Soul Touched by Dogs

Anke Herrmann
Soul Touched by Dogs

Welcome to the Soul Touched by Dogs Podcast, the show for dog lovers who see dogs not as toys or tools, but as wise souls worth our respect and care. The 20-minute interviews with "Pawsome Humans", people who do great work for dogs and their people, you're listening to here on the podcast are one of the ways we celebrate the human-canine connection and advocate for holistic approaches to canine health, well-being and education.

  1. Turid Rugaas - Your Dog Is Smarter Than You

    2D AGO

    Turid Rugaas - Your Dog Is Smarter Than You

    I’ve got a very special guest for you today. She’s retired after over 5 decades of teaching people how to better understand dogs, the magnificent creatures by our side. But the lovely Lisbeth Borg de Waard from the Nordic Education Centre for Ethical Dog Trainers offered to make an introduction and she said Yes - Turid Rugaas. “The worst thing modern dog owners do is micromanage their dogs,” she says. “We underestimate our dogs. They’re a lot smarter than humans. They understand us better than we understand ourselves but many humans don’t even speak the basics of their language.” This week’s Pawsome Human: Turid Rugaas - Your Dog Is Smarter Than You In this enlightening episode, Turid shares invaluable insights about fostering natural and healthy relationships with dogs. We delve into cultural differences in dog ownership, emphasizing the importance of allowing dogs to live naturally and freely. Turid challenges conventional dog training methods and stresses the significance of letting dogs develop their natural abilities and social skills. Key takeaways include the benefits of giving dogs freedom, the importance of slow-paced walks, and debunking the myth of imposing control and commands on dogs. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on nurturing a dog's true potential and wisdom. Grab a cuppa and join us (and yes, please like and subscribe to help the baby YouTube channel grow 🙏) 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:33 Discussing Dog Cultures Around the World 02:34 Challenges of Dog Ownership in the US 05:19 The Importance of Freedom for Dogs 09:10 Natural Dog Development and Intelligence 15:43 Raising Puppies and Adult Dogs 22:34 Encouraging Natural Dog Behaviors 24:28 Freedom at Home for Dogs 25:03 The Dangers of Fetching Games 25:55 Walking at Your Dog's Pace 28:43 The Harm of Constant Eye Contact 30:51 Letting Dogs Be Dogs 35:06 Trusting Dogs Over Experts 40:33 Changing Your Mindset 41:22 Resources for Dog Owners 45:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts To find out more and connect with Turid: Website: http://en.turid-rugaas.no/ Bio: Turid Rugaas is a legend in the dog world. Based in Norway, she’s been working with dogs for over 50 years and is best known for discovering and popularizing what she calls "calming signals" - he subtle ways dogs communicate to avoid conflict and keep the peace. If you've ever seen a dog yawn or turn their head and wondered why - they're not just tired, they're talking. And Turid helped us understand what they’re saying. She’s the author of the international classic On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals, along with other go-to guides like My Dog Pulls. What Do I Do? and Barking: The Sound of a Language. Her work has helped dog lovers all over the world better understand and connect with their pups - without force, fear, or frustration. Turid has taught trainers and pet parents in over two dozen countries, founded the Pet Dog Trainers of Europe, and even received the King’s Badge of Honour in Norway for her contributions to animal welfare. She’s all about respectful, kind, and science-backed ways of working with dogs, and it was an honor to have her on the show. Social media links:https://www.facebook.com/T.Rugaas/ Book: Get a copy of On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals https://a.co/d/4o8MEgG As always, all about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

    47 min
  2. Monique Brignoni - Facing the Final Moments: Embracing End of Life - Naturally, Without Regrets

    MAR 17

    Monique Brignoni - Facing the Final Moments: Embracing End of Life - Naturally, Without Regrets

