Real Dog Talk

Unpopular Opinions in Dog Rescue Feb 19, 2025

This week on Real Dog Talk, we’re diving into the tough conversations that most people in the rescue world don’t want to talk about. Rescue work is full of heart, but it also comes with hard realities—and we’re breaking them down with complete honesty.

We know these topics can be controversial, but they need to be discussed. Our goal isn’t just to stir the pot—it’s to bring awareness, education, and real talk to the world of rescue and adoption.

How Triangle Canine Club Brings People and Pups Together Jan 22, 2025

This week on The Real Dog Talk, we’re chatting with the incredible Michelle Shaffer from Triangle Canine Club! Michelle shares all about the amazing work Triangle Canine Club does for the community, as well as the fun events they host—both with and without our furry friends. 🐶🎉

From bringing dog lovers together to making a difference in the community, you don’t want to miss this inspiring episode!

Behind the Scenes with Nicole K: Rescue, Movies, and Motivation. Dec 18, 2024

This week’s episode is a special one! One of my best friends and fellow Perfectly Imperfect Pups board member, Nicole M., took the reins and interviewed me about, well, everything. From the highs and lows of running a rescue to my favorite type of movies, no topic was off-limits.

We laughed, we reflected, and we got real about what drives me—whether it’s my passion for saving dogs or finding joy in everyday moments. This candid conversation offers a peek behind the curtain of my life, giving you a deeper look at the person behind PIPs.

Tune in for a fun, heartfelt, and honest chat that might just surprise you!

Unleashing the Mysteries of Parvovirus Myocarditis Nov 20, 2024

Love learning about unusual dog health issues? Then today’s episode is for you! Tune into Real Dog Talk as we dive into the fascinating world of parvovirus myocarditis—spoiler alert: it’s not the parvo you think you know!

With dogs there is no disability, only adaptability. Training with a hearing challenged dog. Oct 16, 2024

Join us today while we talk about training a hearing challenged dog. Training a deaf dog is not harder, it's just a little different and super easy!

Breaking the stigmas of rescues and rescue dogs. Sep 18, 2024

Let's break the stigmas of rescues and rescue dogs. Some don't adopt because they are scared all rescue dogs are broken, scared, old or not the breed they want. This is further from the truth!!!

All about Cocoa the Tour Dog - what a great story! Aug 14, 2024

Today is all about Cocoa the Tour dog, who she is and what an amazing life she has!

When is the right time to say goodbye to your best dog friend? Jul 18, 2024

Today is a tougher subject, when is it time to let your dog go. When they are sick and you have to make that tough, but kind choice, here is how I made it and some things to think about when you are facing that choice.

We talked with a grief counselor back in May of 2023, here is the link to it, it was a great episode if you are coming to this decision or if you have had to recently.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2090907/12837182

Single dog households, lets chat. Jun 19, 2024

Are dogs that are labeled as "only dogs" bad dogs? Let's chat about it and the benefits of having only one dog!

Keeping your dog safe during the summer heat. Jun 05, 2024

Even if you think you know how to, we all forget. So listen to some great tips to keep them safe. Some you may not have known or thought about!

How to pick a rescue that aligns with your values! May 22, 2024

Rescues are not all created equal. Lets chat about how to find a rescue that will be a good match for what you want and your values.

Listen to Real Dog Talk on your favorite place to listen to podcasts or at realdogtalk.org

How you can help rescues fundraise without spending any money! May 08, 2024

Why do rescues fundraise? Learn about why rescues fundraise and how you can help without donating.

We of course had to chat about our big fundraiser, PIPs Love is Art! Follow them on social,

FB: @pipsloveisart

Instagram: @pipsrescue_lia

What is the best choice for you and your dog when your dog's behavior is out of control. Apr 24, 2024

Trigger warning, this episode talks about Behavioral Euthenasia (BE). This is a bridge episode between the BE series we did back in April / May 2023 and the last episode about returning your dog to the rescue.

There are lots of steps that should be taken before considering surrendering a dog and / or behavioral euthanasia. Lets chat openly about it and what steps you can do, what you should consider and how to make those tough choices.

