Pawsitively Spoilt

Tanya Williams

How to raise a happy & healthy oodle - tips from from dog experts to help you with the day to day challenges of raising a happy & healthy dog with love. 

  1. 2 days ago

    How to deal with Anticipatory Grief

    How to Cope with Anticipatory Grief: Supporting Yourself Before Saying Goodbye to Your Dog Watching your dog grow older or face a serious illness can be one of the hardest experiences any pet owner will ever go through. Long before we have to say goodbye, many of us begin grieving the loss we know is coming and often don't realise there's a name for it. In this heartfelt episode of the Pawsitively Spoilt Podcast, Tanya shares her own journey with her beloved dog, Latte, alongside animal communicator Donna Hamer, as they explore the emotional reality of anticipatory grief. Together, they discuss why it's so common, why feelings of guilt and anxiety are completely normal, and how to navigate this difficult stage while still cherishing the precious time you have left with your dog. If you're caring for a senior dog or a pet with a terminal illness, this conversation offers practical advice, reassurance, and compassionate support to help you focus on making meaningful memories instead of living in fear of what's ahead.  In this episode, we cover:  What anticipatory grief is and why so many dog owners experience it  The emotional signs to look out for before your dog has passed  Why caring for a senior or unwell dog can feel emotionally overwhelming  How to cope with guilt, anxiety and the fear of "the day" coming  Practical ways to prepare emotionally without losing joy in the present  Creating meaningful memories with your dog during their final chapter  Advice and comfort for anyone currently walking this journey with their beloved companion  About Donna Donna Hamer, known as Donna DoLittle Animal Communicator, is an Animal Communicator, Pet Psychic, Author, and Pet Grief Coach. She helps pet guardians better understand their animals by intuitively connecting with pets, both living and in spirit, and sharing their thoughts, feelings, and messages. Donna is the bestselling author of Pet Loss & Grief – From Loss to Love: A Healing Journey Through Pet Grief and is passionate about supporting people through the challenges of pet loss, grief, and end-of-life care. Her upcoming book and journal, Anticipatory Grief: Navigating End of Life with Your Pet, offers practical and compassionate support for those facing the difficult journey of saying goodbye to a beloved companion. Through her work, Donna helps people find comfort, connection, healing, and hope during every stage of their journey with their pets. For more information, visit WEBSITE:  https://www.donnadolittle.com.au BOOKING LINK:  https://bookme.name/donnadolittle/ IG:  https://www.instagram.com/animalcommunicationwithdonna/ FB:  https://www.facebook.com/donnadolittle

    40 min
  2. 25 June

    Common types of insurance claims & what every oodle owner needs to know

    Pet insurance can provide peace of mind, but many dog owners are surprised by what is, and isn’t, covered when they need to make a claim. In this episode of Pawsitively Spoilt, we dive into the world of pet insurance with Nathan Harris, co-founder of Knose Pet Insurance as he shares the most common claims being made today and the costly surprises many owners never see coming. We discuss whether illnesses or injuries are driving the majority of claims, how veterinary costs have changed over the past few years, and whether popular breeds like Cavoodles and other oodles are more prone to certain conditions. We also uncover the biggest preventable health issues, the top reasons claims are declined, and what first-time pet owners should consider when choosing a policy. Whether you're already insured or still deciding if pet insurance is right for your dog, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you avoid expensive mistakes and make informed decisions about your dog's health and wellbeing. In this episode, we cover: 🐶 The most common pet insurance claims today 🐶 The unexpected claims that catch owners off guard 🐶 How claims and veterinary costs have changed over time 🐶 Common conditions affecting Cavoodles and other oodles 🐶 Preventable issues that lead to expensive vet bills 🐶 Why some claims get declined—and how to avoid it 🐶 Tips for choosing the right pet insurance policy If you've ever wondered whether pet insurance is worth it, this episode is a must-listen for every dog parent. About Nathan Harris  Nathan Harris is the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Knose Pet Insurance, where he uses his strong background in economics, finance, and insurance to help reshape the pet industry around veterinarians. After completing his Bachelor of Business at RMIT University and further studies in economics and an MBA, he has focused since co-founding Knose in 2017 on supporting local vets and making it easier for pet owners to access consistent, vet-led care through simple, ‘set and forget’ pet insurance and wellness plans. Having grown up on a dairy farm, Nathan formed a love of animals early on. He now combines this with his business experience to ensure animal health and wellbeing are accessible and affordable to everyone.   Find Knose here: www.knose.com.au @knosepetinsurance on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Tiktok.  Watch on Pooches at Play TV show: https://www.knose.com.au/blog/pooches-at-play-nathan-explain-insurance/

    42 min
  3. 18 June

    What makes a healthy dog treat?

