Think Like a Dog

In this episode, Ridge Vogel, the founder of Pack Leader University, discusses his journey into dog psychology and the importance of becoming a better human to create a better dog. He emphasizes the need for dog owners to understand the psychology of dogs and take responsibility for their dogs' behavior. Ridge also talks about his 90-day dog psychology and human training mentorship program, the Pack Leader Blueprint, which focuses on educating and empowering dog owners to become effective leaders for their dogs. He highlights the qualities of a good trainer, including empathy, open-mindedness, honesty, and accountability. The conversation revolves around the importance of finding the right dog trainer and being open-minded and committed to building a strong relationship with your dog. It emphasizes the need for owners to take responsibility for their dog's behavior and not give up on them. The trainers discuss the dangers of relying on quick fixes and the importance of putting in the time and effort to train your dog. They also highlight the role of instincts in understanding and connecting with dogs. The conversation explores the importance of following our instincts and understanding our dogs' needs. It emphasizes the need to trust our gut feelings and make decisions based on what is right for us and our dogs, rather than seeking validation from others. The conversation also touches on the misconceptions about dogs' behavior and the importance of education and mindset in building a strong relationship with our dogs.
Connect With Ridge Vogel:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridgedogbehavior/
Pack Leader University:
https://calendly.com/ridge-vogel/packleaderblueprint

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Stop Enabling Your Dog's Bad Behavior

Think Like a Dog

10/03/23 • 42 min

In this compelling episode, hosts Andreia and Millie are joined by special guest Connor Howard, a skilled trainer from Mirror Image K9. Together, they tackle the topic of the things people say to dog trainers when they sugar coat their dogs' behavior.

With a firm commitment to promoting effective training methods, the hosts and their guest emphasize the importance of stopping the enabling of bad behavior in dogs. They explore the damaging effects of sugar coating a dog's behavior and how it can hinder the training process and overall well-being of the dog.

Throughout the episode, listeners will gain valuable insights on why it's crucial to address and correct problematic behaviors in dogs. The hosts and Connor provide practical advice and strategies to help dog owners develop a proactive approach to training, reinforcing positive behaviors and discouraging negative ones.

If you've ever found yourself sugar coating your dog's behavior or wondering how to break the cycle of enabling bad habits, this episode is a must-listen. Join Andreia, Millie, and Connor Howard as they share their expertise and provide guidance on how to effectively train your dog and foster a stronger bond based on trust and understanding.

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The Importance of Co-Regulation in Dog Training with Bianca from Mindful Dog Co.

Think Like a Dog

04/29/24 • 68 min

In this episode, Bianca from Mindful Dog Co. discusses the importance of co-regulation in dog training. She explains that being cool, calm, and collected is not enough if the client and the dog have dysregulated nervous systems. Bianca emphasizes the need for fluidity in emotions and the ability to come back to a regulated state. She also highlights the role of somatic experiencing in dog training and how dogs pick up on subtle changes in our nervous system. Bianca shares strategies for working with reactive dogs and the importance of checking in with ourselves and our dogs during training sessions. The conversation explores the importance of boundaries and emotional regulation in dog training. It emphasizes the need for dog owners to understand their own feelings and how they impact their dogs.
Takeaways

Co-regulation is important in dog training, as both the client and the dog need to have regulated nervous systems.
Calmness is a byproduct of nervous system regulation, which allows for fluidity in emotions.
Dogs pick up on subtle changes in our nervous system, so it's important to be aware of our own emotions during training.
Checking in with ourselves and our dogs during training sessions is crucial for building a strong connection and understanding.
Setting boundaries and practicing emotional regulation are crucial in dog training.
Body language plays a significant role in communicating with dogs.
Dogs should be treated as individuals with their own emotions and needs.
It is important to recognize and respect a dog's boundaries.
Projection of one's needs onto a dog can hinder the development of a healthy relationship.
Understanding and meeting the emotional needs of dogs is crucial for their well-being.
Creating a routine and setting boundaries can help dogs feel more comfortable and secure.
Engaging in activities that dogs instinctually enjoy, such as sniffing, can strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners.
Mindful Dog Co. offers a range of services, including board and train programs, workshops on boundaries and somatic experiencing, and virtual sessions.

Connect with Bianca:
Website: https://mindfuldog.co/
Instagram: @Mindfuldogco.bianca

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Understanding and Meeting the Unique Needs of Your Dog with Molly From Pete's Adventure Pack

Think Like a Dog

12/11/23 • 71 min

In this episode of "Think Like a Dog Podcast," Andreia and Millie are joined by Molly Avrin, founder of Pete's Adventure Pack, an expert dog trainer, and an avid outdoors enthusiast to discuss the importance of fulfillment in a dog's life. Molly shares her passion for teaching people how to safely adventure outdoors with their dogs and emphasizes the need to find a dog that fits your natural lifestyle. She addresses common misconceptions about fulfillment and highlights the importance of creating an off switch for dogs. She also discusses the role of affection in a dog's life and emphasizes the need for intentional and mutual affection. Overall, Molly emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling the unique needs of individual dogs.
Connect with Molly:
website - https://www.petesadventurepack.com/
instagram - @petesadventurepack
Takeaways

Find a dog that fits your natural lifestyle to ensure fulfillment for both you and your dog.
Fulfillment for dogs goes beyond physical exercise and includes mental exercise and understanding the dog's pack position and confidence level.
Affection should be intentional, mutual, and tailored to the individual dog's preferences.
Creating an off switch is crucial to allow dogs to rest and process information.
Adjust your expectations and understand that each dog is unique and may have different needs and preferences.

