Shy Dog Diaries

Samara Iodice
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Pets & Animals

Shy Dog Diaries is a podcast about living with, training, and loving dogs who experience the world with a little extra sensitivity. Created for guardians of shy, anxious, fearful, or reactive dogs, the show blends personal stories, expert insights, and practical guidance rooted in compassion and positive reinforcement. Inspired by my dog Nessie, each episode explores what it’s really like to support a dog with anxiety — from separation challenges and difficult walks to building confidence, emotional safety, and trust over time. Along the way, I share conversations with trainers, behaviorists, and other dog guardians, plus honest reflections on the slower, gentler path this journey often requires. Whether your dog hides behind the couch, struggles with big feelings, or surprises you with brave leaps forward, Shy Dog Diaries is here to remind you that you’re not alone — and that every dog’s journey is worth honoring. Shy Dog Diaries is hosted by Samara Iodice, a guardian learning — imperfectly and patiently — alongside her anxious dog. Follow the journey on Instagram: @shydogdiaries For inquiries or guest suggestions: pod@shydogdiaries.com

Episodes

  1. Using Nose Work to Build Confidence with Nancy Reyes

    Jun 7

    Using Nose Work to Build Confidence with Nancy Reyes

    🎥 This episode is also available in video format on Spotify.  When I first introduced nose work to my anxious dog, Nessie, I thought it would simply be a fun enrichment activity. What I didn't realize was that it would become one of the most powerful confidence-building tools in our journey together. In this episode of Shy Dog Diaries, I sit down with Nancy Reyes, founder of For Your K9 and certified nose work instructor, to explore how scent work can help fearful, anxious, reactive, and behaviorally sensitive dogs feel safer, calmer, and more confident in the world. Nancy shares why nose work is uniquely different from other dog sports, how it taps into a dog's natural instincts, and why allowing dogs to solve problems independently can create profound emotional growth. We discuss the fascinating brain-nose connection, practical ways to start scent work at home, and why "going slow to go fast" is often the key to helping anxious dogs succeed. We also talk about real-life success stories, common mistakes handlers make with sensitive dogs, and the role medication can play in helping dogs learn and feel safe enough to engage with the world around them. About Nancy Reyes With more than 30 years of professional experience, Nancy Reyes, CNWI, is a dedicated dog trainer whose work spans both dog behavior and dog sports. Her path began with a lifelong interest in animals and has evolved into helping dogs and their people navigate a wide range of challenges. In 2004, Nancy founded For Your K9, Inc. in Elmhurst, IL, creating a training center that offers behavior-focused programs alongside dog sports such as Agility, Barn Hunt, Rally, and Nose Work. She has extensive experience working with complex behavior issues, including aggression and separation anxiety. At the core of her training philosophy is a commitment to strengthening the human–dog relationship through clear communication, thoughtful training, and mutual respect. Nancy is deeply involved in the canine nose work community, serving as a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI), Certifying Official, and Judge for the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW), as well as a CPE Scent Work Judge and CWAGS Judge. She has mentored scent work instructors both locally and internationally, in person and online. An international speaker and presenter, Nancy has taught dog behavior and nose work across the United States and in Japan. She has written for multiple breed publications and regularly presents webinars for professional and owner-focused audiences. As a Certified Mental Management Instructor, she also coaches dog–handler teams to improve focus, resilience, and performance across dog sports. Connect with Nancy Website: www.foryourk9.com Email: info@foryourk9.com Business Facebook: ForYourK9 Personal Facebook: NancyQReyes Instagram: @for_your_k9_training Sniff & Solve Quiz for Dog Anxiety: https://go.foryourk9.com/sniff-and-solve-quiz Connect with Shy Dog Diaries Instagram: @shydogdiaries Email: pod@shydogdiaries.com

    1h 2m

  2. Apr 5

    Love the Dog in Front of You (A Shy Dog Diary Entry)

    🎥 This episode is also available in video format on Spotify if you want to see some of Nessie’s recent progress. What if the biggest breakthrough with your sensitive dog isn’t fixing them—but finally understanding them? In this episode of Shy Dog Diaries, I’m sharing a deeply personal reflection on what changed when I stopped trying to turn Nessie into the dog I imagined… and started loving the dog right in front of me. I walk through some recent wins—from a surprisingly smooth vet visit to a bath-time recovery using “touch,” to our very first treat-free walk during the day—and how these moments helped me see progress differently. Then we dive into something many of us quietly carry: the gap between the dog we expected and the dog we actually have. I talk about: Why that expectation gap creates stress (and even grief)What it really means to “lower expectations” in a healthy wayHow to work with your dog’s nervous system instead of against itWhy progress with sensitive dogs often looks microscopic—but matters deeplyThis episode is about shifting perspective, finding peace in the process, and recognizing the quiet, meaningful ways our dogs grow—and trust us. Connect with Shy Dog Diaries Instagram: @shydogdiaries Email: pod@shydogdiaries.com

