Shows
The Bitey End of the DogCrossing the Line: Thresholds and Leash Reactivity with Jessica WheatcraftEver wondered why some dogs transform from perfect companions at home to reactive dynamos the moment a leash gets clipped on? Jessica Wheatcraft returns to discuss the complex world of leash reactivity with clarity and compassion that both dog guardians and professionals will appreciate.This conversation goes beyond simplistic solutions by exploring the subtle body language cues that signal stress long before barking begins. Jessica expertly differentiates leash reactivity from aggression, explaining how a dog's motivation on leash often stems from frustration rather than intimidation. "The dog's behavior on a leash can be very different than their...
2025-09-061h 07
The Bitey End of the DogEmotional Regulation: The Missing Piece in Dog TrainingEver wondered why your perfectly planned training techniques sometimes fall flat, despite your best efforts? The missing piece might not be in your training toolkit at all. It could be your emotional state.Max Seifert, certified dog behavior consultant and creator of the Connection Over Control approach, takes us deep into the fascinating world of emotional regulation in dog training. While traditional approaches focus heavily on operant conditioning and behavior modification, Max reveals how our nervous systems directly impact our dogs' ability to learn and respond. Drawing from attachment theory, affective neuroscience, and his own extensive case...
2025-09-0155 min
The Bitey End of the DogLaughter, Lessons, and Legends. A special episode with Patricia McConnell and Karen LondonWhen two legends of dog behavior sit down to share their wisdom, you listen. In this special mid-season bonus episode, I'm joined by Dr. Patricia McConnell and Dr. Karen London, two pioneers whose books, research, and teaching have shaped modern dog training for decades.What makes someone successful in the challenging field of professional dog training? As we discover through candid stories and genuine reflection, it's not about perfection but rather creativity, adaptability, and a healthy dose of humor. From Karen's emergency "tissue treat" that became an unexpected jackpot reward to Patricia's memorable response when her demo...
2025-08-291h 07
The Bitey End of the DogNot in My House! Stranger Danger Aggression with Lisa MullinaxWhat drives some dogs to react aggressively toward strangers while being perfectly lovely with their families? In this enlightening conversation, Lisa Mullinax draws from her two decades of experience working with over 4,500 dogs to unpack the complexities of stranger-directed aggression.Rather than relying on vague labels like "protective" or "territorial," Lisa focuses on observable behaviors and what they tell us about a dog's emotional state. She shares her own powerful story of living with Mac, a dog who severely bit a teenager, which launched her journey into behavior work. This personal experience infuses her approach with both...
2025-08-251h 09
The Bitey End of the DogWhen Dogs Mirror Us: Exploring the Link Between Human Emotions and Canine BehaviorHave you ever noticed how your dog's behavior seems to mirror your own emotional state? It's not a coincidence. The connection between human mental health and canine behavior runs deeper than most of us realize, and Kerrie Hoar is bringing this crucial relationship into focus.Kerrie joins us to share her groundbreaking work at the intersection of dog training and mental health support. Drawing from her experience working with a tri-county consortium of mental health professionals, she reveals how seemingly unrelated behaviors—a child struggling to wait in line at school and a dog pushing to be fi...
2025-08-181h 06
The Bitey End of the DogYour Dog Bit Someone—Now What Happens? With Attorney Heidi MeinzerThe unpredictable nature of dog bites creates a legal labyrinth that can overwhelm even the most responsible owners and professionals. Attorney and dog trainer Heidi Meinzer pulls back the curtain on what really happens when teeth meet skin, revealing critical insights that could save your dog's life and protect your financial future.From the moment a bite occurs, you're facing a cascade of legal consequences few people truly understand. Animal control's immediate focus on rabies verification is just the beginning. The parallel tracks of dangerous dog proceedings and potential civil liability cases unfold with dramatically different timelines...
