Check back here regularly for this podcast series focusing on dogs. Hosted by the folks with emBark, the Chippewa Valley's premier and most trusted site for dog care and training.
Heather Mishefske (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA), is a certified Professional Dog Trainer and Certified Behavior Consultant is here to answer all of your dog questions.
Episode #24 - Door Dashing
It’s a safety issue and one that frustrates many dog owners.
- What to do if your dog is prone to rushing out open doors
- She takes us through building proper behaviors through reinforcements
- She discusses house doors, car doors and other “doors”
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Episode #23 - Triggers and Thresholds
Heather takes up through recognizing when your dog is getting uncomfortable and what to do.
The fact that almost anything can be a trigger for a dog and what are the signs to look for
Learning how much your dog can handle
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Episode #22 Canine Accessories
Heather is telling us about her favorite canine accessories. From a variety of self-feeders, to snuffle mats, to harnesses for walking and treat pouches she covers many items she recommends.
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Episode #21 Lost Dogs of Wisconsin
Kathy Pobloskie from the Lost Dogs of Wisconsin organization is the guest, telling us all about this wonderful organization which helps to reunite families with their missing dogs.
She takes us through how their process works and gives some great tips that you can do to help find your lost dog. She also explains why old-fashioned flyers remain a very useful tool even with the rise of social media.
Lost Dogs of Wisconsin website
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Episode #20 Preparing your Dog to be Left Alone
Do you feel guilty leaving your dog home alone? This is the episode for you!
With schedules changing, and kids headed back to school, more family dogs will be left home alone. How do you acclimate your dog to the changes and make it so your dog can flourish being home alone and during your absences?
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Episode #19 Basics of Dog Behavior
Heather sits down to discuss the five "rules" she has for utilizing behavior based practices, dubbed the "Basics of Behavior".
1. Reinforcement builds behavior.
2. Consequence drives behavior.
3. Listen to your learner.
4. Commit to being consistent.
5. Define expectations.
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Episode #18 Therapy/Emotional/Support Dogs
Heather discusses the differences between Therapy dogs, Service dogs, and Emotional Support dogs. She also dispels common myths and misconceptions about the role of each in society.
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Episode #17 Doggy Body Language
Heather sits down to discuss dog body language, and addresses the ways in which dogs can show stress. She also explains avoidance behaviors, and appeasement and how those play into understanding body language. Heather references "Doggy Language" written by Lily Chin https://www.doggiedrawings.net/, Renee Erdmann bravodog.ca, and The Language of Dogs
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Episode #16 Hiking with Your Dog
One of the best parts of having a dog is going for walks/hikes! Heather is here with some of the basics to remember
1) Types of harnesses to use (and yes, have your dog leashed and she explains why)
2) What to do with poop
3) Protection from fleas/ticks (and the items Heather has found worked the best)
4) Over etiquette, including what to do in regards to wildlife, other dogs and other humans
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Episode #15 Can Do Canines (& Prison Program)
Dyan Larson is a Prison Program Instructor with Can Do Canines a non-profit that trains service dogs and works within local prisons. We learn all about the program, including how you can have a "weekend dog" and benefit this program in ways you can't imagine.
How the dogs in the prisons have a "ripple" of benefits to many people.
And we learn the specific role SERVICE dogs play and the difference between service, therapy and emotional support dogs.
Web Link: can-do-canines.org
Youtube Clip: https://youtu.be/V6DOjEArZKA
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Heather is here again busting more myths when it comes to training your dog.
- Harness Myths
- Handling 'stronger' breeds with a heavy hand
- Puppy Training
- Breeds that 'can't learn'
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Episode #13 Dog Training Myths
Area dog training expert Heather busts some common myths when it comes to getting desired behavior from your dog. Things have evolved over the years and its not right to just keep doing things the same way.
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Episode #12 Unleashing your dog reactivity
Have a dog that seems to "lunge" or bark often when you're out for a walk? Have you gone for dog walks very early in the morning or late at night only so that you can avoid what you think is triggering them?
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Episode #11 Getting your dog to 'chill out'
There are ways to settle down your dog that go beyond simply yelling "Hey, Fido...cool it!" like they are your teenager tearing up the rumpus room.
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Episode #10 Your dog's personality
Dogs have personalities and all are different. So your dog is likely either an extrovert or introvert. They may be outgoing or they may be "shy".
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Episode #9 Acupuncture for your dog
Heather talks with local veterinarian Dr. Linda Vogner about alternative treatments for your dogs.
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (ivas.org)
Dr. Vognar’s website : Veterinary Acupuncture in Eau Claire, Wisconsin (acupuncture4animals.com)
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Why does your otherwise docile dog growl when you come near their bowl (or another object)? Heather tackles this topic as she discusses "resource guarding".
More info at https://dogknowledge.thinkific.com/courses/dog-body-language
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Episode #7 Why dogs do what they do
Heather is here to discuss the behavior of dogs. More specifically, why do dogs act the way the do.
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Episode #6 Socializing your Puppy in a Pandemic
Socializing your puppy in their first few months is critical, but during a pandemic it may seem impossible. Heather tells us that is absolutely not the case.
Episode #5 Enriching your dog's life
Making your dog feel fulfilled and providing the opportunities for your dog to grow
Episode #4 Families, babies and Dogs
Bringing dogs and babies together in to make for a safe and happy family.
EPISODE #3 - Come when Called
COME HERE!!! Want your dog to come to you? Heather from emBark breaks down all that goes into this learned behavior.
EPISODE #2 - Potty Training
We're talking poop, going boom boom and more when it comes to your dog
EPISODE 1 - Let's Get to Know the area's Dog Expert
On the debut episode of this series, we are introduced to Heather from emBark. The podcast includes:
1) Her background and the start of emBark
2) The best part of working with dogs
3) The basic dog tips she gives
4) Things to consider when adding a dog to your family
5) The misconception of "Alpha" dogs
6) COVID-19 impacts on dogs.
