The Pug Life Show

Donna Kean
The Pug Life Show

The Pug Life Show is for Crazy Pug Ladies or Pawrents who want to listen to interviews and discussions that are focused on caring for Pugs and livin' the Pug Life. We release a new episode on a Sunday night of each month in a season and we continue the conversation over at our Facebook Group The Pug Life Show https://www.facebook.com/share/g/nnwqGbvZwCZTp9xN/

  1. S4 EP10: What the floof is in this? Bone Appetit Puggies

    JUL 6

    S4 EP10: What the floof is in this? Bone Appetit Puggies

    Today we’re digging into a topic that affects every Puggie, every day: what the floof is in our Puggies food bowl. Because let’s face it — what we feed our pugs has a huge impact on their health, happiness, and those oh-so-charming snorts. We’re talking about nutrition with a bonafide Animal Nutritionist Jackie Gowland from Functional Canine — not in a preachy or confusing way, but in a real, practical, “what do I actually put in the bowl?” kind of way. Whether you’re serving up kibble, raw, cooked, or somewhere in between, this episode is all about how you can boost the nutritional value of what you’re already using for your Puggie. We’ll also be sharing real-life examples from two of our resident taste testers: Rosie, who battles reflux, and Kenji, whose tummy can be as sensitive as a Pug caught out in the rain. You’ll hear how small food tweaks and a better understanding of ingredients can make a big difference for them — and I’m going to try it out and report back to you in a couple months to let you know how they’re going. So grab a treat (for you or your pug — no judgment here), and let’s dive into how you can feed your pug with a little more understanding, and even more love. In this episode we talk about: 04:05 Tell us a little bit about yourself and your fur-family08:50 DID YOU KNOW: Tennis ball glue corrodes canine teeth11:00 ‘Pet Fooled’ - a movie about kibble and biologically appropriate raw food (BARF)12:30 Run through the different types of food - dry vs wet vs BARF food23:00 How is dry food made and what goes into it to make it ‘shelf-stable’30:50 How to read the nutrition label on canine food – dry, wet or BARF36:30 DID YOU KNOW: Dry food can spoil and should be stored in the fridge40:20 DID YOU KNOW: Did you know plastic can leech out of your plastic container into your dry food42:30 How can you improve the nutritional content of your Pugs bowl when the basis of their meal is kibble44:30: DID YOU KNOW: You should soak your Pugs kibble in water in the fridge overnight to avoid the kibble fermenting46:10 What is your Pug’s body telling you when they’re ‘eating grass like a cow’50:20 DID YOU KNOW: You shouldn’t feed your Pug cooked bones53:30 DID YOU KNOW: High carbohydrate kibble spikes a Pug’s blood sugar58:20 REAL LIFE EXAMPLE: What can we do for a Pug who has a sensitive tummy like Kenji01:05:00 REAL LIFE EXAMPLE: What can we do for a Pug who has reflux like Rosie01:13:00 How can we find you, learn more and engage your services WANT TO LEARN MORE about Canine Nutrition? Check out all of Jackie’s guidance here: Free handout link: https://www.intuitive-healing-hub.com/nutrition/make-your-dogs-food-better-bookletWebsite: https://www.intuitive-healing-hub.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/functionalcanine/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/functionalcaninePODCAST: https://open.spotify.com/show/0pHWoct6FS2dy8j8U5yxBh?si=5FZ8m8qvSiGmwrnFjYRanQ&nd=1&dlsi=fc858be9082f429f WANNA JOIN US FOR YOUR VERY OWN EPISODE? Book your recording session here: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ThePugLifeShowPUGCAST@NETORGFT4130927.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/ If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the PUGCAST so you don’t miss out on the next Episode and leave us a review; it only takes a couple of seconds to give us a 5-star review and it goes a long way to helping other Pug-Pawrents find us. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter at https://bit.ly/thepuglifeshow, so you get advance notice of our next episode and if you've got any questions or want to tell us how much you loved the Episode then let me know over at our Facebook Group - The Pug Life Show PUGCAST (https://bit.ly/PugLifeShowGrumble) where Crazy Pug Pawrents meet to talk all things pug.

