Shows
Love ’Em & Lead ’EmEpisode 16: Rescue Reactivity 101: Grace, Boundaries, & the 3-3-3 RuleWe open with a quick bird-nerd update (hi, northern flicker 👋), then dive into a viral NYC foster moment that shook the rescue world: a severely underweight, sweet-as-pie pup who suddenly redirected on a passing dog during a city walk. No villains here—just real life with real animals.
In this episode we unpack:
• Why an emaciated dog can seem angelic…until health returns and true preferences show up
• Dog-to-dog communication you never see (scent, posture, micro-signals)
• The 3-3-3 Rule for rescue transitions—and why “the dog you bring home” isn’t the dog you’ll know in 3 mont...
2025-11-0536 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmEpisode 15: Handler Fit, School Rules & What Works (Part 2)Picking up where Episode 14 left off, we get real about what service dogs can do—and what they shouldn’t be asked to do. We talk through the big sticking point for families: who’s the handler (and why your second-grader probably can’t bring a service dog to school). Then we open the curtain on our hybrid approach: the first month of foundations and task starts with us, followed by lots of real-world lessons—workplaces, airports, classrooms—so the human feels as trained as the dog.
You’ll hear how we design tasks around actual lives: pairing early...
2025-10-2241 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmEpisode 14: So You Think You Need a Service Dog? Listen to This FirstService dogs change lives—but the path to one isn’t simple, quick, or cheap. In this episode, we break down what the ADA actually says (and doesn’t say), what task training really means, why public access skills matter, and how to tell if a dog–human team is a good fit. We share stories from our own case files—mobility tasks, psychiatric alerts, scent work, even siren alerts—plus the hard conversations we have when a well-meaning doctor says “get a service dog” and a family is left on their own to figure it out.
You’ll hear:...
2025-10-0839 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmEpisode 13: Resource Guarding in Real LifeResource guarding isn’t just about a food bowl — it can be toys, bones, couches, people, even whole corners of the house. In this episode, Cory and Melaney dive deep into why dogs guard, what it looks like in real life (hello, Benny the bernedoodle), and why the old “bait and switch” trick can actually make the problem worse.
You’ll hear stories from camp, including the cocker spaniel who guarded his person like treasure and the Labrador who couldn’t relax enough to eat. We’ll unpack common myths, explain why putting your hand in the food bowl won’...
2025-09-2439 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmEpisode 12: Vibes Don't Lie, Check yourself!A listener asked a great question about our “Zuko” episode: why did that dog like Cory but come after Melaney? Short answer: dogs read us—our body language, heart rate, even our scent—better than we read ourselves. In this conversation we unpack how your mental and physical state can flip a session from smooth to sketchy, why thresholds and territory matter, and how tiny life changes (a vet visit smell, moving a favorite chair, a new neighbor’s dogs) can ripple into “sudden” behavior shifts.
We also share practical tools: build a predictable routine, make a simple plan be...
2025-09-1030 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmThe Littermate Dilemma: Double Snuggles & Double TroubleTwo puppies are always better than one… right? In this episode of Love ’Em & Lead ’Em, Cory and Melaney dig into the messy reality of littermate syndrome — the hidden challenges of raising two puppies from the same litter (or close in age). From sibling squabbles to tag-team chaos, they’ve seen it all.
You’ll hear stories of families who got more than they bargained for, what breeders and rescues don’t always tell you, and the real-life strategies that can make (or break) life with littermates. Plus, updates on past podcast favorites Nala the golden retriever and Guinness t...
2025-08-2736 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmToo Sick to Train? …and Are We Matchmakers Now?This week’s episode dives deep into one of our most medically complex (and emotionally rewarding) cases yet — a little Frenchie named Guinness. After being rescued from a life of breeding, he came to us with major potty problems, a seizure disorder, and more medical question marks than we’ve ever seen in one tiny body. Euthanization was on the table… but his dad wasn’t giving up, and neither were we. What happens when a dog might be *too sick to train* — and what does giving him a chance really take?
Then we lighten things up with the deb...
2025-08-1334 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmWhen Jumping Means, "Try Me!"What we thought was excited jumping takes a turn when we meet Zuko — a powerful, sweet-faced, intensity-packed dog with a serious guarding streak and a zero-chill attitude. What started as a leash reactivity consult quickly became a masterclass in body language, impulse control, and surviving a close call (spoiler: no one got bit, but it got real close).
Later, we balance the chaos with a sweet update on Nala, a rescued golden retriever who went from shutdown to spoiled queen. We talk about what it really means when a dog "doesn't know how to dog," and how smal...
2025-07-3130 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmChihuahua Chaos & Potty ProblemsIn this episode of Love 'Em & Lead 'Em, we’re unpacking a recent rescue situation involving four small dogs with some very big opinions. From tangled potty routines to sibling squabbles and split living arrangements, it was clear this family needed a reset — fast.
Join Cory and Melaney as they unpack the lessons from this multi-dog rescue case, explore codependent human-dog dynamics, and share how simple changes can lead to powerful transformations. Plus, a surprise visit from Mat with a Google review that reminds us why we do what we do.
If you’ve ever felt o...
2025-07-2125 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmChihuahua Chaos & Potty ProblemsIn this episode of Love 'Em & Lead 'Em, we’re unpacking a recent rescue situation involving four small dogs with some very big opinions. From tangled potty routines to sibling squabbles and split living arrangements, it was clear this family needed a reset — fast.