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Client Consultation: Dog Reactivity During Walks

Think Like a Dog

02/05/24 • 54 min

In this episode of "Think Like a Dog," Millie sits down with her client, Riley, to delve into the challenges she faces with Mookie, Riley's pup. The primary focus is helping Mookie overcome dog reactivity during walks while also enhancing his overall behavior. Living in an apartment complex poses unique challenges, and Millie and Riley explore how to navigate these challenges. They emphasize the vital role of connection between the dog and owner, highlighting its significance in curbing reactive behaviors. Throughout the episode, Millie covers various important topics, including teaching the 'Place' command, employing the Gentle Method for leash walking, addressing leash reactivity and pressure release, building believability and leadership, crate training, structuring meals, and tackling marking behavior. Listeners will gain practical tips and techniques that can be applied to their own dogs. Join Millie and Riley as they share their knowledge, experiences, and the journey of helping Mookie become a well-behaved and content canine companion.

Tune in to this enlightening episode of "Think Like a Dog" to gain valuable insights into training and behavior modification, and help your furry friend thrive.

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Crate Training for Dogs with Separation Anxiety & Tips to Reduce Reactivity

Think Like a Dog

02/19/24 • 81 min

In this episode, Millie and Andreia come together to explore a diverse range of dog training topics and provide answers to listener questions. They offer invaluable insights to help you establish a harmonious relationship with your dog. Discover effective strategies for managing separation anxiety, creating boundaries and structure to reduce reactivity and anxiety, and understanding the root causes of insecurity and reactivity in dogs. Millie, drawing from her extensive experience in the dog training industry, she highlights the valuable lessons learned and offers practical advice for transforming canine behavior. In addition to their expertise in training, Millie and Andreia also share their personal journeys as devoted dog owners and active participants in rescue efforts. Tune in and unlock the keys to eliminating reactivity, fostering a different relationship with your dog, and cultivating a deeper understanding of their needs. Get ready for an episode filled with invaluable advice to help you create a more fulfilling and harmonious bond with your furry friend.

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How Playing With Your Dog Can Lead to Better Behavior

Think Like a Dog

11/13/23 • 60 min

In this episode of the Think Like a Dog Podcast, hosts Andreia and Millie are joined by special guest Easton Carver, Assistant Trainer at Mirror Image K9. Get ready to dive into the world of productive play with your dog!

Join us as we explore the power of playtime and how it can strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Easton shares invaluable insights on how structured play can be a game-changer in building a better relationship with your dog.

Tune in to discover why incorporating structured playtime into your dog's routine is essential for their mental and physical well-being. Andreia, Millie, and Easton delve into the reasons why productive play can be an effective training tool, giving you easy tips and techniques to make the most out of your play sessions while also using them as valuable training opportunities.

Get ready to unleash your dog's true potential through productive play! Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that will leave you inspired and equipped with the knowledge to create a stronger connection with your four-legged friend.

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Client Consultation: Exploring Resource Guarding

Think Like a Dog

05/13/24 • 58 min

The conversation cover topics such as conditioning the crate, exploring resource guarding, food motivation and boundaries, resource guarding at the farm, and setting boundaries with other dogs. The conversation also delves into the balance between structure and freedom, establishing leadership, and the responsibility and control the owner has in different environments. Overall, this episode provides insights into managing separation anxiety and resource guarding. The conversation revolves around living with a dog with unique needs and the adjustments required to ensure a safe and fulfilling life for both the dog and the owner.
Takeaways

Conditioning the crate can help address separation anxiety and create a safe space for the dog.
Resource guarding can be managed by setting boundaries and teaching the dog appropriate behavior.
Balancing structure and freedom is important to ensure the dog understands its responsibilities.
Establishing leadership and providing clear direction can help address resource guarding and other behavioral issues.
Establishing clear boundaries and practicing recall are essential for safety and the success of off-leash activities.
The place command should be practiced in a calm and consistent manner, with a designated spot away from the owner.
Balancing freedom and safety requires being realistic about what can be enforced and expected in different environments.

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Client Consultation: Anxiety in Public and Relevance Issues on Walks

Think Like a Dog

06/24/24 • 28 min

Leela, a 10-year-old dog, has issues with anxiety in public and relevance issues on walks. Pally, a foster dog, has separation anxiety, fear of cars, and resource guarding behavior. Leela is more aloof and doesn't care much about other dogs, while Pally is more sociable and fluent in dog language. Leela tends to vibe check other dogs and correct their behavior if they get too excited. Both dogs have had a few fights over food and territorial issues. The owner has established boundaries and control in the house, but needs help with public behavior and preventing fights. The principal themes of the conversation are separation anxiety, claiming behavior, fear of cars, and behavior on walks and during meals. The main takeaways include the importance of setting boundaries and providing structure, while working on building separate relationships with each dog.
Takeaways

Leela has anxiety in public and needs help with relevance issues on walks
Pally has separation anxiety, fear of cars, and resource guarding behavior
The owner has established boundaries and control in the house, but needs help with public behavior and preventing fights
Set boundaries and provide structure to establish clear expectations
Build separate relationships with each dog to strengthen their bond with you
Use the gentle method to address leash reactivity
Practice the place command to promote independence and reduce following behavior

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Client Consultation: How to Prepare a Reactive Dog to Live in a Busy Environment

Think Like a Dog

12/09/24 • 41 min

In this episode, Millie and Lucey discuss how to prepare Atlas, a reactive dog, for a big transition to apartment living in Chicago. Lucey shares their current routines, challenges, and strategies, including leash training, muzzle conditioning, and creating calm moments of connection during walks. Together, they explore practical tips like using commands such as "place" and "crate," managing encounters with other dogs, and gradually introducing Atlas to new environments with increasing distractions. They also address concerns about boarding and finding a suitable dog sitter. Tune in to hear how Lucey is building a thoughtful plan to help Atlas thrive in his new home while navigating the challenges of city life.

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