Believe in Dog

REPLAY: You Don’t Have to Train Everything: How Smart Management Can Change Your Dog’s Behavior Today with Juliana DeWillems

REPLAY:  What If you could solve your dog’s biggest behavior challenge TODAY? Dog trainer Juliana DeWillems says that while immediate results usually aren’t possible in dog training – they can be when we use management techniques. 
In her new book Manage It! Hacks for Improving Your Dog’s Behavior, Juliana shares how us Pet Parents can easily solve many of our dog’s behavior challenges by changing our environment.  
Juliana explains different approaches to managing our dog’s behavior when greeting holiday visitors at your home as well as dealing with reactive dogs.  Her book even includes charts, worksheets, photos and videos (via QR code) to help you find the best hacks for your unique home, life and challenges.
We’ll discuss the difference between training and management – and when to use each one (or both!).   Juliana & I also share some of our favorite management tools and techniques that we use with our own dogs.
Find Links & Show Notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode109
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Unbreakable Bond: Chris & K9 Tambo’s Journey of Strength, Survival and Service

What happens when the bond between a K9 handler and his retired working dog is tested by something no training can prepare them for?
In this episode, federal law enforcement officer Chris Bingham shares the powerful, behind-the-scenes story of his retired K9 partner, Tambo — a dog who served with unwavering loyalty and is now facing one of the toughest battles a family can experience: hemangiosarcoma, a fast-moving and often terminal diagnosis in dogs.
Chris describes how he and Tambo first became partners, how their bond deepened over years of working side by side, and what it really looks like to help a working dog transition into retirement after a lifetime of service.
But what makes Chris and Tambo’s story especially compelling is how they’ve chosen to respond to hardship. Rather than turning inward, they’ve become a source of strength and encouragement for others — offering support to both dogs and humans facing life-altering health challenges.
Their journey also highlights the critical role organizations like Project K9 Hero play in supporting retired working dogs who no longer have funding for their care. 
This episode offers an intimate and honest look at the loyalty, responsibility, and deep connection between a handler and his dog. It’s a story of resilience in the face of devastating news, of a working dog’s enduring legacy, and of the unexpected ways humans and animals continue to lift one another up through the hardest chapters of life.
Find links & show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode134
 
Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)
 
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The Missing Piece in Dog Behavior: Are You Meeting Your Dog’s Needs? with Kim Brophey, Dog Behavior Expert

Why are so many dogs today anxious, reactive, or struggling with behavior issues?
In this episode, I’m joined by Kim Brophey, Applied Ethologist, Dog Behavior Expert and creator of the groundbreaking LEGS Framework and Family Dog Mediation Center, to explore the root causes behind dog behavior challenges — including anxiety and reactivity.
When we step back and look at dogs through a wider, more compassionate lens, it becomes painfully clear how often our modern expectations clash with who our dogs actually are and what they truly need to thrive.
Through Kim’s LEGS framework – Learning, Environment, Genetics, Self – we unpack how each element affects a dog’s behavior and how pet parents can begin making small but meaningful changes that honor who their dog truly is. I’ll even share what this has looked like in my own life with my own dogs.
Whether you’re a pet parent, rescuer, shelter volunteer or trainer, this conversation may change the way you see dogs – and remind you just how much power we have to improve their lives by understanding who they are.
Find links & show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode133
 
Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)
 
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Dog Mom Self-Care: Why taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do for your dog

When the world feels heavy — or your dog’s health or behavior challenges have you running on empty — how do you find your calm again?
This episode is your reminder that your dog doesn’t need you to be perfect; they need you to be present.
We’re rethinking self-care as something deeper than bubble baths and timeouts — it’s an energetic reset that helps both you and your dog feel more grounded and connected. In this episode, we’ll learn simple, free exercises to do right now — no equipment or experience needed.
Raechel Winters shares why self-care is essential for dog moms and walks us through a powerful yoga breathing technique you can do anywhere, anytime. (19:21)
Neurosomatic intelligence practitioner Sofia Ejaz explains the mind-body connection with two easy nervous system exercises (you’ll just need a cloth and a straw) (36:30).
Writer and breathwork guide Katya Lidsky opens up about her unexpected lessons from dogs and breathwork — and guides us through an exercise we can do alongside our dogs (1:14:25).
Whether it’s the chaos of the world or the stress of caring for your dog, this episode will leave you feeling more grounded, present and deeply connected — to yourself and your animals.
Find links & show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode132
 
Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)
 
Support this podcast with a review: on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.

Grey Muzzles & Golden Years: Supporting Senior Dogs Every Step of the Way with Helen St. Pierre

What if “senior” didn’t mean the end—but the beginning of a whole new chapter with your dog?
Today we’re joined by Helen St. Pierre, dog trainer and founder of Old Dogs Go to Helen Rescue. What started as a way to help dogs get adopted through training turned into a lifelong passion for giving senior dogs the love, dignity and care they deserve.
Helen reminds us that senior does not mean the end — our older dogs can still live full, joyful lives (and yes, even learn new tricks!). We talk about how to recognize important senior dog behavior changes, shifts in tolerance toward children or other dogs, and physical signs that tell us it’s time to adjust care.
Helen also shares practical, compassionate tips for making home adjustments for senior dogs—from mobility support to creating safer spaces—so our pets stay comfortable as they age. And when it’s time to face difficult decisions, Helen walks us through her three-pronged quality of life scale and what she calls “quality of death,” helping us advocate for our dog at the vet office and approach medical decisions with clarity and love.
Whether you share your life with a senior dog now or want to be ready for the golden years ahead, Helen’s guidance will help ensure your dog ages gracefully.
 