    1h 16m
  2. S4 EP09: Understanding Canine Anxiety; helping Pugs feel safe again

    JUN 22

    S4 EP09: Understanding Canine Anxiety; helping Pugs feel safe again

    In this episode, we’re unpacking something that affects more Pugs than we often realise—canine anxiety and reactivity. From sudden reactivity on a walk to the silent worry that plays out behind big, brown eyes, anxiety in our Pugs isn’t always loud — but it is always worth understanding. We’re so lucky to have our fur-end Sarah Rutten, canine behaviourist and author of the bestselling book The Canine Perspective, coming back on the show to help us break down exactly what anxiety and reactivity mean, how they show up in our Pugs, and most impawtantly, how to spot the early signs — like what’s behind that sudden freeze, or why your Pug growls at a stranger they’ve seen a dozen times before. As always, Sarah brings both science and compassion to the conversation, helping us understand what’s really going on in our Pugs’ brains and bodies — and what we can do to help them feel safe again. Plus, there might be a Floyd the 5-month-old Pug bark or two in the mix as well! If you’ve ever worried that your Pug is not coping or behaving strangely then this episode is for you. In this episode we talk about: 03:15 Tell us about yourself and your fur-family07:00 Fear imprint periods08:22 What causes anxiety and are there different types of anxiety?17:00 Confusing signs of anxiety – how easy it is to mistake your Pugs messages for something else21:00 The difference between separation anxiety and anxiety25:20 COVID Dogs – triggered by the hooman world and their Pawrent going back to work27:00 The impawtance of being sub-threshold and how medication can help achieve that to then enable your Pug to then undertake de-sensitisation work33:25 What is primary and secondary needs and why it’s impawtant to meet them to reduce the likelihood of anxiety development38:15 How does reactivity and anxiety interact?42:00 What should a Pug Pawrent do to help their Pug reduce their anxiety50:35 How to recognise behaviour escalation56:00 Where can you find Sarah to learn more or ask for help? WANT TO LEARN MORE about The Canine Perspective or Force-free training Methods? Check out all of Sarah’s guidance here: Website: https://www.thecanineperspective.com.au/Book: https://www.thecanineperspective.com.au/the-canine-perspective-dog-training-book/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecanineperspective/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecanineperspective/ WANNA JOIN US FOR YOUR VERY OWN EPISODE? Book your recording session here: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ThePugLifeShowPUGCAST@NETORGFT4130927.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/ If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the PUGCAST so you don’t miss out on the next Episode and leave us a review; it only takes a couple of seconds to give us a 5-star review and it goes a long way to helping other Pug-Pawrents find us. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter at https://bit.ly/thepuglifeshow, so you get advance notice of our next episode and if you've got any questions or want to tell us how much you loved the Episode then let me know over at our Facebook Group - The Pug Life Show PUGCAST (https://bit.ly/PugLifeShowGrumble) where Crazy Pug Pawrents meet to talk all things pug.

    1 hr
  3. S4 EP08: The Price of Pugfection (Part 2)

    JUN 8

    S4 EP08: The Price of Pugfection (Part 2)

    Welcome back, Pug Pawrents! If you tuned in to Part 1 of this special two-part series on Pug health and well-being, you’ll know we’ve been diving deep into what it really takes—emotionally, practically, and yes, financially—to keep our squishy-faced companions living their happiest, healthiest lives. One of my biggest goals with the PUGCAST is to give you the kind of information that’s not only helpful, but honest—whether that’s through heartwarming stories from fellow Pawrents or expert advice from the pros. And today, we’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Chelsea the Vet Nurse, who is once again bringing her trademark mix of compassion and clinical smarts. This time, we’re tackling everything from adult Pug care through to their senior and geriatric years—those years filled with extra cuddles, extra naps, and yes… often extra vet visits. From managing dental care to navigating mobility issues, this episode is all about helping you plan ahead and care with confidence—so you and your Pug can enjoy every single stage of the journey together. In this episode we talk about: 03:17 The zoomie phase; what you’re in for when your Pug becomes an adult – BOAS, eyes, ears, nose folds22:00 The slowing down phase; what you’re in for when your Pug becomes a Senior Pug – Senior Pug annual check, blood tests26:45 The zen phase; what you’re in for when your Pug transitions to Geriatric – arthritis management, surgery restrictions/challenges35:00 How to find Chelsea the Vet Nurse Please note: prices quoted during the episode are estimates only and you should always speak to your Vet to get a more accurate quote for your Pug. WANT TO LEARN MORE from Chelsea the Vet Nurse? Then you can find her here: Website: https://thegooddogscookieclub.square.site/aboutInstagram: @thegooddogscookieclubEmail: thegooddogscookieclub@gmail.com WANNA JOIN US FOR YOUR VERY OWN EPISODE? Book your recording session here:  https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ThePugLifeShowPUGCAST@NETORGFT4130927.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/ If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the PUGCAST so you don’t miss out on the next Episode and leave us a review; it only takes a couple of seconds to give us a 5-star review and it goes a long way to helping other Pug-Pawrents find us. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter at https://bit.ly/thepuglifeshow, so you get advance notice of our next episode and if you've got any questions or want to tell us how much you loved the Episode then let me know over at our Facebook Group - The Pug Life Show PUGCAST (https://bit.ly/PugLifeShowGrumble) where Crazy Pug Pawrents meet to talk all things pug.

