Tails and Tones

35: Understanding Dog Behavior, The Hidden Link Between Pain, Emotions & Reactivity with Dr Julie Ashton

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Julie Ashton, an ABTC-certified veterinary behaviorist, to unpack what’s really going on behind common dog behavior challenges, from reactivity and anxiety to sudden changes like house accidents or obsessive ball play. We explore the powerful connection between physical health, emotional wellbeing, and behavior, and why many issues are often misunderstood as “bad behavior” rather than signs of stress, fear, or even pain. This conversation is packed with practical, science-backed insights to help dog parents better understand their pets, avoid common mistakes, and build a calmer, more supportive environment for their dogs. GUEST BIO: Our guest today is Dr. Julie Ashton, an ABTC-certified Veterinary Behaviourist who helps dogs and cats with complex behavioural challenges. Julie discovered her passion for behaviour while studying at Bristol Vet School, where she graduated in 2009 as both a veterinarian and with a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. After working in London and later Sydney, she now runs her behaviour practice from rural Essex, supporting pet owners through referral behaviour consultations both online and in person. TAKEAWAYS: * Behavior problems are often rooted in pain, fear, or emotional distress, not disobedience * Always rule out medical issues first when behavior changes suddenly * Reactivity is a symptom, not a diagnosis, understanding the cause is key * Overexposure to fears (like forcing socialization) can make anxiety worse * Proper play should include balance, breaks, and mutual engagement * High-arousal activities (like excessive ball play) can increase stress and physical strain * Dogs need rest, structure, and safe environments to regulate behavior * Early puppy socialization (done correctly) is critical for long-term behavior * Many “bad behaviors” are actually dogs struggling, not misbehaving RELEVANT LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: * Life on four legs vet: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lifeonfourlegsvet/] / Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/lifeonfourlegs]/ Website [https://lifeonfourlegs.co.uk/] * Review the podcast on Podchaser [https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/tails-and-tones-6086657] * Sign up to our Tails and Tones newsletter here [https://newsletter.tailsandtones.com/] * Sign up to our Tails and Tones waiting list for our first product, Élevé (Elevated Food System) here [https://tailsandtoneselevated.carrd.co/] * Find Tails and Tones on our socials: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tailsandtones/] / Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/tailsandtones/]/ TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@tailsandtones] / LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailsandtones/?viewAsMember=true] / Website [https://tailsandtones.com/] TIMESTAMPS TO RELEVANT POINTS WITHIN THE EPISODE: [00:00]-Intro [04:08] The biggest misconception about dog behavior [07:26] What “reactivity” actually means [09:54] Why sudden behavior changes = check health first [14:30] The #1 mistake dog owners make with anxious dogs [18:12] Why play can turn into aggression [23:59] Obsession with ball play explained [28:39] Why dogs suddenly pee inside the house [35:26] Why behavior changes should always be checked by a vet [41:07] How to prevent behavior problems in puppies [46:24] “They’re not giving you a hard time…” mindset shift

34: If I Got a Puppy Tomorrow, I’d Do THIS Differently

Our French Bulldog, Piper is almost six. And looking back, there's a list of things Mariska would do differently from day one. In this solo episode, she shares everything, the daily routines, the health habits, the equipment, and the medical prep, that she wishes someone had told her before Piper came home. TAKEAWAYS: * Why a consistent daily rhythm matters more than any individual training technique * The feeding setup most owners miss, and why how your dog eats matters as much as what they eat * Teeth cleaning alternatives when brushing just isn't happening (drops, foam, enzymes) * How to get your dog comfortable taking medicine, the cheese ball method and the decoy trick * Why you should introduce shoes, ramps, and strollers before you ever need them * The midday rest most dog parents skip, and why it changes everything * The non-negotiables Mariska would never go without RELEVANT LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: * Enzyme tooth gel, dental drops, dental foam that we use or ask your vet or local pet store * Frenchie vs Everybody [https://frenchiesvsplaque.carrd.co/]dental toppers * Episode 32: [https://podcast.tailsandtones.com/episode/32] Why Your Dog Reacts with Mena Lopes * Episode 33: [https://podcast.tailsandtones.com/episode/33] The Hidden Cause of Dog Allergies with Amanda Smith * Sign up to our Tails and Tones waiting list for our first product (Piper's Founders Pack, Elevated Food System) here [https://tailsandtoneselevated.carrd.co/] * Sign up to our Tails and Tones newsletter here [https://newsletter.tailsandtones.com/] * Review the podcast on Podchaser [https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/tails-and-tones-6086657] * Find Tails and Tones on our socials: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tailsandtones/] / Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/tailsandtones/]/ TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@tailsandtones] / LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailsandtones/?viewAsMember=true] / Website [https://tailsandtones.com/] TIMESTAMPS TO RELEVANT POINTS WITHIN THE EPISODE: [00:00] Intro + product update [02:18] Why routine is the foundation (and what causes anxiety in dogs) [03:20] The morning routine that sets your dog up for success [06:05] The feeding setup, how Piper’s physio changed everything [09:35] Dental health, the parent fail and what actually works [18:45] Getting your dog ready for medicine (before you actually need it) [25:10] Equipment habituation: shoes, ramps, harnesses, strollers [30:05] Midday rest, - why your dog might be overtired (not under-stimulated) [31:55] The afternoon sniff walk (“sniffari”) and why it matters [34:05] Evening routine and wind-down [35:50] What I’d never skip (the non-negotiables) [39:05] Outro

