The Bitey End of the Dog

Latest Episodes:

The Truth About Stress with Dr. Kristina Spaulding Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

Your dog can look “fine” while their nervous system is working overtime, and that mismatch is where so many training plans go off the rails. I sit down with Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB, to get precise about canine stress, resilience, and what the science says about how dogs cope with change. We talk through the sympathetic nervous system, the HPA axis, and the difference between stress (the internal response) and stressors (the external triggers) so your next decision is based on biology, not buzzwords.
We also tackle the messy middle: good stress, tolerable stress, and toxic stress. You’ll hear why “stress inoculation” is not a free pass to flood dogs with scary experiences, and how agency and coping skills change the outcome. We break down what to watch for beyond single body language cues like yawns or lip licks, including approach vs avoid behavior, recovery time, and the early signs of chronic stress such as emotional dysregulation, shutdown, and escalating reactivity that can spill into aggression.
Then we shift gears into responsible research literacy for the dog training industry. Dr. Spaulding explains scientific consensus, why a handful of papers can’t carry that label, how bias shows up in both writing and reading studies, and why replication and broader evidence across species often matter when dog-specific research is thin.
Learn more about Kristina:
http://www.sciencemattersllc.com/
Unlocking Resilience Course:
https://go.sciencemattersllc.com/unlocking-resilience-landing

Learn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:
AggressiveDog.com
Learn more about the CANIS Conference here:
CANIS Conference
Subscribe to the bonus episodes available here:
The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus Episodes
Check out all of our webinars, courses, and educational content here:
Webinars, courses, and more!

Play More, Argue Less - with Jay Jack Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

Dog training gets messy when we treat methods like identities and disagreement like a moral failing. I sit down with Jay Jack for a candid, sometimes blunt conversation about what actually helps dogs and what helps trainers grow. We talk about the real cost of staying inside a single “camp,” how cross-training in sports like MMA changed the level of skill overnight, and why dog training needs more curiosity and fewer boxes. Jay also shares how he draws a firm ethical line against cruelty while still being willing to study ideas from outside his comfort zone.
A big chunk of our conversation is about language. Words like punishment, pressure, and aversive can mean totally different things depending on whether you’re thinking in behavior science, psychology, or everyday speech. We dig into how misunderstandings start, how to slow down and define terms, and why even the four quadrants of operant conditioning make more sense when you think in gradients and zones instead of “allowed” versus “forbidden.”
Then we go deep on structured play as a behavior tool. Jay explains why play is a genetic need, how objective-based games teach focus and delayed gratification, and how toys, food, and personal play can become powerful systems for emotional regulation. We walk through how to use play in behavior modification for reactivity and aggression with clear steps, and why over-arousal is often a sign that the “game” has no real objective or boundaries. If you’re building a better relationship with your dog or sharpening your skills as a professional dog trainer, this one is packed with practical takeaways.
If this conversation helps you think differently, subscribe, share it with a trainer friend, and leave a review so more people can find it.
ABOUT JAY:
https://nldogs.com/
JAY'S PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/nldogtalk?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link

The Dogs of Ukraine - The Hidden Toll of War with Nadiya Prokopyeva Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

For millions of people in Ukraine, air raid sirens have become part of daily life. They interrupt work, school, sleep, and any sense of normalcy. They also affect the dogs who share that experience, living with the same unpredictability and chronic stress as the families who care for them.

In this episode, we’re joined by Ukrainian dog trainer Nadiya Prokopyeva, now based in Romania, to discuss what it’s like to work with dogs during a time of war. Nadiya takes a science-based and holistic approach to behavior, recognizing the many ways stress, pain, health, and environment influence how dogs cope.

We talk about the behavioral challenges that have become increasingly common, including noise sensitivities, separation-related problems, fear, and reactivity. Nadiya explains how repeated exposure to air raid sirens, emergency evacuations, crowded shelters, and disrupted routines can leave dogs in a constant state of stress, making it difficult for them to recover before the next crisis begins.

Our conversation also explores the broader impact of war on animal welfare. We discuss the strain on veterinary professionals and trainers, limited access to veterinary behavior care and medication, the challenges facing shelters and street dogs, and concerns about public health in areas affected by conflict. We also examine how war influences breeding decisions, from the effects of prenatal stress to the difficult choices faced by ethical breeders.

Despite these extraordinary circumstances, Nadiya shares practical strategies that can help. We discuss creating predictable routines whenever possible, reducing stress where we can, supporting emotional recovery between stressful events, and recognizing when veterinary intervention, including medication, may be appropriate.

