Dog Parent Guilt

10/25/22 • 61 min

Today's Topic: Do you regularly find yourself feeling guilty about the dog parent that you are, and the care and life you're able to provide your dog? If so, you're not alone. Just as many parents feel guilty about the time and care they're able to devote to their human child, many dog parents today feel similar guilt, which is often spurred on, and exasperated by, images on social media of the fabulous lives of dogs that are provided by the "ideal dog parent". That's why we've invited two of the researchers behind their latest research paper, Disenfranchised Guilt—Pet Owners’ Burden, which is the first research paper of its kind that examines dog parent guilt, to the pod, to discuss what dog parent guilt is, what kinds of things most dog parents feel guilty about, whether women feel more guilt than men, what people do to alleviate that guilt, and so much more!

Guest Bios: Lori Kogan, Ph.D. is a Professor of Clinical Sciences at Colorado State University. She is the Chair of the Human-Animal Interaction section of the American Psychological Association and Editor of the Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin, an open-access, online publication supported by the American Psychological Association. She has published numerous journal articles and book chapters, and co-edited books including ‘Pet Loss, Grief, and Therapeutic Interventions: Practitioners Navigating the Human-Animal Bond’, ‘Clinician's Guide to Treating Companion Animal Issues: Addressing Human-Animal Interaction’ and ‘Career Paths in Human-Animal Interaction for Social and Behavioral Scientists’ and given presentations on topics related to human animal interactions in both psychology and veterinary medicine venues. She is currently engaged in several research projects pertaining to the intersection of the human animal bond and veterinary medicine.

Dr. Jen Currin-McCulloch is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Colorado State University, and Lab Director of the Serious End-of-Life Narratives Research Lab. Her practice and research focus on enhancing the psychosocial quality of life among individuals and families facing grief and loss. She worked for two decades as an oncology and palliative care social worker in hospital, hospice, and non-profit healthcare settings. She works with Lori Kogan and a team of human-animal bond researchers to ascertain how the health decline and death of companion and service animals impacts their guardian’s psychosocial well-being.

Connect With Lori Kogan, Ph.D.:

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Connect With Dr. Jen Currin-McCulloch:

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Connect With Lori Kogan, Ph.D.:

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Connect With Dr. Jen Currin-McCulloch:

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Previous Episode

Blind & Deaf Dogs

Today's Topic: Have you just learned (or are starting to suspect) that your puppy may be going deaf or blind? Or is your adult dog showing signs that their hearing or sight is becoming more and more impaired? These are, by nature, difficult waters to navigate, and finding reputable resources to help guide you and your puppy or dog during this time may prove difficult or frustrating, even if you're absolutely dedicated to giving your blind/deaf puppy or dog the best life possible. That's why we've invited certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA), Karen Pryor clicker training partner, and the founder of Down To Earth Dog Lady, LLC., a dog training company specializing in blind, deaf & disabled dogs, Erin Marion, to the pod, to discuss whether deaf and blind dogs can truly live a "normal" life, her thoughts on vibration collars, whether blind dogs have super hearing (or deaf dogs have super sight), what a "sensory garden" is, and so much more!`

Guest Bio: Erin Marion is a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA), a Karen Pryor clicker training partner, a Training Partner for the All4Paws Rescue in Malvern, PA & Speak! Rescue and Sanctuary in St. Louis, MO., and the founder of Down To Earth Dog Lady, LLC in Chester Spring, PA. After fostering multiple foster dogs and adopting her own blind and deaf dogs, she is extremely passionate about helping special needs pets and their guardians connect using force-free training methods.

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Next Episode

Leash Reactivity, Part I

Today's Topic: Leash reactivity is one of the top dog behavioral issues that clients come to us for, and for good reason: here, in Denver, we're (almost) ALWAYS outside...and with our dogs. So, for anyone who expects their outings with their dog to be fun, pleasant and peaceful experiences, they may quickly find themselves seeking behavioral solutions for their dog's reactive behaviors, as a dog that exhibits leash reactive behaviors can make those outings a tad less fun, a bit less pleasant, and a lot less peaceful. That's why we've we've invited our first return guest, certified professional dog trainer, the founder of Perfect Pals Dog Training, and the co-creator of the most comprehensive digital dog training course on the subject, "Help! My Dog Is Reactive On Leash!", Erin Gianella, KPA CTP, to the pod, to discuss what leash reactivity is, the dangers of labeling your dog as reactive, practical management strategies you can use with your reactive dog today, and much much more!

Guest Bio: Erin Gianella's journey to become a dog trainer began in 2014 when she noticed her own dog, Gus, having separation anxiety issues. She became more and more curious and passionate that she decided to leave the corporate world and learn as much as she could about being a dog trainer. Erin studied at the Karen Pryor Academy and became a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. Erin started Perfect Pals Dog Training in 2021 based in Denver, CO. She offers private training using positive reinforcement, science based methods. Along with training, Erin also incorporates enrichment and management into the training plan to ensure all needs are being met. She is passionate about helping people build a bond with their dog and having them become a part of the family.
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