Join me in the first of my two-part interview with expert animal trainer Laura Monaco Torelli about making veterinary visits and grooming sessions less stressful for your furry friends. Laura and I dive into understanding dog body language, creating positive experiences, and the vital role of communication between pet parents, vets, and groomers.Show Notes:In this episode, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Laura Monaco Torelli, an expert animal trainer, who shares her wisdom on understanding your Doodle's needs and stress signals.We discuss how to help your Doodle enjoy a positive experience at the vet by observing their body language and using positive reinforcement techniques.Laura emphasizes the importance of trust between pet owners, veterinarians, and groomers to ensure successful and stress-free visits.We talk about not rushing through the process and staying mindful of your Doodle's stress levels during grooming or vet visits.Laura shares insights on identifying potential stressors for your Doodle and implementing strategies to address them.We highlight the value of visual illustrations and handouts in educating pet owners about their Doodle's body language and stress signals.Laura and I explore the concept of "get it done" and how to balance the needs and wants of your Doodle during grooming or vet visits.We discuss the importance of collaborating with your Doodle's groomer and vet to create a plan that supports your dog's wellbeing and reduces stress.Lastly, we delve into alternative approaches, such as requesting outdoor exams or video snippets, to minimize stress for both you and your Doodle.Catch part two of our conversation on episode #48.Learn more from Laura at https://www.lauramonacotorelli.com/Do you know your doodle's learning style? Take our free quiz to find out and make training together easier and more fun! Visit https://thedoodlepro.com/learning now!Visit instagram.com/thedoodlepro for behind-the-scenes peeks at the doodles Corinne works with daily!

In this episode of the Doodle Pro Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tonya Lim, the Doggy Doula™ at Family Pupz. Tonya specializes in helping families prepare their dogs for the arrival of a new baby. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:During the first trimester of pregnancy, Tonya suggests starting to think about what changes may need to be made to your dog's routine and behavior in order to prepare them for the new addition to the family. This could include introducing new commands or behaviors, such as teaching your dog to stay off of furniture or creating a designated space for them in the home.In the second trimester, Tonya recommends focusing on helping your dog adjust to new equipment or changes in the home, such as baby gates or swings. It's important to anticipate potential behaviors that may be triggered by these changes, such as a dog becoming fixated on a moving swing, and work on training them to engage in alternate behaviors instead.As the due date approaches, Tonya emphasizes the importance of creating a plan for the dog's care during labor and delivery, as well as for the first few weeks after the baby arrives. This could include having a friend or family member available to care for the dog, or arranging for them to stay at a boarding facility.When it comes to introducing the dog to the new baby, Tonya suggests starting slowly and keeping the baby elevated and away from the dog's reach. It's important to closely monitor the dog's behavior and provide positive reinforcement for good behavior.Throughout the entire process, Tonya emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the dog's emotional well-being and being aware of any signs of stress or anxiety. By planning ahead and taking steps to prepare your dog for the new addition to the family, you can help ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.If you're expecting a baby and need help preparing your dog, Tonya offers virtual doggy doula services through Family Pupz. Listeners of the Doodle Pro Podcast can receive a discount on consultations with the promo code THEDOODLEPRO.Thanks for listening to this episode of the Doodle Pro Podcast! Don't forget to rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow me on Instagram at @thedoodlepro for more cute doodle content.Do you know your doodle's learning style? Take our free quiz to find out and make training together easier and more fun! Visit https://thedoodlepro.com/learning now!Visit instagram.com/thedoodlepro for behind-the-scenes peeks at the doodles Corinne works with daily!

Did you know that dog bites are amongst the most common form of injuries among children in the United States? As a dog trainer, I've seen firsthand how this can happen even in households with loving and well-behaved pets and children. That's why it's important for parents to be aware of the risks and take steps to keep their children safe.During this episode, I was joined by Tanya Lim, a Doggy Doula at Family Pupz who specializes in working with expecting families and new parents to help prepare their dogs for the arrival of a new baby. Together, we discussed the importance of recognizing dog body language and understanding the potential risks associated with young children and dogs interacting.One of the key takeaways from our discussion was that many dog bites actually occur in the home, and often involve a family pet that is familiar to the child. This can happen when children engage in behaviors that make the dog uncomfortable or when the dog is feeling stressed or overwhelmed. As parents, it's our responsibility to teach our children how to interact with dogs in a safe and respectful way.Tanya and I also discussed the myth that certain breeds are more likely to bite than others. The truth is, any dog can bite under the right circumstances. That's why it's important to focus on individual dogs and their behavior, rather than making assumptions based on breed.To help prevent dog bites, Tanya shared some of her tips for preparing dogs for the arrival of a new baby. This includes introducing the dog to baby-related sounds and smells, creating a safe space for the dog to retreat to, and setting boundaries for how the dog and child should interact. By taking these steps early on, parents can help ensure a smooth transition for everyone in the household.Overall, this was an important conversation that I hope will help raise awareness about the risks of dog bites and the steps parents can take to keep their children safe. If you'd like to hear more from Tanya about her step-by-step plan for preparing dogs for a new baby, be sure to tune in to our next episode. And as always, don't forget to rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform!Grab Tanya's Free 5-Day Leash Reactivity Email Course A starter training plan to help manage, reduce, and eliminate your dog’s leash reactivity at https://www.familypupz.com/free-leash-reactivity-courseDo you know your doodle's learning style? Take our free quiz to find out and make training together easier and more fun! Visit https://thedoodlepro.com/learning now!Visit instagram.com/thedoodlepro for behind-the-scenes peeks at the doodles Corinne works with daily!

