Join return guest Monique Feyrecilde, a licensed veterinary technician with a specialty in behavior to discuss all things support for dogs in the vet clinic. The long-awaited second edition of her book Cooperative Veterinary Care is here, and Sarah could not wait to discuss it on the podcast with Monique. From simple things that can be done right a…

Is it ok to withhold toys to produce more drive for them? Are we sometimes producing welfare deficits to our advantage with our sport dogs? The answers might surprise you. Sign up for courses and join the membership here: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradioMusic by AlexGrohl from Pixabay…

If you have worked with Sarah in person you might have heard her tell a handler “only one of you is allowed to be a shitshow.” This is her tongue in cheek way of communicating the when the environment is challenging, at least one end of the leash must have the skills to face those challenges. Of course, in an ideal world, both the dog and handler h…

Barking never means one thing; we always have to consider the conditions under which barking is occurring to know how to best respond. Some dogs are perfectly happy while barking, and some are distressed. And what about the social pressure to keep our dogs quiet? Sarah’s renewed thoughts on barking, thanks to her Icelandic Sheepdog, Rayya, are here…

In response to the “trainer wars” between the balanced and force-free communities Sarah and past podcast guest (and friend) Lisa Mullinax sit down to talk about the place where ethics meet efficacy. Lisa and Sarah do not claim a label as trainers (neither balanced nor force-free), and have both undergone an evolution in the behavior field that has …

Not a junior? Don’t know any kids? This podcast is still for you. The refreshing take on our sport from Sasha Zitter and Benah Stiewing will be music to your ears. Boundless Juniors Agility Company is a nonprofit organization focused on elevating the experience of junior handlers in agility, and it is so much more. Enjoy! https://www.bjacamp.com/Si…

Stop! Before listening, go watch this SNL skit about Surprise Party Sue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4R1yybhmHgOk, now, is Sue a dog you know? Maybe Sue is your dog. Maybe she is a client’s dog. This skit is something Sarah uses to explain to her clients how their dogs are behaving, and from there discussions like “is this ok/normal?” and also…

Is fetch a problem? Does fetch cause problems? Is chasing a ball different from marking and finding a bumper? Can we utilize retrieving in beneficial ways? All this and more as Sarah explores the popular dog owner game of “fetch” with friend of the podcast Liza Rader KPA-CTP of Focus Dogs in British Columbia. focusdogs.ca @focusdogs Click here for …

One of Sarah’s most popular episodes of all time, this episode explores the ethical and effective role punishment might play in a least-intrusive, minimally-aversive (LIMA) framework. Sign up for courses and join the membership here: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradioMusic by AlexGrohl from …

Sarah is joined this week by assistant professor of psychology at Boston College, Dr Angie Johnston. Angie is the director of the Canine Cognition Center and Social Learning Laboratory, where she compares human and dog learning, studies the ways dogs learn from humans, and so much more. Find more here: sites.bc.edu/doglabSign up for courses and joi…

Working with stranger-directed aggression cases can be dangerous because, as the professional on the case, you are also the dog’s trigger (and potential target). Join Sarah in conversation with Lisa Mullinax CDBC of Serenity Canine–an expert in stranger-directed aggression in dogs–to learn about the steps professionals can take to help everyone sta…

The old ways of “free” shaping behaviors are out and the much-improved process of shaping via component parts is in. Join Sarah in conversation with Tromplo founder Agnieszka Janarek for a discussion that goes into frustration, resilience, and core skills as a way of life. Find Agnieszka at Tromplo: www.tromplo.com And on instagram @tromplo Sign up…

Do dogs need to be trained to relax, or will they relax when their needs are met? Should they be asked to relax if their needs haven’t been met? Where can we draw the line between taught relaxation and exercise? All this and then some. Sign up for courses and join the membership here: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https:/…

We all want to help our dogs experience less stress at the vet, and there is actually some scientific data to support two ideas that some might already be doing naturally: avoiding lobbies and staying with dogs through procedures. Break down the research, and also get into some of the culture of vet med with geneticist and veterinarian Dr Jessica H…

Amy Cook, PhD is a dog behavior consultant extraordinaire and she sat down to chat with Sarah about the importance of planned, trained, and rehearsed management strategies for navigating the world with reactive dogs. http://playwaydogs.com/https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/courses/7467Sign up for courses and join the membership here: …

Sarah welcomes Erin Marion aka Down to Earth Dog Lady to the podcast to talk about working with dogs who are deaf, blind or both. The conversation takes several rich and unexpected turns, so you won’t want to miss it. As Sarah recently learned, you might not think you need any special skills pertaining to deaf or blind dogs, until you do! Find Erin…

