The COLLAB Dog Training Podcast

Lisa Gallegos

The Collab Dog Training Podcast helps you self-train your service dog through collaboration, not control. Hosted by certified trainer Lisa Gallegos, this podcast blends real-life training advice, behavior science, and compassionate storytelling to help you build a strong, reliable partnership with your dog: whether you're raising a service dog or just want better behavior at home.

Episodes

  1. 05/30/2025

    How cooperative care builds resilience with Tara of Zen Dog Grooming.mp4

    In this episode, I’m joined by Tara, founder of Zen Dog Grooming and my go-to expert when it comes to cooperative care. We talk about how learning cooperative care completely transformed the way I train—not just for grooming or vet visits, but for everyday life, service dog prep, and even things like stairs and public access work. We share personal stories (like how my dog Dodger went from terrified of stairs to jumping into the lake!), explore how filming your training sessions can level up your skills fast, and discuss why understanding your own dog’s body language is the real foundation of success in any training plan. Plus, we introduce our upcoming group coaching program: Hassle-Free Handling—a live coaching program, launching this September to help guardians and trainers build real-life handling skills using science-based, force-free methods. Whether you have a service dog in training, a therapy dog, or just want to help your pet feel more comfortable with grooming, vet care, and public life… this one’s for you. 🎧 Ready to build trust, confidence, and resilience in your dog? Join the waitlist for Hassle-Free Handling here: https://collabdogtraining.com/hassle-free-handling Follow Tara on Instagram: http://instagram.com/zendog.fearlessgrooming 📲 Connect with me on social: Instagram: @liveapawsomelife TikTok: @lisagallegosonline Facebook: @lisagallegosonline Pinterest: @lisagallegosonline YouTube: Collab Dog Training

    37 min
  2. 05/22/2025

    Is CBD Good For Dogs? (Training and Health Perspectives Explained)

    Is CBD Good for Dogs? What Every Dog Guardian Should Know Thinking about adding CBD to your dog’s routine—but not sure if it’s actually helpful? In this episode, I explore how CBD can support your dog’s behavior, focus, and emotional regulation—not just their physical health. We’ll cover: How pain, digestion, and anxiety impact trainingSigns your dog may be experiencing discomfort (hint: it’s not disobedience)The science behind CBD’s calming effect on the nervous systemWhen to consider CBD vs. when to consult a vet behavioristMy favorite ways to use CBD during training, travel, and stressWhat to look for (and avoid) when choosing a high-quality CBD productYou’ll also hear personal stories from my work as a professional dog trainer—and how I went from skeptical to seriously impressed once I found the right product. 🪴 Want to try CBD for your dog? I recommend Petals & Tails—a woman-owned brand with third-party tested, full-spectrum CBD products. Use my code LISA15 for 15% off your first order: https://bit.ly/PetalsAndTails 🎥 Prefer to watch with visuals? Check out the full YouTube version of this episode here: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBoOfyWR0XU — ✨ Explore More from Collab Dog Training: 🖥️ Courses & Resources: https://collabdogtraining.com/courses 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/liveapawsomelife 🐶 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisagallegosonline 📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lisagallegosonline/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisagallegosonline ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary or medical advice. Always consult your vet before adding supplements to your dog’s routine. If your dog is experiencing severe behavioral issues, consider reaching out to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. 📲 Connect with me on social: Instagram: @liveapawsomelife TikTok: @lisagallegosonline Facebook: @lisagallegosonline Pinterest: @lisagallegosonline YouTube: Collab Dog Training

    17 min
  3. 05/22/2025

    Service Dog Mobility Harnesses (YouTube Audio Version): Finding the Right Fit with Katrina Boldry of Bold Lead Designs