2025-08-111h 00
The Bitey End of the DogBe BiteSmart: Protecting Children from Dog Bites with Dr. Nicholas Dodman and Vivian ZottolaWhat if we could drastically reduce the 4.5 million dog bites that happen annually—half of which affect children—through innovative education that teaches kids to "speak dog"? That's exactly what the Be BiteSmart initiative aims to accomplish.Dr. Nicholas Dodman, one of the world's most celebrated veterinary behaviorists, and Vivian Zottola, anthrozoology consultant and behavior specialist, join forces to discuss their groundbreaking approach to preventing dog bites to children. Through the Center for Canine Behavior Studies, they've developed age-appropriate resources that go far beyond traditional "don't pull the dog's tail" warnings, employing animated videos, interactive coloring books, soph...
2025-08-041h 11
The Bitey End of the DogFrom Bites to Breakthroughs: Human-Directed Aggression with Jacqueline DrakeWhen your beloved dog growls, lunges, or even bites someone, it creates a unique kind of heartbreak. You're caught between protecting the people you care about and understanding the dog you love. In this candid, illuminating conversation, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Jacqueline Drake shares her expertise on navigating the emotional complexity of dog-to-human aggression cases.Drawing from over thirteen years of experience working with challenging behaviors, Jacqueline offers a refreshingly nuanced perspective that honors both ends of the leash. Rather than focusing solely on quick fixes or broad labels, she delves into the detective work necessary to...
2025-07-281h 07
The Bitey End of the DogFrom Frenemies to Friends: Intra-Household Aggression with Christina YoungIf you've ever experienced the heartache of your dogs fighting under your roof, you know how this situation can leave you feeling helpless, frustrated, and deeply conflicted. Take heart – there are solutions, and this episode offers a comprehensive roadmap to understanding and resolving these challenging dynamics.Christina Young, certified dog behavior consultant and co-instructor of the Aggression and Dogs Real Life Solutions course, brings her wealth of experience to this nuanced conversation about dogs who struggle to get along with their canine housemates. She reveals why communication breakdowns lie at the heart of most conflicts, explaining that ma...
2025-07-211h 04
The Bitey End of the DogOuch! That Explains the Bite - With Dr. Hagar HauserDr. Hauser pulls back the curtain on one of the most overlooked factors in pet behavior problems—physical pain. This eye-opening conversation reveals how arthritis affects not just senior pets but surprisingly young animals too, with research showing 40% of dogs between 8 months and 4 years have joint issues that often go completely undiagnosed.The discussion challenges common misconceptions about how animals display pain. That dog who still enthusiastically plays fetch? The adrenaline is temporarily masking their discomfort. The cat who no longer jumps to their favorite windowsill? They're making a subtle accommodation for painful joints. These insights explain th...
2025-07-141h 09
The Bitey End of the DogRethinking Aggression: The Science Beyond LabelsChirag Patel brings his decades of behavior expertise to unpack the complex topic of aggression in dogs, exploring why labels are less useful than understanding behavioral function and how human-centered perspectives often complicate our work.• Defining aggression as subjective – what falls under this label depends on the observer's learning history and context• Looking beyond topography (what behavior looks like) to examine the function that behavior serves• Understanding emotions as part of contingencies rather than as explanations for behavior• How classical and operant conditioning work together rather than as separate processes• The importance of functional a...
2025-07-071h 20
The Bitey End of the DogRedefining Dog Aggression with Dr. Daniel MillsIn the season finale of The Bitey End of the Dog, we sit down with Dr. Daniel Mills, a leading authority in clinical animal behavior, to unearth the complexities of canine aggression. Dr. Mills challenges the conventional wisdom that labels dogs as aggressive, advocating instead for an objective observation of their behaviors. Our journey continues with an exploration of the emotional lives of dogs, guided by the influential work of Jaak Panksepp. We discuss how miscategorizing aggression can lead to misunderstandings and ineffective solutions. Dr. Mills emphasizes the importance of distinguishing context, motivation, and emotion to address b...
