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PODCAST

Pick of the Litter Podcast

Kathy Callahan & Mike Tomai

It can be really hard to know which dog training advice to trust. That why we hope you’ll join us – trainers Mike Tomai from Furry Face Dog Training, and Kathy Callahan from PupStart – as we discuss the best ideas out there. These are the tips and techniques that really make humans and their dogs happier together. Each episode will give listeners three things: something simple to try, a key concept to think about, and a big name to trust. So, if you get overwhelmed by all the conflicting voices on

kids & family pets & animals

All Episodes

74:07

Reactivity: Is Your Dog Barking and Lunging?

Pick of the Litter Podcast ·

2025/12/30

Is your dog barking and lunging on leash? That "reactivity" can certainly ruin your walks, but even more important, it's a sign that your dog is having a hard time with the wider world. Big feelings are prompting those big behaviors. In this episode, we talk about the fear and frustration that cause reactivity, the common mistakes people make as they try to "fix" it, and the approaches that work together to help your dog feel more comfortable and calm out in the world.

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74:56

Calming Signals: What Is Your Dog Saying?

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2025/11/06

Dogs have subtle signals that are designed to keep the peace, avoid conflict, and lower the temperature in any interaction. In this episode, we discuss Turid Rugaas's classic book "On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals." Once you learn to read these signals — like head turns, ground sniffs, lip licks, curved approaches — you'll develop a deeper understanding of your dog. That will make life calmer for you both, because responding to your dog's polite whispers can mean she doesn't have to

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54:59

Mouthiness in Puppies & Adolescents

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2025/09/17

Are those sharp puppy teeth taking a bite out of the joy you feel about puppyhood? Are your kids scared to play with new new puppy because "he's biting me!" Is your mouthy adolescent dog hard to handle sometimes? Mouthiness is more complicated than you may think! In this episode we talk about why young dogs tend to be mouthy, and what strategies you can employ to meet their canine needs while teaching our human ways.

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53:06

Your Dog Is Getting Older: Should You Get A Puppy?

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2025/07/16

When your beloved dog starts to age, it's natural to think about getting a puppy. That can work beautifully to shape the puppy, and to soften the inevitable loss. But it can also be tremendously challenging to fully support an aging senior while trying to meet the needs of a puppy. In this episode, we have a special guest: Kathy's co-author Helen St. Pierre, of the senior sanctuary "Old Dogs Go To Helen." In their new book "OLD DOG, NEW DOG," they combine Kathy's expertise in puppies with Helen's

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01:02:42

Cooperative Care: Seven Steps To Stress-Free...

Pick of the Litter Podcast ·

2025/06/03

In this episode, we talk about building another dimension of your relationship with your dog while addressing their grooming and wellness needs. Cooperative care allows for the active participation by your dog and understanding that they can choose to be cared for and get rewarded for it, or ask for a break if they need it.

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52:46

Doggie Language by Lili Chin

Pick of the Litter Podcast ·

2025/05/01

In this episode, we explore Doggie Language by Lili Chin, a beautifully illustrated guide that helps dog owners understand canine body language and behavior. We discuss key signs of stress, happiness, and curiosity in dogs, and how better communication can strengthen the human-animal bond.

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50:36

Returning to the Office - Helping Your Dog Adjust

Pick of the Litter Podcast ·

2025/04/02

When 2020 ushered in an era of remote work, dogs everywhere rejoiced! Suddenly, all the humans were around a lot, allowing for a daily routine filled with walks, play and simple companionship. Unfortunately for our canine friends, many employers are shutting down the remote option and insisting on a return to the office. That's a big adjustment for a dog who's never spent much time alone! In this episode, we tackle the challenges of helping your dog adjust to a new normsl. We share expert tips on

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42:48

"Ditch the Bowl" to Build Great Behavior

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2025/03/13

Does your dog snarf up a bowl of kibble in 20 seconds and then look up at you asking what's next? If "what's next" includes things like barking, pulling, lunging, jumping up or being anxious, we always suggest saving at least some of the "gold" in that nutritious bowl to use creatively to encourage the behavior you'd like to see. That can mean turning those meals into natural "foraging" activity (scatter feeding, stuffed toys, puzzle toys) or using it as you actively engage with your dog in

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32:40

The Power of Purposeful Walks

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2025/01/17

We've long been taught that our dogs need "a walk." But the kind of walk we're often giving them — say, 20 minutes around the block at a fast pace — may end up creating more problems than it solves as we forbid meaningful interaction with the environment. (Don't sniff that! Don't eat that! Don't chase that! No, you can't say hi.) It may all end up leaving our dogs with the question: "What the heck is this walk for, anyway? Why are we walking?" In this episode, we discuss how doing things to add a

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01:02:29

Choosing the Right Dog for You

Pick of the Litter Podcast ·

2024/12/18

In this episode, we discuss the different factors that go into choosing the right dog. What breed might be the best match for your lifestyle and setup? Should you dive in and get a puppy or would an adult be the smartest choice? If you hope to adopt a great rescue dog, where do you start? If you're choosing a purebred, how can you be sure (and why SHOULD you be sure) you've got a responsible breeder? And finally . . . should you ever just go with your heart and take that dog who, on paper, seems