Returning a dog to a rescue... Apr 10, 2024

How to avoid returning a dog to a rescue or shelter, what you need to know about returning a dog and how to do it properly.

Am I The Asshole... Dog Edition Part 2! Mar 27, 2024

Join us for a fun "Am I the asshole - dog edition"! What do you think, who is the asshole in these scenarios? Head over to our social media and tell us what you think. @realdogtalkpodcast

Do This, Don't Do That - Rescue Edition Mar 13, 2024

While you may think you are helping or what you're doing is innocent, sometimes they are more hurtful than helpful. So listen to this podcast on how to alter actions to help!

Let's chat about spay and neutering your dogs and what the experts say and DON'T say! Feb 28, 2024

It's a HUGE topic of discussion in rescues, dog community and vets. But what are the experts talking about, and you would be surprised at what they are NOT talking about!

Anxiety in Dogs Feb 14, 2024

Listen to our special guest, Alex Peacock from Alex's Dog Training Program, talk about anxiety in dogs. What does anxiety look like in dogs, what you can do to help and how do trainers work with dogs to help them become less anxious! Your dog can get to a healthy mental state and not live in a constant state of anxiety. http://www.alexsdogtrainingprogram.com

Canine Influenza, what you need to know to keep your dog safe! Jan 31, 2024

Heard of the canine influenza? Want to know why it seems that it's been worse this year than the last? It seems to be all over the news nowadays - so today we are covering that topic! Dr. Cindy from Peak City Veterinary Hospital is going through it ALL with us.

Marketing your foster dog! Jan 18, 2024

Join us as we chat with Joanne Wetzel with Five Freedoms Photography. Hear about some great tips about marketing your foster dog. From photography , to video, to social media to writing their bio, so many great tips and ticks. You don't have to be a professional photographer to take great ones of your fosters, the tips she shares are for the everyday person! No amount of editing can get rid or Rue, my bulldog foster, snoring, so...sorry about that!

Fostering for a rescue! Jan 03, 2024

What is it like to foster and is it right for you? Rescues need fosters, especially right now in the Raleigh area. Listen about how to get started, what it's like, the good and bad of rescues and fostering. How can you help your community? Listen to Real Dog Talk at your favorite place to listen to podcasts or find us at realdogtalk.org

Keeping your pets safe and happy for the Holidays! Dec 20, 2023

With the holiday season comes lots of dangerous and stressful things for your pets. Here are some tips to keep your pups safe and happy for the holidays!

Happy Birthday! Dec 06, 2023

Welcome to our Birthday Episode! We turn 1 years old, can you believe it? Listen to the recap of this past year and our very first episode.
Check out @pipsrescue and @realdogtalkpodcast before Sunday December 10 for details on the birthday prize pack you could win!

Decompression, how it really should be done! Nov 15, 2023

Today we talk about a real life example of how decompression should be done and how that sets the dog up for success in their lives.

Am I The Asshole... Dog Edition! Nov 01, 2023

Join the Real Dog Talk for a "Am I The Asshole" Dog Edition! We can't wait to hear what you think about these 3 AITA stories.
Head over to @realdogtalkpodcast on Facebook and Instagram and tell us what you think.

A tail of too many homes Oct 18, 2023

What it like re-home a dog and is it really necessary. Hear about what its like for a dog to be re-homed and bounced around and some alternatives to rehoming. Some advice on how to rehome if it can’t be avoided!

Not your grandma’s dog Training! Oct 04, 2023

We are joined today by Janna Joyner of Symbio Dog Training. Hear about some really fun and impactful ways you can work and train your dog beyond simple obedience classes. Find what activities your dog would enjoy!

Check out what Janna has to offer in training: https://www.symbiodogtraining.com

Listen to Real Dog Talk at your favorite place to listen to podcasts or find us at realdogtalk.org

Littermate syndrome, what is it and why you should just say no! Sep 20, 2023

Join Nicole and Shane with Sally Said So, for a great talk about littermate syndrome. Why you shouldn’t adopt 2 pups from the same litter and if you did, what you can do to set them up for success!

When to say no Sep 06, 2023

In rescue and as a foster we have to know when to say NO! And It's important YOU understand why we need to say no, so please take a listen!

