Dogs Unknown

Latest Episodes:

Glorified Cattle? May 22, 2023

Show notes

We often state that dogs are family, but are they? We navigate a frank, sometimes uncomfortable discussion about the strange dual role of pet dogs, simultaneously cast as family members and captive animals.
We discuss:
- Do you consider your own dogs to be family members?
- Do dogs have family responsibilities?
- What are the benefits to dogs of viewing them as family members?
- What are the downsides to calling dogs family members, and are we doing dogs a disservice by calling them this?
- Are there alternate ways of viewing our relationship with dogs that feel more appropriate?
Guests:
- Jessica Schulte CDBC, CPDT-KA is the Director of Behavior & Training at INSTINCT East Harlem in NYC.
- Lauren Spratlin CPDT-KA, is a Certified Trainer at INSTINCT Nashville.
Hosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.
INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 19,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/
INSTINCT Resources:
Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com
Free Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/
Youtube Version of the Episode (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akdxhtOQSfk

Separation Anxiety Demystified with Malena DeMartini and VB's Dr. Chris Pachel and Dr. Emily Levine May 15, 2023

Show notes

Today's episode is all about separation anxiety in dogs. This is absolutely one of the most common reasons that folks might reach out to a dog behavior professional for help. It's also one of the issues that can be truly one of the most stressful (and sometimes feel debilitating) and can have a big negative impact on welfare on both ends of the leash.
Despite it being a really common issue, separation anxiety is often a little bit misunderstood when it comes both to the factors that can contribute to why it's happening in the first place and also the ways to treat it or help improve it.
So today we are very privileged to be joined by a powerhouse guest lineup to help us clear up some of these misconceptions about separation anxiety and share with listeners more about what it really is, why it happens, and paths to move forward.

We discuss:
- What is Separation Anxiety (and what it isn't)
- Causes of Separation Anxiety (perceived and actual)
- Prevalence in Separation Anxiety in companion dogs
- Treatment/Intervention options
- Common derailers of progress
- Success rates and timelines
- How to get started
Guests:
- Malena DeMartini-Price is renowned in the dog training world for her expertise in dog separation anxiety issues. She is the author of the books Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs, as well as Separation Anxiety in Dogs – Next-Generation Treatment Protocols and Practices. She is also the founder of the Separation Anxiety Training Certificate Program (CSAT).

- Dr. Chris Pachel DACVB (Veterinary Behaviorist), Co-Founder and Co-Owner of INSTINCT Portland and Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland.
- Dr. Emily Levine DACVB (Veterinary Behaviorist), Co-Founder and Co-Owner of INSTINCT NJ/PA and Animal Behavior Clinic of NJ
Hosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.
INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 19,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/
INSTINCT Resources:
Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com
Free Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/
Youtube Version of the Episode (video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3xJy2GB3Ec

I Don't Like My Dog May 08, 2023

Show notes

When we get a dog, we generally expect to fall madly in love and experience this instant, one-of-a-kind connection with them.
But what happens when you and your dog just don’t mesh? How do you form a positive relationship with a dog who you - truthfully - just don’t like very much?
In today's episode, we tackle this semi-taboo topic to explore the reasons WHY you may find yourself disliking your current dog, and what you can do to build (or rebuild) a positive bond.
Guests:
- Dr. Chris Pachel DACVB (Veterinary Behaviorist), Co-Founder and Co-Owner of INSTINCT Portland and Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland
- Ayelet Berger CDBC, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of INSTINCT Nashville
- Lauren Jones-Wenzel, CDBC, Certified Behavior Consultant at INSTINCT NJ and INSTINCT Philadelphia
Hosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.
INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 18,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/
INSTINCT Resources:
Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com
Free Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/
Youtube Version of the Podcast Episode with Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Siqs8BmVWGQ
Locations (all locations service the global community via virtual consults): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/locations/

Behavior Therapy: Behind the Curtain Part 2 (The Behavior Consultants) May 01, 2023

