Service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs all serve important roles in helping people with various needs. But do you know what the differences between them are? I often get asked, "How do I make my dog a service dog, emotional support dog, or therapy dog?" It's important to know the differences, both in what jobs they do and what legal protections they have. In this episode, I demystify these often-confused roles to help you understand if one of them is right for your canine compani...
Jun 04, 2024•14 min•Ep. 26
When I brought home my first puppy, I remember asking myself... now what? Bringing home a new puppy can be overwhelming, no matter how well prepared you think you are. But don't worry, I've got you covered. The first week with your puppy will set the tone for the months to come, so in this episode, I lay out a plan for you to support and comfort your new puppy while they adjust to their new surroundings, while gradually teaching them independence and that it's safe to be left alone. Listen to le...
May 21, 2024•13 min•Ep. 25
Thinking of bringing another dog home? Adding a second dog can be a whirlwind of fun, but it's not without its hurdles. In this episode, I dive into the highs and lows of having a multi-dog household. I share my experiences and insights as a certified dog trainer, guiding you through the process of growing your furry family. From the selection of compatible companions to the crucial moments of introduction, I cover it all. I also discuss how to keep the peace with favorite toys and activities ta...
May 07, 2024•14 min•Ep. 24
While dog parks are fantastic places for exercise, they're not without their risks. In this episode, I'm taking you on a journey through the world of dog parks. We'll explore the origins of these canine playgrounds, the benefits they bring to our furry friends, and the challenges they might present. As a certified dog trainer and veterinary technician, I've seen firsthand how dog parks can be a fantastic resource for socialization and exercise. But it's not all fun and games. Without proper unde...
Apr 23, 2024•12 min•Ep. 23
As dog lovers, we're always looking for ways to include our furry companions in our adventures. Did you know that planning a trip with your pup in tow requires some special considerations? In this episode, I'm diving into the nitty-gritty of hitting the road, skies or sea with your dog. From the essential pre-trip preparations to finding pet-friendly accommodations, I've got you covered. I share my top tips for choosing dog-friendly places to stay and visit, and I give you the lowdown on how to ...
Apr 16, 2024•12 min•Ep. 22
Have you ever wondered what causes dogs to be fearful or aggressive? It likely has something to do with how they were socialized as a puppy. In this episode, I dive into the essential world of puppy socialization. I talk about the critical period for socializing your puppy, which is between three to sixteen weeks of age, and how this coincides with their vaccination schedule. I share some invaluable tips on how to safely socialize your puppy, including exposure at home, arranging playdates with ...
Mar 26, 2024•21 min•Ep. 21
Planning for a new furry addition to your family? In this episode, I dive into the essentials of preparing for your furry bundle of joy. Just like baby-proofing, puppy-proofing your home is crucial to keep your little one safe. I'll walk you through securing potential hazards and making sure you have all the necessary supplies, from bowls and crates to the perfect toys. I'll also help you pick the best spots for your puppy to rest and play. Plus, I understand that bringing home a new puppy can b...
Mar 12, 2024•12 min•Ep. 20
Have you ever wondered how you can deepen your bond with your dog while keeping them physically and mentally stimulated? In this episode, I dive into the thrilling world of dog sports. Historically, humans bred dogs to perform specific tasks—herding, hunting, guarding, you name it. But as society has evolved, the need for these canine jobs has diminished. Enter dog sports: the modern-day answer to giving our furry friends a sense of purpose and a way to channel their natural instincts in a fun a...
Feb 27, 2024•18 min•Ep. 19
How do you choose the perfect dog trainer for your furry friend? In this episode, I'm diving into the essential steps to find the right fit for you and your pup. Whether you're looking for basic obedience training or more complex behavior modification, I share my professional insights on how to navigate the search process. I discuss the various training delivery options available, such as private sessions versus group classes, and I caution you about the pitfalls of non-scientific training metho...