    Navigating the End-of-Life Journey with Animalchemy In this episode, I am joined by Monique from Animalchemy, who shares her profound insights into the natural end-of-life process for pets. Monique's expertise blends animal medicine with spiritual teachings, providing a unique perspective on how we can offer support during our pets' final stages. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the predictable phases of dying, recognizing signs that may be misinterpreted as pain, and the crucial role of staying calm and present. Monique also highlights how learning about the dying process can deepen our bond with our pets, helping us to offer a peaceful and conscious end-of-life experience. Listeners will gain practical advice on recognizing the last cycle of life and letting nature take its course while avoiding the unnecessary stress of forced interventions. Whether you're preparing for a pet's passing or simply want to strengthen your connection with your animal companion, this conversation is a compassionate guide to one of life's most challenging moments. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:25 Monique's Background and Business 01:09 Journey into End-of-Life Care 02:03 Daya's End-of-Life Story 04:15 Understanding the Natural End-of-Life Process 04:46 The Last Cycle and Predictable Stages 12:29 The Role of Pain and Discomfort 19:21 Recognizing the Last Cycle in Pets 19:46 The Importance of Education and Preparation 23:24 Understanding the Dying Process in Pets 24:48 The Importance of Staying Present 27:28 Trusting Nature and Letting Go 28:26 Course Information and Benefits 32:13 The Role of Pet Death Doulas 37:20 Dealing with Guilt and Grief 39:31 The Sensitivity of Dying Pets 43:39 Final Thoughts and Preparation To find out more and connect with Monique: Website: https://animalchemy.com/ Bio: Monique left the glamorous role of personal assistant to a prince to follow her true love—animals and a deep fascination for the unseen. With her multi-sensory abilities she has helped hundreds of pet parents deepen their bonds with their beloved animals. But the loss of her beloved cat, Rami, sparked a decade of study of the natural end-of-life process, shaping her unique approach. By integrating emotional and spiritual principles, she guides peaceful, pain-free transitions—creating a loving bridge across forever.Today, Monique trains aspiring pet death doulas, empowering them to facilitate end-of-life journeys free of regret. Guided by animals—our gurus at teaching us how to become better humans in life and in death —her mission is to support the journey of awakening of pet parents and doulas bringing them home to themselves so they can become a light for both pets and the world. Your Free gift: https://training.animalchemy.com/free-gift-wyph Social media links:https://www.facebook.com/animalchemy1/https://www.facebook.com/monique.brignoni/https://www.instagram.com/animalchemy/https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-brignoni/ As always, all about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

    46 min
  3. Diane Garrod - Understanding Stress & Reactivity in Dogs

    MAR 10

    Diane Garrod - Understanding Stress & Reactivity in Dogs

    Understanding and Mitigating Stress in Dogs with Diane from Canine Transformations Learning Center In this episode, I have an insightful conversation with Diane, a specialist in canine behavior and stress management, currently based in Langley, Washington. With over 25 years of experience, Diane shares her journey from her early days in dog obedience training to her current focus on stress and behavior problems in dogs. We discuss the evolution of dog training over the decades, highlighting the shift from aversive techniques to positive reinforcement methods. Diane elaborates on how modern urban environments can exacerbate stress and reactivity in dogs and provides practical advice on managing and mitigating these issues. We delve into specific cases, such as dealing with over-arousal in walks, the importance of problem-solving exercises for mental stimulation, and ways to ensure dogs get adequate rest and relaxation. Diane also introduces her systematic approach to stress release, detailed in her book, and announces upcoming works on resource guarding and a more comprehensive guide on canine stress detox. For dog owners looking to better understand and support their pets, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:17 Diane's Background and Journey 02:36 Changes in Dog Training Over the Decades 04:46 Understanding Reactivity and Aggression 07:16 Case Study: Managing Over-Arousal 09:48 Effective Training Techniques 21:49 Problem Solving and Mental Stimulation 27:09 Conclusion and Resources To find out more and connect with Diane: Website: https://www.caninetlc.com Bio: Owner Canine Transformations Learning, Education, ProductionAuthor/WriterSpeakerGuild Certified Tellington Touch PractitionerProfessional Canine Trainer- Accredited PCTAFounding Member PPGCharter Member PACOnline course, 8 weeks, Resource Guarding, Grisha Stewart’s Canine AcademyBehavior Analyst/ConsultantMaster Certification Canine Nutrition Social media links: https://www.facebook.com/cTLC3 The book: Stress Release: For Dogs: The Canine Emotional Detox https://a.co/d/hC3qVGh As always, all about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