You will do best to train your dog for the real life scenarios they will face, rather than complain about how hard those scenarios are. In the world, at the vet, or in sports, we must train our dogs how to cope with or respond to the very real things that will happen to them. Sign up for courses and join the membership here: https://cogdogclassroom…

After 20 years in the field of dog training and behavior, Sarah has learned a few things about the inner workings of a dog business. One thing that she sees her colleagues struggle with is managing criticism and complaints, so she has her tips on this for you today. Sign up for courses and join the membership here: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.…

Happy New Year! Let’s talk about all the trophies you won’t receive, but that you do actually deserve. Plus, a special patreon question! Sign up for courses and join the membership here: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradioMusic by AlexGrohl from Pixabay…

The way agility classes are run directly affects the success dog and handler teams experience in the trial environment, and the safety of those environments. Join Sarah and FX Agility’s Megan Foster as they discuss how agility class instructors can best support their students to improve trials for everyone involved. Find Megan at https://fxagility.…

Blanket statements like “puppies have to play with other puppies to grow into well rounded adults” or “dogs do not need dog friends, they need to learn to listen to you,” are thrown around in dog training circles every day. As you might have guessed, Sarah has a more nuanced take. Sign up for courses and join the membership here: https://cogdogclas…

What can we do to help our senior dogs thrive? Turns out, a lot of the same stuff we do for our younger dogs, with some adjustments! Join Sarah with experts on senior dogs Dr Heather Misner and business partner Ann Waterbury to talk all about supporting our oldies. It’s ok if you cry….Find Ann: https://sounddogconnection.com/Find Heather: https://w…

In this episode Sarah is joined by Justine Shuurmans to discuss her innovative and family-friendly “Dial Method.” Sarah met Justine in person at the Aggression in Dogs Conference in Chicago just a few months ago and they both got excited about each others’ work instantly. When Sarah watched The Dial Method video, she couldn’t wait to get Justine on…

What to do when your puppy or adolescent dog has a meltdown about something, in all its nuanced glory. Sign up for courses and join the membership here: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradioMusic by AlexGrohl from PixabaySarah Stremming, The Cognitive Canine による

Aggression, prey drive, geeky training stuff, it’s all here in this patreon questions episode. Sign up for courses and join the membership here: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradioMusic by AlexGrohl from PixabayFind Alexis everywhere @ whataboutbunny and get her book everywhere books are sold…

Alexis Devine is best known for her famous dog, Bunny the “talking” sheepadoodle. In her new book, I Am Bunny: How a “Talking” Dog Taught Me Everything I Need to Know About Being Human, she shares her authentic experience of learning and growing through a bunch of buttons and a dog. Skeptical about this stuff? Stay tuned. You might be surprised abo…

When things go wrong in your dog’s behavior are you to blame? Can you be responsible and NOT to blame? What is the difference? Sign up for courses and join the membership here: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradioMusic by AlexGrohl from PixabaySarah Stremming, The Cognitive Canine による

The overarching question of where dogs come from, and why it matters, is the topic of discussion as Sarah and return guest Dr Jessica Hekman sit down for a crossover episode with the Functional Breeding podcast to discuss the recent partnership between SPCA Tampa Bay (a shelter) and Pinnacle Pet (a puppy broker)/Sunshine Puppies (a pet store). FInd…

A follow up to the Family Meeting: Dog Attacks at Agility Trials episode. Sarah explores common questions and grievances concerning the first episode, and speaks directly to the community at large. Cog Dog Classroom: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradioMusic by AlexGrohl from Pixabay…

Gather round, folks. We need to talk about what we, as a community, are going to do about aggression at agility trials. Cog Dog Classroom: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradioMusic by AlexGrohl from PixabaySarah Stremming, The Cognitive Canine による

Sarah addresses the viral meme with the quote, “Holding dogs accountable is uncomfortable. But having dogs fail because you won’t teach, confront, or correct is unacceptable.”--Dave Kroyer. Can dogs be accountable for anything? What does that even mean? Why is it uncomfortable?Cog Dog Classroom: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patre…

When you picture “shaping” what do you see? Could you have a narrow view of what this concept entails? Could shaping be in fact everywhere? Engagement, wildlife chasing, off leash reliability, resource guarding, and then some, all require shaping. Find Josefin Lindstrom here: https://www.facebook.com/djurpedagogenCog Dog Classroom: https://cogdogcl…

Lisa Mullinax CDBC joins Sarah to discuss the all-too-common cry of imposter syndrome from dog training and behavior professionals, and what it might actually be instead. Find Lisa at serenitycanine.comGraphics and tools: https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/blooms-taxonomy/https://www.mindtools.com/ah651dp/the-conscious-competence-ladderhtt…

