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  • In episode 86, Marissa Martino interviews Annika McDade to discuss how establishing clear boundaries with friends, family, and strangers can help protect your dog’s progress, support their behavior, and preserve your relationship with them. From politely managing unsolicited advice to ensuring others respect your dog’s needs, we’ll discuss why advocating for your dog is essential for their comfort and security. Learn how to confidently communicate what your dog requires, whether it’s space, routine, or respect, and how those boundaries benefit not only your dog’s behavior but also your bond with them. Join us for practical tips on handling those tricky social situations while keeping your dog’s best interests at heart!

  • In episode 85, Marissa Martino interviews Emily Wolf of Summit Dog Rescue and ​Brilliant Pup Behavior to discuss how we can set up our dogs for success when bringing them home for the first time. They discuss what to consider before choosing a new dog or puppy, how to help them transition to your lifestyle with ease, and ways to introduce new elements into their experience slowly. Whether you’re adopting a puppy or welcoming an older dog, this episode talks about the much-needed perspective and support to make the transition easy.

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  • In episode 84, Marissa Martino interviews Dr. Ariel Fagen about how collaboration between professionals can create a more effective behavior modification journey for dogs and their people. They explore the roles that trainers, veterinarians, veterinary behaviorists, and pet parents play in shaping a dog’s success, and how working together can provide a more holistic approach. Whether you’re a pet owner or a professional, this episode offers valuable insights on creating a unified support system to better understand and meet dogs’ behavioral needs, ensuring long-term success and well-being.

  • In episode 83, Marissa Martino interviews Karishma Warr of Calm Canine Academy about separation-related behaviors and their impact on the caregiver. They begin by defining what separation-related behaviors are, exploring the subtleties of each category, and discussing the common overlaps that many dog guardians encounter. The conversation then shifts to the key concepts of the behavior modification process, providing listeners with an understanding of what this journey entails. Finally, drawing from Marissa’s personal experience with her own dog and Karishma’s work with clients, they delve into the emotional impact on caregivers and share strategies for self-support throughout the process.

  • In episode 82, Marissa Martino interviews Tricia Case to talk about her love of designing amazing leashes to navigate the world with our dogs. They talk about the reasons for using long lines, what to consider when using them, and the skills needed for everyone to enjoy their walks. She also offers a discount for our podcast listeners!

    Tricia Case is the founder of Trailblazing Tails. She is driven to make the world a better and safer place for children and dogs, and build products that consider the dog's wants, needs, and emotions.

    She founded Trailblazing Tails as a dog running service in Los Angeles, CA, and quickly realized how little she knew about the practical application of behavior training. She has devoted her life to learning about dogs and their behavior. She furthers her education through professional conferences, her professional community, classes, and every dog she meets!

  • In episode 81, Marissa Martino interviews Annika McDade in this three-part series about the emotional experience of caring for, living with, and loving our dogs. In part 3 of the series, they explore the many ways we try to control ourselves, our dogs, others, and the situation as we navigate life with our dogs.

    Annika McDade is the Founder of Canine Connection Training & Coaching. She is a triple-certified Behaviour Consultant & Life Coach with a passion for helping people connect to themselves, their dogs and their deepest desires. She is a multidimensional being with a compelling history as a world traveler, wolf trainer, energy worker and ever learner.

    She combines the unique balance of science-based dog training with self-development, holistic wellness & spiritual curiosity when working with her clients. Her desire is to create a space where you can come as you are. A place where you can feel supported & understood, and explore the teachings your dog brings forward for you in your life.

    Annika is invested as much in the transformation of her clients as she is in their pets. With a strong belief that our dogs come into our lives for a reason, she feels if we remain curious, open-hearted & self-aware, our dogs have much to teach us, about us.

  • In episode 80, Marissa Martino interviews Annika McDade in this three-part series about the emotional experience of caring for, living with, and loving our dogs. In part 2 of the series, they explore the many ways grief shows up while caring for our beloved dogs. They also explore the intersection of grief and hope, why it's critical for us to feel our experience, and where we focus our mind.

    Annika McDade is the Founder of Canine Connection Training & Coaching. She is a triple-certified Behaviour Consultant & Life Coach with a passion for helping people connect to themselves, their dogs and their deepest desires. She is a multidimensional being with a compelling history as a world traveler, wolf trainer, energy worker and ever learner.

    She combines the unique balance of science-based dog training with self-development, holistic wellness & spiritual curiosity when working with her clients. Her desire is to create a space where you can come as you are. A place where you can feel supported & understood, and explore the teachings your dog brings forward for you in your life.

    Annika is invested as much in the transformation of her clients as she is in their pets. With a strong belief that our dogs come into our lives for a reason, she feels if we remain curious, open-hearted & self-aware, our dogs have much to teach us, about us.

  • In episode 79, Marissa Martino interviews Annika McDade in this three-part series about the emotional experience of caring for, living with, and loving our dogs. In the first episode, they explore the prevalent emotion of guilt. Marissa and Annika share their personal experiences with guilt in their relationships with their dogs. They also provide common pet parent examples and ways to support yourself through this emotion.