I recently had the fantastic opportunity to chat with the delightful Dr. Zazie Todd, an expert in dog psychology, canine behavior, and positive reinforcement dog training. Her enthusiasm for strengthening the bond between pets and their humans is genuinely infectious! She shares her wisdom on pet-friendly training methods, dog behavior science, and animal welfare in an engaging, supportive, and non-judgmental manner, truly believing that providing quality information can help people improve their relationships with their dogs and lead to happier lives for all.Our conversation focused on the importance of acknowledging that dogs and other animals have emotions and are sentient beings. Dr. Todd's insightful book, "Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy," offers practical advice for enhancing your dog's well-being and deepening your bond with them through evidence-based dog training techniques. We chatted about the significance of offering positive experiences for dogs and understanding the science behind their behavior.We touched on the value of positive reinforcement in dog training, highlighting how it is essential to avoid aversive techniques. Our discussion also covered the development of the five domains model of animal welfare and the heartwarming connection between humans and their canine companions.Dr. Todd emphasized the importance of using reward-based methods, like treat training, when working with dogs, noting that aversive techniques can have negative effects on a dog's welfare and the relationship between the dog and their guardian.Throughout our conversation, we covered various topics, including understanding your dog's preferences for treats, addressing dogs with sensitive stomachs, and sharing tips for training outdoors. We also emphasized the significance of consistent practice in helping dogs become fluent in a behavior and the vital role that early socialization plays in a puppy's life.Dr. Todd underscored the importance of socializing puppies during their sensitive period, even with vaccination concerns in mind. She mentioned that the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends good puppy classes for puppies aged seven to eight weeks. These classes should provide positive experiences with a variety of people, animals, objects, and surfaces, helping puppies grow into friendly, happy, and confident adult dogs while preventing potential behavior issues.In conclusion, my enlightening conversation with Dr. Zazie Todd shed light on the importance of understanding dog psychology, canine behavior, and adopting positive reinforcement dog training techniques to strengthen the bond between pets and their guardians. By providing positive experiences for dogs, acknowledging their emotions, and using reward-based training methods, we can contribute to their overall well-being and happiness.  Let's embrace Dr. Todd's valuable insights and work together to create a happier, brighter future for our beloved furry companions, fostering a deeper connection and lifelong bond with our canine friends.Follow Dr. Todd at https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/Do you know your doodle's learning style? Take our free quiz to find out and make training together easier and more fun! Visit https://thedoodlepro.com/learning now! Test your Doodle Body Language knowledge with our FREE quiz!https://thedoodlepro.com/bodyVisit instagram.com/thedoodlepro for behind-the-scenes peeks at the doodles Corinne works with daily!

In this week's episode, my guest Dr. Em from Vet Med Corner, shares doggone great advice on how to keep your Doodle healthy and happy. With science-based tips, including assessing prescription dog food and maintaining a healthy weight, Dr. Em provides long-term solutions to keep even the most finicky eaters on track for optimal health. Host Corinne Gearhart's remaining Top Ten questions about how to nourish our Doodles are answered, providing invaluable insights for keeping your furry friend fit, strong, and most importantly, happy! So, grab your pup, put on your headphones, and tune in to this paw-some episode!Question #5: Where Should We Go for Reputable, Reliable Advice?Question #6: What are some of the highlights from WSAVA.org’s guidelines?Question #7: Is “Human-Grade” Dogfood Special?Question #8: How Can I Get My Doodle to Eat the Right Food?Question #9: Is It Okay to Use Meal “Toppers”?Challenge #10: How Do I Figure Out Exactly How Much I Should Feed My Doodle?QUOTABLE:“The majority of experts will agree on the majority of things. If you find a lone voice going against the majority of experts, the likelihood of them being correct is incredibly low.” (Dr. Em)“What you see in a (dog food) ingredient list doesn’t necessarily equate to what’s being absorbed ...” (Corinne)“The ingredient list really has very little correlation to the quality of pet food … What really matters is the bioavailability and your pet’s ability to absorb into their bodies the nutrients that those ingredients are made up of.” (Dr. Em)“We practice positive reinforcement and force-free training methods. I’m not hearing not to use food in training, but I’m going to be planning … and using that kibble purposefully throughout the day, raising the value of nutritious food and mixing it in.” (Corinne)“The prescription weight loss formulas help to maintain muscle mass while helping (dogs) lose fat.” (Dr. Em)RELEVANT LINKS/RESOURCES:Pt 1 of our interview on Ep #42More of Dr. Em’s thought leadership and link available here.Read Petfoodology, the comprehensive pet nutrition blog published by Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.Learn about the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.Calorie CalculatorDo you know your doodle's learning style? Take our free quiz to find out and make training together easier and more fun! Visit https://thedoodlepro.com/learning now! Test your Doodle Body Language knowledge with our FREE quiz!https://thedoodlepro.com/bodyVisit instagram.com/thedoodlepro for behind-the-scenes peeks at the doodles Corinne works with daily!