About Nadiya:
Nadiya Prokopyeva (Anteya), CSAP-BC, KPA-CTP - 26-year-old dog trainer from Ukraine - Specialize in separation anxiety, general behavior issues, aggression, and reactivity - Veterinary student on track to become a rehabilitation and orthopedic specialist - Galen Myotherapy student - Use low-frustration, force-free, science-based methods - Create Ukrainian-language educational content on ethical breeding, BYB awareness, and responsible dog ownership
Nadiya on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/anteya_k9?igsh=MWZyazE0bjM2anh3dQ==

Ukrainian Gear

https://www.instagram.com/darvin.dog.shop?igsh=MWF4emFodG5wbWc3cg==

https://www.instagram.com/lovyhav?igsh=MWg2N3hyZDFic29k

https://www.instagram.com/vivchar_dog_shop?igsh=OGZwMnRmM2o4dDk5

Adoptions and Shelters

https://www.instagram.com/dogs_adopt_kyiv?igsh=MWczemh1enU3anFqaQ==

https://www.instagram.com/patron.center?igsh=b2Y3bzFmMHBvZ3dy

https://www.instagram.com/gostomel.shelter

https://www.instagram.com/dom.khvostov?igsh=MTk1ZHJvdmJ2d2VjNQ==

Antares - the search-and-rescue squad:
https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2026/0430/ukraine-rescue-dogs-canine-unit-lost-persons-remains

https://www.instagram.com/antares.poshuk/?hl=en

Sternenko Fund - direct support to the army and soldiers:
https://www.sternenkofund.org/en/donate

United24 - one of the main official donation platforms for Ukraine:
https://u24.gov.ua

Prosthetics are extremely expensive and far beyond what an average person can afford, so even small recurring donations can make a real difference:
https://superhumans.com/en/donate-en/
https://curelieffundforukraine.com/projects/esper-program-for-ukrainians/

From Chasing Safety to Creating Risk: The Truth About Mass Dog Roundups Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

A sweeping plan to remove India’s free-living dogs is racing ahead on shaky ground and the consequences could hit far beyond one country’s borders. We sit down with anthrozoologist and behavior expert Sindhoor Pangal to explain why uprooting tens of millions of dogs from their neighborhoods won’t curb bites or rabies, and how it actually increases danger for people and animals alike.
We trace India’s decades-long success with ABC-ARV—animal birth control plus anti-rabies vaccination—now a WHO-endorsed approach that drives down bites and stabilizes populations when implemented well. Sindhoor breaks down the vacuum effect that follows mass removal: rats and other scavengers surge, wildlife conflict grows, and unvaccinated dogs quickly repopulate. We explore the public health math behind herd immunity, the real-world limits of shelter capacity, and how crowded kennels can become hotbeds for zoonotic disease and antibiotic resistance.
Beyond numbers, we dig into the social lives of street dogs: loose, adaptive groups that coexist with people through routine, territory, and agency. Disrupt that fabric, and fear spreads. Stressed dogs labeled “biters” struggle in shelters; warier dogs remain on the street and pass defensive strategies to the next generation through social learning and epigenetic pathways. The alternative is both humane and practical: sustained ABC-ARV coverage, smarter waste management, simple environmental tweaks like moving feeding spots off busy walkways, and public education on safe interactions that slashes bite risk at a fraction of the cost.
If you care about dogs, public health, or evidence-based policy, this conversation matters. Help amplify the science, push back on panic-driven decisions, and support experts doing the work on the ground. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review to keep the conversation and the momentum going.

BHARCS:

Website:

https://www.bharcs.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/bharcs

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/bharcs_education/

@bharcs

From Training to Welfare: A Shift in Thinking with Kim Brophey Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

What if many dog behavior problems aren't actually problems at all, but symptoms of unmet welfare needs? In this thought-provoking conversation with applied ethologist Kim Brophey, we explore how the LEGS model (Learning, Environment, Genetics, Self) has evolved to reshape our understanding of canine behavior and welfare in modern environments.
Kim explains why behavioral diversity serves as both a critical welfare need and a powerful measurement tool. When dogs can express a wide range of natural behaviors, from foraging and exploration to appropriate hazard management...with agency and autonomy, they thrive. Yet in today's captive environments, many dogs lack these opportunities, leading to what we label as "problem behaviors."
The discussion takes us deep into the five domains model of animal welfare and how it applies to our companion dogs. While we've generally excelled at meeting biological needs like nutrition and health, we've significantly neglected the fourth domain of behavioral interactions and the natural living needs that are fundamental to a dog's wellbeing. This creates a mismatch between a dog's genetic design and the environment they actually live in.

