Pod to the Rescue

Pattern games are one of the most powerful (and underused) tools in modern dog training—and in this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to use them in real life.

Following our conversation with Control Unleashed creator Leslie McDevitt, Emily, Jenni, and Libby dive into the *practical* application of pattern games with rescue dogs, foster dogs, and client cases.

We cover:

• What pattern games actually do in your dog’s brain

• Why ...

What if helping a stressed or reactive dog didn’t start with obedience—but with predictability?

In this episode of Pod to the Rescue, we’re joined by renowned trainer Leslie McDevitt, creator of the Control Unleashed program, to explore how Pattern Games can transform the lives of shelter, rescue, and pet dogs alike.

These simple, repeatable exercises help dogs process their environment, reduce anxiety, and build resilience—whether t...

Potty training is one of the biggest challenges for new dog adopters—but even “house trained” dogs can have accidents in a new home.

In this episode, professional dog trainers Emily and Libby break down how to potty train puppies and rescue dogs using science-based methods, including management strategies, reinforcement timing, and realistic expectations.

Learn why dogs have accidents, how to prevent them, and how to build reliable p...

What do we really mean when we say “behavior”?

In this powerful kickoff to Season 6 of Pod to the Rescue, we’re joined by world-renowned behavior scientist Dr. Susan Friedman, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Utah State University and founder of Behavior Works.

Together, we explore:

• Why behavior is an evolved adaptation

• The truth about reinforcement and punishment

• Why “scolding” isn’t necessary for learning

• How to build a “trust a...

You have a new foster or adopted pet, and the holidays are here. What next? In this episode, Emily and Libby walk you through the steps to take to make sure your new furry family member is safe and happy while you celebrate.

You'll learn:

• Why holidays can be stressful and confusing for our dogs (and cats!)
• The Off Duty Hack by Kim Brophey, which helps your dog understand what to do when guests come over
• How to know how much y...

This week, Emily and Libby speak with Kathy Sdao of Bright Spot Dog Training.  Sdao’s accessible training technique to help our dogs fit into our human world, and this conversation is lively and full of both science and heart; evidence and experience. Some topics discussed are:

• How to take training out of the science theory realm into the practical, accessible world of humans training their dog

• Helping resolve dogs anxie...

Canine Adolescence is the transition from puppyhood to adulthood. This fascinating conversation with Sarah Stremming, who is a dog behavior coach and the host of the Cog Dog Podcast, addresses this pivotal age of young dogs. Sarah, Emily, and Libby discuss adolescent canine behavior and how to most effectively observe and address behaviors to nurture confident, healthy dogs. They also discuss:

• How dogs’ responses to environments...

We are thrilled to present today’s guest, Michael Shikashio. Michael is a world-renowned expert on dog aggression and has an incredible wealth of information he generously shares, which is helpful for owners, rescuers, and trainers alike.

In this conversation, Michael, Emily and Libby define aggression, discuss the ways aggression can present in different dogs (and the different levels of assessing their aggression), and so much...

July 4th can be terrifying for pets — especially dogs with noise sensitivities. Fireworks and thunderstorms trigger stress, fear, and sometimes dangerous flight responses in our four-legged friends. In this live mini episode, we talk about why dogs are afraid of fireworks and thunder, how to recognize signs of fear (even the subtle ones!), and strategies for keeping pets calm and safe.You’ll learn how to spot canine stress signals,...

Bringing a new foster or adopted dog into your home is exciting—but when you already have a resident dog, the introduction process requires careful planning. In this episode, we chat with behavior consultant and friend of the pod Elisheba Fay, and dive into strategies for setting both dogs up for success, especially when working with foster or rescue dogs whose histories may be unknown.

We cover what to consider before bringing a ne...

Why is my puppy biting so much? This is a question we get a lot from fosters, adopters, and clients. We’re here to help! Puppy biting is normal, but you don’t have to become a chew toy for your new rescue puppy. In this episode, Emily, Jenni, and Libby discuss everything puppy biting: why puppies bite, how to prevent puppy biting, and how to train your puppy not to bite so much. (Hint: it’s all in the prevention!)

🐶 In this epi...

Dog reactivity is one of the most challenging behavior issues we face in dog rescue, but there is hope for reactive dogs! We’ve helped lots of reactive foster and rescue dogs over the years, and so has Renée Erdman of Bravo Dog Behavioral Health. In this episode, we sit down to talk about reactivity: what it is, what it isn’t, and how to help your dog.

🐶 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• What is reactivity in dogs?

• How is it dif...

Raising a puppy can be one of the most fun and rewarding parts of dog rescue, fostering, and adoption, but it can also be one of the most challenging. We get it, and so does our guest, Kathy Callahan. Kathy has raised a lot of rescue puppies, and her latest book, Welcoming Your Puppy from Planet Dog, provides a life-changing framework for anyone bringing a puppy into their home — as well as practical tips for puppy training and soc...

What makes rescue dogs unique — and why do they sometimes struggle with behavior issues? In this episode of Pod to the Rescue, we explore the behavior of rescue dogs through a trauma-informed, science-based lens. In this season opener, hosts Emily, Jenni, and Libby discuss why we still have a lot to say about rescue dog behavior!

We break down why understanding dog behavior is essential for adopters, foster caregivers, and shelter a...

We’re back with Season 5 of Pod to the Rescue, the podcast for dog lovers, fosters, rescuers and adopters who want to understand and support their dogs better. This season, we’re diving into some of the most-requested dog behavior topics: how to help a reactive rescue dog, managing aggression between two dogs at home, and safely introducing a newly adopted dog to your cat.

As always, we approach these tough behavior issues with a re...

Season 4 Wrap and What’s to Come

Emily and Libby wrap this season with an exciting announcement, a rescue update from Summit Dog Rescue, a new co-host, and a glimpse of what’s to come in Season 5. Thank you so much for tuning in to this season of Pod To The Rescue, and we’ll see you soon!

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://ww...

Canine Adolescence is the transition from puppyhood to adulthood. This fascinating conversation with Sarah Stremming, who is a dog behavior coach and the host of the Cog Dog Podcast, addresses this pivotal age of young dogs. Sarah, Emily, and Libby discuss adolescent canine behavior and how to most effectively observe and address behaviors to nurture confident, healthy dogs. This is the second part of their conversation, so make su...

Canine Adolescence is the transition from puppyhood to adulthood. This fascinating conversation with Sarah Stremming, who is a dog behavior coach and the host of the Cog Dog Podcast, addresses this pivotal age of young dogs. Sarah, Emily, and Libby discuss adolescent canine behavior and how to most effectively observe and address behaviors to nurture confident, healthy dogs. They also discuss:

• How dogs’ responses to environme...

This is a replay of our 2021 interview with aggression expert Michael Shikashio.

We are thrilled to present today’s guest, Michael Shikashio. Michael is a world-renowned expert on dog aggression and has an incredible dearth of information he generously shares, which is helpful for owners, rescuers, and trainers alike.

In this conversation, Michael, Emily and Libby define aggression, discuss the ways aggression can present in differ...