The Quirky Dog

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the importance of situational awareness, especially when it involves our dogs. It is your job as a dog owner to do your absolute best to be in tune with the environment and energy surrounding you and your dog at all times. 

Why is situational awareness absolutely paramount when hiking off leash?

If one need to improve his or her situational awareness, where should that person begin?

How aware are...

This week, Jess and Scott are celebrating their 200th episode! What a truly incredible journey it’s been. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your support over the years. We are beyond grateful and promise to only get quirkier over time!

What has been most challenging throughout the past 4 years of podcasting?

Who is Chrissy and why is she on the podcast?

Where is The Quirky Dog’s future headed? 

To order apparel...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss aggression cases and how they prepare. Many industry professionals run into aggressive dogs throughout their careers, but some aren’t equipped to handle them. This episode provides tons of tips to keep everybody safe. 

Where does equipment beyond a muzzle come into play?

Why is it so important to exhibit strict protocols near a dog’s crate?

How can a dog with true human aggression be safely handl...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the hustle bustle of back to school and what impacts this season of life may have on the dog. Kids have been and continue to be heading back to school all throughout our nation, and this episode focuses on facilitating a smooth transition for the dog as well.

How can you prep your dog if you have a kid leaving for his or her first semester of college this year?

Why is it important to adjust to th...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the process of raising littermates. Many owners do not understand what a process this can be, so this episode is dedicated to breaking down the idea of raising two beings who have been bonded since the womb.

Why would raising littermates be any different than raising two puppies a similar age?

Who should have the final say if a family should raise littermates or not?

How can you set the pups up for...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by one of their own clients Magaly Sandoval. Magaly and her rambunctious Finnish Lapphund named Maki began working with Scott and Jess summer of 2022, and in this episode, she unpacks Maki’s last year.

What was Magaly’s journey like after she chose to get her very first dog from a herding breeder?

How did the influence of others affect how Magaly approached dog training?

Where did Magaly s...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the down command. A down stay for a dog isn’t as commonplace as it once was, and this week Scott and Jess discuss all the benefits of a reliable down and how they use one practically with their own dogs. 

Why is it nice to have two separate commands for down?

When is a down stay more appropriate than a sit stay?

How can you build a reliable down stay with your own dog?

For more informatio...

This week, Jess and Scott welcome the legendary Alex Stein. Alex and Ashley are responsible for putting canine frisbee on the map on August 5th, 1974. If not for Alex’s extraordinary courage and Ashley’s unmatched athleticism, this beloved sport may not have flourished as much as it did in the late 1900s.

Where did Ashley truly launch his career?

What is Alex’s favorite thing about the sport of canine disc in present day?

H...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the topic of fetching. Fetch has been a buzz topic in the dog world as of late, so in this week’s episode, they both try to equally cover the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

Why should I be mindful when playing a simple game of fetch with my dog?

How can switching from a ball to a disc make the game more safe?

What could my dog do for exercise in replacement of fetch?

For a detailed video on how ...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by their friends from New York. Ben and Janelle Allanson have over a decade of history in the sport of French Ring, and much like Scott and Jess, they have experienced the highs and lows of dog training together as a romantic couple!

What is the most challenging part of training with a partner?

How does training with someone who also lives with your dogs make certain aspects of your training s...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss burnout. This is a common issue in our industry, and in today’s episode Scott and Jess share their top strategies to prevent burnout and promote wellness.

What does burnout look like?

Where can you look for support if you’re experiencing burnout?

Why is burnout so prevalent in dog trainers?

For more information about Scott and Jess and their strategies, please check out: https://caninehea...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by the one and only Master of Hounds, Francis Metcalf. Francis is an incredible dog trainer who most enjoys assisting in rehabilitating behavioral cases, trick training, and protection sports.

Where did Francis first come up with the idea of Canine Circus School?

Why has canine circus school been a great fit for dogs of all temperaments?

How has Francis reacted to the potential San Francisco E...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the topic of whining. Many dog owners have an issue with whining throughout various contexts of their relationship with their dog, so during this episode, they provide numerous ways to address whining. 

Why does whining that wins turn into a problem?

How much does it matter why the dog is whining?

What is the easiest way to combat whining?

To take advantage of the Pride Special for How To Calm ...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Michael D’Abruzzo from K9-1. Michael is a teacher of animal sciences and has more than two decades of extensive hands on experience in the field of dog training. Michael’s dedication to the preservation of science within the industry as well as the ethical instruction for up and coming dog trainers is truly unmatched. 

What prompted Michael to speak out about a recent webinar given by a hig...

This week, Jess and Scott are joined by Joyce and John Belcher of Sustenance Herbs. Being in business for over 15 years, they are proud to create some of the finest herbs and supplements for dogs, cats and horses on the market and offer shipping within the US and Canada.  

How can customers help their dogs, cats, and horses not only survive but thrive through tick season?

Why is sourcing so important when it comes to animal produ...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss what to expect when camping with your canine. With Memorial Day weekend behind us, camping season is in full swing in New England, and this episode is jam-packed with tips to make camping a great experience for everyone. 

Why should you consider bringing a First Aid kit along for not only yourselves but also your dog?

How does camping with a dog look different for those owners who have never trie...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss what to do if and when your dog bites a human. There are many factors to consider in this situation, but taking some sort of action is always advisable. This episode guides dog owners on how to form that solid plan of action. 

Why do some owners wait until their dog has bitten multiple times to reach out for help?

Who do you turn to first when your dog has bitten someone?

If my dog bites someone,...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss the concept of a dog’s backstory. Sometimes very traumatic known events happen to our dogs and other times, we fill in the blanks. Regardless of what your dog’s backstory may be, this episode explains why it is important to look beyond your dog’s backstory and always focus on the present. 

Why is it important that owners don’t cling onto their dog’s backstory?

Where do backstories come from?

How ...

This week, Jess and Scott discuss behavioral pottying. This is an issue that many clients have faced over the years, and while it can be an extremely aggravating problem, it can frequently be resolved with a few simple tweaks.

What is behavioral pottying?

How can one determine if potty accidents are medical or behavioral?

Why is it important to intervene with any and all behavioral pottying?

To view our prior episode on cloning...