Find links & show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode131
 
Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)
 
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Second Chances: How Shelter Dogs Bring Redemption and Hope to Incarcerated Youth

What happens when one woman believes so deeply in the power of dogs to change lives that she builds a program to prove it — and keeps it alive even after the state stops funding it?
Content Note: In this episode, there are mentions of child abuse and neglect and a juvenile case involving murder and the death of a dog. These topics are discussed only in passing, but we recognize they may be sensitive for some listeners.
In this episode, we’ll meet Joan Dalton, author of the book Second Chances: The Transformative Relationship Between Incarcerated Youth and Shelter Dogs.  Joan is the founder of Project POOCH, a program pairing teens in juvenile detention with shelter dogs. What started as an idea grew into a transformative program that not only rehabilitates dogs in need of homes but also teaches young people the skills and compassion they need to heal and move forward.
Joan & I discuss how the program began, the life-changing impacts she’s witnessed and the resilience it took to keep the program going when funding was pulled.  From trauma to trust, you'll hear how Project POOCH creates powerful paths to healing, empathy and redemption — for both humans and animals.
Juvenile justice is something we should all care about, because these youths will return to society as adults. We have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to help them grow into contributing members of society. When we give people and animals the tools to heal, the results can transform lives and communities.
 
Find links & show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode130
Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)
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Why we should all care about BSL: A Pit Bull Advocacy Story with Cait Conroy and Ilona Price of PG Pet Unity Project

What would you do if buying your dream home meant giving up your dog?
In 2018, Cait Conroy and her husband were forced to confront Prince George’s County, Maryland’s decades-old “pit bull” breed ban when it threatened their beloved Poptart. That experience sparked Cait’s ongoing advocacy — not just for her own dog, but for all dogs and pet parents impacted by this harmful law.
In this episode, Cait and Ilona from the PG Pet Unity Project share the shocking history of why “pit bull” dogs were banned in PG County in the 1990s — and the deeper consequences this law has had on families, the animal welfare system and the dogs. From wasted taxpayer dollars to ineffective public safety outcomes, we dig into why breed-specific legislation fails families, communities and dogs.
But there’s hope: we’ll talk about recently proposed Pit Bull Pilot Program, why momentum is growing to finally overturn the BSL now, and what it would mean for Maryland to leave this discriminatory policy behind.
 
Find links & show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode129
 
Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)
 
Support this podcast with a review: on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.

Scent Work for Dogs: How to Start, Why it Matters & Easy Games to Try with Dianna Santos of Scent Work University

Has your dog played the sniffy game yet today?
Today we’re joined by Dianna Santos, founder of Scent Work University, to explore one of the most powerful — and fun — activities you can do with your dog: scent work. Whether you’ve heard it called nose work or scent work, this enriching game taps into your dog’s natural superpower — their incredible sense of smell.
We’ll dive into why scent work is especially beneficial for reactive and fearful dogs, including how it has helped my own nervous senior guy. Dianna explains how scent work provides the kind of mental stimulation that can actually tire dogs out faster than physical exercise, making it a great option for any lifestyle.
You’ll also learn simple ways to get started at home with easy games, plus tips for introducing scent work to puppies, seniors, and even dogs with special needs.
Whether you’re curious about enriching your dog’s daily life, looking for ways to support a reactive pup, or simply want a fun new activity to strengthen your bond, this episode will show you how scent work can transform your relationship with your dog — and why it’s the most important game you’re not playing yet.
Find links, show notes & your FREE PDF Scent Work Game at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode128
Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)
 
Support this podcast with a review: on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.

Checking In on Our 2025 Dog Goals

Did you set goals for you & your dog this year?
Back in February, I shared the goals I set for myself & my dogs in 2025 — and now that we’re a little more than halfway through the year, it’s time for a check-in!
I’m sharing our progress (and setbacks!) not just to update you, but for my own accountability.
In this solo episode, you’ll hear:
·       Where we’re at with each of the goals I set at the start of the year;
·       The big thing we accomplished that wasn’t on the list;
·       What I’ve taken off our 2025 Goals list — and why; and
·       The updated plan for the rest of the year.
Whether your dog goals involve training, sports, adventures, or simply enjoying more time together, I hope this inspires you to pause, reflect, and celebrate your progress — even if your year looks different than you planned.
 
Find links and show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode127
 
Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)
 
Support this podcast with a review: on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.

Old Dog, New Dog: When’s the right time for your next family member? with Kathy Callahan and Helen St. Pierre

If you have a senior dog in your home, when’s the right time to bring a new dog into the mix? For longtime dog trainers Kathy Callahan and Helen St. Pierre, the answer isn’t simple – it depends – on your dog, your household and your bandwidth.
Kathy & Helen share with us what inspired their collaboration on their new book Old Dog, New Dog: Supporting Your Aging Best Friend and Welcoming a New One and open up about the deep emotions that come with caring for senior dogs – including that fear of finding yourself in a “zero dog house.”
We’ll speak candidly about how to be honest with ourselves about the emotional toll of aging pets, and how to prepare realistically if you're considering adding a puppy (or another adult dog) to your home.
Kathy & Helen weigh in on setting appropriate expectations, building a support system, and what to watch for when it comes to changes in your senior dog’s health and behavior. We’ll also learn the best practices for introductions that will give both your old and new dog the best chance at a harmonious relationship.
Whether you're currently living with a beloved old dog, recently said goodbye, or are contemplating what comes next, Kathy & Helen offer guidance, perspective and compassion for wherever you are on the journey.
 
Find links and show notes at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode126
 
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