    What makes a dog treat truly healthy? In this episode of the Pawsitively Spoilt Podcast, Tanya sits down with Sarah and Tracy from Nooch Pets to explore the science behind dog treats and why not all treats are created equal. The conversation dives into what "science-backed" pet nutrition actually means, how ingredient quality impacts long-term health, and what dog owners should look for when reading treat labels. Sarah and Tracy also unpack common misconceptions about natural treats, discuss the differences between freeze-dried and air-dried products, and share practical advice for choosing treats that support your dog's wellbeing without sacrificing taste. Whether you're raising a puppy, managing allergies and sensitivities, or simply want to make more informed choices for your dog, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you become a more confident pet parent. Plus, stay tuned for a fun question at the end that every treat-loving dog would want answered! Find Nooch Pets here: https://noochpets.com.au/  Nooch Pets is an Australian family-owned pet wellness brand founded by mother-daughter duo Tracy and Sarah, dedicated to natural, science-backed solutions for dogs and cats. Born from a personal experience with their dog Manuka's food and environmental allergies, every product is developed with full ingredient transparency, no fillers, no hidden additives. Their 25+ product range is vet-approved, dermatologist tested, and built around a whole-pet approach to health and wellbeing.

    33 min
  4. 11 June

    The Truth About Crate Training: Benefits, Mistakes and Success Tips

    Thinking about crate training but not sure where to start? In this episode, I talk to Eliza Kennedy from the Paws Room to unpack everything dog owners need to know about crate training, including the benefits, common misconceptions, and practical tips for success. Whether you have a new puppy, a rescue dog, or an adult dog who has never used a crate before, we'll explain how to introduce the crate positively, avoid common mistakes, and help your dog see their crate as a safe and comfortable retreat. We'll also discuss separation anxiety, toilet training, overnight sleeping arrangements, and how crate training can support your dog's wellbeing when done correctly. If you've ever wondered whether crate training is cruel, how long your dog should spend in a crate, or how to stop crate-related whining and barking, this episode is for you. In this episode you'll learn:  The benefits of crate training for puppies and adult dogs  How to choose the right crate size  Common crate training mistakes to avoid  Tips for creating positive crate associations  How crate training can assist with toilet training and routine  What to do if your dog hates the crate Perfect for Cavoodle, Oodle and small dog owners looking to build confidence and create a calm, happy home environment. Listen now and discover how crate training can become one of the most valuable tools in your dog's training journey. Eliza Kennedy is the Co-Founder of The Paws Room, a premium Australian dog furniture brand inspired by her own anxious Shar Pei and a passion for thoughtful design. After experiencing the positive impact of a calm, den-like space on her dog's wellbeing, she set out to create beautiful alternatives to traditional wire crates. Today, The Paws Room helps dogs feel safe, settled and at home while creating spaces owners are proud to have in their homes.   https://www.thepawsroom.com.au/

    40 min
  5. 4 June

    Is It Really Anxiety? How to Tell If Your Dog Is Anxious or Just Being a Dog

    Is It Really Anxiety? Understanding What's Really Going On With Your Dog Is your dog truly anxious, or could something else be driving their behaviour? In this episode of Pawsitively Spoilt, Tanya sits down with dog behaviour expert Sarah Rutten to unpack one of the most commonly used (and often misunderstood) terms in the dog world: anxiety. Together, they explore what canine anxiety actually looks like, why the label is often overused, and how owners can tell the difference between genuine anxiety and behaviours caused by boredom, lack of boundaries, learned habits, or simply a cheeky personality.  Sarah shares practical advice on recognising the true signs of anxiety in dogs, what steps owners should take if they're concerned, and when it's time to seek professional help. They also discuss calming products, supplements, medications, and whether they're being used appropriately in today's pet industry.  If you've ever wondered whether your dog's behaviour is anxiety, attention-seeking, frustration, or something else entirely, this episode will help you better understand your dog and make more informed decisions about their wellbeing. In this episode, you'll learn:  What canine anxiety actually is  Common behaviours that are mistaken for anxiety  How to identify genuine signs of stress and anxiety  When to seek professional behavioural support  Practical ways to help an anxious dog  The truth about calming products and medications Whether you're raising a puppy, supporting a rescue dog, or navigating behaviour changes in an older dog, this conversation is packed with valuable insights for dog owners. Sarah Rutten Dip CBST KPA CTP CPDT-KA is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, canine behaviourist, and welfare advocate who has spent over 20 years helping humans and dogs actually understand each other. Her witty, tell-it-like-it-is approach has earned her features on The Morning Show (Channel 7), Apple TV, Roku, Better Homes & Gardens, The Courier Mail, and a stack of radio and podcast appearances. Sarah runs online programs and 1:1 behavioural consultations — in person on the Sunshine Coast or via Zoom, anywhere in the world. Website – www.thecanineperspective.com.auFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/thecanineperspectiveInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecanineperspective/Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thecanineperspectiveJoin our free Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecanineperspectivecommunityLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-rutten-5454112a/ Not sure if your dog has anxiety? Send a DM with the word ANXIETY to Sarah on Instagram for a complimentary checklist to identify what anxiety really looks like. See if your dog is showing signs – and what you can do about it.

    48 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

How to raise a happy & healthy oodle - tips from from dog experts to help you with the day to day challenges of raising a happy & healthy dog with love.