Pod to the Rescue

Summit Dog Rescue

Our society has a mythologically-based approach to bringing companion pets into our homes, which can lead to all sorts of conflicts, and sadly, failed adoptions. This podcast is for dog rescues, fosters, adopters, and dog lovers desiring to smooth out the bumps of adoption and rescue. Hosts Emily and Libby provide evidence-based information on how to assimilate dogs into our human lifestyles in a way that is a positive experience for all species involved. Emily is a certified professional dog trainer; and between them Libby and Emily have over 2 decades rescuing dogs (and a few cats!).

  1. MAR 24

    Pattern Games for Reactive & Rescue Dogs with Leslie McDevitt | Building Calm, Confidence & Resilience

    What if helping a stressed or reactive dog didn’t start with obedience—but with predictability? In this episode of Pod to the Rescue, we’re joined by renowned trainer Leslie McDevitt, creator of the Control Unleashed program, to explore how Pattern Games can transform the lives of shelter, rescue, and pet dogs alike. These simple, repeatable exercises help dogs process their environment, reduce anxiety, and build resilience—whether they’re navigating a chaotic shelter, adjusting to a foster home, or learning to walk calmly through the world. We break down some of Leslie’s most powerful games—like the 1-2-3 game, Up/Down, Give Me a Break, and LATTE—and explain how they: Reduce reactivity and overwhelmBuild trust between dogs and humansTeach calm behavior without pressureHelp dogs generalize skills across environmentsIf you work with rescue dogs—or love one who struggles with the world—this episode is packed with practical, compassionate tools you can start using today. Links and Next Steps: On-Demand Webinars from Leslie McDevitt Leslie’s Friends of Control Unleashed Facebook Group Lick and Learn Connect With Us: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @podtotherescue for weekly behavior insights Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/ Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/ Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/ Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

    46 min
  2. 08/14/2025

    REPLAY: Smarter Training & Trusty Reinforcement with Kathy Sdao

    This week, Emily and Libby speak with Kathy Sdao of Bright Spot Dog Training.  Sdao’s accessible training technique to help our dogs fit into our human world, and this conversation is lively and full of both science and heart; evidence and experience. Some topics discussed are: How to take training out of the science theory realm into the practical, accessible world of humans training their dog Helping resolve dogs anxiety by using reinforcers How her work with Marine mammals influences her training approach Human praise as payment - does it work or not? How the Smart x 50 technique can be adapted to a shelter environment Kathy has been passionate about animal training ever since she quit a good job to move halfway around the world to train dolphins at the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory at the University of Hawaii. Now, 35 years later, she offers her expertise as an applied animal behaviorist to dog owners in Washington State and across the world, to seminar and webinar audiences and to professional training organizations. Kathy has taught 300 seminars, workshops, conferences and webinars; many of these presentations have been professionally recorded and are available for purchase. Kathy’s training philosophy and advice is summarized in her book, Plenty in Life is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace. For transcripts, visit www.podtotherescue.com Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/podtotherescue/ and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PodToTheRescue! Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdr7/support

    1h 15m
  3. 07/17/2025

    REPLAY: Deconstructing Aggressive Behavior with Michael Shikashio

    We are thrilled to present today’s guest, Michael Shikashio. Michael is a world-renowned expert on dog aggression and has an incredible wealth of information he generously shares, which is helpful for owners, rescuers, and trainers alike. In this conversation, Michael, Emily and Libby define aggression, discuss the ways aggression can present in different dogs (and the different levels of assessing their aggression), and so much more. Make sure to listen to the full episodes, as Michael drops important gems throughout the episode. Michael is an internationally sought out speaker on the topic of aggression - has mentored and presented to thousands of animal professionals. He is the Founder of the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, teaches trainers and consultants in over 25 countries on how to work with aggression cases, and has been featured in countless media, including the New York Times, the New York Post, Web MD, and Women’s Health.​Michael Shikashio’s website: https://aggressivedog.com/Fear Free: https://fearfreepets.com/ and https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants: https://m.iaabc.org/Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers: https://www.ccpdt.org/American College of Veterinary Behaviorists: https://www.dacvb.org/ 🎙️ Connect With Us: Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/ Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/ Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/ Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

    50 min
  4. 07/03/2025

    Fireworks and Thunderstorms: Keeping Your Dog Safe and Happy All Summer

    July 4th can be terrifying for pets — especially dogs with noise sensitivities. Fireworks and thunderstorms trigger stress, fear, and sometimes dangerous flight responses in our four-legged friends. In this live mini episode, we talk about why dogs are afraid of fireworks and thunder, how to recognize signs of fear (even the subtle ones!), and strategies for keeping pets calm and safe.You’ll learn how to spot canine stress signals, understand dog body language during loud events, what calming dog products work for us. We’ll also debunk the myth that comforting your scared dog makes things worse, because it doesn’t!Plus, we share what we’re doing this weekend to prep our own dogs, including: Updating microchip info and ID tagsUsing white noise and calming dog musicPreparing soothing chews and frozen enrichment toysCreating safe spaces Whether your dog hides, trembles, or just seems “off,” this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get through the holiday weekend with less stress for everyone.To participate in Jenni's research study, reach out via her website: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/Link to Lincoln Sound Sensitivity Scale:https://ipstore.lincoln.ac.uk/product...Stress and predictability:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles...🎙️ Connect With Us:Facebook:   / podtotherescue  Instagram:   / podtotherescue  Website: https://www.podtotherescue.com/Emily Wolf, Brilliant Pup Behavior: https://www.brilliantpupbehavior.com/Jenni Pfafman, Elevated Dog Training: https://www.elevateddogtraining.com/Libby Felts, Bolder Dog and Bolder Dog Media: https://www.bolder.dog/

    47 min
5
out of 5
51 Ratings

About

Our society has a mythologically-based approach to bringing companion pets into our homes, which can lead to all sorts of conflicts, and sadly, failed adoptions. This podcast is for dog rescues, fosters, adopters, and dog lovers desiring to smooth out the bumps of adoption and rescue. Hosts Emily and Libby provide evidence-based information on how to assimilate dogs into our human lifestyles in a way that is a positive experience for all species involved. Emily is a certified professional dog trainer; and between them Libby and Emily have over 2 decades rescuing dogs (and a few cats!).

You Might Also Like