Feb 13, 2024•14 min•Ep. 18
Have you ever wished there was a quick fix for your dogs problem behaviors? Maybe you've even seen some of those quick fixes advertised by other "dog trainers" online... In this episode, I dive deep into the reasons why quick fix methods aren't the best route when it comes to training your dog. I discuss the dangers of punishment-based methods and the misleading claims made by some trainers. It's crucial to understand our furry friends' behavior and emotions to train them effectively. Just like ...
Jan 30, 2024•13 min•Ep. 17
Ever heard the myth that "one human year of age equals seven dog years"? It might surprise you to learn that the age at which a dog becomes a senior actually varies by size and breed! So join me to learn when your dog will enter it's senior years, and how you can take care of them when they do! In this episode, we're diving into the golden years of our furry friends. We'll explore the signs that indicate our dogs are entering their senior phase, the various physical and health changes they exper...
Jan 16, 2024•13 min•Ep. 16
Ever heard the saying "they fight like cats and dogs"? Well, in this episode, I'm here to explore whether it's possible for these furry friends to live happily together. If you're a fan of both dogs and cats, you might be curious about how to make their cohabitation work smoothly. Join me as I break down the differences between our canine and feline buddies, and talk about how to gradually introduce them in a calm, controlled setting. And don't forget about the fun part—positive reinforcement tr...
Jan 02, 2024•15 min•Ep. 15
Struggling with a shy or fearful dog? In this episode, I share expert tips and personal experience on this topic as a dog trainer and vet tech. I discuss the reasons behind a dog's fearfulness, such as genetic predisposition and lack of socialization, and provide eight tips to build their confidence. I also share my personal journey with my dog, Rowdy, who despite his reputable breeding, was a shy and fearful puppy. I was on the verge of returning him to the breeder, but instead, I chose to help...
Dec 19, 2023•15 min•Ep. 14
Ever wondered why your dog reacts more than expected when they see other dogs or humans while on a walk? It's called reactivity, and no, it's not them misbehaving intentionally. In this episode, delve into the topic of reactivity in dogs. Reactivity is often misunderstood as protective behavior, but it is actually a fear-driven response. There are several factors that can contribute to a dog's reactivity, including traumatic experiences, lack of socialization, and genetics. Join me to learn more...
Dec 05, 2023•14 min•Ep. 13
Have you ever wondered what it's like to raise two puppies at the same time? In this episode, I dive into the challenges of raising littermates. We discuss the concept of 'littermate syndrome' and the potential problems that can arise when raising two puppies together. I emphasize the importance of individual training and socialization for each puppy, as well as the need for three times the effort compared to raising just one. Join me to learn more about: Challenges and risks of raising two pupp...
Nov 21, 2023•13 min•Ep. 12
Have you ever wondered how to make apartment living work for your furry friend? In this episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast, I dive into the unique challenges and needs of dogs living in apartments. Join me for valuable insights and tips to make apartment living a positive experience for both you and your furry companion. Choosing a dog breed well-suited for apartment living Tips for potty training in an apartment setting Ideas for keeping your dog active and engaged without a backyard Imp...
Nov 07, 2023•17 min•Ep. 11
Does your dog pull like crazy on the leash when you're walking him? Do you dread walking your dog because the constant pulling hurts your arms and shoulders? Do you wish you could just take a long, relaxing stroll around the neighborhood with your dog? If this sounds like you, then you're going to want to stay tuned. Because in this episode, I'm going to share with you the secrets to loose leash walking. I delve into the reasons why dogs tend to pull on the leash and offer practical tips to addr...
Oct 24, 2023•16 min•Ep. 10
Becoming a new puppy parent? Here's something to remember: the training and socialization process should start as soon as possible! There's a crucial "training gap" that often gets overlooked. As a certified professional dog trainer and registered veterinary technician, I've seen firsthand the importance of early training and socialization for puppies. In this episode, I dive into the "training gap" that often happens with new puppies. I explain the different growth phases that puppies go throug...