Join Cory and Melaney as they unpack the lessons from this multi-dog rescue case, explore codependent human-dog dynamics, and share how simple changes can lead to powerful transformations. Plus, a surprise visit from Mat with a Google review that reminds us why we do what we do.
If you’ve ever felt o...
2025-07-1625 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmHarvey, The Dog Who Changed EverythingIn this deeply personal episode, Melaney and Cory pay tribute to Harvey—the unforgettable black German Shepherd who brought them together and helped shape both their business and their friendship.
From service dog struggles and wild training stories to grief, mental health, and the messiest lessons dogs can teach us, this episode is a raw, honest reflection on the dog who started it all. You’ll laugh, cry, and probably walk away feeling a little less alone in your own dog journey.
Because sometimes, the dog that changes your life is the one that challenges you...
2025-07-0853 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmHarvey, The Dog Who Changed Everything.In this deeply personal episode, Melaney and Cory pay tribute to Harvey—the unforgettable black German Shepherd who brought them together and helped shape both their business and their friendship.
From service dog struggles and wild training stories to grief, mental health, and the messiest lessons dogs can teach us, this episode is a raw, honest reflection on the dog who started it all. You’ll laugh, cry, and probably walk away feeling a little less alone in your own dog journey.
Because sometimes, the dog that changes your life is the one that challenges you...
2025-07-0253 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmTrailer: Not Your Average Dog Training PodcastWelcome to Love ’Em & Lead ’Em—a podcast about real dogs, real life, and the messy, meaningful work of training both.
Hosted by Melaney, a former Military Police K9 handler, and Cory, a former special education teacher focused on behavior disorders, we’re the duo behind Dog Training Camp USA in Louisville, Kentucky. We’ve helped hundreds of families ditch the gadgets, skip the hot dogs, and build better relationships with their dogs—through leadership, structure, and a whole lot of heart.
But this podcast isn’t just about dogs. It’s abo...
2025-06-2602 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmDog Trainers, Moms & Real Talk—This Is Love ’Em & Lead ’EmWho we are, why we’re here, and why you’ll want to stick around.
2025-06-1801 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmHarvey: The Dog That Changed EverythingIn this deeply personal episode, Melaney and Cory pay tribute to Harvey, the unforgettable black German Shepherd who brought them together and taught them some of their hardest—and most healing—life lessons. From grief and mental health to the realities of dog training and service work, this story is about more than just a dog. It's about how love, loss, and the most unexpected companions can transform our lives and lead us to our purpose. Get ready for laughter, tears, and a whole lot of heart as the ladies reflect on the dog who started it all.
2025-06-1700 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmEpisode 0: Meet Your TrainersIn this short trailer, we introduce ourselves—Melaney, a former Military Police K9 handler, and Cory, a recovering special education teacher and co-owners of Dog Training Camp USA Louisville—and share the heart behind our approach to training.You’ll hear why we started this show, what you can expect in upcoming episodes, and how we help dog owners stop choosing between loving their dogs and leading them. Spoiler alert: you can absolutely do both.Whether you're dealing with leash pulling, puppy chaos, or just want to connect more with your dog, you're in the right place.Let’s get to work—
2025-06-1202 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmTrailer: Not Your Average Dog Training PodcastWe’re Melaney and Cory, the team behind Dog Training Camp USA in Louisville, Kentucky. In this quick trailer, we’re giving you a taste of what you can expect: practical training tips, real-life stories from the field, and a whole lot of heart (and maybe a few chaotic moments involving dogs, yoga mats, and 200 hamburger buns).
We’re not here to sell you gadgets, treats, or one-size-fits-all advice. We’re here to help you build a better relationship with your dog—one that’s based on love, leadership, and a healthy dose of humor.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, u...
2025-06-1200 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmAgree to the Terms (Or Get Out of My Kennel)This one’s for the crusty white dogs, the bird nerds, and anyone who's ever been told to “fake it till you make it.” In this episode, Mel and Corey dive into their early days of dog training chaos — from rogue German Shepherds and crusty little biters to leadership clashes and business-growing pains. They reflect on what it takes to lead people and dogs, share hard-won lessons from the field, and yes, get very sidetracked by bird drama. It's part comedy, part therapy, and all real talk from the frontlines of dog life and small biz ownership.
2025-05-0739 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmThe Off Leash Myth: What It Really Takes to Trust Your DogIs your dream dog the kind that trots beside you leash-free, ready to recall at a whistle? In this episode, Melaney and Cory break down the fantasy and reality of off-leash dog training. From personal stories of their own pack to real-world client struggles, they tackle what it actually takes to build a reliable off-leash recall.Discover why long leash training, relationship-based obedience, and consistent practice are non-negotiable for success. Whether you're working with a beagle with a nose for mischief or a Labrador who loves the pond, this conversation dives deep into dog behavior, recall reliability, and breed-specific quirks...
2025-04-2539 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmPuppy Palooza!Cory and Melaney talk about the two different kinds of services for puppy training: private lessons and puppy camp.
2025-03-2633 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmPersonal Protection Training and Spud McMuffinCory and Melaney discuss personal protection training as well as a dog they helped recently named Spud.
2025-03-1237 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmOld People, Dixie, and Maggie the Great DaneCory and Melaney discuss the hardships of older people owning young dogs, their favorite mini Australian shepherd Dixie, and a difficult potty training case.
2025-02-1929 minLove ’Em & Lead ’EmJumping, Tiny Tim, and TonyCory and Melaney discuss the common behavioral issue of dogs jumping on their owners, an interesting camp dog named Max, and a behavioral case involving integrating a new dog into an established pack.
2025-02-1129 min