    38 min
  4. S4 EP07: The Price of Pugfection (Part 1)

    JUN 1

    S4 EP07: The Price of Pugfection (Part 1)

    One of my biggest goals for the PUGCAST is to give Pug Pawrents like you useful, reliable information to help you live your best Pug Life. Sometimes that means sharing real stories from fellow Pawrents, and other times it means bringing in the pros to chat about topics that are super impawtant — but don’t always come up during playgroup catch-ups. That’s why I’ve been so excited to put together an episode focused entirely on Pug health and well-being — and yes, what it really costs to keep your squishy-faced bestie happy and healthy — from puppyhood all the way to their golden years. Joining us is Chelsea the Vet Nurse, who brings not only expert knowledge but also a love for Squishy faces. She’s here to discuss all the impawtant health and well-being questions as well as share her wisdom to help you be practically and financially prepared for every snort and sneeze. Now, there was so much to cover that I’ve split the episode into two parts, so you have plenty of time to take it all in. Part 1 dives into the early stages: from 8 weeks old through to 1 year — aka the puppy and adolescent phase. Part 2, which drops next week, will pick up from age one and cover adult, senior, and geriatric care. In this episode we talk about: 05:50 Tell us a little bit about yourself Chelsea and your fur-family09:00 Why is the relationship between the Vet team and the Pug-family so impawtant?18:40 The cute phase; what you’re in for when your Pug Puppy comes home – initial Vet check/visit, vaccinations, microchipping and more28:08 The demon phase; what you’re in for when your Pug Puppy hits adolescence – flea etc. treatment, de-sexing, dental care routines and training Please note: prices quoted during the episode are estimates only and you should always speak to your Vet to get a more accurate quote for your Pug. WANT TO LEARN MORE from Chelsea the Vet Nurse? Then you can find her here: Website: https://thegooddogscookieclub.square.site/aboutInstagram: @thegooddogscookieclubEmail: thegooddogscookieclub@gmail.com WANNA JOIN US FOR YOUR VERY OWN EPISODE? Book your recording session here:  https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ThePugLifeShowPUGCAST@NETORGFT4130927.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/ If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the PUGCAST so you don’t miss out on the next Episode and leave us a review; it only takes a couple of seconds to give us a 5-star review and it goes a long way to helping other Pug-Pawrents find us. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter at https://bit.ly/thepuglifeshow, so you get advance notice of our next episode and if you've got any questions or want to tell us how much you loved the Episode then let me know over at our Facebook Group - The Pug Life Show PUGCAST (https://bit.ly/PugLifeShowGrumble) where Crazy Pug Pawrents meet to talk all things pug.

    1 hr
  5. S4 EP06: The Canine Perspective

    MAY 18

    S4 EP06: The Canine Perspective

    Today, I’m thrilled to welcome best-selling author and certified force-free trainer Sarah Rutten. If you’ve ever wondered how to deepen that magical bond with your Puggie without ever raising a voice, you’re in the right place. Sarah’s book The Canine Perspective is a treasure trove of compassionate, science-backed techniques—and she’s not just an expert on paper. She’s a bona fide Crazy Pug Lady, too, with over twenty years of hands-on experience wrangling, pampering, and learning from her own lovable “grumble.” In this episode, we’ll fetch you pugtastic behavior hacks, dig into a bit of fun canine science, and swap heartwarming—and hilarious—Pug tales straight from Sarah’s home. So, leash up, settle in, and get ready for a paw-sitively delightful chat you won’t want to snooze through! In this episode I talk about: 02:40 Tell us a little bit about yourself, your work and your grumble07:30 A shift in how Dog Guardians train and live with their dogs09:40 What is force-free training?12:15 Developing neural pathways with your Pug13:30 How to achieve optimal learning?16:00 Why do you have Pugs as a trainer?18:30 The difference positive force-free training makes20:00 What is a Pet Guardian?24:25 Why asking a dog permission to engage sets you up for success26:40 The concept of trigger stacking and how to recognise it32:30 Why a growl is a gift36:00 The importance of socialisation and the right kind of socialisation – the socialisation checklist43:20 Is my Pug normal or just plain weird?49:10 When is it ok to say, this is not normal and what to do51:30 Barking is just Pug talking54:30 Being Pug tragic57:45 How do we find you and your book? WANT TO LEARN MORE about The Canine Perspective or Force-free training Methods? Check out his adoption profile here: Website: https://www.thecanineperspective.com.au/Book: https://www.thecanineperspective.com.au/the-canine-perspective-dog-training-book/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecanineperspective/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecanineperspective/ WANNA JOIN US FOR YOUR VERY OWN EPISODE? Book your recording session here: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ThePugLifeShowPUGCAST@NETORGFT4130927.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/ If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the PUGCAST so you don’t miss out on the next Episode and leave us a review; it only takes a couple of seconds to give us a 5-star review and it goes a long way to helping other Pug-Pawrents find us. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter at https://bit.ly/thepuglifeshow, so you get advance notice of our next episode and if you've got any questions or want to tell us how much you loved the Episode then let me know over at our Facebook Group - The Pug Life Show PUGCAST (https://bit.ly/PugLifeShowGrumble) where Crazy Pug Pawrents meet to talk all things pug.