Show notes

This is Part 2 of "Behavior Therapy: Behind the Curtain". In Part 1, we had clients discuss what the behavior journey is like from their side. Today we flip the script and talk to some of our most experienced behavior consultants across INSTINCT to better understand what they do, and what can set you and your dog up for success.
We discuss
- What are common misconceptions about behavior consulting?
- What tends to make clients successful in their behavior journey with their dog?
- What are traits or beliefs that clients have that can make progress more challenging?
- What are the types of cases that keep them up at night?
- Why do these behavior consultants choose to do what they do?
Our goal for this episode was to give people hope if they are currently struggling, while also peeling back the curtain to see what this journey actually looks like. We strongly recommend listening to both Part 1 and Part 2.
Guests:
Jessica Wheatcraft CDBC, Founder of INSTINCT San Diego
Ayelet Berger CDBC, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of INSTINCT Nashville
Dr. Caroline Spark CDBC, Co-FOunder and Co-Owner of INSTINCT Portland OR.
Hosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.
INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 18,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/
INSTINCT Resources:
Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com
Free Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/
Youtube Version of the Podcast Episode with Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od3WW3aI0cw
Locations (all locations service the global community via virtual consults): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/locations/

Behavior Therapy: Behind the Curtain Part 1 (The Client Journey) Apr 24, 2023

Show notes

This may be our most important Dogs Unknown episode to date. We are joined by INSTINCT clients Stephanie Chen and Jessica Arnold, who have worked through (and continue to work through) complex behavior challenges with their dogs Nimbus and Nova in Manhattan, NYC.
We discuss
- What they were feeling prior to reaching out for help, and what prompted them to seek professional guidance.
- How the process was different than what they were expecting
- What were some of the major challenges and hurdles
- What did they learn from the process
- What advice would they give themselves if they were just starting out (or to people who are just starting or are on a behavior journey with their dog).
Our goal for this episode was to give people hope if they are currently struggling, while also peeling back the curtain to see what this journey actually looks like.
Hosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.
INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 18,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/
INSTINCT Resources:
Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com
Free Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/
Youtube Version of the Podcast Episode with Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9aPBvN1sYs
Locations (all locations service the global community via virtual consults): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/locations/

The Struggle Bus Apr 17, 2023

Show notes

Have you found yourself on The Struggle Bus with your dog? Or are you currently on it? Whether it's normal (but sometimes challenging) puppy stuff, behavior challenges, a newly adopted dog, or an older dog that has changed recently, it's easy to find ourselves on The Struggle Bus, and it can be difficult to find a way to get off.
Today we discuss why you are not alone if you are on The Struggle Bus, how to use it as an opportunity to get curious rather than get control, how to be kind to yourself, important tips for the right mindset to move forward, and how to deal with sometimes challenging comments/behaviors from family and friends.
Our guest today is Megan Ores-Uhrich, Co-Owner of Instinct St. Louis who brings her wealth of experience in behavior consulting and dog training to provide additional input to this conversation.
Hosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.
INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Over 18,000 students have also taken courses at INSTINCT's online school (with many free courses available): Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/
INSTINCT Resources:
Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com
Free Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/
Youtube Version of the Podcast Episode with Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wixy4GaSYcE
Locations (all locations service the global community via virtual consults): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/locations/

Dog Parks: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly Apr 10, 2023

Show notes

Today we’re talking about Dog Parks: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (cue the scary music).
Among dog training professionals, opinions on dog parks vary greatly. And for many owners, using a dog park can often feel like a necessity, and/or it can sometimes feel scary to use.
So today we discuss the risks with dog parks, when it's appropriate to use them, and how can you increase the likelihood that your dog will have a fun and safe experience.
Our guests to help us navigate this conversation today are Trina Walsh, part owner of Instinct East Harlem (and East Harlem's resident dog-dog expert), and Megan Coryat, CDBC who is the owner of Instinct Hudson Valley (prior to Instinct Hudson Valley, she owned the Manhattan dog daycare, Doggedly Devoted).
Hosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.
INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/ . You can also check out Instinct's Online School, which has over 18,000 enrolees, for a variety of online courses.
INSTINCT Resources:
Online School https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com
Free Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars/
Audio format found on Apple Music, Spotify, Google Podcasts or at our link here: https://dogsunknown.buzzsprout.com/
Locations (all locations service the global community via virtual consults): https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/locations/

MISMATCH: Conflict Resolution Styles Apr 03, 2023

Show notes

Today we’re covering a topic that applies to EVERYONE who shares their home with a dog - whether it’s a brand new puppy, a totally happy-go-lucky, loves-everyone-and-everything dog, or a dog with fear, anxiety, or aggression issues.