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48:53

Dr. Amy Cook's "The Play Way"

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2024/08/21

Do you know how to really PLAY with your dog? The answer is more complicated - and important - than it might seem. True social play between you and your dog can be a powerful tool in building connection and trust, and it can be a much-needed reprieve for a dog living here in our human world. Dr. Amy Cook is the expert on human-canine play, and her "Play Way" approach is our topic for this episode. LINKS: Video of Dr. Cook demonstrating some elements of "The Play

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01:09:53

Resource Guarding & Jean Donaldson's "Mine"

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2024/07/02

Have you ever been surprised by a growl as you tried to take something from your sweet dog? Taken aback when your usually friendly dog bared her teeth as the neighbor's dog came near her toy? Resource guarding is both completely natural AND can be a big problem! We see folks worrying too much in some cases, and not enough in others. In this episode we use Jean Donaldson's book "Mine" as a jumping off point for a discussion on resource guarding: what to watch for, how to use management to prevent

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01:02:08

Ian Dunbar's "Barking Up The Right Tree" and a...

Pick of the Litter Podcast ·

2024/05/15

Does punishment work with dogs? Dr. Ian Dunbar has spent five decades at the forefront of the industry as a vet, researcher and trainer, and he's channeled it all into his new book, "Barking Up The Right Tree." In this episode, we focus on the one chapter that is a master class on punishment. Rather than addressing the morality or ethics involved, Dunbar goes straight to the science: Is it effective? When we yell, jerk on the leash, buzz or shock our dogs, what does it teach them? Listen to find

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01:11:52

"Welcoming Your Puppy From Planet Dog" - Kathy's New...

Pick of the Litter Podcast ·

2024/04/09

On this podcast, we often talk about authors — and this time, the author is one of us! "Welcoming Your Puppy from Planet Dog: How to Go Beyond Training and Raise Your Best Friend" is Kathy's new puppy guide. Take a listen to learn why she says your training success will skyrocket if you make this one key mindset shift: think of your puppy as a baby you kidnapped from another planet. While the book offers many tips and techniques regarding the various challenges of puppyhood, the fundamental key is

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56:20

Environmental Rewards: They're All Around You

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2024/02/26

It's great to train with food, but don't forget to harness the powerful "environmental" rewards that are right at your fingertips! These "real life rewards" -- like sniffing something, going through the gate to the walk, hopping up on the couch, or greeting someone -- are powerful reinforcers. Make the most of them by linking them with the behavior you want to see. (And make sure they aren't unintentionally reinforcing behavior you don't want!) Learn how to use these functional rewards and you'll

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01:09:53

Your Dog’s 4 L.E.G.S. Offer Answers from Kim Brophey

Pick of the Litter Podcast ·

2023/12/19

Kim Brophey's paradigm-shifting system of understanding our dogs is disrupting the dog training industry in the very best way: by finally making the dog's needs part of the equation. Her ethology-based L.E.G.S. model teaches us that before we think about "how" we're going to modify a dog's behavior, we need to ask "why" it's occurring by looking at a dog's four legs: Learning, Environment, Genetics & Self. Once you do that, some remarkably simple solutions emerge. Result: happier dogs, happier

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43:57

Enjoying The Holidays and Staying Safe With Your Dog

Pick of the Litter Podcast ·

2023/11/02

'Tis the season . . . for dog bites, dog fights, and trips to the ER after a chocolate feast! In this episode we discuss the ways you can help your canine family members enjoy the holidays as much as the rest of the family, and keep everyone safe while doing so.

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38:44

Pulling on Leash: Strategies for a Better Walk

Pick of the Litter Podcast ·

2023/10/13

Does your dog pull on leash? Probably! Why? Because walking steadily forward in a straight line is not something a dog does naturally. It's a big ask we humans make of our dogs, which is why this challenge takes some time, and a multi-faceted approach. In this episode we talk about the strategies and equipment we find most successful in getting to a walk that's enjoyable from both ends of the leash.

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40:20

Jumping Up on People: Strategies to Keep 4 on the Floor

Pick of the Litter Podcast ·

2023/10/13

When tiny puppies jump up to say hi it can be so cute! Whoops . . . it's not so cute later on when kids are getting knocked over, clothes are getting muddy, and grandma gets hurt. To eliminate that jumping, it's key to teach (and reward) different ways for dogs to greet people, or express their desire to engage. In this episode we'll cover all the things you can do so that your dog learns that keeping four on the floor is the most direct route to the affection, play and up-close smells they're

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46:38

Potty Training: The Basics

Pick of the Litter Podcast ·

2023/10/13

Teaching your puppy to use the outdoor bathroom is both the simplest and the most challenging part of puppyhood. It's simple because combining the top three strategies absolutely works — but it's miserable because doing it right takes an incredible amount of dedication. This episode is a discussion of how to make this intense phase as short as possible.

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