Hey friends it's been a minute! I'm so excited for this week's chat with Summer Willow Fitch! Summer is a transformational leader helping businesses implement strategies to curate a better experience for both employees and customers. She also, has a brand new puppy, Olivia. In this episode we talk about the journey of having a new puppy at home, finding community and the discrepancies in adoption practices.Summer's Workhttps://kabodconsults.com/Reach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

This week I have a very special guest, Marianne Ahern from Glad Dogs Nation. Marianne has been working with rescue programs and fostering dogs for 17 years. Eventually, she started wondering what could be a more impactful way of helping and supporting dogs in need. That's when Glad Dogs Nation was born. In this episode, you'll hear how Marianne and her team take gently used children's toys and give them a new life as dog toys. 100% of the profits from these toys go to support their non-profit programs for pets in need. Key TopicsHow Glad Dogs Nation was founded How you can get involvedWhat's happening in the sheltersCheck out https://gladdogsnation.com/  to shop available toys and see how YOU can get involved! Reach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

Veterinarian Marisa Brunetti is back on the show this week to talk about pain in both dogs and cats. It's only recently that us humans have recognized that dogs can feel pain too.  Just like us, dogs deserve to have their pain looked at, treated and managed to the best of our ability. But how do you know when your pet is experiencing pain? Today Marisa Brunetti, VMD is showing us exactly what to look for in our pets. Key TopicsHow to recognize pain in your petWhen to bring your pet in for painWhat to expect as your dog gets older Medications Check out Marisa's Podcast:  IndeVets Happy HourListen to our last episode w/ Marisa: Ep 21: Changes in the Vet Industry w/ Marisa Brunetti, VMDReach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

It can be extremely overwhelming trying to do everything right by your dog. There are thousands of options and everyone has their own opinion on them. This week I'm challenging you to get back to basics with your training and reminding you what really matters when it comes to training your dog. Key Topics Meeting biological needs first Using play as a runway for huge shifts in training Spending quality time with your dog to improve trainingIf you like this episode you'll also enjoy: Ep 23: Teaching your Dog Lessons Through Play Ep 16: Micro Communication w/ your DogReach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

A few weeks ago I promised I would dive into the Windows Theory. I believe this can be a more powerful framework than training and teaching tactical skills alone. The Window Theory is all about helping dogs understand what behavior & state of mind is appropriate throughout day to day situations by dividing your time into different "windows". Listen to this episode to hear me explain the Window Theory in depth and give you practical examples that you can start implementing with your dog right away. Reach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

What's your plan for communicating with your dog? There are so many methods, tips and opinions on the best way to communicate what you want to your dog. This week I'm building off the last two episodes to empower you to learn to communicate with your dog in a way that makes sense for both of you. If you haven't yet, listen to Episodes 22 & 23 to get the full picture of creating success with your dog by looking at their health & enrichment through play. Reach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

Hey friends, This week I am continuing on last week's episode reflecting on the idea of starting with basic diagnostics and looking at things that impact behavior with our dogs. Last week I dove into looking at your dog's health and their biological fulfillment as a starting point for any training you may want to do. In this episode, I want to help you create a bigger context for all the things you're doing with your dogs. Today, I'm focusing on play with our dogs as a useful tool for training, creating a feedback system and bonding with your dog. Key TopicsCreating ClarityGoing beyond performance based commands Developing a useful feedback systemReach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

To start off the year at Opportunity Barks we hosted Jay Jack from Next Level Dogs & what he had to say blew everyone's mind. Today, I wanted to share some of that with you. Dogs have biological needs but, what does that look like in your home?In this episode, I'm giving you practical and tangible activities for you to start allowing your dog to practice species specific behaviors. Key Topics: Defining EnrichmentThe Right Questions to AskLayered Stress Model Reach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

Hello friends, This week I have on my incredible friend Marisa Brunetti. Marisa is a practicing veterinarian and one of the founders of IndeVets. IndeVets puts Vets first and strives to provide a better work-life balance for those they employ. To learn more about IndeVets and their mission visit https://indevets.com/In this episode, we talk all about changes in the vet industry and walk through how these changes will affect all pet owners. TW: Pet Death & Euthanasia Check out Marisa's Podcast:  IndeVets Happy Hour Key Topics: Mental Health in Vets Changes in the vet industryThe importance of having a good mentor How the tides are changing in the vet industryThe effects of the Pandemic in the vet industryReach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

Today I'm so excited to have on Bryna Donnelly founder of Rescue Rebuild. Rescue Rebuild is an organization that works to help people, pets, and the planet by mobilizing in response to need and amplifying the good. Specifically, they help shelters renovate, build & improve their structures to increase their success in animal welfare.In today's conversation, we get the real side of what it means to be involved in animal welfare.Check Out Rescue Rebuildrescuerebuild.org Key Topics: Working w/ people experiencing homelessness & victims of domestic violence to keep their pets safe. The role shelters can play to support people in crisisHow you can get involved with animal welfare in your communityReach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

