Somatic Hound

Leah Lykos

Discovering how dogs and their humans can co-regulate, connect, and thrive together. Episodes explore topics like canine body language, nervous-system regulation, biological fulfillment, and how dog behavior relates to emotional and physical health.  The podcast includes interviews with trainers, practitioners, and experts in areas such as neuro-biology, movement science, mindset coaching, raw feeding, and more—all with the goal of strengthening connection and understanding between dogs and their humans. 

Episodes

  1. William Garrido: Daycares and Dog Parks

    JAN 25

    William Garrido: Daycares and Dog Parks

    William Garrido has been working with dogs since 2009. He entered the field through a working-dog training school, where he studied obedience, protection work, tracking, scent detection, and handling. After six months in this intensive environment, William went on to work with police dogs and personal protection dogs, and later deployed to Afghanistan as a contractor, serving as a trainer for Contract Working Dog teams in Bagram and Shindand. Committed to continued learning, William furthered his education through advanced training programs and numerous professional seminars. Throughout his career, William has authored several books, worked extensively with pet dogs, supported service dogs for veterans with PTSD and TBI, served as head instructor for a dog training school, and participated in protection sports. Today, he remains a respected and knowledgeable resource for pet owners, professional dog trainers, and dog sport enthusiasts alike. William and I had a lively and nuanced discussion about why, in many cases, no socialization can be better than poor socialization—particularly when it comes to dogs attending daycare or visiting dog parks. We both agree that there are intentional, thoughtful ways to socialize dogs, as well as many effective options for enrichment and exercise that don’t involve daycares or dog parks at all. Every dog is an individual, and the key is finding the approach that best supports your dog’s unique temperament, needs, and well-being.  Support the show Canine Movement Lab in Chattanooga Tennessee Center for Canine Somatics Instagram YouTube Your Host: Leah Lykos on Facebook and LinkedIn

    49 min
  2. Maryna Ozuna: Proprioception and Learning Capacity

    JAN 18

    Maryna Ozuna: Proprioception and Learning Capacity

    Maryna Ozuna nee' Sheryl Studley, B.S. Biology Vassar College; J.D. Thomas Jefferson School of Law, IACP # 1372 CDT (International Association of Canine Professionals), certified member of NADOI (National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors) is the owner of the Arizona Doggy Dude Ranch training center, the founder, and principal practitioner of the Canine Kinaesthetics (tm) system of bodywork, and the founder and principal instructor of the Movement Markers (tm) clinics. In this conversation, Maryna and I explore proprioceptive mapping in dogs (and people) and how it directly influences learning capacity. We unpack the roles of collection, balance, and recruitment in motor control, and how these concepts intersect with drive states and emotional regulation. As always, we return to one of my favorite subjects: the profound role of touch in shaping safety, awareness, and connection. This was a truly fascinating discussion, offering eye-opening insights into how modern dogs may need more support than we realize. At the root of learning, confidence, and relationship is a healthy, functional, and coordinated body—because how a dog moves and feels in their body shapes how they learn and engage with the world. You can find Maryna Ozuna at these websites and socials: www.azdoggyduderanch.com www.dogbodycare.com IG: Movement Markers Facebook: Movement Markers Please also check out my new project: Center for Canine Somatics where I will be giving courses like: Co-Regulating with Your Dog and webinars such as:  Foundations for Canine Health: Exploring the Nervous System Support the show Canine Movement Lab in Chattanooga Tennessee Center for Canine Somatics Instagram YouTube Your Host: Leah Lykos on Facebook and LinkedIn

    1h 23m
  3. Mary Debono: Grow Young with Your Dog

    08/11/2025

    Mary Debono: Grow Young with Your Dog

    Mary Debono helps dog lovers support their dogs' mobility, comfort, and vitality—while improving their own. A Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner and creator of Debono Moves, Mary combines movement science, gentle touch, and mindset work to foster greater ease, awareness, and connection between dogs and their humans. She is the award-winning, Amazon bestselling author of Grow Young with Your Dog, a practical and inspiring book that helps people bring out the best in their dogs—and themselves. Mary's gentle hands-on processes support dogs dealing with arthritis, weakness, or injury, and help prevent problems before they start. With over 30 years of experience, Mary has worked with dog lovers around the world through her online programs and coaching. Her students appreciate how even small changes can lead to big improvements in both human and canine well-being. Learn more at marydebono.com Get her free video training at marydebono.com/lovedog Grow Young with Your Dog (includes companion video and audio files): https://www.marydebono.com/offers/ijNWxpmP/checkout Blog post about the chihuahua who recovered from a paralyzing stroke: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/dog-recovers-from-stroke Mary's podcast: Easier Movement, Happier Life  This podcast is truly a labor of Love! Please review, subscribe, and share!!! Support the show Canine Movement Lab in Chattanooga Tennessee Center for Canine Somatics Instagram YouTube Your Host: Leah Lykos on Facebook and LinkedIn

    49 min
  4. 01/29/2025

    Compassion, Connection, and Understanding: The Polyvagal Ladder with Cam and Ned Barclay

    Guests for this podcast are brother and sister, Campbell and Nerida, who grew up immersed in the world of dogs at their family’s boarding kennels, where their mum bred and showed champion Borzoi and kept Staffies.  After finishing school, Campbell wasn’t sure what direction to take, so he traveled the world before settling into a decade-long career in finance. Realising this was not a fulfilling career, he reignited his passion for dogs and decided to make it his life’s work. Campbell joined a mentorship program, and obsessively studied canine behavior, securing a job as a behavior trainer at Melbourne’s Lost Dogs Home. There, he assessed thousands of stray and surrendered dogs over three years, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in behavior work. From those foundations, Campbell launched his own business: Act of Dog, specializing in fear, anxiety, and aggression cases. Today, he balances running his business with working at the RSPCA, helping post-adoption dogs and private clients with behaviour intervention. Campbell’s journey from finance to canine behavior showcases his dedication to improving the lives of dogs and their guardians. Instagram handle: actofdog.com.au Website: actofdog.com.au Nerida Barclay, a Psychotherapist and Behaviour Support Practitioner. Nerida provides one on one counselling and family therapy for all ages however she specializes in working with young people in a fun and creative manner. Nerida also provides clinical based training and consultation to workers that engage with young people who experience mental ill health, and with young people who identify as LGBTIQPA+. Nerida holds a bachelor of Social Work and a masters of Narrative Therapy and Community Work with sub training in behaviour based therapies. For over ten years she has assisted young people and their families to reconnect with storylines that represent their preferred identities, their communities and their values to life. In forming these connections Nerida believes that we can locate the resources we need to overcome mental health difficulties, let go of behaviours that are not serving us, challenge systems that hold us back and heal traumas and injustices. Website: Tidal Therapy Support the show Canine Movement Lab in Chattanooga Tennessee Center for Canine Somatics Instagram YouTube Your Host: Leah Lykos on Facebook and LinkedIn

    1h 15m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Discovering how dogs and their humans can co-regulate, connect, and thrive together. Episodes explore topics like canine body language, nervous-system regulation, biological fulfillment, and how dog behavior relates to emotional and physical health.  The podcast includes interviews with trainers, practitioners, and experts in areas such as neuro-biology, movement science, mindset coaching, raw feeding, and more—all with the goal of strengthening connection and understanding between dogs and their humans.