Pod to the Rescue

Latest Episodes:

How to Introduce Dogs to Cats, Chickens & Other Animals (Without Things Going Wrong) May 27, 2026

Show notes

Struggling to introduce your dog to your cat, chickens, or other animals?

In this episode of Pod to the Rescue, we break down exactly how to safely integrate dogs with other species—using the same science-backed methods zoos use for big cats.

Our guest, Sarah Dugger, is a behavior consultant with experience training everything from household pets to Amur leopards and mountain lions. And the surprising truth? The principles are the same.

You’ll learn:

How to introduce dogs to cats safely
What to do if your dog fixates or chases
How to manage introductions with chickens or livestock
Why “they’ll work it out” can go very wrong

If you’re bringing home a new dog—or already struggling with multi-pet dynamics—this episode will give you a clear, humane roadmap.

Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

Pattern Games in Real Life: How to Use Control Unleashed with Your Dog Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

Pattern games are one of the most powerful (and underused) tools in modern dog training—and in this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to use them in real life.

Following our conversation with Control Unleashed creator Leslie McDevitt, Emily, Jenni, and Libby dive into the *practical* application of pattern games with rescue dogs, foster dogs, and client cases.

We cover:

What pattern games actually do in your dog’s brain
Why predictability is critical for rescue dogs
How to use games as an emotional barometer
Real-life examples with fearful, reactive, and overwhelmed dogs

You’ll learn how to implement:

Up/Down for grounding and check-ins
Ping Pong for movement and energy release
1-2-3 for navigating overwhelming environments
Look At That for changing emotional responses

We also explore why these aren’t “just distractions”—they’re tools for building skills, resilience, and communication.

If you’ve ever felt like your dog is overwhelmed, reactive, or struggling to adjust, this episode gives you actionable ways to support them!

Links and Resources

Resilience Rainbow: https://journal.iaabcfoundation.org/the-resilience-rainbow/

Train Me Please on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/trainmeplease

Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/

Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/

Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/

Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

Pattern Games for Reactive & Rescue Dogs with Leslie McDevitt | Building Calm, Confidence & Resilience Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

What if helping a stressed or reactive dog didn’t start with obedience—but with predictability?

In this episode of Pod to the Rescue, we’re joined by renowned trainer Leslie McDevitt, creator of the Control Unleashed program, to explore how Pattern Games can transform the lives of shelter, rescue, and pet dogs alike.

These simple, repeatable exercises help dogs process their environment, reduce anxiety, and build resilience—whether they’re navigating a chaotic shelter, adjusting to a foster home, or learning to walk calmly through the world.

We break down some of Leslie’s most powerful games—like the 1-2-3 game, Up/Down, Give Me a Break, and LATTE—and explain how they:

Reduce reactivity and overwhelm
Build trust between dogs and humans
Teach calm behavior without pressure
Help dogs generalize skills across environments

If you work with rescue dogs—or love one who struggles with the world—this episode is packed with practical, compassionate tools you can start using today.

Links and Next Steps:

On-Demand Webinars from Leslie McDevitt

Leslie’s Friends of Control Unleashed Facebook Group

Lick and Learn

Connect With Us:

Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/

Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/

Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/

Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

How to Potty Train a Puppy or Rescue Dog (Without Losing Your Mind) Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

Potty training is one of the biggest challenges for new dog adopters—but even “house trained” dogs can have accidents in a new home.

In this episode, professional dog trainers Emily and Libby break down how to potty train puppies and rescue dogs using science-based methods, including management strategies, reinforcement timing, and realistic expectations.

Learn why dogs have accidents, how to prevent them, and how to build reliable potty habits without punishment.

Click to download the free potty training log!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why even “house trained” rescue dogs often have accidents
The puppy potty schedule that sets dogs up for success
What to do if your dog won’t pee or poop after adoption

The role of stress, parasites, and medical issues in accidents

Why punishment can make potty problems worse

🎙️ Connect With Us:

Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/
Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/
Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/
Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

The Science of Behavior: How Dogs Actually Learn with Dr. Susan Friedman Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

What do we really mean when we say “behavior”?

In this powerful kickoff to Season 6 of Pod to the Rescue, we’re joined by world-renowned behavior scientist Dr. Susan Friedman, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Utah State University and founder of Behavior Works.

Together, we explore:

Why behavior is an evolved adaptation
The truth about reinforcement and punishment
Why “scolding” isn’t necessary for learning
How to build a “trust account” with your dog
The ABC model (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence)
Why confidence is a label—and what it actually looks like
Errorless learning and how to reduce mistakes in training
How positive reinforcement builds resilience

Whether you're a new adopter, foster, shelter professional, or trainer, this episode will fundamentally change the way you see behavior.

Because rescuing the dog is just the first step.

