Podcast
Welcome to Dog Talk with Dr. Jen! On this page, you’ll find links and show notes for every episode of my new podcast. We’ll be talking about a variety of different topics in dog training and behavior, with an emphasis on practical advice to make life with your dog easier and more fun.
Subscribe on iTunes here, to make sure you never miss an episode 🙂
Have a suggestion for a topic you want me to cover, or a question you’d like me to answer on the air? I’d be happy to! Submit a contact form here, or email me at jen@drjensdogblog.com.
Ep. 15: Housemate Aggression
Having a multi-dog household can be great… when everyone is getting along! Who doesn’t love watching their pups romp and play in the backyard, or snuggle up together on the couch for a nap?
But what happens when there’s trouble in paradise? Housemate dogs who fight with each other can make life stressful for everyone involved, and it’s not always easy to figure out how to restore peace and harmony. So if the fur is flying at your house, join Dr. Jen for a discussion about possible causes and solutions for this common (but frustrating!) problem.
Blog post mentioned in this episode:
New Puppy? Tips For Raising A Good Dog During The Pandemic, by Nicole Wiebusch
Ep. 14: Taking The Stress Out Of Vet Visits
It’s no secret that most dogs aren’t thrilled about going to see the vet. (Understandably so!) Shots, blood draws, and even physical exams can be stressful, even for dogs who are normally easy-going and friendly.
But the good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way! Join Dr. Jen for some simple suggestions to make things easier and less scary for your pup, starting at his next vet visit.
Also: a bonus listener question about treats for food allergy dogs.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Cooperative Care: Seven Steps to Stress-Free Husbandry
, by Deb Jones, PhD
- Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
, by Deb Jones, PhD(The link to Deb’s book is an Amazon affiliate link, but you can also find it through most other online book retailers if you prefer.)
Ep. 13: Keeping Busy In The House
When it comes to keeping our canine pals healthy and happy, we all know that outdoor activities like walks, visits to the park, and games of fetch can be great ways to burn off steam. As the saying goes – a tired dog is a good dog!
But, did you know that physical exercise isn’t the “end all, be all” of keeping your pup entertained and well-behaved? In today’s episode, Dr. Jen takes a look at some easy indoor additions to your dog’s daily routine, to make life better and more fun for both of you.
Websites mentioned in this episode:
Puzzle toy examples discussed in this episode:
(Links provided are Amazon affiliate links, but you can also find these toys through other online retailers.)
Ep. 12: Choosing A Dog
Choosing a new family member is a big decision that we shouldn’t take lightly. Unfortunately, trainers and veterinarians see a lot of dog and owner “mismatches” – these can be challenging to resolve from a training standpoint, and often result in lots of frustration for both parties.
If you’re thinking of adding a new dog to your household, join Dr. Jen for a discussion about how you can make the best choice possible for your specific situation.
Ep. 11: Don’t Touch My Stuff!
How much do you know about resource guarding in dogs? If your pup growls at you over his food bowl or his favorite rawhide, don’t be embarrassed – you’re not alone!
It might surprise you to learn that this is a normal canine behavior, and one that’s usually fairly easy to modify with some smart management and a good training plan.
Also, a bonus listener question on crate training – is it confusing for puppies to have more than one crate?
Book mentioned in the episode:
- Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs, by Jean Donaldson
(Link provided is an Amazon affiliate link, but you can also find this book through other online retailers.)
Ep. 10: Myths About Training With Food
In today’s episode, Dr. Jen tackles some common myths about using treats in training.
Does using “human food” to train your dog make him more likely to beg at the table? If you use treats to train a behavior, is it true that you’ll always need to have food on hand to get your dog to listen? And why do we need food rewards, anyway – shouldn’t our dogs do what we say because they respect us?
Blog post mentioned in the episode can be found here: The Truth About Treats: Why Do We Use Them In Training?
Ep. 9: Dog Parks – Yes, No, Maybe So?
