Soul Touched by Dogs

Anke Herrmann
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Pets & Animals
  • Weekly

Welcome to the Soul Touched by Dogs Podcast, the show for dog lovers who see dogs not as toys or tools, but as wise souls worth our respect and care. The 30-minute interviews with "Pawsome Humans", people who do great work for dogs and their people, you're listening to here on the podcast are one of the ways we celebrate the human-canine connection and advocate for holistic approaches to canine health and well-being.

  1. 5h ago

    Play-Based Dog Training: Why Your Dog's Joy Becomes Your Confidence with Marc Windgassen

    Play-based dog training might sound like it's just for puppies, but Marc Windgassen has spent over 30 years proving otherwise — from hunting dogs carrying raw eggs without breaking them, to reactive dogs learning to see other dogs as background noise. In this conversation, he walks us through why play, not treats, becomes the most sustainable way to teach your dog what matters, and how understanding the "why" behind any method is what keeps it working long after the trainer leaves. Prefer video? Watch on youtube. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why your dog might not play tug (even though every dog is wired to chase, catch and hold), and how to build that drive back without pressure or proximity stress How to use a game of tug to redirect a reactive dog in real-world environments — and why it works faster than trying to suppress the behaviour What happens in your dog's brain when you replace an old neural pathway (like lunging at cats) with a new one (like looking for the toy), and why consistency matters more than perfection Why teaching your dog the "why" behind a cue — not just the action — helps you adapt when life doesn't follow the script How to keep an older dog physically and mentally sharp through play, and why those small stabilizing muscles matter more than you think What it looks like to train online without losing influence — and why having the owner hold the leash from day one creates more lasting change How to create an invisible boundary in your kitchen (or anywhere else) using spatial pressure, so your dog stays safe and your mobility stays intact A FAVOURITE MOMENT "If your neighbors think you've gone mental, you're doing it correctly." — Marc ABOUT MARC WINDGASSEN Marc Windgassen is a German dog trainer with over 30 years of experience across multiple countries and disciplines. He specializes in online training and believes that explaining the "why" behind every method is what makes change stick. Marc is the founder of Dog Point, where he works with dog owners internationally to solve behaviour challenges and build confidence through understanding, not compliance. CONNECT WITH MARC WINDGASSEN Website: dogpoint.pet Instagram: @dogpoint.usa TikTok: @dogpointusa Facebook: dogpoint LinkedIn: Marc Windgassen Newsletter: The Dogpoint Newsletter CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com. And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

    Play-Based Dog Training: Why Your Dog's Joy Becomes Your Confidence with Marc Windgassen

  2. Oct 24

    Pet Canvas Prints That Preserve Your Dog's Story | with Luke Welsh

    Prefer video? Watch on youtube. Turning cherished dog photos into lasting art sounds simple until you realize most of those hundreds of images on your phone will never make it off the screen. Luke Welsh understands the gap between digital memories and something you can hold, see every day, and pass down — and he's built a business around closing it with the kind of quality and care that honours what those photos actually mean. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why a professional-grade canvas matters more than you think when it comes to preserving a memory that will hang in your home for years How to choose the right photo from your camera roll, even if you're not sure which one captures the moment that still makes you laugh or tears at your heartstrings What happens behind the scenes when someone who actually cares about your story takes your photo and prepares it for printing, including colour correction and enhancement The kinds of moments dog lovers most often want to preserve beyond the passing of a beloved dog — family portraits, celebrations, even the everyday shots that somehow mean everything How a custom canvas can become the gift you give when someone already has everything, especially when it's a photo they didn't know they needed on their wall Why working with someone who treats your pet's photo like the family treasure it is makes all the difference in what you receive A FAVOURITE MOMENT "These people are trusting us with this photo. Even though it's not a valuable gold watch or diamonds, it's so valuable to them." — Luke ABOUT LUKE WELSH Luke Welsh is the co-founder of Love My Pet Canvas, a business he runs with his wife Tammy. With 42 years of experience in the printing industry as a quality manager, Luke brings meticulous attention to detail and professional-grade standards to every canvas they produce. More than that, he and Tammy are devoted pet lovers who've adopted and cared for many dogs over the years — each one leaving pawprints on their hearts and inspiring them to help others preserve those same kinds of precious memories. CONNECT WITH LUKE WELSH Website: lovemypetcanvas.com Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070365874880 Special offer for Soul Touched by Dogs listeners: Use promo code Pawsome at checkout for a discount on your order. CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

    Pet Canvas Prints That Preserve Your Dog's Story | with Luke Welsh

  3. Oct 21

    Heal The Nervous System: How Your Stressed Dog Transforms in 30 Days with Annie Phenix

