fit for dogs with allergies, sensitive stomachs, or insulin concerns, as well as any pup whose family wants to feel good about what goes in their bowl. Come join us to learn more about Marcy's journey and what's currently cooking in her pet kitchen.

For show notes and more (including our merch!) please go to Your Family Dog.

A few years ago, writer Bruce Littlefield looked at his pet and dog and realized something- dogs have life figured out. They wake up each day looking to make the best of every moment. They understand what’s important. They know what to shake off. They love a good walk. And they certainly know how to relax! Whether young or old, we can all learn a few tricks from dogs, and Bruce has compiled some of the best ones in his new book. So, sit, put your paws up, and delight in the wisdom of dogs!

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

So many of us have been there- our otherwise house trained dog (or cat!) suddenly decides that *this* corner of the house is *theirs* and needs to be claimed as such. Now, we can't get them to leave it alone, no matter how much we scrub and clean and spray the odor still seems to linger, and nothing we do seems to make it stop...until now.

When their beloved elderly dog began to scent mark, Glenn Lattz and his wife were determined to find a solution that would stop the behavior once and for all. The result? Doggie Nopee, an pet-safe, kid-safe solution that puts an end to marking behaviors for good. Tune in to learn more about how it's designed, how it works, and how it can help your family.

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

Most of us have probably wondered what it would be like if our dog was a person. Now, a new novel by writer A.J. Symon explores that very idea. Written to honor the unconditional love and joy his golden retriever brought to his life, A.J.’s inspiration came from a game of fetch where he thought, “If that dog were human, he’d be an amazing running back”. That spark became Golden Boy, a funny and heartfelt novel about a teenage girl who turns her family’s beloved golden retriever into a real boy. Naturally, he joins the football team, where his loyalty, heart, and golden retriever instincts teach everyone that life is about more than wins and losses.

For show notes and more (including our new merch!), please go to Your Family Dog.

The topic of "special needs" is one that's come up plenty of times before on Your Family Dog. Whether it's the kid, the dog, or both who function a little differently, navigating and supporting those needs can be draining and time-consuming for families, who often need all the help they can get to make everything work. But what happens when trying to find and coordinate all that help becomes its own seemingly-impossible task?

Enter Lisa Richer. Lisa is the Executive Board Chair for By With & For Autistic Adults, Advisory Chair for The Mandala School, and on the Parents Alliance for Inclusion board. As the mom of two neurodiverse sons, she truly understands the emotional and practical struggles families go through. Her proprietary Clarity Confidence Courage Journey Map is designed to strip away unhelpful pressures and help parents build more resilient, inclusive homes. Lisa also holds an Advanced Advocate Certificate from the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. and wrote "Confident You: The Raw Conversations." Lisa has worked for over twenty years helping parents, educators, and professionals navigate their own high-stakes journeys and find clarity amidst the chaos. Join us for a conversation about the joys and challenges of navigating a "neurosparkly" family, dogs and all.

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.