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. 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

  2. JAN 6

    Seeing Canine Anxiety Through a Veterinary Lens with 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

  3. 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

  4. 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
  • 4 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
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Shy Dog Diaries
  • Show Website
    Shy Dog Diaries