Family Dog Mediation:

https://familydogmediation.com/

Beyond Training: The Medical Side of Aggression with Dr. Maggie O'Brian Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

In this fascinating conversation with Dr. Maggie O'Brian, one of North Carolina's few board-certified veterinary behaviorists, we have an enlightening discussion about the clinical side of animal behavior.
Dr. O'Brian takes us through the reality of treating complex behavior cases, where the line between medical and behavioral issues often blurs. She shares surprising insights about pain as an underlying factor in aggression, including the eye-opening statistic that 25% of dogs under four already have arthritis, and how addressing physical discomfort can sometimes completely transform a dog's behavior. One memorable case involved a Golden Retriever whose severe resource guarding disappeared entirely after pain treatment, leading the owners to exclaim, "We didn't know she had a personality!"
Whether you're a pet professional or simply trying to understand your own dog's puzzling behavior, this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of medicine, behavior, and the powerful human-animal bond. Check out Dr. O'Brian's practice at Southeast Animal Behavior and Training, or explore their virtual options for nationwide consultation.

https://www.southeastanimalbehavior.vet/meet-the-team

Crossing the Line: Thresholds and Leash Reactivity with Jessica Wheatcraft Sep 06, 2025

Show notes

Ever wondered why some dogs transform from perfect companions at home to reactive dynamos the moment a leash gets clipped on? Jessica Wheatcraft returns to discuss the complex world of leash reactivity with clarity and compassion that both dog guardians and professionals will appreciate.
This conversation goes beyond simplistic solutions by exploring the subtle body language cues that signal stress long before barking begins. Jessica expertly differentiates leash reactivity from aggression, explaining how a dog's motivation on leash often stems from frustration rather than intimidation. "The dog's behavior on a leash can be very different than their behavior off of a leash to the same exact stimulus," she notes, highlighting how context dramatically changes a dog's responses.
What makes this episode particularly valuable is the practical framework Jessica provides for understanding thresholds. Rather than viewing them as single breaking points, she describes thresholds as doorways or transitions where behavior changes in observable ways. Learn to recognize when your dog crosses these thresholds through subtle signs like increased respiration, closed mouth, facial tension, or raised tail carriage. This awareness allows handlers to intervene effectively before reactions escalate!

About Jessica:

https://www.jessicawheatcraft.com/about/

Emotional Regulation: The Missing Piece in Dog Training Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

Ever wondered why your perfectly planned training techniques sometimes fall flat, despite your best efforts? The missing piece might not be in your training toolkit at all. It could be your emotional state.
Max Seifert, certified dog behavior consultant and creator of the Connection Over Control approach, takes us deep into the fascinating world of emotional regulation in dog training. While traditional approaches focus heavily on operant conditioning and behavior modification, Max reveals how our nervous systems directly impact our dogs' ability to learn and respond. Drawing from attachment theory, affective neuroscience, and his own extensive case experience, Max demonstrates why the emotional connection between handler and dog often determines training success.

About Max:

https://www.shoprosiestailtraining.com/blank-1

Laughter, Lessons, and Legends. A special episode with Patricia McConnell and Karen London Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

When two legends of dog behavior sit down to share their wisdom, you listen. In this special mid-season bonus episode, I'm joined by Dr. Patricia McConnell and Dr. Karen London, two pioneers whose books, research, and teaching have shaped modern dog training for decades.
What makes someone successful in the challenging field of professional dog training? As we discover through candid stories and genuine reflection, it's not about perfection but rather creativity, adaptability, and a healthy dose of humor. From Karen's emergency "tissue treat" that became an unexpected jackpot reward to Patricia's memorable response when her demo dog peed on a client's pants: "And you too can have a dog who's as well-trained as mine!"
Beyond the laughs, we explore the profound reality of working with aggression cases. Patricia shares her experience with nightmares featuring dogs' teeth that counterintuitively helped desensitize her to fear, while Karen reflects on sitting in on severe cases during her training. Their insights reveal the complex psychological aspects of this work rarely discussed in training circles, and highlight what every dog trainer needs to know.
Pre-Order Away to Me:

Amazon:

https://amzn.to/3HUyIdr

Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/away-to-me-patricia-b-mcconnell/1147476852?ean=9781496757111

Bookshop:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/away-to-me-patricia-b-mcconnell/22714340?ean=9781496757111&next=t

About Dr. Patricia McConnell:

https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/about-patricia/

Dr. Karen London's books:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0045AV5G4?ccs_id=4c59d237-8569-47af-aa48-6a2441fda383

Not in My House! Stranger Danger Aggression with Lisa Mullinax Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

What drives some dogs to react aggressively toward strangers while being perfectly lovely with their families? In this enlightening conversation, Lisa Mullinax draws from her two decades of experience working with over 4,500 dogs to unpack the complexities of stranger-directed aggression.
Rather than relying on vague labels like "protective" or "territorial," Lisa focuses on observable behaviors and what they tell us about a dog's emotional state. She shares her own powerful story of living with Mac, a dog who severely bit a teenager, which launched her journey into behavior work. This personal experience infuses her approach with both empathy for guardians and a clear-eyed view of the risks involved.

About Lisa:

https://www.serenitycanine.com/about

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