Love ’Em & Lead ’Em

Melaney Brown and Cory Dahlkamp
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Hosted by Melaney, a former Military Police K9 handler, and Cory, a former special education teacher focused on behavior disorders, the duo behind Dog Training Camp USA in Louisville, Kentucky. We’ve helped hundreds of families ditch the gadgets, skip the hot dogs, and build better relationships with their dogs—through leadership, structure, and a whole lot of heart.But this podcast isn’t just about dogs. It’s about the people holding the leashes. We talk about mental health, burnout, running a small business, friendship, and yes, being bird nerds. You’ll hear the real-life highs and lows behind the scenes as dog trainers, moms, business partners, and best friends.Each episode delivers practical training tips, unfiltered client stories, and raw conversations about the wild journey of living (and learning) with dogs. Whether your dog is a dream or a full-blown dumpster fire, we’ve been there—and we’ve got your back.New episodes every other week. Subscribe, laugh, and learn with us—becau...

  1. Oct 21

    Episode 27: Dogs in the Bed: No Problem, 'Til It Is.

    Should your dog sleep in the bed with you? Honestly? We don’t care. If your dog sleeps curled up next to you every night and everybody’s happy, carry on. But when you’re dealing with resource guarding, biting, fighting between dogs, or a dog who’s starting to think they run the place, that bed, or couch, chair, or even your lap, might matter more than you think. In this episode, we’re talking about why space matters to dogs, how proximity and elevation can influence behavior, and why access to your personal space can be one of the most powerful rewards you have. We share stories of dogs who needed to get off the furniture, little dogs who needed to get out of their owners’ arms, and why sometimes a simple change in boundaries can make a big difference. This isn’t about making a rule that dogs don’t belong on the furniture. Hell, Mel’s dog sleeps in her bed every night. It’s about recognizing when something that isn’t a problem… becomes one. Plus: body pillows, Amazon drivers, catbirds, fall migration, ridiculous graphic T-shirts, and somehow, crab rangoon. Dogs in the bed? No problem, ’til it is.

  2. Oct 7

    Episode 26: Your Dog Isn't Giving You a Hard Time

    What if the weird, frustrating, or downright annoying thing your dog is doing isn't about you at all? In the second half of our conversation about The Things Our Dogs Know, Cory and Melaney talk about what can happen when we stop assigning human motives to our animals and start paying attention to what their behavior is actually telling us. Dogs aren't spiteful. They aren't sitting around plotting their revenge. And when a dog who has behaved one way for years suddenly starts acting differently, instead of asking, “Why is my dog doing this to me?” it may be time to ask, “What changed?” From a four-year-old Springer Spaniel who suddenly begins resource guarding, to scent behaviors that make perfect sense to a dog—even when they make absolutely no sense to us—Cory and Melaney talk about instinct, genetics, medical changes, stress, and why knowing what's normal for your dog matters. And because apparently dogs weren't enough, the conversation expands to birds that seem to know when danger is coming, a Cooper's hawk that silences an entire backyard, Cory becoming an accidental killdeer wizard, and a Disney lion documentary that may owe the water buffaloes an apology. Your dog isn't a tiny human in a fur coat. They're an animal with their own instincts, communication, senses, and way of experiencing the world. Pay attention. Learn their language. And give them the respect of getting to know who they actually are.

  3. Sep 23

    Episode 25: The Things Our Dogs Know

    How well do you really know your dog? Not how well they sit, stay, heel, or follow directions. We mean: Do you know what they're telling you? Do you notice when something feels different? Do you understand who they are beyond the behaviors you'd like to change? This week, Cory and Melaney get a little philosophical—and maybe a little woo-woo—about what happens when we stop trying to control every little thing our dogs do and start actually paying attention to them. Inspired by a C.S. Lewis quote about free will, they talk about why the smartest, most incredible dogs can also be some of the hardest to live with—and why good training isn't about creating a perfectly obedient robot. It's about building communication with another living creature who has instincts, preferences, abilities, and an entire experience of the world that we may never fully understand. From dogs who seem to know things before their humans do, to subtle behavior changes that turned out to signal something much bigger, Cory and Melaney share stories that make you wonder just how much our animals are telling us that we simply aren't noticing. Because yes, sometimes your dog is doing something annoying. Sometimes a behavior absolutely needs to be trained, managed, or changed. But sometimes it's worth asking another question: What is my dog trying to tell me? Plus, Sardine Summer comes to a gloriously fishy end—with sourdough, hidden sardines, a mango allergy, and the discovery that there is definitely a limit to how much tinned fish two people should consume in one day.

  4. Jun 24

    Episode 24: Dog Names, Bird Names & Other Bad Decisions

    Cory and Melaney return from the Alabama Coastal Birding Festival with matching shirts, 35 new lifer birds, and plenty of stories. From painted buntings and loggerhead shrikes to hummingbird research and migration fallout events, they share some of their favorite moments from an unforgettable birding adventure. Then the conversation takes a turn toward a subject they feel surprisingly passionate about: dog names. Why does every dog need a middle name? Are some names just too popular? Can a dog accidentally become the name you gave them? And what happens when trainers decide a dog's name for you? Along the way, they discuss: The most overused dog names they see every year Why Bella, Luna, Nala, and Ollie are everywhere The old hunting dog lore behind choosing a good name Their favorite client dog names of all time Why naming your Cane Corso "Diva" might be asking for trouble The importance of a proper middle name when your dog is in trouble Whether you're a birder, a dog lover, or currently trying to name a new puppy, this episode is full of laughs, stories, and strong opinions.