Follow Dr. Friedman’s Behavior Works page on Facebook and check out her website: https://behaviorworks.org/
Connect With Us:Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for weekly behavior insights

Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/

Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/

Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/

Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

Happy Holidays with Your Rescue Pets Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

You have a new foster or adopted pet, and the holidays are here. What next? In this episode, Emily and Libby walk you through the steps to take to make sure your new furry family member is safe and happy while you celebrate.

You'll learn:

Why holidays can be stressful and confusing for our dogs (and cats!)
The Off Duty Hack by Kim Brophey, which helps your dog understand what to do when guests come over
How to know how much your dog can handle
Why this time of year is tough on rescues and shelters — and how you can help

REPLAY: Smarter Training & Trusty Reinforcement with Kathy Sdao Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

This week, Emily and Libby speak with Kathy Sdao of Bright Spot Dog Training. Sdao’s accessible training technique to help our dogs fit into our human world, and this conversation is lively and full of both science and heart; evidence and experience. Some topics discussed are:

How to take training out of the science theory realm into the practical, accessible world of humans training their dog

Helping resolve dogs anxiety by using reinforcers
How her work with Marine mammals influences her training approach
Human praise as payment - does it work or not?
How the Smart x 50 technique can be adapted to a shelter environment

Kathy has been passionate about animal training ever since she quit a good job to move halfway around the world to train dolphins at the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory at the University of Hawaii.

Now, 35 years later, she offers her expertise as an applied animal behaviorist to dog owners in Washington State and across the world, to seminar and webinar audiences and to professional training organizations. Kathy has taught 300 seminars, workshops, conferences and webinars; many of these presentations have been professionally recorded and are available for purchase. Kathy’s training philosophy and advice is summarized in her book, Plenty in Life is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace.

For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com

Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.

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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

REPLAY: Canine Adolescence with Sarah Stremming Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Canine Adolescence is the transition from puppyhood to adulthood. This fascinating conversation with Sarah Stremming, who is a dog behavior coach and the host of the Cog Dog Podcast, addresses this pivotal age of young dogs. Sarah, Emily, and Libby discuss adolescent canine behavior and how to most effectively observe and address behaviors to nurture confident, healthy dogs. They also discuss:

How dogs’ responses to environments and caregivers can change during this transitional period
Some of the difficulties this transition period can create for adolescent dogs
How to best support the dog through these transitional changes
How we can work with dogs experiencing threat
Sarah’s approach to using food when a threat is present

Sarah is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant of nearly two decades, and has 25 years experience of competing in dog sports. You can find Sarah and her online courses at http://www.sarahstremming.com.

Your Dog's Friend

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXYsg9X4m6E

Calm Canine Academy : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mcZ_HoxeSc

Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/

Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/

Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/

Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

REPLAY: Deconstructing Aggressive Behavior with Michael Shikashio Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

We are thrilled to present today’s guest, Michael Shikashio. Michael is a world-renowned expert on dog aggression and has an incredible wealth of information he generously shares, which is helpful for owners, rescuers, and trainers alike.

In this conversation, Michael, Emily and Libby define aggression, discuss the ways aggression can present in different dogs (and the different levels of assessing their aggression), and so much more. Make sure to listen to the full episodes, as Michael drops important gems throughout the episode.

Michael is an internationally sought out speaker on the topic of aggression - has mentored and presented to thousands of animal professionals. He is the Founder of the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, teaches trainers and consultants in over 25 countries on how to work with aggression cases, and has been featured in countless media, including the New York Times, the New York Post, Web MD, and Women’s Health.

Michael Shikashio’s website: https://aggressivedog.com/
Fear Free: https://fearfreepets.com/ and https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants: https://m.iaabc.org/
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers: https://www.ccpdt.org/
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists: https://www.dacvb.org/

🎙️ Connect With Us:

Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/
Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/
Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/
Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

Fireworks and Thunderstorms: Keeping Your Dog Safe and Happy All Summer Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

July 4th can be terrifying for pets — especially dogs with noise sensitivities. Fireworks and thunderstorms trigger stress, fear, and sometimes dangerous flight responses in our four-legged friends. In this live mini episode, we talk about why dogs are afraid of fireworks and thunder, how to recognize signs of fear (even the subtle ones!), and strategies for keeping pets calm and safe.You’ll learn how to spot canine stress signals, understand dog body language during loud events, what calming dog products work for us. We’ll also debunk the myth that comforting your scared dog makes things worse, because it doesn’t!Plus, we share what we’re doing this weekend to prep our own dogs, including:

Updating microchip info and ID tags
Using white noise and calming dog music
Preparing soothing chews and frozen enrichment toys

Creating safe spaces

Whether your dog hides, trembles, or just seems “off,” this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get through the holiday weekend with less stress for everyone.To participate in Jenni's research study, reach out via her website: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/Link to Lincoln Sound Sensitivity Scale:https://ipstore.lincoln.ac.uk/product...Stress and predictability:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles...🎙️ Connect With Us:Facebook: / podtotherescue Instagram: / podtotherescue Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

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