The sad story of Chewy Aug 23, 2023

What a sad story about Chewy 😥. Listen and learn !
Tell us what you want to hear on the podcast at realdogtalk.org

Advocating for your dog Aug 09, 2023

What does it mean to advocate for your dog? What are some signs your dog is stressed and how to deal with it. Listen to the Nicole's talk about learning how to speak for your dog. Listen on your favorite place to listen to podcasts or at realdogtalk.org

F*$%ing Backyard Breeders... Jul 26, 2023

Ya might want to remove the children before listening to this one...I may swear just a few times. This is less of a podcast and more of a therapy session and you are all my therapist! Rescues are friggen tired and one of the things that are making us so tired...backyard breeders and "accidental litters"! We need to put them out of business ! Learn the difference between backyard and a reputable breeder, because there are a lot! Listen on your favorite place to listen to podcasts or at realdogtalk.org

Want to know how a special needs pup would change your life? Jul 12, 2023

First - HAPPY 20th EPISODE!
Ever wonder what it's like to take on a special needs pup with no experience? Today I chat with Linden, a foster and volunteer for PIPs, who took on Nacho, everyone's favorite mobility challenged pup! Hear how easy it was to incorporate him into their day to day life. Nacho has since been adopted and he has his very own insta page: https://www.instagram.com/nachoaverageadventure/

How YOU can get involved with rescue and change the world....one dog at a time! Jun 28, 2023

Rescues NEED fosters and volunteers right now. Here are so many different ways you can help. You can help with puppies, adults, special needs and not special needs. PIPs has a few events coming up in July where you can come have a drink with PIPs and hear about us and we will answer all your questions about fostering and volunteering. Check out PIPs events page to learn more. https://www.facebook.com/pipsrescue/events/?id=100067107840635&sk=events Listen on your favorite place to listen to podcasts or at realdogtalk.org

Mental Health Awareness & Rescue Jun 14, 2023

From celebrating the successful times to letting loose. Volunteers with rescue deal with so much daily, We HAVE to spend time decompressing and recharging our batteries. Listen to some of the PIPs board talk about how they deal with the day to day stress.

With dogs there is no disability, only adaptability. Training with a vision challenged dog. May 31, 2023

Join us today with our good friend, Shane from Sally Said So dog Training, while we talk about training a vision challenged dog. Bonus material today, check out our social media sites to see videos of us practicing what we are preaching! Check out our social media @realdogtalkpodcast

How to deal with the loss of a pet. Learn some coping skills with a grief counselor May 24, 2023

We have talked in depth around behavioral euthanasia. Today, we are talking about the best way to process the loss of a pet. Beth is a double-certified Pet Loss Grief Counselor, certified Pet Chaplin, and a certified end-of-life animal companion doula. She works with individuals and families before, during, and after the loss of their beloved animal companion. She’s also known for her Instagram account @honoringouranimals where she shares daily content and tips about pet loss grief which are a unique blend of humor, compassion, and “telling it like it is.”
@honoringouranimals or website: www.honoringouranimals.com
Want to join the discussion about this, check out our NEW social Media pages: @realdogtalkpodcast @realdogtalk Or submit a form on our site: https://pipsrescue.org/realdogtalk/

Closing out our stories on behavioral euthanasia. May 17, 2023

Today we hear from Nicole, host of Real Dog Talk and founder of PIPs, talk about her experience about behavior euthanasia. It's never easy to talk about or hear about, but this subject needs to be talked about. This is the last story in our BE series. Listen to it on your favorite place to listen to podcasts or at pipsrescue.org/realdogtalk
Want to join the discussion about this, check out our NEW social Media pages: @realdogtalkpodcast @realdogtalk Or submit a form on our site: https://pipsrescue.org/realdogtalk/

3rd in our series about Behavioral Euthanasia, an emotional story May 10, 2023

Trigger Warning! Part 3 of the behavioral euthanasia series. We are joined by Diedra with an emotional conversation about how she came to the decision to behaviorally euthanize her dog. These decisions are never easy.
Want to join the discussion about this, check out our NEW social Media pages: FB @realdogtalkpodcast Instagram @realdogtalk Or submit a form on our site: https://pipsrescue.org/realdogtalk/

