Raising Happy Dogs with Sarah Hodgson

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a big moment—equal parts excitement and adjustment. In this episode, I share how thoughtful preparation can make those first days smoother for both of you. You’ll learn what essentials to have on hand, how to set up your home for calm and safety, and why small routines and consistent cues help your puppy settle in with confidence. With the right start, you’ll build a bond rooted in trust and understanding.Book a Session with Me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogsCheck Out My Recommended Products: https://shopmy.us/shop/sarahhodgson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Bringing a new puppy home is both exciting and unpredictable. In this episode, I explain how a puppy’s temperament, instincts, and environment shape who they become. I share what early temperament tests really reveal, why nipping and chasing are part of normal development, and how to use calm structure to build confidence and trust. With patience, guidance, and clear routines, you can help your puppy feel safe, connected, and ready to grow into their best self.Book a Session with Me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogsCheck Out my Recommended Products: https://shopmy.us/shop/sarahhodgson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

In this episode of Raising Happy Dogs, I sit down once again with holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Feinman, author of Path to Pet Wellness: The Holistic Vet’s Guide to Thriving Pets and Empowered Pet Parents. Together, we explore a new way of thinking about healing, seeing symptoms not as problems to fix, but as messages from the body and spirit.Dr. Feinman shares insights on BEAM (Behavior, Energy, Appetite, and Mood) and the Animal-Centered Treatments movement, which brings compassion and consciousness back to pet care.We also discuss Maya’s story, a fearful shelter puppy who found safety through joy, and introduce Jeff’s Micro-Engagement Plan: a simple two-week rhythm of short, joyful moments that help dogs build trust and resilience.Learn More about Holistic Actions Here: https://www.holisticactions.com/Pre-Order Path To Pet Wellness and Gain Access to the November 4th Fireside Chat Here: https://www.holisticactions.com/book/Book a Session with Me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/Check Out my Recommended Products: https://shopmy.us/shop/sarahhodgson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most common struggles dog parents face: separation anxiety. You sent in thoughtful, heartfelt questions, and I’m answering them all: when to consider medication, why some dogs panic only when one person leaves, whether getting another dog can help, and what kinds of pre-departure exercises truly make a difference.I’ll share practical ways to help your dog feel calm and safe when you walk out the door, as well as how to shift from control to connection when anxiety takes over.Then, at the end of the episode, I sit down with Roger’s mom (the dog from last week’s separation anxiety video) to talk about what it’s really like living with and loving a dog who struggles to be alone.This one’s all about empathy, understanding, and small steps toward peace for both you and your dog.Follow My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogsSign Up for Training With Me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Discover the fascinating distinctions between early separation stress and clinical separation anxiety in puppies. Learn why these young canines biologically crave closeness, rooted in their evolutionary past. Explore practical tips to create a safe den-like space and understand the grieving process when they leave their litter. Uncover effective ways to respond to puppy whining without reinforcing anxiety, and how low-key departures can ease the transition. This insightful discussion ensures puppies grow confident and secure, ready to thrive in their new homes.

If your dog barks in the car, growls at visitors, or goes wild on walks, you’re not alone. In this listener Q&A, I address five real-world questions about reactivity, ranging from car meltdowns and nighttime barking to leash explosions and unexpected bites.You’ll learn how to recognize the emotions beneath the behavior, create safety through small daily shifts, and turn stressful moments into chances for trust and calm.Because when we stop reacting to our dogs and start listening with them, everything begins to change.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogsBook a session with me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Sarah Hodgson continues her deep dive into reactivity with the remarkable story of Hannah and her boxer, Ranger. Once on the verge of being rehomed, Ranger barked, lunged, and snapped his way through daily life—until a few simple shifts changed everything.Sarah shares how reframing his behavior from “bad” to “burdened” unlocked a new path forward. Through structure, safety, and play, Ranger learned to relax, trust, and reconnect with his family. You’ll hear how setting boundaries, creating calm routines, and letting go of constant correction turned tension into teamwork.Whether your dog guards the window or pulls on every walk, this heartfelt episode shows that reactive dogs aren’t broken—they just need clarity, compassion, and a little help finding their calm.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogs Book a session with me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Discover why reactive dogs bark, lunge, and guard their space, revealing they’re overwhelmed rather than aggressive. Learn how territorial instincts develop and why leashes can exacerbate these behaviors. Sarah introduces a training framework using reaction zones, while sharing tips on creating a calm home environment. Rethink your walks to focus on what brings your dog joy and avoid harsh corrections that worsen anxiety. Clarity, routine, and trust are essential for helping your dog feel secure and relaxed.

Discover how to ensure a secure puppyhood, crucial for raising a calm and confident dog. Learn why puppies need company and how sleeping alone can lead to anxiety. Explore the impacts of sleep cycles on behavior and the connection between the central nervous system and a puppy's emotional balance. Small adjustments in their environment, like sleeping arrangements and comforting items, can prevent sleepless nights and hyperactivity. Emphasizing sleep as the cornerstone of mental health, this approach helps create a happy, well-adjusted furry family member.

Discover how to enhance your dog's walking experience by understanding their behavior and preferences on the leash. Explore techniques to balance exploration and structure, transforming walks into enjoyable shared adventures. Get tips on managing common challenges like excited jumping and bolting at the door, using positive reinforcement. Learn about the psychological dynamics of leash training and how to recognize your dog's stress signals, ensuring safer, calmer walks for both you and your furry friend.