Dog trainers are always talking about “engagement” but what is it? How do we train it? Why is it so important? Can it always be achieved? The Bitey End of the Doghttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unleashing-peace-restoring-harmony-in-intra-household/id1521311807?i=1000627467597Aggression in Dogs Conference 2023https://aggressivedog.com/conferen…

How do you control the chaos of a multi-dog household? How do you keep them from killing each other, or from driving you insane? Tips, tricks, and more in this episode.The Bitey End of the Doghttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unleashing-peace-restoring-harmony-in-intra-household/id1521311807?i=1000627467597Aggression in Dogs Conference 2023http…

A topic so big it needed a follow-up! Specific cases we might call drift, some questions that showed up on social media, and more with Sarah’s friend, colleague, and drift-agnostic Lisa Mullinax CDBC of Serentiy Canine. First Episode of Predatory Drift can be found here: https://soundcloud.com/sarah-stremming/predatory-drift?si=8d3bbdb01a4f4f55b81d…

If you have ever struggled to teach your dogs to walk nicely on leash, or you teach others to do this, this podcast is for you! Register for I-Don’t-A-Rod here: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/offers/DSu7vywN/checkoutCog Dog Classroom: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradioMusic by AlexGroh…

Repeat guest Monique Feyrecilde is a veterinary technician specialist in behavior and she is Sarah’s go-to for cooperative care troubleshooting and training for her own crew of dogs. In this episode she and Sarah dive into making the actual vet visit feel more like the training sessions, and vice versa! They also dive into restraint and discuss pup…

Sarah considers some updates to her thoughts about puppy raising from over the years. Join us in the membership to follow baby Carson’s start in life!Cog Dog Classroom: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradioMegan Fosterfxagility.mykajabi.comMusic by AlexGrohl from Pixabay…

Puppies! They are so cute! They are so fun! They also kind of ruin your life. Here’s what to do about it.Cog Dog Classroom: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradioMusic by AlexGrohl from PixabaySarah Stremming, The Cognitive Canine による

Cog Dog Radio is seven years old and has 300 episodes! Join Sarah as she goes through a few things she has changed her mind about over the years. Listen to the end for a special treat! Cog Dog Classroom: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradioMusic by AlexGrohl from Pixabay…

The concept of “predatory drift” is an old one, but is it a true one? Join Sarah as she deep-dives this concept. Resources:https://blog.companionanimalsolutions.com/modern-animal-behavior-a-lot-has-changed-in-the-last-few-decades/https://jamescraigha.wordpress.com/2015/02/12/predatory-drift-revisited/https://www.dogwise.com/predation-in-family-dogs…

When should we use high value reinforcement? When should we use a hierarchy? Why is it ok to use really high stakes reinforcers in some contexts and not others? All this plus Patreon questions about handling unwanted off leash greetings and more!Cog Dog Classroom: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogd…

Do you have a behavior that feels inaccessible to you? Is it loose leash walking, retrieves, or perhaps a suite of behaviors like cooperative care? What’s holding you back from catching that unicorn? Cog Dog Classroom: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradioMusic by AlexGrohl from Pixabay…

Join Sarah and her friend and colleague Ashley Johnson KPA-CTP as they dive into one of Ashley’s recent board and train cases, Buck the Boston. Buck came into training with a severe response to being picked up or handled, and presented quite a challenge. Ashley is co-owner of Puppy Adventure Academy in Melissa, Texas. https://puppyadventureacademy.…

A Patreon Questions episode! Questions include what kind of barking is ok barking, how to get on the same page with your partner regarding puppy raising, crate barking in anticipation of agility, and so much more! Sign up for courses and join the membership here: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdo…

…would you get on him in this environment? Would you get on him and ask him to do what you are asking him to do, right now? Explore the topic of preparedness with Sarah through the question “If your dog was a horse, would you feel safe riding him?” Sign up for courses and join the membership here: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Pat…

Have you ever embarked on a training program and wondered “is this working? How will I know if it will work?” Explore these questions with Sarah through a real life training project of hers. Hint: it’s not about the dog. Sign up for courses and join the membership here: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.co…

Excellence can be your goal while still avoiding perfection paralysis. Let’s talk about it.Sign up for courses and join the membership here: https://cogdogclassroom.mykajabi.com/Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cogdogradioMusic by AlexGrohl from PixabaySarah Stremming, The Cognitive Canine による

Do you or your dog need a different learning environment than what is generally offered in dog sports? Do you find yourself struggling to say “no” to your instructor, or to produce the right kind of environment for your dog? This podcast is for everyone out there blazing a different trail with their dog than the one that’s already been laid out.Sig…