Today, I'm talking with Opportunity Barks clients Ben & Laura. Ben & Laura came to me after they adopted their dog Moose. Shortly after they brought him home they noticed he was very reactive to humans. I wanted them to come on the show to  share their journey of owning a reactive dog and how they have come to live a fulfilling life with proper management. If you find yourself in a similar situation, remember you are not alone and there's no shame in reaching out for help. In this ep, you might hear the occasional bump and squeaky toy from a pup in the background. This is a dog podcast after all.  Key Topics: What to do if you have a reactive dog The journey of dog ownershipThe benefits of dog socializationReach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

Today I'm bringing you the incredible and brilliant Rae Dohar to talk about her experience with dogs + street dogs around the worldWarning: This conversation gets deep! We talk about how culture influences attitude toward pets, genetics, and break the idea that all dogs want to be "saved" Key Topics:Risks when rescuing street dogs The most effective ways to support street dogs How to work with what you have How genetics predispose a dog to certain behavioral traitsReach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

Today I want to talk about doing right by your dog. We all want to do the right thing, and the right thing is going to look different for everyone. I'm here today to bust some myths you may hear from the training industry and share my own story of when this all opened up for me. Key Topics: Being liked by your dogThe internal dialogue as an ownerMeeting your dog where they're atReach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

Do you ever find yourself asking your dog to do something and they start acting like you're invisible? Maybe you need them to come back to you or stop jumping on your guests. We've all been there. Typically our first instinct when this happens is to immediately troubleshoot, "Why is my dog acting like this?" In this episode, I'm telling you that the key is to start looking to the micro exchanges you have with your dog on a day to day basis and how that can lay the groundwork to be prepared for the more problematic moments you will face. Key Topics: Micro vs. MacroFinding one command to slow or stop movement How to set up effective communication with your dogReach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

Whether you're traveling or staying home this holiday season, many dog owners experience some difficulty around this time. Exposing your dog to new environments or having a dozen people in your home is bound to be a stressor to some dogs. Today, I want to quickly walk you through how to advocate for your dog in these situations. Key learning points: Travel tips How to help your dog rest in other people's homes Developing a management strategyReach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

On this week's episode I have on the amazing Georgie King (@walkwithwomen). Georgie helps women develop quality relationships with their body, food, emotions and other women. Today, we discuss the intersection of dog's and mental health and how a dog can have a significant impact on a person's well-being. Follow Georgie on Instagram! @walkwithwomen Key Points in the Ep:Dogs and mental healthShelters after the adoption surge during Covid Family Dogs How trauma show up physically in both dogs and people. Reach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

As a dog owner, one thing many of us struggle with is a dog resisting grooming. In many cases, it's a matter of interrupting the dog's resistant behavior before it becomes a habit. Preparing your dog for grooming -- and other weird events -- will lead to a better chance for success. Listen to this episode to learn the first steps I take when training my dog for "everyday weird" Key TopicsGetting your dog used to being restrainedHow to read your dog's body languageNeutrality in dogs Sensitization vs Back-ChainingIf you liked this episode you might also like: Ep 02: Training Confusion & Conflict as a DogEp 06: Leash Walking 101Reach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

In this age of mass consumerism it is easy to think that your dog needs the whole nine yards. Now, don't get me wrong it's great to give your dog gifts however, when we boil it down to what your dog ACTUALLY  needs we get back to the basics. In this episode, I'm talking about common misconceptions that often pop up when it comes to your dog's needs and providing you with a new perspective.Topics covered: Creating natural outlets How much activity does your dog actually need?Does your dog need "friends"?Building trust with your dogThe number one undervalued aspect of you and your dog's relationshipReach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

This week I am talking with the fabulous Katie Christian. Katie and I became close while we were both at a retreat in Bali and I knew I had to have her on the show. She is a women's hormone practitioner, empowerment & confidence coach. Disclaimer! This episode is a slightly different than our usual dog content. A glimpse into the episode: Katie's journey to reclaim her healthAn important conversation about hormone imbalance in womenAdvocating for yourself and your healthAnd of course, all about Katie's Frenchies Check Out Katie Christian IG: @katiechristian_ Youtube: Katie Christian Reach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403

Heyooo Welcome back to the Life Well Lived with Dogs Podcast! This week I'm rounding our "Starting Points" mini-series with Starting Points for Behavioral Training. Be sure to check out the last 2 episodes for Starting Points for a New Puppy and Starting Points for Adopted Dogs and Older Puppies. In this episode, I want to help you understand what this journey into behavioral training might look like. If you have a reactive dog or a dog that is easily triggered by certain things, this is going to be the episode for you. Key TopicsImplementing solid management strategies to stop repetitive behavior Building a communication system with your dog The importance of self-regulation and keeping a calm demeanor Finding  community Reach Out to Me:hello@opbarks.com@opbarks on Instagramopbarks.comCreditsProduction: Shannon Kuehl https://novapodcasts.comMusic: Daniele Musto https://app.soundstripe.com/artists/403