In this episode we are talking about dog parkour.  Parkour combines elements of human parkour and dog obedience to create a fun and unique sport.  Parkour, just like any sport, has different levels starting with Novice and going to Expert.  They even have a Training level for dogs under 18 months since it's important to protect those growing pups' bodies.  There are also specialty divisions that dive into mastering specific behaviors in creative ways.  Parkour can be done on your own or through classes that are available online and in person.  We really believe this is one of the most low pressure dog sports owners will find. Since the behaviors are designed to be done in a variety of locations, the submission video is expected to be pieced together instead of done all at once.  This means that tricks can be done over several hours or even several months. Of course, there are ribbons and certificates available, but it's also very possible to simply follow the check list from the International Dog Parkour Association's website and complete tricks on your own.  We believe parkour gives dog owners a fun and creative way to interact with their dog while training or refining tricks for new and unique environments. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ More information about this episode: What is Dog Parkour? | International Dog Parkour Association Dog Parkour Training | Facebook

This week we are talking with Cady Jones about the sport of dock diving. Cady and her husband compete with their 12 dogs in a variety of dog sports including dock diving. Dock diving consists of a dog jumping off a stationary 40-foot dock for one of three events.  Distance Jump is the most popular event.  This is where dogs run from the end of the dock and jump for a toy that is being thrown for them.  Hydrodash, on the other hand, has a bumper suspended from a rig that the dog needs to swim out to and retrieve. Last but not least is Air Retrieve, where dogs have to jump to and knock down a bumper being suspended in the air by a rig. NADD (North American Diving Dogs), Dock Dogs, and Ultimate Air Dogs are currently the 3 big organizations participants can title through. Cady shares the joys and challenges in training a variety of breeds and personalities for the sport.  She loves dock diving for a variety of reasons; one is because it has different divisions, so your dog can jump competitively without having to jump extra long distances.  It can take a lot of time and a lot of patience for some dogs to get comfortable on the dock or in the water, but that doesn't mean that the dog won't eventually love the sport.  Cady emphasizes that this is just another way to build a bond with your dog(s) and a great outlet for dogs who need to burn off some extra energy. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ More information about this episode: Cady Jones of Dozen Tail Designs Facebook Cady Jones (@dozentailsdesigns) • Instagram photos and videos NADD | Home (northamericadivingdogs.com)

This week we are talking with Tina Vickrey, who is an ORT (Odor Recognition Test) judge and an active competitor in the sport of scent work.  Scent work is relatively new and only became a dog sport in 2005.  There are two major organizations you can compete with in scent work, which are AKC and NACSW. While both have the same goal and are considered the same sport, the organizations take very different approaches in how they set up and judge competitions.  Although scent work is sometimes known for being good for older dogs who can no longer do sports that involve running and jumping, Tina assures us that this can be a very fast paced and fun sport for young dogs as well.  The benefit to starting a dog in the sport at a young age is that you can continue to peel back the layers of learning what this sport offers.  Scent work expenses can also be modified depending on your budget.  It can be a very cost effective sport since you can teach scent work at home and you never need to compete for your dog to benefit from the sport.  However, you can also invest a lot of money if you want to take group classes or travel for competitions.  We also talk about training on different scents and how to progress in the sport of scent work for both organizations.  Additionally, Tina will make you laugh with her personal experiences and stories of competing with her Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More information about this episode:NACSW | NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CANINE SCENT WORKAKC Scent Work – American Kennel Club