Let's continue our talk with part 2 of our Behavioral Euthanasia series May 03, 2023

Trigger Warning! We are continuing our series on behavioral euthenasia. Today we are talking with Natalie Freshour, who has experience with BE. She is a certified dog trainer and behaviorist and runs a rescue called Hot Mess Pooches Rescue and Sanctuary (don't ya just love this rescue name!?!) We talked with her about her experience with BE and how she counsels as a trainer / behaviorist for anyone with a dog where behavioral euthneatia is a possibility. We hope to normalize this conversation as it needs to be! Check out her rescue, https://www.facebook.com/HotMessPooches
Listen to it on your favorite place to listen to podcasts or at pipsrescue.org/realdogtalk
Want to join the discussion about this, check out our NEW social Media pages: @realdogtalkpodcast on Instagram @realdogtalk on FB
Or submit a form on our site: https://pipsrescue.org/realdogtalk/

The first in our behavioral euthanasia series Apr 26, 2023

This the first in a series and we are tackling a tough subject , behavioral euthenasia. This has a trigger warning. It's not an easy subject to talk about or listen to. I hope you take this journey with us, as we hope to help people talk about it, and help people know how to respond when a friend or family talks to you about their choices. Want to join the discussion about this, check out our NEW social Media pages: https://www.facebook.com/realdogtalkpodcast
https://www.instagram.com/realdogtalkpodcast/
Or submit a form on our site: https://pipsrescue.org/realdogtalk/

Part 3, Making it work! How we make it work with a busy schedule! Apr 12, 2023

Today we are chatting about how to make it work with a busy schedule with the other Nicole! Her schedule is insane- with kids, dogs, work and travel for her kid’s soccer and she just adopted a puppy! She talks about how she made that decision, and makes it all work with her busy schedule. She gives you her tips and tricks!

Take this journey with us, maybe you will learn a few things or maybe it will inspire you! You can take this knowledge with you or help someone else make it work!

Next podcast we take on a very controversial subject, behavioral euthanasia. We know it’s a tough one to talk about, but it’s necessary in some situations. We want to bring it to light and “normalize” that sometimes, it’s for the best. Do you have a story about behavioral euthanasia? You can tell it anonymously if you are more comfortable with that. Submit it here: pipsrescue.org/realdogtalk

Part 2, Making it work! How we make it work with reactive dogs! Mar 29, 2023

It’s our 10th episode!!! Thank you for your support with the podcast. It’s been so much fun and we look forward to many, many more episodes.
Last week we chatted with 2 adopters who have dogs with some behavioral & anxiety issues and how they make it work. Today, we are talking about reactivity, and redirection of dogs. Heather and Nicole share their stories about their very different dogs with very similar issues. They make it work by controlling the situation, watching their dog's body language, knowing your dog, and advocating for them.

Take this journey with us, maybe you will learn a few things or maybe it will inspire you! You can take this knowledge with you or help someone else make it work!
Do you have a story of how you made it work? Funny dog story or a WTF story? Submit it at pipsrescue.org/realdogtalk

Making it work! Mar 15, 2023

Today, in our first in a series around adjusting life with a new dog, we are chatting with two adopters! You'll hear stories about 2 different dogs, adopted at different ages coming into their own personality, and sometimes behavior issues and anxiety arise. These are stories from real people dealing with these real issues and how they made it work. Through training, medication, mental and physical exercise, they figured out their pup and how to make it work!

Do you have a story of how you made it work? Submit it at pipsrescue.org/realdogtalk

How a rescue works…the rules of adoptions and why we have them! Mar 01, 2023

Join the Nicole’s this week to understand a bit more into how a rescue runs. Why do we have specific policies? To give our dogs the best chance at success. Rescue’s main business goal is to go out of business- sounds crazy right? We put certain “rules” in place to help us succeed at that. Spaying and neutering, vaccines, and respecting our volunteers- these are some of the basic principles that guide us in our adoption decisions.

Have questions or want to help? Check out our website at pipsrescue.org

Training tips and tricks for your foster or personal dog! Feb 15, 2023

This episode is the last of our series about the dog crisis. We are joined by Shane Gentry, owner of Sally Said So! https://sallysaidso.com/ .