    39 min
  4. Peggy Hoyt - Wishful Thinking isn't Planning

    MAR 3

    Peggy Hoyt - Wishful Thinking isn't Planning

    Wishful Thinking Isn't Planning In this episode, I am joined by Peggy Hoyt, an estate planning attorney and animal lover with homes in Virginia and Florida. Peggy shares her insights on the importance of creating a pet trust to ensure that pets are cared for in the event of the owner's death or disability. She passionately shares her own experiences with her numerous pets and her motivation to write a book about pet trusts. P eggy emphasizes the need for assigning both short-term and long-term caregivers, preferably including trustworthy individuals and organizations, to safeguard pets' future well-being. She highlights the importance of appropriately funding the trust and considering the legal framework in your jurisdiction. Our discussion concludes with practical advice on building relationships with potential caregivers and exploring animal-related organizations as viable options. This eye-opening conversation urges pet owners to plan well in advance and ensure continuity of care for their beloved animals. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:14 Peggy's Background and Passion for Pets 01:18 The Concept of Pet Trusts 03:09 Creating a Pet Trust: Key Considerations 05:30 Funding and Legal Aspects of Pet Trusts 07:24 Choosing the Right Caregivers 11:17 Legal and Practical Challenges 14:59 Organizations for Long-Term Pet Care 16:45 Building a Network for Pet Care 23:27 Final Thoughts and Resources To find out more and get in touch with Peggy: Website: https://www.hoytbryan.com; https://www.act4pets.org Bio: Peggy is a lifelong animal advocate, pet mom, author, and attorney. She is a founding partner of The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan, a Central Florida estate planning and elder law firm. She and her law partner hold the distinction of being the only Florida law firm with two members who are dual certified by the Florida Bar in Wills, Trusts, and Estates and in Elder Law.  Peggy is the founder of Animal Care Trust USA, Inc., a national nonprofit, whose mission is to keep loved pets in loving homes by educating pet parents about the importance of protecting their pets with a Pet Trust. The organization also provides Pet Trust and Pet Trustee services.  You can learn more about her charitable work at Act4Pets.org.  She is the host of the weekly Pawcast All My Children Wear Fur Coats and author of the book of the same name.  The podcast is available on Buzzsprout and wherever you get your favorite podcasts.  Her books are available on Amazon.com. In addition to practicing law, Peggy has written numerous books that include niche estate planning topics and gratitude marketing.  Her newest book, 101 Ways to F$$k Up Your Estate is an Amazon bestseller in seven categories.    Peggy enjoys spending time with her husband, Joe, eight dogs, a cat, and four horses.  As always, to find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, go to https://soultouchedbydogs.com

    27 min
  5. Mark Bridger-Pescott - BoneCanis - Barks 'n Words: Better Communication Between Humans and Dogs

    FEB 24

    Mark Bridger-Pescott - BoneCanis - Barks 'n Words: Better Communication Between Humans and Dogs

    This week's Pawsome Human: Mark Bridger-Pescott - BoneCanis - Barks 'n Words: Better Communication Between Humans and Dogs In this fun and informative episode, I chat with Mark Bridger Pescott, founder of Bone Canis, a dog training and behavior company based in West Sussex, UK. Mark introduces his talented team and shares how they've been helping dogs and their owners both locally and internationally via Zoom. We delve into the common behavioral issues he encounters, such as anxiety, and the importance of understanding dog body language. Mark also explains how dogs can be taught to read and discusses the amazing cognitive abilities dogs possess. He emphasizes the importance of training methods being fun, engaging, and rewarding both for the dogs and their owners. Tune in for an episode filled with giggles, insights, and plenty of practical tips for improving your relationship with your furry friend. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:23 Meet Mark Bridger Pescott and Bonne Canis 01:33 Services Offered by Bonne Canis 02:55 Understanding Dog Behavior and Body Language 07:53 Challenges in Dog Training and Behavior 10:50 Innovative Training Techniques 18:33 Rewarding and Managing Dog Behavior 21:47 Where to Find More Information 23:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Find out more and connect with Mark Website: https://www.bonecanis.com Bio: "Bone Canis is owned, and run, by me , Mark Bridger-Pescott. We are a modern, force-free team that uses science-backed methods. We are proud members of and/or have been certified by The Association of INTODogs (https://www.intodogs.net);The Pet Professional Guild British Isles (https://ppgbi.com); The Dog Welfare Alliance (https://www.thedogwelfarealliance.co.uk); CAM advocate  https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis) British College of Canine Studies (https://www.britishcollegeofcaninestudies.com); Doggone Safe Educator (https://www.doggonesafe.com) and the UK Dog Behaviour And Training Charter (https://ukdogcharter.org). I have a degree-level qualification in Advanced Canine Behaviour (distinction) from Animal Jobs Direct. I serve as vice-chair for INTODogs, and I am the patron of German Shepherd Dog Welfare Fund (https://www.gsdwelfarefund.co.uk/ ). I have an extensive, multi-faceted background in working with dogs that spans over 30 years. I have worked with a variety of rescues, and my main aim is to help people and their dogs using a professional, force-free, kind, and safe approach that focuses on the welfare of the dog." Social media links: https://www.facebook.com/BoneCanis As always, all about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