    1h 4m
  6. S4 EP05: Living with a Blind Pug

    MAY 4

    S4 EP05: Living with a Blind Pug

    And speaking of Buster the Blind Rescue Pug… today’s episode is all about our pawsome foster boy and the incredible journey we’ve shared. 🐶💛 Buster is the first blind Pug I’ve ever had the honour of living with, and let me tell you—it’s been eye-opening in all the best ways. From learning how he navigates the world to understanding his needs, it’s been a truly special and educational experience. In this episode, I’ll share Buster’s story, what it’s really like to live with a blind Pug, and offer some tips for others who might be on a similar path. Because as we all know, every Pug is unique—and the Pug Life is all about living it together, one tail wag at a time. 💖🐾 In this episode I talk about: 02:55 Buster’s story – Blind and going deaf06:50 It’s the Hooman’s job to accommodate the Blind Pug’s needs09:00 The impawtance of routine11:30 Mastering/managing the house renovations14:15 Walking Buster’s way17:10 Teaching ‘obedience’ tricks to a Blind/deaf Pug20:50 How to pat a Blind Pug22:18 Buster’s safe space23:55 General Blind Pug/dog advice WANT TO LEARN MORE about adopting Buster the Blind Rescue Pug? Check out his adoption profile here: Website: https://www.pugrescue.org.au/adopt-buster/Buster on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIdEGY3zUfZ/Insta: @PugRescueVicFacebook: @PugRescueVic WANNA JOIN US FOR YOUR VERY OWN EPISODE? Book your recording session here: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ThePugLifeShowPUGCAST@NETORGFT4130927.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/ If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the PUGCAST so you don’t miss out on the next Episode and leave us a review; it only takes a couple of seconds to give us a 5-star review and it goes a long way to helping other Pug-Pawrents find us. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter at https://bit.ly/thepuglifeshow, so you get advance notice of our next episode and if you've got any questions or want to tell us how much you loved the Episode then let me know over at our Facebook Group - The Pug Life Show PUGCAST (https://bit.ly/PugLifeShowGrumble) where Crazy Pug Pawrents meet to talk all things pug.