Oct 10, 2023•14 min•Ep. 9
Have you ever wondered if traditional obedience training is really the best approach for building a strong bond with your dog? In this episode, I dive into this topic and challenge the conventional methods of obedience training. I believe that it's time to shift our thinking and focus on teaching dogs the skills they need to be confident, stable, and happy adults, while also considering their emotional and mental well-being. Some of the things I cover in this episode are: Challenging traditional...
Sep 26, 2023•15 min•Ep. 8
So, I've noticed something pretty interesting lately - there's been a rise in behavior problems among our furry friends. And you know what? It's all because of the disconnect between their genetic makeup and the modern world we live in. Let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we? Dogs have been our loyal companions for ages, but back in the day, they had a very different role. They were working animals, helping us with hunting, herding, and guarding. But now, they've become our beloved pets, a...
Sep 12, 2023•15 min•Ep. 7
Calling all pup parents struggling with the world of potty training! Get ready for an episode that'll transform your puppy parenting game! In this episode, I share top five mistakes even the savviest new pup parents stumble upon during this important training phase. Avoiding these mistakes is crucial for a successful potty training experience, but many puppy parents make them without even knowing. Here's a brief overview of the common blunders I dive into in the episode: Giving puppies too much ...
Aug 29, 2023•15 min•Ep. 6
If you've ever turned to the internet for answers to your dog training questions, chances are you've come across some information that's either outdated... or just plain wrong. In this episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast, we're diving into some common dog training myths that have been wagging their tails around for far too long. I debunk these myths, and explain the accurate facts like; a dog's guilty look is not an indication of guilt, and dogs don't pee in the house out of anger or spite...
Aug 15, 2023•14 min•Ep. 5
Struggling with leash pulling, jumping, or barking? In this episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast, I tackle some of the most commonly asked questions that I receive as a professional dog trainer. From leash pulling to jumping, barking and puppy biting, I cover it all! Get answers to your most commonly asked dog training questions in this episode including: How do I get my dog to stop pulling on the leash during walks? How do I get my dog to stop jumping on me? How do I get my dog to stop bar...
Aug 01, 2023•22 min•Ep. 4
Is your precious pup turning into a teenage tyrant? Not to worry, learn how to navigate the challenging adolescent phase of your dog's life in this must-listen episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast. Join me as I discuss the challenges of raising adolescent dogs and give insight on why your teenage dog behaves this way. I also share the differences between puppies and adolescent dogs, as well as tips for providing boundaries and guidance, while still allowing them to explore and grow. If you'...
Jul 18, 2023•12 min•Ep. 3
Want a well-behaved pup, but not quite sure where to start? Whether you're dealing with a puppy or an adult dog, this episode has got you covered. You wouldn't teach your two year old child how to drive, and the same logic goes to differentiating between what puppies and adult dogs should learn. While it can be exciting to teach your puppy all of the tricks in the book, that's often not the best place to begin. So let's break it down by starting with the behaviors to cover first! Join me as I sh...
Jul 18, 2023•13 min•Ep. 2
Calling all puppy parents and dog lovers! Looking for tips on canine wellbeing and training? Look no further! Welcome to the first episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast! In this inaugural episode, I share a little bit about myself and how I got into dog training as well as more about my passion for helping you have a better relationship with your furry companion. But that's not all, here are some key takeaways that you won't want to miss in this episode: Learn the importance of building a st...
Jul 18, 2023•8 min•Ep. 1
Welcome to The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast, the show for dog owners looking to improve their relationship with their canine friends. This podcast is designed to both train dogs and teach people, so there can be success and happiness at both ends of the leash. Your host, Staci Lemke is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, retired Registered Veterinary Technician, and owner of Manners for Mutts Dog Training. With over 20 years of experience working with dogs and their people, Staci is the perfect ...
Jun 30, 2023•1 min