Today’s episode is all about dog parks! Is your pup a good “dog park dog,” or would you be better off finding other options for exercise? How can you tell? What does appropriate play look like, and how can you make sure your dog isn’t being bullied?
Plus, a bonus listener question about cat training! (But still tangentially related to working with dogs, since learning and behavior are the same across species.)
Links mentioned in this episode:
Ep. 8: Barking At Things – Part 2
The conclusion of Dr. Jen’s two-part series on barking – this time, the discussion is focused on leash reactivity outside the home. Why do some dogs go crazy at the sight of another dog or a strange person, and what can you do to help them learn better behavior in public?
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
- Play Way Dogs (Dr. Amy Cook)
Ep. 7: Barking At Things – Part 1
Join Dr. Jen for the first of a two-part series about excessive barking! Does your dog spend his afternoons looking out the window for things to bark at, or go crazy when he hears a noise outside? Today’s episode breaks down the issue of “alert barking” in the house – why dogs do this, and what we can do to calm the chaos when the barking is too much to handle.
Also, a bonus listener question about dogs who hump other dogs during play. Why does this happen, and what should we do about it?
A few examples of decorative window films, as discussed in the episode:
(Links provided are Amazon affiliate links, but you can also find decorative films at home decor stores or through other online retailers.)
Ep. 6: The Great Spay/Neuter Debate
Are you confused about the best time to spay or neuter your dog, or have questions about whether this procedure is really necessary in the first place? If so, you’re not alone!
Spay/neuter recommendations used to be very simple – have it done, as early as possible. But in recent years, new research on how sex hormones influence growth, behavior, and certain types of medical issues have made this a much more complex topic than we previously believed.
Join Dr. Jen for an overview of the factors you should consider when deciding when (or if) to spay or neuter your best friend.
Blog post mentioned in the episode can be found here: The “Quick Fix?”: Neutering As A Treatment For Aggression
Ep. 5: Reliable Recalls
Does your dog come when you call for him, every time, no matter where he is or what he’s doing? This is one of the most important skills you’ll ever teach your dog, so it pays to do it right!
In this episode, learn how to build a reliable recall from the ground up – whether you have a new puppy, or an adult dog with a history of ignoring you. Dr. Jen will also discuss the most common mistakes she sees with recall training, with tips on how to avoid them.
Ep. 4: Car Ride Anxiety
Does your dog hate car rides? In today’s episode, Dr. Jen breaks down how to differentiate motion sickness from anxiety, and discusses how to help your dog get more comfortable in the car no matter what the underlying problem is.
She also tackles a quick bonus question from a listener – why do some dogs eat grass, and is this behavior anything to worry about?
Ep. 3: Housetraining 101
Do you have a new puppy who can’t seem to figure out where to potty? Today’s episode will cover the “ins and outs” of housetraining – including how puppies form their potty surface preferences, setting an age-appropriate schedule for trips outside, and dealing with accidents when they happen.
Recommended enzyme cleaners for accident clean-up, as mentioned in this episode:
(Links provided are Amazon affiliate links, but you can also find these cleaners at local pet supply stores or other online retailers.)
Ep. 2: Puppy Socialization – When, Where, and How
“Socialization” is a popular buzzword when it comes to puppies, but do you really know what it means? This questions isn’t just academic – socializing your pup properly (or not!) can have a huge impact on his behavior and personality for the rest of his life.
So when should you start getting your new puppy out and about? Should he have his vaccines first? Where are some good places to go, and what should you be doing while you’re there? Join Dr. Jen for practical tips to set your pup up for success.
Ep. 1: Meet Dr. Jen! A Brief Introduction
If you ever find yourself feeling frustrated about your dog’s behavior, welcome! Never fear – you’re in good company.
In this episode, Dr. Jen talks a bit about her background and lays out what to expect from the podcast – practical, science-based advice on everything from puppy problems and common training issues, to more serious behavior problems like aggression and anxiety.