    18 min

  3. Feb 18

    Helping Fearful Dogs Build Confidence with Dr. Kelly Lee

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kelly Lee, founder of Dogkind Training, to talk about what it truly means to support fearful, anxious, and traumatized dogs. Dr. Lee holds degrees in Zoology, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, and she’s an honors graduate of the Academy for Dog Trainers (CTC). But what makes this conversation so powerful isn’t just her credentials — it’s her lived experience with her own deeply fearful dog, Pancake. We talk about: What to do when your dog simply refuses to go on walksWhy “just push them through it” can backfireThe power of agency and safe spacesHow to know if you’re stretching your dog… or overwhelming themWhy participation isn’t enough (and what to watch for instead)How enrichment games build real confidenceThe role of medication — and why it shouldn’t be a last resortHow to recognize and celebrate tiny victories that are actually hugeIf you’re raising a sensitive dog who isn’t a “café dog” — if you’ve questioned yourself, felt overwhelmed, or wondered whether you’re doing it right — this episode will meet you exactly where you are. Because progress with fearful dogs isn’t flashy.  It’s slow. It’s subtle. And it’s worth celebrating. Connect with our guest, Dr Kelly Lee Website: https://www.dogkindtraining.com/ Instagram: @dogkind_training Facebook: Dogkind LLC YouTube: @Dogkind Connect with Shy Dog Diaries Instagram: @shydogdiaries Email: pod@shydogdiaries.com

    1h 9m

  4. Jan 6

    Understanding Anxiety in Dogs with Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda

    What if your dog isn’t “difficult” or “stubborn” — but anxious, overwhelmed, and trying their best? In this episode of Shy Dog Diaries, I sit down with board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda to talk about what’s really going on behind fear-based behaviors in dogs — and how we can truly help them thrive. Dr. Sueda explains what a veterinary behaviorist does, how anxiety can show up as fear, reactivity, or shutdown, and techniques for helping fearful dogs improve. Together, we explore desensitization and counter-conditioning, trigger stacking, rest days, latent learning, and the often-misunderstood role of behavior medications. Using my dog Nessie as a real-life example, this conversation offers hope for guardians of fearful and anxious dogs — especially rescue dogs who missed early socialization windows. We talk about why guilt is common but misplaced, why medication is not a failure, and how helping an anxious dog can change both ends of the leash. If you’ve ever felt alone, judged, or overwhelmed while loving an anxious dog, this episode is for you. Connect with our guest, Dr Karen Sueda Website: https://ksvetbehavior.com Connect with Shy Dog Diaries Instagram: @shydogdiaries Email: pod@shydogdiaries.com

    52 min

  5. Jan 6

    Training with Dog Genie: From Fearful to Flourishing

    In this episode, I’m joined by certified dog trainer and behavior consultant Genie Tuttle of Dog Genie to talk about helping shy and anxious dogs build confidence. Together, we revisit Nessie’s early training days and explore how choice and agency play a powerful role in behavior work. We also talk about how nose work and scent-based enrichment can transform fear into curiosity, giving sensitive dogs a way to engage with the world on their own terms. This is a warm, hopeful conversation for anyone navigating life with a “big-feelings” dog — and for those looking for compassionate, practical ways to help their dogs feel safer and more confident. Connect with our guest, Genie Tuttle Website: https://doggenie.com Instagram: @doggenie Connect with Shy Dog Diaries Instagram: @shydogdiaries Email: pod@shydogdiaries.com

    35 min

  6. Jan 5

    Intro to Shy Dog Diaries

    In this very first episode, I introduce you to Shy Dog Diaries — a podcast about living with, training, and celebrating dogs who see the world a little differently. You’ll hear the story of my rescue dog Nessie, how she inspired this project, and what you can expect from future episodes: Real stories about anxious and sensitive dogsExpert interviews and lived experiencesTraining insights and positive reinforcement tipsFunny hacks and heartwarming momentsThis podcast is for anyone who has ever loved a dog with big feelings — and wondered how to support them while also celebrating the joy they bring.  Thank you for joining me on this journey. I can’t wait to share more with you! Connect with Shy Dog Diaries Instagram: @shydogdiaries Email: pod@shydogdiaries.com

    10 min
  • 6 Episodes

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Shy Dog Diaries is a podcast about living with, training, and loving dogs who experience the world with a little extra sensitivity. Created for guardians of shy, anxious, fearful, or reactive dogs, the show blends personal stories, expert insights, and practical guidance rooted in compassion and positive reinforcement. Inspired by my dog Nessie, each episode explores what it’s really like to support a dog with anxiety — from separation challenges and difficult walks to building confidence, emotional safety, and trust over time. Along the way, I share conversations with trainers, behaviorists, and other dog guardians, plus honest reflections on the slower, gentler path this journey often requires. Whether your dog hides behind the couch, struggles with big feelings, or surprises you with brave leaps forward, Shy Dog Diaries is here to remind you that you’re not alone — and that every dog’s journey is worth honoring. Shy Dog Diaries is hosted by Samara Iodice, a guardian learning — imperfectly and patiently — alongside her anxious dog. Follow the journey on Instagram: @shydogdiaries For inquiries or guest suggestions: pod@shydogdiaries.com

Information

  • Creator
    Samara Iodice
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Shy Dog Diaries
  • Show Website
    Shy Dog Diaries