We’re talking about CONFLICT that arises in your relationship with your dog - and more specifically, we’re talking about how your dog (and you) approaches conflict and tries to resolve it.
Conflict is a normal and unavoidable part of any relationship - including the relationship between you and your dog (and, if you have a multi-dog household, the relationship between your two dogs).
It becomes a problem when the strategies used by an individual (or individuals) to try to resolve the problem are physically or emotionally harmful to the other party.
Within our Nature Driven Nurture framework, we identify FOUR main conflict resolution styles that dogs use to try to deal with conflict when it arises - both with humans, and with other dogs.
- Those include Peacemakers, Ostriches, Warriors, and Tasmanian Devils
Understanding your dog’s conflict resolution style (and reflecting on your own!) is a huge piece of the puzzle when it comes to maintaining a peaceful household, and to protecting the relationship between you and your dog, or between the dogs in your household

Hosts Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser are Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of INSTINCT Dog Behavior & Training. Both are Certified Dog Behavior Consultants and have Master's degrees in Animal Behavior from Hunter College/CUNY.
INSTINCT has 11 locations across the US and services the global community via virtual consults. Learn more at https://www.instinctdogtraining.com
INSTINCT Resources:

Online School
Free Monthly Seminars (Puppy Parenting Roadmap, Rescue Dog Roadmap, Behavior Roadmap)
YouTube Channel (video episodes of the podcast)
Locations (all locations service the global community via virtual consults)

Does Breed Matter? Reaction to Dog Breed and Behavior Study May 02, 2022

Show notes

Brian and Sarah react to the recent study on dog breed and behavior which has caused some controversy in the dog world. Brian and Sarah both have graduate degrees in Animal Behavior and bring a neutral, nuanced take on the results. Both were also listed in the acknowledgments section of the paper as they were on the original brainstorming team for the owner survey questions.
If you have mixed feelings about this research, you are not alone, and we hope this helps you process the results.
The study: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abk0639?fbclid=IwAR2oVInOjq0bjZ4SJU9TsCZOb1XqI3P_hiEmtqdCVBjYyO7kjM4_TNtmVOc
Twitter thread by one of the authors (Dr. Elinor Karlsson): https://twitter.com/eenork/status/1520450288095797251
The Atlantic article: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2022/04/dog-breed-personality-characteristics/629707/
New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/28/science/dogs-breed-behavior-genes.html
Popular Science: https://www.popsci.com/science/biggest-myth-about-dog-breeds/
NPR: https://www.npr.org/2022/04/28/1095390872/dog-breeds-behavior-study

Canine Life Stages: Common Nurture Mistakes Apr 07, 2022

Show notes

Today we have Sarah Fraser back to talk about the common pitfalls and things overlooked during the different phases of your dog’s life; we cover puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, and the golden senior years. If you have a young dog, you’ll want to listen to the entire episode. If you have an older dog, you can see the timestamps for the various stages in the episode notes below, but it certainly is helpful to listen to these earlier stages and reflect on you and your dog's time during these years.

If you would like to learn more about life stages and how other areas of your dog’s nature can shape how you best nurture them, you can register for our Nature-Driven Nurture course, which can be purchased at https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com/course/nature-driven-nurture and includes a private Facebook group and bi-weekly drop-in QAs for additional support with Brian Burton, Sarah Fraser, and occasionally owners/trainers of the various Instinct locations.

Sarah is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Instinct Dog Training and has a Master’s degree in animal behavior from Hunter College at the City University of New York.
Note: We will also upload the video recording on our Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/InstinctDogBehaviorTrainingLLC/videos
Episode Timestamps:

04:16 Puppyhood

34:19 Adolescence

52:00 Adulthood

1:05:04 Senior Dogs
Resources:

Nature-Driven Nurture Course: https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com/course/nature-driven-nurture

Puppy Resources

6 Reasons Your Puppy Is Biting You: https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/6-reasons-your-puppy-is-biting-you/

How to Potty Train Your Puppy: https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/how-to-potty-train-your-puppy/

AVSAB Position Statement on Puppy Socialization: https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Puppy_Socialization_Position_Statement_Download_-_10-3-14.pdf

Adolescence Resources

Navigating Adolescence: https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/canine-teenagers-navigating-early-adolescence-with-your-growing-pup/

DogLab episode “The Teenage Dog”: https://doglab.buzzsprout.com/815920/4579442-the-teenage-phase-adolescent-dog-with-dr-naomi-harvey

Adult Dogs:

Interaction Between Medication Issues and Behavior: https://doglab.buzzsprout.com/815920/4675163-the-sticky-interaction-between-medical-issues-and-behavior-with-dr-chris-pachel

Senior Dog Resources

Instinct Programs for Senior Dogs: https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/expertise/senior-dogs/

AAHA Pain Management Review: https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/pain-management/2015_aaha_aafp_pain_management_guidelines_for_dogs_and_cats.pdf

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