    30 min
  7. S4 EP 04: Furry Tales with PD the Pug 🐾🎙️

    APR 6

    S4 EP 04: Furry Tales with PD the Pug 🐾🎙️

    Call me a big kid, but I absolutely love children’s books—especially ones about pugs! There’s something magical about diving into a simpler world, where I can easily imagine my own pug as the star of the story. PD the Pug (with a little help from his mommy Marilee) has been busy turning beloved fairy tales into pawsome furry-tail adventures. You can just picture PD right in the middle of all the fun and what I love most is that while the stories are playful and full of PD charm, they still hold onto timeless messages that feel just as relevant today. And is why Furry Fairy Tails; PD The Pug's Bedtime Stories is now my favourite PD book In this episode we talked about: 06:10 My favourite Furry Fairy Tails06:30 Tell us all about yourself, PD the Pug and his first 4 books12:45 How did you come up with the concept for the Furry Fairy Tails14:35 What Fairy Tales didn’t make it?15:50 The appearance of the Secret Fawn Girl Pug18:30 Did PD need to dress up in costume to get in character for the book?21:00 PD modelling his Pug Parties outfits26:50 The appearance of PD’s arch-nemesis Ralph30:10 How do you get a book from idea to selling, including the development of each illustration?39:00 Does PD sign his own books at book signings?40:00 Win a copy of your very own Furry Fairy Tails; PD The Pug's Bedtime Stories43:05 Where can you buy the book and when is the next book signing in the US? WANT TO LEARN MORE about the PD the Pug? Check out their website and socials here: Website: https://www.pdthepugproductions.com/Insta: @pd.the.pugFacebook: @pdthepugEmail: pdthepug@gmail.comAmazon: https://amzn.asia/d/f7ygCbz WIN YOUR VERY WON COPY OF FURRY FAIRY TAILS; PD THE PUG’S BEDTIME STORIES To win a signed copy of PD the Pug’s 5th Book - Furry Fairy Tails; PD The Pug's Bedtime Stories all you need to do is: 1. subscribe to the Pug Life Show in your favourite PODCAST Host and leave a review, or 2. leave a comment over in our Facebook Group, the Pug Life Show PUGCAST. The giveaway will run until the 20 April 2025 (Australian time) and then we’ll draw a random name out of a hat and PD will send you your pawsonally signed copy of the book! WANNA JOIN US FOR YOUR VERY OWN EPISODE? Book your recording session here: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ThePugLifeShowPUGCAST@NETORGFT4130927.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/ If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the PUGCAST so you don’t miss out on the next Episode and leave us a review; it only takes a couple of seconds to give us a 5-star review and it goes a long way to helping other Pug-Pawrents find us. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter at https://bit.ly/thepuglifeshow, so you get advance notice of our next episode and if you've got any questions or want to tell us how much you loved the Episode then let me know over at our Facebook Group - The Pug Life Show PUGCAST (https://bit.ly/PugLifeShowGrumble) where Crazy Pug Pawrents meet to talk all things pug.

    49 min
  8. S4 EP03: Pug & Seek; Microchips, Lost Paws, and Happy Reunions 🐾🎙️

    MAR 23

    S4 EP03: Pug & Seek; Microchips, Lost Paws, and Happy Reunions 🐾🎙️

    If there’s one thing that gets me every time, it’s a heartwarming ‘Puggily Ever-After’—whether it’s a rescue pug finding their forever family or a lost pug making their way back home. Just the thought of that joyful reunion gets me teary-eyed and makes my heart skip a beat! ❤️🐾 So, when I had the chance to chat with Dr. Doug Black about one of Australia’s largest pet registries, I couldn’t say no! In this episode, we’re diving into the world of microchipping and the incredible role it plays in reuniting lost pugs (and other beloved pets) with their humans. 🎙️🐶 In this episode I’ll cover: 02:30 Tell us a little bit about yourself and the Central Animal Records (CARs) registry06:50 CAR’s recovery statistics16:20 Legal requirement for your Pet to be microchipped and registered17:07 Reliable methods of ownership proof19:20 What is happening with Homesafe ID registered Pets?21:00 What is Pet Address?24:20 CARs annual reminder service27:30 Homesafe ID database access cut-off details30:45 What Pets can be microchipped?35:30 What are some of the common way’s Pet can get lost?43:30 Pet reunion stories - thanks to their microchip 51:30 The CARs APP and what it does for Pawrents57:15 How do we find you? WANT TO LEARN MORE about the Central Animal Records registry? Check out their website and socials here: Website: https://car.com.au/Insta: @CentralAnimalRecordsFacebook: @CentralAnimalRecordsAustraliaEmail: info@car.com.auPhone: 03 9706 3187 WANNA JOIN US FOR YOUR VERY OWN EPISODE? Book your recording session here: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ThePugLifeShowPUGCAST@NETORGFT4130927.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/ If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the PUGCAST so you don’t miss out on the next Episode and leave us a review; it only takes a couple of seconds to give us a 5-star review and it goes a long way to helping other Pug-Pawrents find us. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter at https://bit.ly/thepuglifeshow, so you get advance notice of our next episode and if you've got any questions or want to tell us how much you loved the Episode then let me know over at our Facebook Group - The Pug Life Show PUGCAST (https://bit.ly/PugLifeShowGrumble) where Crazy Pug Pawrents meet to talk all things pug.

    1h 3m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Pug Life Show is for Crazy Pug Ladies or Pawrents who want to listen to interviews and discussions that are focused on caring for Pugs and livin' the Pug Life. We release a new episode on a Sunday night of each month in a season and we continue the conversation over at our Facebook Group The Pug Life Show https://www.facebook.com/share/g/nnwqGbvZwCZTp9xN/

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