    Prefer video? Watch on YouTube. Trauma recovery in dogs isn't just about bad behavior that needs fixing — it's about a nervous system that got stuck in survival mode and can't switch off. When your dog startles at every sound, can't settle, or seems suspicious of the world, training alone won't reach what's really going on. Annie Phenix, a certified behavior expert who specializes in the most serious cases, shows why healing the body first is the missing piece in helping anxious, reactive, and traumatized dogs find peace. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why some dogs bounce back from hard experiences while others get stuck in a trauma loop — and what that has to do with how their nervous system regulates itself, not the event itself How a dog's nervous system works almost exactly like ours, and why addressing it first makes behavior change happen faster than counter-conditioning alone What it looks like when a 120-pound Doberman Dane who wanted to eat strangers heals in six months — and why he could do it faster than most humans with similar trauma Why your dog jumps up on the counter or digs in the couch when they're anxious — and how these behaviors are actually attempts to self-soothe and ground their nervous system The one simple environmental change (a white noise machine) that can help noise-sensitive dogs finally get deep, restorative sleep in their own home How to know if your dog's behavior problem is actually rooted in pain — and why even mild physical issues can create huge emotional responses What glimmers are, and why looking for tiny moments of peace, joy, and curiosity is more useful than waiting for your dog to be "fixed" A FAVOURITE MOMENT "You can't heal in the environment that caused the stress." — Annie ABOUT ANNIE PHENIX Annie Phenix is a certified canine behavior expert and trauma-informed professional who works virtually with dog owners around the world. She specializes in the most serious and complex behavior cases — the dogs other trainers say can't be helped — and has a remarkable success rate. Annie is the author of two best-selling books on canine behavior, including Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs, and runs the Canine Trauma Clinic, a private community where dog lovers learn how to regulate their dog's nervous system and support real healing. She's also the founder of the Phenix Advocacy Center for R+ Canine Professionals, a nonprofit focused on mental health and wellbeing in the dog training world. CONNECT WITH ANNIE PHENIX Website: choosetotrainhumane.com Canine Trauma Clinic: choosetotrainhumane.com/canine-trauma-clinic Facebook: facebook.com/phenixdogs Free guide — 7 Steps to Quick Healing: phenix-dogs-canine-behavior-experts-llc.kit.com/7-steps CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com. And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at planetcalm.co — the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

    Heal The Nervous System: How Your Stressed Dog Transforms in 30 Days with Annie Phenix

  4. Oct 17

    Dogs for Mental Health: Why Your Dog Becomes Your Anchor with Daniel Popovic

    Prefer video? Watch on youtube. Mental health benefits of dogs aren't always visible the way physical health is, but they may be the most powerful gift our dogs give us. Daniel Popovic joins the show to talk about grief, rescue dogs who carry trauma, and why the stories we share about our dogs matter more than we might realize — especially when we're struggling. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why the grief of losing a dog can hit harder than you expect, even when you thought you were prepared How dogs pick up on energy and trauma in ways we don't, and what that means when you bring a new dog into your home What caregiver fatigue really looks like when you're caring for a senior dog, and why it's okay to admit it's hard Why resource guarding and reactivity might be about your energy in the room, not just the dog's history How having a dog holds you accountable in ways that quietly shape your mental health, your routine, and your sense of purpose Why younger generations — especially those navigating isolation, stress, or big life transitions — benefit deeply from having dogs in their lives What it means to make room for a dog when your life feels full, and why the sacrifice is worth more than you give back A FAVOURITE MOMENT "Every misstep is a stepping stone to success. There's a diamond underneath every challenge — you just have to look for it." — Daniel ABOUT DANIEL POPOVIC Daniel Popovic is a product innovation executive, author, and podcast host who spent years generating over two billion dollars in product value across multiple industries before turning his attention to what matters most: the human-animal bond. After losing his Doberman Marley in devastating circumstances, he wrote a book to process his grief — and discovered it resonated with others navigating the same heartbreak. Now he hosts the Every Paw Print, Every Story podcast, works with rescue dogs carrying trauma, and is developing a framework to speak at universities about how dogs anchor our mental health and shape us into better leaders and humans. CONNECT WITH DANIEL POPOVIC Website: pawpads.pet CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com. And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

    Dogs for Mental Health: Why Your Dog Becomes Your Anchor with Daniel Popovic

  5. Oct 10

    Adopting Ex-Racing Greyhounds: Athletes That Make Surprisingly Perfect Pets - Maritsa Inglessis