    Annika McDade is the Founder of Canine Connection Training & Coaching. She is a triple-certified Behaviour Consultant & Life Coach with a passion for helping people connect to themselves, their dogs and their deepest desires. She is a multidimensional being with a compelling history as a world traveler, wolf trainer, energy worker and ever learner.

    She combines the unique balance of science-based dog training with self-development, holistic wellness & spiritual curiosity when working with her clients. Her desire is to create a space where you can come as you are. A place where you can feel supported & understood, and explore the teachings your dog brings forward for you in your life.

    Annika is invested as much in the transformation of her clients as she is in their pets. With a strong belief that our dogs come into our lives for a reason, she feels if we remain curious, open-hearted & self-aware, our dogs have much to teach us, about us.

  • Join Marissa Martino interview Juliana DeWillams of JW Dog Training talk about the critical skill of behavior management. Juliana and Marissa define management, share some examples of what active and passive management strategies look like with your dog, and how these strategies can help support your dog's behavior and your relationship.

    Juliana is the Owner and Head Trainer at JW Dog Training. She has been training dogs since 2014 after she graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy.

    Juliana enjoys applying her knowledge of canine behavior and the science of learning when working closely with pet parents to improve their dog's behavior. Watching the training plan strengthen the bond between owner and dog -- whether it's a puppy, adolescent, or adult dog-- is her favorite part of the job.

    You can regularly catch Juliana on TV, radio, and online programs. She has shared her dog training expertise on WTOP and Good Day DC, and she was a regular guest on The Pet Show with Dr. Katy for many years. Juliana currently co-hosts the Live from The Ranch online broadcast with Ken Ramirez. She has also provided quarterly free seminars and webinars for dog owners through the non-profit Your Dog's Friend.

  • In episode 77, Marissa Martino interviews Jessica Dolce about a very important topic in our profession, compassion fatigue, or what we're now calling it - empathetic distress. We explore what empathetic distress is, why it is common to experience as a caregiver, and what to do to avoid burnout.

    This episode is for anyone who cares and feels a lot and takes care of animals (and their people), whether you're a dog trainer, animal welfare professional, or a devoted pet parent.

    Jessica Dolce, MS CCFE, is a Certified Compassion Fatigue Educator, receiving her training from TEND Academy. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with and for animals to The Compassion in Balance® Program, her online education platform for animal welfare professionals. Jessica is also an instructor at The Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida and has worked with organizations around the world such as the IAABC, National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, HSUS, Animals Asia, and the ASPCA. She holds a Master of Science in Adult and Higher Education degree and certificates in mindfulness facilitation, positive psychology coaching, and Mental Health First Aid. She lives in Maine with her husband, dogs, cats, and ducks.

  • In episode 76, Marissa Martino interviews Dr. Kathy Murphy on the art and neuroscience of puppy socialization. Dr. Murphy explores some common myths about puppy socialization, explains what is happening from a neuroscience perspective, why that matters to us (and the puppies), and how to support our puppies during this critical time. It's a MUST listen! Get ready for some mindset shifts.

    Dr Kathy Murphy (BVetMed, DPhil, CVA, CLAS, MRCVS) is a veterinary surgeon and neuroscientist. Dr Murphy founded and is now the Director of, Barking Brains Ltd (a neuroscience outreach platform for the animal behavior and training community), which focuses on translating neuroscientific information into practical and useful information for people interested in animal behavior. To maximize the impact of her diverse interests and skill set, Dr. Murphy teamed up with Behavior Vets in 2022 when she took up the position of Chief Scientific Officer, now the CEO. Dr Murphy lives in the UK with her husband Elliot and their 4 dogs.

  • In episode 75, Marissa Martino interviews Annika McDade to discuss the healing power of our canine relationships. Both Annika and Marissa have a passion for encouraging pet parents to see their relationship with their dogs as an opportunity for personal development. They get vulnerable during this episode and share how their dogs have presented growth opportunities in not-so-ideal ways. They present innovative thoughts about incorporating this work into the training process and encourage listeners to think beyond dog training.

    Annika McDade is the Founder of Canine Connection Training, a well-recognized, Vancouver-based dog training company. She is a triple-certified Behaviour Consultant and Human Coach with a passion for facilitating a conscious connection between dogs and their people. Her greatest desire is to dive deeper into supporting the human end of the leash. Annika combines a unique balance of science-based knowledge, self-development, and spiritual curiosity when working with clients.

  • In episode 74, Marissa Martino interviews Tom Candy about shelter dogs that experience frustration. They discuss the 3 R's - Risk assessment, Reduce (management strategies), and Resolve (behavior modification and teaching skills). Tom provides examples of interventions that he and his team implement to reduce a dog's stress level in the shelter environment.

    A passion for animal welfare and training led Tom to undertake a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in bio-veterinary science and a Master of Science degree in clinical animal behavior from the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom.