    In this episode, I’m joined by Katrina Baldry—founder of Bold Lead Designs and the Mobility Dog Resource Group—to break down what you really need to know about mobility harnesses. We’re talking proper fit, pressure distribution, ethical design, and why those cheap Amazon harnesses just don’t cut it. Whether your dog is helping with counterbalance, momentum pulling, or light bracing, this episode gives you the knowledge to make safer, more informed decisions for both you and your dog. We also discuss: Red flags to avoid when shopping for a harnessThe difference between rigid and flexible handles (and when to use each)How a dog’s anatomy affects harness fit—and performanceWhy proper fitting prevents long-term injuryTips for selecting the right dog for mobility tasksHow to match harness and handle types to your needs Want to see what we’re talking about? 📺 Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBoOfyWR0XU 🦮 Explore Ethical Gear: Bold Lead Designs: https://boldleaddesigns.com/ 🎁 Use code REFMRHG5PWWNZ to get $10 off your first Bold Lead Designs order when you spend $50 or more (new customers only) 📚 Learn more from Katrina and her team: Mobility Dog Resource Group: https://mobilitydogresources.org/ — ✨ Explore More from Collab Dog Training: 🖥️ Service Dog Courses: https://collabdogtraining.com/courses 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/liveapawsomelife 🐶 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisagallegosonline 📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lisagallegosonline/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisagallegosonline ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian, behaviorist, or medical professional for your individual situation. 📲 Connect with me on social: Instagram: @liveapawsomelife TikTok: @lisagallegosonline Facebook: @lisagallegosonline Pinterest: @lisagallegosonline YouTube: Collab Dog Training

    22 min
  4. 05/17/2025

    Foundations of Cortisol Medical Alert Training: Getting Started the Right Way

    🧠 Episode Summary:Did you know your dog can smell your stress before you even feel it? In this episode of The Collab Dog Training Podcast, we dive into the science and structure behind cortisol medical alert training — and how to build a solid foundation for success. You’ll learn how to safely collect cortisol samples, create positive scent associations using pairing games, and why you should always train the alert behavior separately. Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your training plan, this episode gives you actionable steps you can begin today — without rushing your dog or guessing your way through it. 🐾 What You’ll Learn:Why cortisol is a powerful target scent for medical alert dogsHow to collect consistent, clean samples (and why it matters)Simple scent pairing games to start building odor valueWhy environment generalization is key to long-term successThe #1 mistake people make when training alerts — and how to avoid it📌 Resources Mentioned:🎓 Explore All Online Courses: Want to train smarter, not harder? Check out the full course library here 👉 collabdogtraining.com/courses 🔍 Want a Full Blueprint for Training Your PSD? The Psychiatric Service Dog A-Z Blueprint gives you a clear, proven roadmap for training tasks, public access, and long-term success — even if you're overwhelmed or starting from scratch. 👉 Click here to learn more 🎧 Subscribe to The Collab Dog Training Podcast so you never miss an episode on service dog skills, task training, and building calm, confident dogs. 💬 If you enjoyed this episode, rate, review, or share it with a fellow handler! 📲 Connect with me on social: Instagram: @liveapawsomelife TikTok: @lisagallegosonline Facebook: @lisagallegosonline Pinterest: @lisagallegosonline YouTube: Collab Dog Training

    14 min
  5. 04/23/2025

    Body Language: Subtle Stress Signals in Dogs

    In this first episode of The Collab Dog Training Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked (but most important) parts of training: understanding your dog’s body language. You’ll learn how to spot the early signs of stress, distinguish between eustress and distress, and avoid common misinterpretations like “my dog’s tail is wagging, so he must be happy.” Whether you're training a service dog or just want to build a more respectful, connected relationship with your pet, this episode will help you tune into what your dog is really communicating. 🔍 What You’ll Learn:Why body language is often misunderstood — even by “dog people”The difference between eustress and distress (and why both matter)How appetite and treat-taking can reveal your dog’s emotional stateSubtle signs like yawning, sniffing, lip licking, and tail positionWhy catching early stress signals prevents bigger behavior issuesReal-world examples from vet visits, training sessions, and public access work📌 Resources Mentioned:🐶 Free Body Language Course: collabdogtraining.com/body-language✨ Online Courses for Self-Trainers of Service Dogs: collabdogtraining.com/courses 📲 Connect with Lisa:Instagram: @liveapawsomelifeTikTok: @lisagallegosonlineFacebook: Lisa Gallegos OnlinePinterest: lisagallegosonlineYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LisaGallegos🐾 Like what you heard?Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help others discover force-free training! And don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow handler or dog-loving friend. 📲 Connect with me on social: Instagram: @liveapawsomelife TikTok: @lisagallegosonline Facebook: @lisagallegosonline Pinterest: @lisagallegosonline YouTube: Collab Dog Training

    17 min
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Collab Dog Training Podcast helps you self-train your service dog through collaboration, not control. Hosted by certified trainer Lisa Gallegos, this podcast blends real-life training advice, behavior science, and compassionate storytelling to help you build a strong, reliable partnership with your dog: whether you're raising a service dog or just want better behavior at home.