  5. May 13

    Episode 23: Before You Hire a Dog Trainer, Listen to This

    Choosing a dog trainer shouldn’t feel like guessing… but for most people, it does. You call, ask for pricing, compare a few options—and hope you made the right choice. But here’s the problem: Price alone won’t tell you if a trainer is actually right for you or your dog. In this episode, we break down what you should be looking at (and what most people completely miss), including: Why credentials don’t always mean what you think they do The questions you need to ask about tools and methods What to know about board & train programs (before handing your dog over) Why environment, transparency, and aftercare matter more than price And how to make sure the training actually transfers to you at home Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t just a trained dog—it’s a dog you can live with confidently. If you’re considering training (or already overwhelmed by your options), this episode will help you cut through the noise and make a decision you feel good about. 📞 Want help figuring out what’s right for your dog? Give us a call: 502-356-3059 📲 Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogtrainingcampusalouisville/

  6. Apr 22

    Episode 22: Dog Introductions - You’re Doing Too Much

    If introducing your dog to other dogs feels stressful… you’re probably doing too much. In this episode of Love ’Em & Lead ’Em, we break down how to properly introduce dogs to dogs and dogs to cats—and why most people are overcomplicating both. We cover: How to introduce dogs without creating tension, chaos, or fights Why on-leash greetings with random dogs are a bad idea The step-by-step method we use at camp to build calm, neutral interactions How to safely bring a dog into a home with cats (or a cat into your dog’s world) And yes… we’re giving cats the credit they deserve: Why cats are not fragile little house pets—they’re apex predators with boundaries Why “the best dog trainer might actually be a cat” How cats naturally correct dogs better (and faster) than most humans We also talk about what socialization actually means (hint: your dog doesn’t need more friends), and how bad introductions can create long-term behavior issues. The big takeaway? The more pressure, emotion, and chaos you bring into introductions… the worse they go. Keep it simple. Stay in control. And stop doing so much.

  7. Apr 1

    Episode 21: Rehoming Reality Check

    Rehoming a dog sounds simple… until you’re actually in it. In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most emotional and misunderstood topics in dog ownership—when it’s appropriate to rehome a dog, when it’s not, and the hard truths most people don’t want to hear. We share real client stories (the kind that stick with you), break down common myths like the magical “farm,” and talk about what responsibility actually looks like when behavior issues show up. We also cover: Why most rehoming situations aren’t what people think When rehoming can be the right decision Why behavior problems don’t just “go away” in a new home And what your options actually are when things feel out of control As always, we’re here to help you navigate the tough stuff, make informed decisions, and do what’s best for both you and your dog—even when it’s not easy. Expect honesty, a few rants, and probably a laugh or two.

  8. Mar 18

    Episode 20: Stop Talking to Your Dog (Yes, Really!)

    This week on Love ’Em & Lead ’Em, Cory and Melaney start with birding adventures, slow walks with a bird club, and a few unexpectedly intense 10-mile hikes. But all that time in the woods leads to a surprising training insight. The most uncomfortable thing we ask clients to do… isn’t complicated training, expensive equipment, or extreme discipline. It’s stopping the constant talking to their dog. In this episode, the ladies break down why quiet observation can be one of the biggest game-changers for anxious, clingy, or over-stimulated dogs. They explain how too much chatter can create insecurity, why dogs actually respond better to clear actions than endless words, and how small uncomfortable changes from owners can lead to massive improvements in behavior. Plus: bird club stories, hiking mishaps, hydration debates, and why doing hard things—whether it's a 10-mile hike or ignoring your dog for a weekend—can build better habits for both humans and dogs. Challenge of the week: Try not talking to your dog for a day… and see what you notice.

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About

Hosted by Melaney, a former Military Police K9 handler, and Cory, a former special education teacher focused on behavior disorders, the duo behind Dog Training Camp USA in Louisville, Kentucky. We’ve helped hundreds of families ditch the gadgets, skip the hot dogs, and build better relationships with their dogs—through leadership, structure, and a whole lot of heart.But this podcast isn’t just about dogs. It’s about the people holding the leashes. We talk about mental health, burnout, running a small business, friendship, and yes, being bird nerds. You’ll hear the real-life highs and lows behind the scenes as dog trainers, moms, business partners, and best friends.Each episode delivers practical training tips, unfiltered client stories, and raw conversations about the wild journey of living (and learning) with dogs. Whether your dog is a dream or a full-blown dumpster fire, we’ve been there—and we’ve got your back.New episodes every other week. Subscribe, laugh, and learn with us—becau...

Information

  • Creator
    Melaney Brown and Cory Dahlkamp
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Love ’Em & Lead ’Em
  • Show Website
    Love ’Em & Lead ’Em