2024-09-301h 08
The Bitey End of the DogThe Power of Nose Work for Canine Behavior and Enrichment with Nancy ReyesWhat if you could turn your dog's natural sniffing instinct into a powerful tool for behavior modification and enrichment? Join us as we explore this intriguing idea with Nancy Reyes, a dog training expert with over thirty years of experience. Nancy takes us through the captivating evolution of nose work—a sport initially developed to help shelter dogs that has now garnered widespread recognition. Together, we navigate the fascinating world of scent detection activities, ranging from tracking to barn hunts, and discuss how utilizing a dog's sense of smell can revolutionize your approach to behavior modification and enrichment strategies.
2024-09-2358 min
The Bitey End of the DogFrom Fear to Trust: Transforming Dog Grooming with Christine Neumeyer-SmithIn this episode, I chat with Christine Neumeyer-Smith, a master groomer, behavior specialist, AND certified professional dog trainer, to uncover the secrets of making grooming a stress-free experience for dogs. Christine's journey from a boarding kennel intern to a leading expert in the field is nothing short of inspiring. We tackle the communication gaps between groomers and trainers and reveal practical strategies like counter conditioning and consent-based training to enhance dog comfort and safety during grooming sessions.About Christine:"I'm a Master Groomer Behavior Specialist (MGBS), Certified Professional Groomer (CPG), Certified Behavior Consultant for Canines (CBCC-KA...
2024-09-161h 05
The Bitey End of the DogMicrobiomes and Behavior with Sarita PelloweWhat if you could unlock the secrets of your dog's behavior through their gut? In our latest episode, we welcome Sarita Pellowe, an esteemed dog trainer and researcher, to guide us through the fascinating world of the gut microbiome and its profound impact on canine behavior. Sarita demystifies the vast and diverse ecosystem residing in your dog's gut, explaining how these microorganisms can shape health and behavior. You'll be amazed at the parallels between human and dog gut microbiomes and what this could mean for advancements in mental health research for both species!About Sarita:"I’m...
2024-09-091h 02
The Bitey End of the DogPuppies! Puppies! Puppies! A Deep Dive into Socialization and Building Resiliency with Kathy CallahanKathy Callahan joins us for this episode to chat about the enriching world of puppy fostering, focusing on the critical aspects of puppy socialization and building resiliency. Her personal stories are filled with practical advice on setting up a positive environment to ensure puppies grow into well-adjusted dogs, making this episode a must-listen for anyone eager to foster and socialize a puppy effectively.About Kathy:Certified as a dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and a family dog mediator (FDM), Kathy Callahan specializes in puppies. She and her family have fostered more than 200 of them in the past decade...
2024-09-021h 06
The Bitey End of the DogEnhancing Emotional Support for Humans and Animals with Valerie BogieWhat are the emotional challenges faced by both professionals and pet owners? This episode promises to shed light on this intriguing question as we sit down with Valerie Bogie who has a unique breadth of experience in both animal care and veterinary social work. With over two decades of experience, Valerie shares her incredible journey from feeling overwhelmed and bullied in the workplace to finding her calling in veterinary social work, where empathy, active listening, and resiliency are key.Valerie and I explore the unique applications that address human needs wherever a human-animal bond exists. We discuss...
2024-08-261h 04
The Bitey End of the DogTransforming Lives: Helping Dogs with Trauma - Featuring Caroline AlupoUnlock the secrets to understanding and treating trauma in dogs with our special guest, Caroline Alupo, an authority in dog behavior and canine trauma. Caroline breaks down the similarities and differences between human and canine trauma, highlighting common symptoms like hyper-vigilance and avoidance behaviors, while explaining why traditional training methods might fall short in addressing these issues.ABOUT CAROLINE:"My name is Caroline Alupo, and I am a dog behaviorist and ethologist. In addition to a master's degree in ethology, I have 19 years of experience helping anxious and reactive dogs find peace. I a...