    Since graduating, Tom has been working at Dogs Trust as a training and behavior advisor, eventually working in seven rehoming centers before being promoted to senior training and behavior advisor, where he supports the training and behavior teams across the southwest United Kingdom. Tom is responsible for supporting and advising managers and training and behavior advisors on matters relating to behavioral concerns, and for helping to promote higher levels of welfare for dogs.


    Tom is a Certified clinical animal behaviorist with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council in the United Kingdom, and a Certified canine behavior consultant and Certified shelter behavior specialist with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

  • In episode 73, Marissa Martino interviews Lisa Mullinax to discuss stranger-directed aggression. Lisa defines the difference between reactivity and aggression. She talks about the reasons why these cases are high stakes and how to support both the dog and the client. Lisa also shares how she builds custom behavior plans for ultimate success.

    Lisa Mullinax is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She utilizes positive reinforcement strategies with all dogs and adapts the lessons and exercises to each dog, depending on their needs. Lisa helps dogs and their humans overcome training and behavior challenges through the use of practical, positive strategies.

    Lisa previously managed the behavior programs at Seattle Humane and Denver Dumb Friends League, developed a new behavior program for the Sacramento SPCA, and consulted for multiple animal shelters throughout Northern California.

  • In episode 72, Marissa Martino interviews Allie Bender of Pet Harmony to discuss the nuanced skill of building successful training plans for our clients and their beloved dogs. During this episode, they discuss why sustainable training plans are so important, the common mistakes most trainers make, and how to collaborate with the client for additional success.

    Allie Bender, CDBC, CPDT-KA, SBA is the founder and co-owner of Pet Harmony Animal Behavior & Training, co-author of Canine Enrichment for the Real World, and co-host of the Enrichment for the Real World Podcast. Through Pet Harmony, Allie helps pets who display maladaptive behaviors and their people have a more harmonious household all over the world. She also empowers and educates other current and aspiring behavior professionals to provide outstanding services to their clients.

  • In episode 71, Marissa Martino interviews Dr. Sophie Liu about cooperative care, a process offering choice and agency to our animals when it comes to training for husbandry procedures. Marissa and Dr. Liu met through a mutual client who needed support for her dog in a veterinary setting. During this episode, they break down the training process as best they can so the listeners can imagine how to try this at home. They discuss how and why they make certain training decisions along the way in the hopes of highlighting their thought process to answer pressing questions most clients have.

    Dr. Sophie Liu is a veterinarian practicing behavior medicine and is a passionate dog trainer and sports competitor. She provides behavior consultations through her business, Oakland Canine, and she currently shares her life with 2 Dobermans, 1 Taiwan rescue dog, and a very patient husband.

  • In episode 70, Marissa Martino connects with Brooke Nielson, a licensed therapist, writer, speaker, and teacher on the topic of Highly Sensitive People, and in this case, Highly Sensitive Pet Parents. Brooke explains what the Highly Sensitive Person is, the research behind the term, and the characteristics that people may embody if they identify this way. They also discuss how this may impact your relationship with your dogs (and others) in both positive and challenging ways. Brooke's goal is to help people embrace these qualities and utilize this knowledge to understand themselves and their needs.

  • In episode 69, Marissa Martino interviews her dear friend, Sarah Stremming of the Cognitive Canine on the topic of balancing welfare and training for our dogs. Spoiler alert, Sarah feels strongly that both meeting your dog's needs and teaching them high-level training skills are equally as important. Sarah discusses how teaching these skills can increase both the dog's and the pet parent's welfare - making that a win-win for everyone!

  • In episode 68, Marissa Martino interviews Jenni Pfafman, a certified behavior consultant, on how she teaches her clients to have a joyful, rock-solid recall. Jenni lives in Crested Butte, Colorado, where almost every pet parent is active on trails and wants off-leash reliability and a whiplash recall. This episode covers the many concepts Jenni teaches her clients so they view the world through their dog's perspective to set everyone up for training success. They also dive into the many exercises Jenni teaches her clients to get that fast, joyful recall we're all looking for!

  • In episode 67, Marissa Martino interviews Karin Pienaar, of the The Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE). During the episode, Marissa asks Karin about her new book, Mood Matters: MHERA: An Innovative Assessment Approach to Animal Emotionality in the Treatment of Behaviour Problems. Karin defines emotions and the 7 emotional systems. Karin shares her framework, MHERA, which is an acronym that stands for: Mood State, Hedonic Budget, Emotional, and Reinforcement Assessments.

    Karin has been working in the field of animal behavior therapy since 1997 and completed her Diploma in Animal Behaviour in the UK with The Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE).

    After more than 20 years of consulting with dog and cat owners, Karin now focuses mainly on managing The Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE) International, presenting the COAPE Diplomas and MHERATM Practitioners course, as well as lecturing and mentoring students.

    She heads the Enrichment Partnership Program between COAPE International and several captive wildlife facilities, where she and her team develop enrichment programs to promote the behavioral and emotional health of animals, as well as implement consent-based training to facilitate stress-free husbandry and medical procedures in captive wildlife.