Raising Happy Dogs with Sarah Hodgson

Discover the fascinating reasons behind dog barking and how it serves as their form of communication. Learn effective strategies to manage excessive barking, whether it's from excitement or frustration. Explore the importance of rest cycles and how a dog's environment influences their behavior. Get practical tips like leash control and fun games to redirect your pup's attention. With these insights, you'll be equipped to foster calmness and enhance communication with your furry friend!

Discover the transformative power of the 'wait' command in dog training. Unlike 'stay,' which demands stillness, 'wait' encourages dogs to pause and practice mindfulness. Learn how this simple cue enhances impulse control, improves leash manners, and fosters a stronger bond between you and your pet. Sarah shares effective training techniques to seamlessly integrate 'wait' into various scenarios, from mealtime to doorways, paving the way for better behavior and harmony in everyday life.

Explore the importance of the 'come' command in dog training, where it’s often misunderstood as a signal for the end of fun. Discover how to turn it into a joyful invitation that reinforces trust and excitement. Real-life stories and playful techniques bring the concept to life, highlighting the need for positive associations. Learn how to transform recall from a mere command into a celebration, fostering a stronger bond with your dog.

Explore the journeys of two anxious urban dogs: Henry, a reactive beagle, and Cassie, who struggles with city life. Delve into how stress and sensory overload influence canine behavior. Learn about the innovative concept of the “canine arrow” and the red-yellow-green zones to help dogs manage their anxiety. Discover simple games that can transform reactivity into resilience, making city living more bearable for our furry friends.

Dive into the world of canine communication as barking is reframed from defiance to a call for safety. Explore the emotional triggers behind barking, from fear to overwhelm, and see how resource guarding plays a role in dog behavior. Real-life stories and listener questions add depth, while practical advice encourages empathy over correction. This insightful discussion turns chaotic moments into opportunities for connection with our furry friends.

Discover the intricacies of housebreaking as a dog parent. A relatable story about a dog refusing to pee showcases the importance of routines and patience. Learn how understanding your dog’s natural rhythms can help establish effective habits. The discussion emphasizes the role of leadership in the training process and offers practical tips to transform potty struggles into successful routines. With insights applicable to both puppies and rescue dogs, this conversation redefines what it truly means to be housebroken.

Sarah Hodgson reveals the unexpected secret to raising a confident, well-adjusted puppy: sleep. Drawing from her years of imprinting young pups in her own home, she explains why a solid sleep schedule is the foundation for calmness, confidence, and easier training.Sarah also answers your top questions about setting up your home, introducing puppies to kids, preventing separation anxiety, and more. Whether you’re preparing for a new puppy or looking to build a smoother routine, this episode will help you start strong and stay balanced.Learn More and Book a Session Here: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahsayspets/reels/?hl=enOrder my Leashes: https://sarahsaysstore.com/Buy the E-Books I Mention in this Podcast Here: https://sarahsaysstore.com/collections/ebooks 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 challenges of a dog parent dealing with incessant whining and learn how to better understand your furry friend. Dive into the subtle ways dogs communicate through posture and movement, not just barking. Uncover five key talking points that reveal what your dog is truly expressing. By tuning into these details, you’ll enhance your connection and address behavioral issues more effectively. Transform your perspective and strengthen your bond with clearer communication.

Sarah Hodgson sits down with Laurie Hood, founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge, to talk about the power of compassion and the urgent need for change in animal welfare. Laurie shares her journey from animal lover to legislative advocate, the challenges of rescuing at scale, and why empathy is key to lasting reform. From puppy mills to policy-making, you'll learn how real progress starts with education, community, and a willingness to speak up. If you’ve ever wondered how to help, this episode will leave you feeling informed, inspired, and ready to act.Donate to Alaqua Animal Refuge: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/sfcpsj/Learn More: https://alaqua.org/Follow Laurie: https://www.instagram.com/lauriehhood/ 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 breaks down the pros and cons of today’s most popular dog training options, from private sessions to group classes to board-and-train programs. Whether you’re looking for personalized support, opportunities to socialize your pup, or a structured head start on routine-building, you’ll get clarity on what makes the most sense for you and your dog. Sarah also answers a listener question about helping dogs transition from rural life to city streets—so don’t miss this packed, practical episode to help guide your training journey! 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