2024-08-191h 01
The Bitey End of the DogTransforming Shelter Life: Insights from Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Sheila SegursonWhat unique challenges do shelter animals face in their journey to find a forever home? Tune in to this enlightening conversation with Dr. Sheila Segurson, America's first veterinary behaviorist to specialize in animal shelters, as she walks us through her groundbreaking work and daily responsibilities at Maddie's Fund. Dr. Segurson shares her experiences consulting with shelter organizations and fostering community collaboration, providing insight into the stressors faced by shelter animals, including lack of sleep and limited choices. Her admiration for the dedication of shelter workers shines through, shedding light on their often underappreciated efforts.Dr. Sheila Segurson...
2024-08-121h 06
The Bitey End of the DogSecond Chances for Inmates and Dogs: A Story of Transformation and Hope with Mattison SimpsonEver wondered how structured routines and dog training can transform lives? Join us in this enlightening episode as we welcome Mattison Simpson, a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant who found her true calling during a five-year prison sentence. Mattison shares her incredible journey from being overwhelmed by prison conditions to finding purpose through rehabilitating retired greyhound racing dogs and participating in honor dorm programs. Her story paints a vivid picture of how these programs provide inmates and dogs with a second chance and the profound emotional bonds formed through this work.We also dive into Mattison's...
2024-08-0550 min
The Bitey End of the DogChallenges and Triumphs in the Service Dog World with Veronica SanchezEver wondered what sets a service dog apart from therapy dogs and emotional support animals? Get ready for a deep dive into the legal frameworks, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Air Carrier Access Act, and how they impact the lives of individuals with disabilities. Veronica Sanchez, the distinguished founder of Cooperative Paws Service Dog Coach shares her wealth of experience and anecdotal wisdom, shedding light on the profound responsibilities and challenges faced by service dogs and their handlers.We also dive into the topic of encountering off-leash dogs, which can be a daunting experience f...
2024-07-2956 min
The Bitey End of the DogLiving with Livestock Guardian Dogs: Strategies for Success with Elizabeth IngallsWhat does it take to truly understand and live with Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs)? Join us for this enlightening episode to hear about the knowledge and strategies that are essential for successfully integrating these remarkable, independent dogs into your home. Our special guest, Elizabeth Ingalls, an LGD behavior expert, shares her personal journey from fostering a Pyrenees mix to leading Big Fluffy Dog Rescue and running her own consulting practice.Elizabeth unpacks the unique traits of various LGD breeds such as the Great Pyrenees, Maremas, and Anatolian Shepherds, shedding light on their intelligence, autonomy, and the behavioral...
2024-07-2256 min
The Bitey End of the DogUnpacking Canine Neuroscience: Transforming Aggression and Building Resilience with Dr. Melanie UhdeJoin us for this spectacular episode with Dr. Melanie Uhde as we explore the cutting-edge intersection of neuroscience and dog behavior. Understanding the role of neurotransmitters like dopamine can transform the way we approach canine aggression, as well as provide insights into the so-called winner effect. Dr. Uhde takes us on a journey from her groundbreaking research at Columbia University to her hands-on experience with village dogs in Thailand, emphasizing the importance of translating academic findings into actionable strategies for dog trainers and owners alike.ABOUT MELANIE:Melanie is passionate canine specialist, pioneer of innovative...
2024-07-151h 00
The Bitey End of the DogConflict Resolution: An Essential Skill for Aggression Cases and Beyond, with Carmaleta AufderheideEver wondered how to navigate emotionally charged training sessions? Our latest episode features Carmaleta Aufderheide, who brings a unique blend of a master’s degree in conflict resolution and a robust background in working behavior cases. Carm’s journey began from a personal loss that fueled her passion to merge these fields. She emphasizes the critical role of empathy and communication, sharing invaluable techniques for understanding both the human and canine sides of aggression and separation anxiety cases.We explore the art of reading clients as skillfully as reading dogs. Carm shares her insights on balancing actionable solu...
2024-07-1054 min