Good Dogs! ™

Tracie Hotchner

This show explores all aspects of communication between people and dogs — whether they are K-9 partners in military work, purpose-bred and trained service dogs, competitors in dog sports, or pets — from a newly-adopted senior dog to a young puppy.

The show’s philosophy is that dog training is people training: people need to understand dogs from the canine perspective so they can live and work together harmoniously.

Tracie has numerous guests and co-hosts, including Carol Borden, the Founder/Director of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, which are purpose-bred and trained working dogs.

Many GOOD DOGS! shows originally featured three veteran trainers — Gayle Watkins, Lise Pratt and Marcy Burke — who bred agility performance Golden Retrievers.

Theme song “My One Best Friend” by Jasmine Tea.

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Importance of a Good First Meeting Between Dogs

Importance of a Good First Meeting Between Dogs

#6072-REV: Dogs will not forget a bad first meeting with another dog — so we have to make sure it never happens! Gayle Watkins talks about the importance of introductions between dogs — and how we can cause dog aggression between dogs because we are nervous and communicating tension down the leash with how we set up the meeting. Best advice for a successful first meeting is to have both dogs on leash and go for a walk. Keep moving, keep the dogs on the outside and the people next to each other. The dogs should not touch, but walk side by side at a distance from each other and very quickly they will have their noses down and will ignore each other.

Episodes

Importance of a Good First Meeting Between Dogs

Importance of a Good First Meeting Between Dogs

#6072-REV: Dogs will not forget a bad first meeting with another dog — so we have to make sure it never happens! Gayle Watkins talks about the importance of introductions between dogs — and how we can cause dog aggression between dogs because we are nervous and communicating tension down the leash with how we set up the meeting. Best advice for a successful first meeting is to have both dogs on leash and go for a walk. Keep moving, keep the dogs on the outside and the people next to each other. The dogs should not touch, but walk side by side at a distance from each other and very quickly they will have their noses down and will ignore each other.

Dog parks: Wonderful or Terrible?

Dog parks: Wonderful or Terrible?

#6026-REV: What’s the truth about dog parks? Are they fun or dangerous? Maybe a little of both! Gayle Watkins warns about the serious dangers in a dog park, offers potentially life-saving advice and cautions to never take a puppy before 9 months of age because puppies are not socially wise until then.

Understanding Dog Friendships

Understanding Dog Friendships

#6077-REV: Dog friendships are misunderstood by people. Gayle Watkins discusses whether dogs have individuals they really like — or can't stand? Can a dog have a favorite friend, a “bestie?” What makes dogs good friends? How to judge compatibility. Play styles. Does breed matter in choosing a playmate?

What To Do About Extreme Separation Anxiety

What To Do About Extreme Separation Anxiety

#6044-REV: Does your dog have separation anxiety issues?! What if you had three dogs going berserk when you left the house — even if only to take out the garbage?! Jessica has three rescued dogs with this issue: Felix (German Short-Haired Pointer), Bailey (American Eskimo dog) and little Charlie (Yorkshire Terrier). Marcy suggests that to turn down the emotional volume Jessica first should visit a board certified veterinary behaviorist to discuss what medications she might use short-term, so that she can begin to change the scenario about her departures.

Preventing Aggression Between Dogs

Preventing Aggression Between Dogs

#6065 REV: Golden Retriever breeder and trainer Dr. Gayle Watkins explains a dog’s “prey drive” — especially when re-directed at other dogs. The dog’s brain focuses only on the prey. They cannot see or hear you trying to stop them when their brain is filled with "feel good" neuro-chemicals. Preventing aggression towards other dogs means “interrupting the hunt” right before it starts, right at the trigger point, to get the dog’s attention back on you.

The Professional Puppy Evaluator

The Professional Puppy Evaluator

Mallory Galatzer-Levy (The Right Paw in Auburn, MA) discusses evaluating puppy personalities in Shikari Vizsla litters to determine best fit for potential owners

Be Careful When You Call a Dog “Aggressive”

Be Careful When You Call a Dog “Aggressive”

Housecall veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sarah Cutler on handling "aggression issues" with dogs, avoid demonizing dogs, who are usually reacting from fear

How to Stop a Barking Dog

How to Stop a Barking Dog

Carol Borden offers tips on how to stop a dog's frequent barking by changing dog's focus, offering treats, practicing frequently in low key situations

The Perfect Dog Harness — Made in Italy!

The Perfect Dog Harness — Made in Italy!

Stephanie Rousseau on shortcomings of flat collars with a leash, slip collars, prong collars and "anti-pull" harnesses, and why she prefers ergonomically perfect Haqihana harness

Notice the “Question Mark” Above Your Dog’s Head

Notice the “Question Mark” Above Your Dog’s Head

Carol Borden on what can lead to a service dog "washing out" of her training program, and treating reactive issues to feared objects with "bridging" technique

Get That Puppy INTO Bed With You!

Get That Puppy INTO Bed With You!

Stephanie Rousseau ("How to Raise a Puppy: Dog-Centric Approach") on inviting new puppy into your bed, how co-sleeping is normal and healthy for all mammals, how dogs are "social sleepers"

Don’t Judge a Dog by the Cover

Don’t Judge a Dog by the Cover

Ethologist Kim Brophey confirms certain dog breeds are genetically inclined toward certain behaviors

Don’t Give Puppies as a Christmas Gift!

Don’t Give Puppies as a Christmas Gift!

Carol Borden explains why the winter holidays are the worst time to bring a puppy into a household, too much social activity when a puppy needs predictable routine, close attention

Children Are Little Aliens!

Children Are Little Aliens!

Carol Borden and Tracie discuss how children can be threatening or distressing for a dog, and how to eliminate risk of dog bites

Practice Counting Your Dog’s Toes

Practice Counting Your Dog’s Toes

Carol Borden on acclimating your dog to the vet clinic by getting dog used to being handled, give treats, have positive attitude, and advocate for your dog with staff

Is Your Dog a Scaredy Cat?

Is Your Dog a Scaredy Cat?

Carol Borden on how to handle a dog who is fearful, mitigate his discomfort with whatever frightens him, patiently introducing one piece at a time

What is Your Dog’s “Truth?”

What is Your Dog’s “Truth?”

Dog trainer Kim Brophey (“The Dog’s Truth”) on improving human-canine bond, expectation of each dog

Grand Opening! The Borden Veterinary Hospital at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs!

Grand Opening! The Borden Veterinary Hospital at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs!

Carol Borden on life-long dream of having their own vet hospital for all their service dogs, which has come true, The Borden Veterinary Hospital at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs

How Long Can a Puppy “Hold it?”

How Long Can a Puppy “Hold it?”

Good Dogs! (08-24-2022) #6112 Carol Borden and Tracie discuss what is physically possible --- and what is humane --- in managing a young puppy\'s potty needs. They agree that a puppy needs to be taken out every few hours when young and always before and after any activity. They stress the urgency of a puppy\'s need to get outside to tinkle immediately upon awakening, eating or playing --- and how taking him to the same spot every time and praising him will set him up for a lifetime of success.

What To Do About Bad Greeting Manners

What To Do About Bad Greeting Manners

How to teach your dog to conduct himself in a polite way when approaching people and/or dogs