The Quirky Dog

This week, Jess and Scott discuss when telling your dog no may be in your best interest as well as your dog’s best interest. This is a highly debated topic in dog training, and this episode explains why this communication between owners and dogs is both relevant and important.

What are some situations where you should say “no” to your dog?

How frequently should you be saying “no” to your dog?

Is there a difference between usin...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome Teresa Hanula and the one and only Leonard- the painter, the traveler, the trickster, the disc catcher, the Guinness Book record holder, and the lover. Leonard's art is displayed internationally, and he is definitely a one of a kind artist!

How does Leonard paint?

Where can people purchase Leonard's art?

What is the best part of Leonard's style?

To learn more about ViaGen Pets, visit their w...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the rise of aggression in dog sports. Whether your dog has human or dog aggression, you are putting others at a huge risk by allowing your aggressive dog to participate in competitions in any dog sport. 

If your dog has an issue with other dogs, what kind of control should you have in a competitive environment? 

Why has aggression in dog sports escalated so much over the past decade? 

Who sho...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the concept of a dog that appears to be untrainable. Often dog training clients will voice their concerns that their dog is too stubborn or not smart enough for training to be successful. This episode unpacks that theory. 

What does an untrainable dog look like?

How would a dog become untrainable? 

Where should owners look for help if they are worried they own an untrainable dog?

To learn m...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome animal communicator Shannon Cutts, host of Let’s Talk To Animals podcast. Shannon is a highly sensitive animal intuitive who specializes in one on one virtual sessions with all types of species and recently just returned from a bucket list trip to the Galapagos. 

How was Shannon called to this career path?

Why is it important for Shannon to listen to the pet’s perspective rather than only the ow...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss how to introduce your dog to a select group of dogs that your friends and/or family own. Some owners want their dogs to have a long term relationship with certain dogs even with dogs that aren't necessarily social or may seem somewhat introverted. How do you begin to expand your dog's circle?

What is the best method to mix high energy and low energy dogs?

Why does taking your time with introduc...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the changes we have seen in dog ownership over the last 50 years. This episode talks about the culture of dogs in the US in the 1980’s, early 2000’s, and today and compares various aspects of the three time periods.

How did dog officers change the way dog ownership has evolved?

Where have we seen the most drastic changes in spending over the past 50 years?

Why is it important to also think ab...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome Jamie Robinson, founder of Service Dog Games International. Jamie is introducing a new area in dog training that allows service dogs to finally achieve the recognition they deserve.

What is the specific criteria for having a service dog?

Can you title more than one service dog through Service Dog Games International?

Where is the best resource to learn more about the actual testing for this v...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss taking your dog to work. In this day and age, many employees want at least a hybrid option of work and home if not for a complete work from home position. Many workers who do go into an office want to bring their dogs. We unpack some of the basics of what taking your dog to work should actually look like in this episode.

What equipment should I consider bringing to work?

Why should you limit dog ...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome one of their cherished clients to discuss her own journey with her German Shepherd. Lola had major issues with anxiety, reactivity, and handling. Kelly discusses how a consistent training program made life significantly better for not only Lola but for the entire family. 

Why did Kelly decide it was best to wean Lola off of Prozac with the help of her veterinarian? 

What does it look like as Ke...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the concept of eye contact. While getting and maintaining your dog’s attention is definitely an integral part of successful dog training, attention games are often misused in real world settings and this episode dissects exactly that.

Where in training does it actually make sense to teach your dog to focus on you?

Is teaching focus really necessary for an engaged dog?

How can asking for focus ...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome Abby Cline and Bonnie Scott who are both wildly entertaining humans as well as full-time professional stunt dog performers. Abby and Bonnie dive deep into the highs and lows of their careers on this episode and provide a ton of comedic relief along the way! 

Where can you find Abby and/or Bonnie throughout this upcoming season?

How does traveling with your dogs for a living present some unfores...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss what to do when you have issues with dogs you don’t own. These types of issues can arise with neighbors, on the street, in parks, at training facility, and in the woods. Repeated negative interactions can be stressful to say the least.

What are some simpl solutions to keep a neighborhood dog off your property?

Why is preparation of utmost importance when taking your dog out and about even if he ...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss dog walking. Many of their clients have used a dog walking service over the years and this episode talks about the best practices to find a reliable dog walker who will keep their dog(s) safe and in a comfortable head space. 

What are the benefits to hiring a dog walker versus using a doggy daycare service?

Why is consistency important when it comes to the actual dog walker? 

Where is the best...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome Kari Lavalli to discuss all things PWD. Kari breeds, trains, and adores this breed and shares her extensive knowledge with this entire episode, especially as we take a deep dive into water sports. 

Why is a PWD not suited for every home?

What is the history behind how fishermen used PWD in a practical sense?

Where can you find more info about getting into water sports even if you own another bree...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss boundaries. As time marches on, dog owners seem more and more hesitant to implement boundaries into their dog’s life, which in turn can lead to destructive behavior, increased anxiety, and greater stress for all family members.

What are some simple boundaries one can introduce into life with a dog?

Why do dogs need boundaries? 

How can introducing boundaries into the relationship with your dog...

This week, Jess and Scott proudly welcome 8-year-old Harper Justice (along with her mom Taylor) and their incredible Australian Shepherd T. Harper and T have been turning heads all year in the show ring and in this episode, we discuss their many accomplishments in 2023 as well as their plans for 2024. 

Does Harper prefer school or conformation?

Why is T such an exceptional partner?

How can we best welcome junior handlers across a...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Andy Deitz and his Belgian Malinois, Christie. Christie is a very accomplished IGP competitor and is truly Andy’s best friend. She is retiring from competition next year but truly made her mark on protection sports when she took the field.

What traits according to Andy make Christie dog of the year?

How was traveling to Greece to compete at an international event?

Why do Belgian Malinois pupp...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Jess Ajoux and Perry DeWitt. Not only did Jess win the AKC Nationals with her Border Collie Hallelujah within a year of her pandemic litter, but Perry also won Westminster for the second time with her very special boy Verb. Verb happens to be Lu’s father, so ‘2021 Dog of the Year’ quickly evolved into “Dogs of the Year.”

How have Jess and Perry’s lives looked the last few years?

What is it ...