Shane gives us some great tips and tricks on how to make you and your fosters journey successful and set them up for a great adoption. You don't have to be a dog trainer to train your dog or your foster dog. These tips are great for your foster or your personal dog- or both!

If you are ready to foster after listening to this series, please apply at pipsrescue.org/foster !

All about Fostering-The Dog World in Crisis! Feb 01, 2023

Following up from our last episode, The Dog World in Crisis, today we are chatting about fostering. One of the ways we help clear the shelters is through our fosters. Learn about how easy it is to start fostering to some of the misconceptions around fostering. We are joined by Heather Pack, a PIPs Pioneer, Board Member and Foster.

Join the fostering journey with PIPs at pipsrescue.org/foster. Can't foster? How about volunteering ? pipsrescue.org/volunteer

SOS. The dog world is in crisis Jan 18, 2023

If you are going to listen to any of our podcasts, this is the one to listen to! You have seen the shelters and rescues BEGGING for fosters, and talking about how crowded they are. It’s the worst the shelters and rescues have seen in many years. Today, we are joined by Karen Simmons from Friends of Wake County Shelter and the No Empty Bowl Project, both groups helping pet owners in Wake County NC and up close and personal to the effects of the current state of the shelter/rescue world. Listen to hear about why we think it's as bad and some simple things you can do to help!

We must get this crisis under control because we can not keep up- the consequences are dire.

https://www.friendsofwakeanimals.org/

https://www.friendsofwakeanimals.org/no-empty-bowl-project

The Overlooked - Adopting and Fostering the Underdogs Jan 04, 2023

Today, with Episode 4, we are chatting about the Overlooked, Adopting and Fostering the Underdogs. We are joined by a PIPs foster, Christina Serafino, who took in a foster with medical needs, Megaesophagus. Without having any experience with Mega-E, she has gotten him on a great path with the rescue's support and guidance! Listen in to hear about the rewards and challenges of taking on a dog with medical or special needs. Learn how rescues like PIPs can guide and support you in such adventures. These overlooked pups are the first ones that need help out of the shelter and into good hands (hint - hint, you could be that pup’s hero!)

Christina balances her business, serafinohomes.com, with being a mom to a sweet little girl, her personal dog, and her foster dogs and we appreciate it! Signature cocktail of the episode: Baileys & Coffee.

Breeders, the good, bad and ugly! Dec 21, 2022

Welcome to Episode 3 of Real Dog Talk! Our host, Nicole is talking about something she is very passionate about, Breeders. Join her for her emotionally charged journey talking about the difference between reputable and non-reputable breeders; starting from the call for two puppies dumped by a breeder because they couldn't be SOLD. Listen along to learn something new or maybe, you can connect with Nicole in her frustration! After you listen, please rate us on your favorite place to listen to podcasts and help us grow.
Signature cocktail of the episode: Baileys and Coffee - YUM!!!

What is rescue? Dec 07, 2022

Episode 2 welcomes the "Other Nicole", Nicole Muniz the Outreach Director of Perfectly Imperfect Pups to learn about some of the misconceptions between Rescue organizations versus Shelters. Learn more about how volunteers are the backbone of the rescues, how the rescues do work with shelters to save lives and manage to break down some of the ideas people may have about the work to run a rescue. Signature cocktail of the episode: Cranberry Margarita Thanks to the other Nicole!

Welcome to Real Dog Talk! Who we are and what the podcast is all about. Dec 07, 2022

Welcome to Real Dog Talk! Our first episode is short and sweet – just a quick intro to what the podcast is and who your host is! We are getting real about dogs. You will hear us talk about everything from our own issues with our foster dogs and personal dogs to what its like to live with a dog with special needs, to real talk about rescue to WTF moments . Be prepared to be inspired, laugh and cry a little - and even sometimes walk away a little drunk if you join us in our Signature Cocktail with each episode. Naturally, this episode we popped the celebratory champagne! *CHEERS!*
Nicole Kincaid, Founder of Perfectly Imperfect Pups is your Host for this brand new podcast. Sit back and listen to wild experiences with Nicole and her many guests that will be joining her.

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