This week we have Danielle Cyr on the podcast to discuss weighted pull and canine fitness.  Daniel has a number of titles and certificates including Judges' Liaison and Treasurer for United Dog Sports of Northern New England, Founder/President of Dirigo Working Dogs, UKC Weight Pull Judge, APA Weight Pull Judge, Iron Dog Weight Pull Judge, W3PO Weight Pull Judge, CGC Evaluator, SPOT Evaluator, ATTS Tester and Certified Canine Athlete Specialist.  Danielle got involved in the sport of weight pull when she needed to provide her shy dog an outlet to build confidence.  It ended up being such a success that she started providing a training outlet to other dogs who suffered from behavioral issues. Danielle gives us an overview of the sport including one rule of weight pull that stands out, which is that dogs are never allowed to fail. If a dog is failing the human behind the cart will help push the cart to ensure the dog succeeds in moving the cart.  Additionally, a lot of care is put into avoiding injuries including a specialized harness that ensures the dogs comfort and safety. The movements are very controlled and deliberate, much like in human weightlifting.  There should not be jumping or alligator rolling since those movements increase the dog's risk of injury.  The sport is open to all breeds, and Danielle has even seen Chinese Crested compete in this sport.  While the sport was actually created by the Malamute Club, there can be a stigma associated with pitbulls/dog fighting.  However, the sport is a straight slow walk with weight, which is much more controlled than a lot of other sports or even everyday play that we do with our dogs.  Additionally, the sport provides a great way for responsible owners to strength train with their dog. Danielle works in the veterinary field and sees a lot of injuries and is now a certified canine athlete specialist, which is comparable to a canine fitness instructor. Much like human athletes, dogs need to have cross training days as well as warm up and cool downs depending on the sports they participate in.  Danielle gives us a great overview of how she keeps her dogs and other dogs safe and healthy in a variety of sports. If you've ever been curious about weight pull for dogs, we think you are going to love all the insights Danielle provides us.  Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Contact Danielle "Dani" Cyr: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/danielle.cyr.7 IG https://www.instagram.com/cyrius_knls/ Email: dlynne1123@yahoo.com More information about this episode: Dirgo Working Dogs http://www.dirigoworkingdogs.com/ United Dog Sports of Northern New England https://www.facebook.com/share/chFi23GjUrd9cZr1/ World Wide Weight Pull Organization/W3PO http://www.worldwideweightpull.net/ UKC Home | United Kennel Club (UKC) (ukcdogs.com)

This week we are talking about barn hunt with special guest Heather Bilodeau.  Barn hunt is a relatively new sport and was created in 2012 to give dogs an outlet for their natural scent and hunting skills.  Dogs use their natural abilities to sniff out rats that are in protective tubes within a preset course of stacked straw bales. There are several levels for people and dogs to compete at which we break down in detail. The sport can accommodate dogs and people of all ages and abilities.  Additionally, there are no breed restrictions when it comes to this sport. This is considered a family sport and is geared to be inclusive of all.  The sport takes rat safety and care very seriously and outlines how to make sure rats are safe and comfortable in their rule book.  The rats are considered to be important partners in the sport and are respected as such but both competitors and judges.  While this sport does have a lot of rules that competitors need to be familiar with, a defining theme of this sport is having fun.   Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ More information about this episode: Barn Hunt Association Barn Hunt - A Game of Hide & Seek for Dogs E-Book - Clean Run

This week we are talking with Jessica Stricker who has 2 Australian Shepherds, Ivy and Riddler.  She competes in a variety of sports including disc, dock diving, barn hunt, agility, scent work and fastCAT. Additionally, she is a Canine Good Citizen and Trick evaluator for AKC as well as being a trick evaluator, canine conditioning and fitness coach, animal actors evaluator, and stunt dog judge for Do More With Your Dog.  As if that wasn't enough, she is a judge for UpDog and the Anthem Toss and Fetch club.  We discuss tick training, which is not technically a sport but a certification.  However, it's a great place to get started with classes or even training on your own. The great thing about trick training is it is great for beginners, or you can take it to the level Jessica has with her dog Ivy, who knows 101 different tricks and is only 1 of 3 dogs in AZ who has a Trick Dog Champion Masters title.  AKC and Do More With Your Dog are two organizations that you can currently get certifications through.  We all agree that training tricks helped enhance our relationship with our dogs, which is why it holds such a special place in our hearts. We also had the chance to talk about disc (frisbee).  There are a variety of teams and organizations to compete and train with, so you can be sure to find the right fit for you and your dog.  There are even different types of competitions that range from rolling discs on the ground to making a 90-minute routine that include tricks interwoven with disc.  Jessica shares how inclusive disc is for dogs and people, at all levels.  There are lots of options to play the game of disc including having someone else throw for you.  So, if you are worried about your throwing arm abilities there are still ways for you to get involved with your dog.  We love that Jessica recognizes and emphasizes the relational elements of training tricks and disc over the certification levels of each.  So even if you aren't interested in competing, she breaks down how it could still benefit you to join a club or train with your dog on your own, because at the end of the day it's all about having fun with your dog. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ More information about this episode: Instagram/Facebook: @thearkhamaussies Tiktok: @jessicastricker_ Business Instagram: @stricktlycanine Facebook Spark Team: The Arkham Aussies Spark Team Do More With Your Dog AKC Trick Dog Toss & Fetch UpDog Challange skyhoundz