    Prefer video? Watch on youtube. Greyhound adoption might not be on your radar if you think retired racing dogs need endless exercise or won't settle into normal life. But what if the reality was completely different — and these gentle, intelligent souls made some of the easiest, most affectionate companions you could ask for? Maritsa Inglessis shares what it's really like to welcome ex-racing greyhounds into your home, from the moment they see a TV for the first time to learning that sofas are, in fact, the best place on earth. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why greyhounds are nicknamed "45 mile an hour couch potatoes" and how little exercise they actually need compared to what most people assume What it looks like when a dog who spent their whole life in racing kennels steps into a home for the first time — stairs, washing machines, sofas and all How greyhounds compare to other rescue dogs in temperament, intelligence and how quickly they adapt to the good life Why their thin skin and low body fat mean they genuinely need coats in winter and careful temperature management in summer What to know about their prey drive, especially around small fluffy dogs or cats, and how that plays out on walks Why finding a vet experienced with greyhounds matters — their blood markers and physiology are different enough to cause confusion Where to look if you're considering adopting a retired racer, and what kind of history you should ask for before bringing one home A FAVOURITE MOMENT "Howard took about one or two weeks to learn that he could actually get up onto the sofa and sit on it. Now he won't actually get off it." — Maritsa ABOUT MARITSA INGLESSIS Maritsa and her husband originally planned to adopt one rescue dog. Instead, they came home with Rocket and Tilly, a bonded pair of ex-racing greyhounds, and quickly discovered that one greyhound is rarely enough. Daisy joined the family soon afterwards, and all three later made the move with them to Greece. After losing Rocket and Tilly last year, Maritsa and her husband recently welcomed Howard into their home as a new companion for Daisy. Having helped Daisy and Howard adjust to life beyond racing kennels, Maritsa has seen them encounter everything from stairs to washing machines for the first time. She is passionate about showing what loving, affectionate and surprisingly low-maintenance pets greyhounds make, while speaking honestly about the realities of the racing industry. CONNECT WITH MARITSA INGLESSIS Website: thepeoplekeeper.com CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

    Adopting Ex-Racing Greyhounds: Athletes That Make Surprisingly Perfect Pets - Maritsa Inglessis

  6. Oct 3

    Therapy Dogs and Model Dogs: How Your Dog's Hidden Gifts Can Heal Others with Susan Hartzler

    Prefer video? Watch on youtube. Therapy dogs visit hospitals, schools, and nursing homes — but what does it actually take to build that kind of partnership with your dog? Susan Hartzler has been doing therapy dog work for 26 years, and in this conversation, she shares what she's learned about helping dogs and their people bring comfort, connection, and healing to communities. It's a glimpse into a world most of us only see from the outside — and a reminder of just how much dogs give when we learn to work alongside them. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN The difference between service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs — and why understanding those distinctions matters if you're considering any kind of working role with your dog How to recognize whether your dog has the temperament for therapy work, and what training foundation they need before stepping into hospitals, schools, or other settings Why therapy dog work is as much about the human as it is the dog — and what it takes to be a calm, present partner at the other end of the leash What happens when a dog intuitively knows what someone needs, and how to follow your dog's lead rather than override it The science-backed benefits of spending time with dogs — from lowering cortisol to calming panic attacks — and how to tap into those intentionally, not just accidentally How Susan taught her dogs to wear hats and sunglasses (and why that skill actually matters in therapy and modeling work) What it's like when your dog becomes both a therapy dog and a professional actor — and how those two worlds surprisingly overlap A FAVOURITE MOMENT "He actually knew what each person needed, and I was just kind of his facilitator at the end of the leash." — Susan ABOUT SUSAN HARTZLER Susan Hartzler is an award-winning writer and passionate advocate for the human-animal bond. For the past 26 years, she and her pack have volunteered as certified therapy dog teams, visiting hospitals, schools, libraries, nursing homes, and community organizations across the country. Her newest book, Teaming Up with Therapy Dogs: Skills to Build Healing Partnerships, offers practical guidance for aspiring therapy dog teams, blending training insights with real stories from the field. She's also the author of two memoirs — I'm Not Single, I Have a Dog: Dating Tales from the Bark Side and The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace — and the creator of BlissDog, a Substack publication exploring the healing power of dogs. Her current pack, Seven and Paige Turner, aren't just therapy dogs — they're also professional actors and models. CONNECT WITH SUSAN HARTZLER Website: susanhartzler.com Substack: blissdog.substack.com Facebook: facebook.com/Blissdog and facebook.com/SevenForPresident YouTube: youtube.com/@SusanHartzler LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susanhartzler CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

    Therapy Dogs and Model Dogs: How Your Dog's Hidden Gifts Can Heal Others with Susan Hartzler

