The Bitey End of the Dog

What 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...

When 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 e...

If 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...

Dr. 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...

Chirag 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 lik...

In 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 influent...

What 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 fas...

In 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 count...

What 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...

Kathy 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:

What 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...

Unlock 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:

What 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 colla...

Ever 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 hon...

Ever 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, she...

What 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 ow...

Join 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 villag...

Ever 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 understa...

This is a fascinating discussion that dives into everything from dogs to coyotes; from selective breeding to feral dog populations; from social facilitation to intentional thinking --- a jam packed episode! Join us for a compelling chat with my longtime friend and esteemed colleague, Ken McCort, a luminary in animal training since 1979. Together, we share our journeys through the early days of animal training and reminisce about un...