This week we are talking with Marissa who is known on socials as @kotaspen.  She is a dog mom and sport handler of two adopted dogs, Kota and Aspen.  Marissa has experience in Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, Rally/Obedience, Agility and FastCat with her dogs.  Additionally, she co-teaches group training classes on the weekends along with offering some day training.  We wanted to bring on this well-rounded guest for so many reasons, including her vast experience in so many different sports, as well as being able to showcase how owners of rescue dogs can compete in dog sports just like owners of purebred dogs.  Marissa highlights how training for and competing in dog sports has helped grow the relationship she has with her own dogs, and how the confidence in both dogs has grown.  We also dive into some of the costs associated with competing and training.  Overall, we think you will walk away from this episode feeling the joy and excitement sports have to offer for dogs of all backgrounds and their owners.   Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week we are introducing our upcoming series on dog sports.  We'll have a variety of guests from newer competitors to seasoned competitors, in a variety of dog sports.  Heather obviously loves dog sports, while Kristi loves training for sports, but never competes.  So even if you never plan to compete with your dog, we believe this series will be useful in giving you structured enrichment ideas for your dog.  If you have ever wondered about how to get started in dog sports or been curious about a sport that you are not currently competing in, this series is perfect for you.  We will be giving an overview of a variety of sports as well as going over resources to get started in them. This series is ideal for anyone looking to enrich the life of their dog regardless of if you live with a rescue or purebred.  We hope you'll join us as we dive into the wide world of dog sports.   Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode we have an in depth conversation with special guests Cindy and Khrisann about their life with a seeing eye dog. Cindy is legally blind and June is her current seeing eye dog. CIndy gives us the inside scoop on guide dogs including the process of getting one, going to school to be matched with your dog, retiring a guide dog, and what happens when a dog is not a good fit. Cindy also shares how things like the pandemic and the rise of eclectic cars can and has affected training. Khrisann shares her unique perspective of living with a guide dog as a seeing person. They also share how fake service dogs have impacted the service and guide dog community at large and their own detrimental experiences with fake service dogs. Even though we have known these two for years we learned so much in this interview, and we think you'll find the interview equally informative, thought provoking and entertaining. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week we are taking a post directly off social media and discussing it in detail.  This post stated that "shelter dogs are not normal" and that they "may never be normal." We both feel that this statement is incredibly damaging to shelter dogs everywhere as well as rescue dogs.  We work our way though some subtext that implies shelter dogs are not safe which we also disagree with as a generalization.  Many of the comments on the post were blaming adopters and/or the public in general, which can be equally damaging to the adoption of shelter dogs. Coming  from a background that celebrates and respects adopters we found this trend to be concerning and wanted to discuss the long term damage some of these flippant remarks can have.  We believe there are lots of "normal" and safe dogs available for adoption, and we believe there are lots of amazing adopters.  We hope that this episode makes you stop and think about how you talk about rescue dogs as well as adopters on social media so we can continue spreading the word about how great rescue dogs can truly be. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Heather is vulnerable enough to share her journey as she learns to bond with her newest dog, Trin. We are talking about why Heather has felt a lot of pressure to bond quickly with her new puppy and how that has been a struggle at times. While Trin is a wonderful puppy, there is a lot that goes into bonding with a new dog far beyond the puppy's personality. We also talk through some realistic advice for people who are feeling like they are struggling to bond with their dog. Things like finding non judgmental friends that you can talk to, focusing on what attributes you are thankful for in your dog, and having an outlet when you need a break. Relationships with dogs are like any relationship, and it is not unusual for them to take time. It's been our experience that joy deepens and grows as you continue to grow in your relationship with your dog. We think that this may hit home for a lot of people, and if that's you, we want you to know you are not alone in your journey.