  7. Sep 26

    Dog Meets Baby: Beyond Instagram's Perfect Picture with Dominika Knossalla-Pado

    Prefer video? Watch on youtube. Dogs and babies living together isn't always the Instagram-perfect moment many parents imagine. When certified dog trainer Dominika Knossalla-Pado's beloved Labrador showed predatory behavior toward her newborn twins, it shattered the romantic picture she'd held and sent her searching for answers that simply didn't exist. This conversation offers the practical, honest guidance expecting parents and new families need to help both their children and dogs not just survive this transition, but truly thrive. What You'll Learn Why even well-trained dogs can struggle when a baby arrives, and how to recognize the early signs that your dog is finding the transition difficult What you can actually prepare for before your baby is born, including the specific behaviors and routines that matter most (and why you probably don't need that expensive doll) How to create a safe first meeting between your dog and baby, especially if your dog has never been around young children Why those heartwarming social media posts of dogs and babies together can be misleading, and what a truly comfortable dog actually looks like in those moments What to do when your toddler becomes mobile and suddenly your calm dog seems stressed by grabby hands, unpredictable movements and constant noise How to give both your child and your dog the freedom they need without constant supervision becoming overwhelming When separation and baby gates become tools for peace rather than punishment, and how to prepare your dog for these changes before stress builds A Favourite Moment "Give me that neighbor." — Dominika About Dominika Knossalla-Pado Dominika Knossalla-Pado is a certified dog trainer who graduated with honors from the Academy for Dog Trainers. When her beloved Labrador Lola showed predatory behavior toward her newborn twins, Dominika realized most parents lack the tools and knowledge to navigate these critical moments safely. That experience inspired her to found Dog Meets Baby, now a trusted resource for families worldwide through online courses, consultations and free resources. She's also the author of the children's book Lola and the Bubble Mission, which introduces young children to the concept that all animals need their own safe space. Connect with Dominika Knossalla-Pado Website: dogmeetsbaby.expert Instagram: @dogmeets_baby YouTube: Dog Meets Baby Facebook: Dog Meets Baby Pinterest: Dog Meets Baby Free Resources Preparation Checklist for Expecting Parents Rules of Interaction for Caregivers of Toddlers and Preschoolers Guide for Caregivers of Toddlers Dog Meets Family Preparation Checklist Dog Bite Prevention for Families Lola and the Bubble Mission Connect with Soul Touched by Dogs To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

    Dog Meets Baby: Beyond Instagram's Perfect Picture with Dominika Knossalla-Pado

  8. Sep 19

    Shift Your Energy, Change Your Dog’s Behavior with Caroline Griffith

    Prefer video? Watch on youtube. Canine Flow and the energetic lens that changes how we understand dog behaviour — that's what this conversation is about. Caroline shares a perspective that goes beyond traditional training methods, showing how emotions, energy and even water influence our dogs' wellbeing. If you've ever felt there's something deeper going on with your dog than what you can see on the surface, this episode offers a completely different way of looking at the relationship you share. What You'll Learn How your dog's behaviour is actually a flow of emotion seeking expression, not something to suppress or control Why separation anxiety often has less to do with you leaving and more to do with whether your dog can emotionally ground on you when you're present What it means when your dog has "charge" — and how to recognise when energy has built up and needs to be released The surprising role water plays in holding somatic trauma in both humans and dogs, and simple ways to structure your water at home Why enrichment isn't about mentally tiring your dog but about helping them release emotional charge and find contentment How shifts in your own state — like attending a yoga class or releasing stuck emotions — can directly change your dog's behaviour What electromagnetic fields and Wi-Fi may be doing to dogs, who have the largest heart per body mass of any creature A Favourite Moment "The dog is not trying to be in charge. They have a charge." — Caroline About Caroline Caroline has been leading Canine Flow Retreats for dogs and their guardians for the past 16 years, specialising in soul-level behaviour transformation. She brings together decades of experience in canine nutrition and holistic therapies with a unique energetic lens that looks at how a dog's measurable energy field — what she calls the vital life force flow — influences their behaviour. Caroline is also co-founder of the Association of Pet Nutrition Consultants and works as a nutrition consultant in the international pet food industry. Connect with Caroline Website: canineflow.com Facebook: facebook.com/LoveWoofandWonder Connect with Soul Touched by Dogs To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com. And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at planetcalm.co — the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

    Shift Your Energy, Change Your Dog’s Behavior with Caroline Griffith
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About

Welcome to the Soul Touched by Dogs Podcast, the show for dog lovers who see dogs not as toys or tools, but as wise souls worth our respect and care. The 30-minute interviews with "Pawsome Humans", people who do great work for dogs and their people, you're listening to here on the podcast are one of the ways we celebrate the human-canine connection and advocate for holistic approaches to canine health and well-being.

Information

  • Creator
    Anke Herrmann
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    146
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2024 Soul Touched by Dogs
  • Show Website
    Soul Touched by Dogs

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