    25 min
  6. Dr. Laura Donaldson - Compliance is not Cooperation

    FEB 17

    Dr. Laura Donaldson - Compliance is not Cooperation

    Unpacking Canine Trauma with Dr. Laura Donaldson In this enlightening episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Donaldson to delve into the crucial topic of becoming trauma-informed when it comes to our dogs. Dr. Donaldson shares her extensive knowledge on what trauma is, how it manifests in dogs, and the often-overlooked microtraumas that can significantly impact their well-being. We discuss the parallels between human and canine trauma responses and the fundamental importance of ensuring safety and trust for traumatised dogs. Dr. Donaldson offers practical advice on recognising signs of trauma, the importance of respecting a dog's need for agency, and ways to create a healing environment. Lastly, she highlights some valuable resources, including her Thinkific webinar, 'Why Becoming Trauma Informed Will Change Everything You Do With Dogs,' for those interested in a deeper dive into the subject. 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Dr. Laura Donaldson01:08 Dr. Laura's Background and Life in Upstate New York03:37 Understanding Trauma in Dogs05:48 Recognizing and Addressing Trauma Responses09:35 Microtrauma and Its Impact on Dogs17:08 Building Trust and Safety for Traumatized Dogs21:10 Practical Steps for Trauma-Informed Dog Care39:00 Resources and Further Learning42:00 Conclusion and Farewell Find out more and connect with Dr. Donaldson: Website: https://fourpawsfourdirections.com Bio: Dr. Laura Donaldson, PhD, CDBC, KPA CTP, CCUI is a Professor Emeritus from Cornell University located in Ithaca, New York, northeastern United States. She is an award-winning writer on dog behavior who has worked as a canine behavior specialist for 20+ years. Laura is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), a Karen Pryor Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) and a Certified Trauma Professional. She created the popular program called Slow Thinking is Lifesaving for Dogs®. Laura currently resides in upstate New York with her husband, two dogs, three cats, and an African Gray Parrot named Obi. When she isn’t speaking, teaching or writing, you will find Laura partnering with her working Border Collies to tend her flock of Navajo Churro sheep. Your FREE gift: Free Webinar on GROUNDING: dogs healing from trauma. To register, click on this link: https://laura-s-school-1f3f.thinkific.com/courses/grounding-dogs-healing-from-trauma Social media links:https://www.facebook.com/ledonaldson Additional resources: Dr. Laura Donaldson's almost-free webinar:Why Becoming Trauma Informed Will Change Everything You Do With Dogshttps://laura-s-school-1f3f.thinkific.com/courses/why-becoming-trauma-informed-will-change-everything-you-do-with-dogs The series of articles on canine trauma for Happy, Healthy Dog mentioned during the episode Hidden in Plain Sight: Is Your Dog Experiencing Microtrauma?https://happyhealthydog.org/drlauranov Traumatized Dogs Need Empathy, Not Toxic Labelshttps://happyhealthydog.org/drlauraddec Why Becoming Trauma Informed Should Be Your 2025 New Year’s Resolutionhttps://happyhealthydog.org/drlaurajan The Neurobiology of Trauma: Why It Is Important & What You Need to Knowhttps://happyhealthydog.org/drlaurafeb And as always, all about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

    44 min
  7. Lisa Waggoner - The Gift Every Dog Wants From Their Human

    FEB 10

    Lisa Waggoner - The Gift Every Dog Wants From Their Human

    In this enlightening episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lisa Waggoner, co-founder of Cold Nose College, about her journey in dog training and the importance of positive reinforcement. We discussed everything from her rural North Carolina base to the impactful work she and her husband Brad do through the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Lisa shared how important it is to make dogs feel physically and emotionally safe, the value of mental enrichment, and how her personal experiences have shaped her training methods. We also touched upon her popular book, Rocket Recall, and the misunderstandings around dog needs. Join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with valuable advice for dog parents and trainers alike. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:16 Lisa's Background and Cold Nose College01:54 The Importance of Emotional and Physical Safety for Dogs04:50 Lisa's Journey to Positive Reinforcement Training10:09 Understanding Dog Body Language18:44 The Significance of Time and Enrichment for Dogs26:06 Debunking Dominance Theory31:25 Conclusion and Resources Find out more and connect with Lisa: Website: https://www.coldnosecollege.com Bio: Lisa Lyle Waggoner is a passionate advocate for humane, science-based, force-free dog training. She’s the author of The Original Rocket Recall™: Teach Your Dog to Come. She’s a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, a Pat Miller Certified Trainer-Level 2, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, and faculty member of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior, and an Ordained Interspecies Animal Chaplain. Lisa is the founder of Cold Nose College, a labor of love that blossomed into a world-renowned center of education for both dog owners and professional trainers. She’s well-known for her clear, compassionate, and engaging teaching skills and is dedicated to helping dogs and their owners form a strong bond and enjoy their lives together. She lives in western North Carolina in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and shares her life with her best friend, husband, and business partner, Brad, and their Australian Shepherd, Keaton. Lisa's FREE gift: https://www.coldnosecollege.com/12-rules-of-rocket-recall Are you tired of calling your dog’s name into thin air only to be met with indifference? Say goodbye to frustration and hello to harmony with our exclusive free resource: The 12 Rules of Rocket Recall Quick Reference Guide. Social media links: https://www.facebook.com/coldnosecollege https://www.instagram.com/coldnosecollege/ The Special Valentine's offer: 60% savings on both offerings found on the website (both coupon codes are the same) and both valid Feb 9 through February 16, 2025.    - Rocket Recall Instructor’s Handout Kit, Coupon Code LOVE2024 - The Rocket Recall Self-Paced Online Program LOVE2024 As always, all about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