This week we are talking about not tricking your dog.  We talk through how we can build trust through positive reinforcement, which will enhance your relationship with your dog overall.  Often our tone and intention can play a big role in how we set up our dogs for success both when they have a choice and when they don't. Many times, people aren't tricking their dog on purpose; the things they are asking of their dogs are simply non-negotiable. So we talk through how we can build reinforcement and trust even in activities that our dogs find less enjoyable.  We can't have a party all the time, as Heather said, so it's important to know the difference between a consolation prize so to speak and tricking your dog into doing something they don't want to do. Trust, reinforcement, and our overall relationship with our dogs are all closely related. It is beneficial to keep that in mind even in those frustrating moments that we all encounter when living with dogs. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week we are talking about scratching the enrichment itch.  Enrichment has become a popular buzzword in the K9 world, but for us enrichment just means fulfilling your dog's natural needs. This can look very different for different dogs. This episode was inspired by Kristi's foster dog Jaxon who was getting lots of different types of enrichment, but his needs were not being met until he was allowed dog to dog interactions on a regular basis. Dogs who have their enrichment needs met are easier to live with and that makes owning them more enjoyable.  Since individual dogs have individual and differing enrichment needs we are talking though a variety of enrichment ideas and what that might look like in a multi dog home.  We're also addressing how enrichment needs change as aging dogs change.  If you've ever wondered about enrichment or if you are as fascinated with enrichment as we are this is the episode for you! Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode we are talking through adding a 3rd dog to your home (or really any new dog to a home with existing dogs).  Obviously expenses, time and space are considerations, but the list is much more than these basics.  Whether you are adopting an adult dog or adding a puppy there are many things to think through beyond the basics like dog personalities and individual needs.  Knowing your existing dogs, understanding their needs as well as the needs of the humans in your home are going to play a big part in adding another dog.  Often adding a 3rd dog requires more management, because additional relationships can quickly change the dynamic of the current household dogs.  Please be sure to stay tuned to hear Heather say nice things about the bulldog as well in this episode!  Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode we are talking all things potty training!  The good, the bad, and the shitty.  We are going over the basics as well as common mistakes, and even some really great insider tips. Although the basics may be the same for big and small breed dogs there are some distinct differences pet owners should keep in mind. We are also discussing the benefits and downfalls of doggy doors, pee pads, and leashing your dog during this phase of training. Potty training, like all training, requires consistency and the right tools for the job.  We think this episode will help anyone in this phase of puppyhood as well as anyone preparing for a new puppy or adult dog who is not already potty trained. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week we are talking about advocating for our dogs, but we're looking at it from a slightly different angle. We are talking about why advocating can be tougher than expected.  There are a variety of reasons advocating can be difficult including standing up to an authority figure, not knowing how to advocate without causing a scene, along with countless other reasons.   We'll be sharing our own experiences with advocacy - both the times we were successful advocates and the times we fell short.  We're also going over ways to better prepare for unexpected and expected situations with our dogs.  Sometimes advocating for our dogs can be uncomfortable but we believe with some practice and forethought we can all become the advocate our dog deserves. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join us as we explore Kristi's brain, or at least her thought process.  After watching a dog and owner out in public Kristi had a series of thoughts and feelings pile up in rapid succession.  Since these thoughts and questions about dog behavior and dog training are where the idea for this podcast stemmed from, we decided to talk through it here with all of you.  We think you will be entertained by the way Kristi's brain ping pongs from thought to thought, but we also hope you can see a little bit of yourself in some of those thoughts, and that it makes you think about how we all process the world around us. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode we will be discussing the veterinary industry and have a veterinarian guest that we will refer to as the "Dogtor."  She has asked to remain anonymous so she can speak freely and unfiltered with us. We tackle all sorts of topics like pet insurance and why it might be useful for pet parents.  We talk through the cost of diagnostic tests, and how vet care costs and treatments compare to human healthcare. The Dogtor gives us some solid advice on when to go to an emergency vet versus your primary vet for care, and when to ask for a second opinion. We discuss how the pandemic affected the industry, including influx of pet ownership paired with an exodus of vets from the industry.  We talk through how "anti-science" and "anti-vaccination" mentality is affecting pet health care and the cost/benefits of going to the vet.  Of course, we are also addressing how we can support veterinary staff, as well as our own pets when we need to go to the vet.  Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode we are talking about grief and are honored to have Dr. Jenn Pereira, who is a licensed professional counselor joining us.  It will come as no surprise that we are going to issue a tissue warning for this episode, but we promise there is also a lot of laughter as well.  We talk about pet loss being a form of disenfranchised grief and how that can affect our grieving process.  Jenn gives us so many good nuggets of wisdom like how to include children in the grief process, how to best show up for friends and family who are going through a loss, how to navigate unexpected sadness along the journey, what things we can do for our own grief, and how to work through mixed emotions when grieving.  Additionally, we provide some resources we feel are useful to help work through the grief process after the loss of a pet.  We believe this episode will be beneficial and encouraging to anyone who has lost a pet, and we hope you find some comfort as we share both laughter and tears in this episode. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Links mentioned in the show: The Pet Loss Companion Podcast When The Loss Is Deep by Deb Jones Animals and the Afterlife by Kim Sheridan Children's books: The Rainbow Bridge by Adrian Raeside Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst Resource for Counseling: Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist

In this episode we're discussing puppy socialization.  We address what it is and what it is not, including the common misnomer that puppy socialization is simply letting puppies play together.  We are also addressing why it is important for current and future training in addition to the lifelong benefits dog's experience through appropriate puppy socialization.  As with any training implementation there are risks and rewards and we advocate for making smart choices on an individual basis while considering a variety of factors.  Of course, as always, we advocate for fun for both you and your puppy! Don't forget to review, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sometimestheressideeye | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