    35 min
  8. Annie Phenix - Trauma Recovery for Dogs: Focus on Healing, Not Just Training

    FEB 2

    Annie Phenix - Trauma Recovery for Dogs: Focus on Healing, Not Just Training

    In this episode, I sit down with Annie Phenix, a seasoned dog trainer and best-selling author based in Utah, to discuss her journey and extensive experience in working with dogs, particularly those with traumatic backgrounds. Annie shares her transition from Texas to Utah, her long-standing involvement in dog rescue, and her unique insights into canine behavior. We delve into her experiences fostering over 400 dogs, the lessons learned from shelter dogs, and her acclaimed books that address aggressive and reactive behavior in dogs. Annie emphasizes the importance of understanding canine trauma, the impact of genetics, and the necessity of creating a safe and nurturing environment for dogs. She also introduces her 30-day reset program and her community platform designed to help dog owners heal their pets from trauma. Join us as we explore the profound ways in which trauma influences dogs and how positive reinforcement and compassionate care can lead to recovery and deeper connections. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:23 Annie's Journey to Utah01:33 Rescue Work and Dog Training03:34 Writing and Teaching05:35 Understanding Dog Trauma09:23 Trauma Responses in Dogs11:58 Genetics and Trauma15:19 Adopting and Adjusting Dogs20:16 Understanding Safety and Bonding with Your Dog20:48 The Controversy of Shock Collars21:13 Training Techniques and Emotional Regulation21:36 Addressing Trauma in Dogs22:07 Dealing with Pain and Behavioral Issues22:45 The Importance of Growling and Communication23:10 Cooperative Care and Nail Clipping Challenges25:28 Adolescence and Behavioral Changes26:51 The 30-Day Reset and Healing Steps28:49 Reactive Dogs and Trauma Signs32:33 The Impact of Trauma on Dogs34:05 Conclusion and Resources for Dog Owners Find out more and connect with Annie: About Annie: Trainer and Bestselling Author Annie Phenix knew a lot about dogs when she took in her two Heeler-Border Collie brothers Finn and Cooper. They were taken from their mother at 5 weeks of age and thrown into a backyard with no supervision or enrichment. They came to her with several types of worms and fear in their eyes and little bodies. Finn and Cooper were a LOT of work for Annie and her husband. But they were happy to put the time into showing them they were safe. Eventually (it took 7 months) they believed them and now they are thriving. It's what inspired Annie to focus on what comes BEFORE training and develop the Phenix Healing Protocol where she takes dog owners through the process of healing their dogs - in just a 5-10 minutes a day, one tiny step, one day at a time. Your first step: 7 Steps for Quick Healinghttps://choosetotrainhumane.com/7-steps Need step-by-step help with a new puppy or rescue dog, or to help your dog feel safe and calm again after a scary incident:Check out The 30-Day Canine Trauma Resethttps://choosetotrainhumane.com/30-day-trauma-reset The website: https://choosetotrainhumane.com/ The books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Annie-Phenix/author/B09R9PN18Z On Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/phenixdogs https://www.facebook.com/groups/1713528972260741 For professionals: https://www.facebook.com/phenixadvocacycenter/ As always, all about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

    39 min

About

Welcome to the Soul Touched by Dogs Podcast, the show for dog lovers who see dogs not as toys or tools, but as wise souls worth our respect and care. The 20-minute interviews with "Pawsome Humans", people who do great work for dogs and their people, you're listening to here on the podcast are one of the ways we celebrate the human-canine connection and advocate for holistic approaches to canine health, well-being and education.

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