33: The Hidden Cause of Dog Allergies Most Owners Miss with Amanda Smith

In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked root causes of common dog health issues: gut health. From itchy skin to ear infections and low energy, we explore how what goes into your dog’s bowl directly impacts their wellbeing. Joined by functional canine nutritionist Amanda Smith, we unpack simple, realistic ways to start improving your dog’s health without overwhelm. GUEST BIO: Amanda Smith is a functional canine nutritionist with over 20 years of experience in the veterinary field. After working across multiple roles in clinical practice, she shifted her focus to nutrition and gut health. Today, she helps dog parents identify the root causes of health issues and guides them in transitioning from processed diets to more balanced, whole food approaches. TAKEAWAYS: * The inside-out connection: most issues like itching, behavior changes, and immunity start in the gut * It’s not just “allergies”, signs like licking, stress, and even poop changes can point to gut imbalance * You don’t need to overhaul everything, start by adding simple foods like sardines, eggs, and blueberries * Rotation matters more than perfection when it comes to nutrition * Overfeeding and lack of variety are some of the biggest mistakes dog parents make * Testing can give direction, but your dog’s behavior and stool already tell you a lot * There’s no one-size-fits-all, everything from food ratios to bowl setup should suit your dog RELEVANT LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: * Canine Gut Solutions: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/canine_gut_solutions_/] / Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/caninegutsolutions/#]/ Website [https://caninegutsolutions.com/] * Animal Biome (gut health testing kit) [https://www.animalbiome.com/products/doggybiome-gut-health-test] * Glacier Peak (pet intolerance test [https://glacierpeakholistics.com/products/pet-intolerance-test]) * Dr. Karen Becker & Rodney Habib [https://insidescoop.pet/] * Review the podcast on Podchaser [https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/tails-and-tones-6086657] * Sign up to our Tails and Tones newsletter here [https://newsletter.tailsandtones.com/] * Sign up to our Tails and Tones waiting list for our first product (Elevated Food System) here [https://tailsandtoneselevated.carrd.co/] * Find Tails and Tones on our socials: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tailsandtones/] / Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/tailsandtones/]/ TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@tailsandtones] / LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailsandtones/?viewAsMember=true] / Website [https://tailsandtones.com/] TIMESTAMPS TO RELEVANT POINTS WITHIN THE EPISODE: [00:00] - Intro and product update [02:28] - Meet Amanda Smith [03:14] - Amanda’s journey from vet tech to nutritionist [05:37] - Why dogs need whole, fresh foods [07:13] - Where to start without feeling overwhelmed [09:45] - Why gut health is the root of many issues [11:04] - Gut testing and how it works [13:44] - Signs your dog has gut imbalance [15:13] - The “poop police” discussion [16:15] - Common feeding mistakes [19:22] - Easy ways to upgrade your dog’s bowl [22:32] - Keeping it simple and realistic [25:50] - Bowl height and posture [30:52] - Preparing for allergy season [32:51] - What improvements look like [35:42] - First steps to take today

32: Why Your Dog Reacts (And What It’s Trying to Tell You) with Mena Lopes

Have you ever felt your stomach tighten the moment another dog appears on a walk? This episode is for you. We sat down with dog behaviorist Mena Lopes to talk about reactivity, what it actually is, why it happens, and why it’s so often misunderstood. What we kept coming back to is this: it’s not about having a “bad dog.” It’s about understanding what’s going on underneath the behavior. We also get into potty training, regression (because yes, that happens), and how to stay kind to yourself on the harder days, the ones where nothing seems to be working. GUEST BIO: Mena Lopes is a dog trainer and behaviorist, and the founder of Ginger’s Way in Dubai. Originally trained in conservation biology, her work today focuses on helping dogs and their humans navigate things like reactivity, anxiety, and everyday challenges, in a way that feels practical, supportive, and realistic. TAKEAWAYS: * Reactivity isn’t random, it’s often rooted in fear, stress, or uncertainty * Your dog isn’t doing it on purpose (even when it feels like it) * Progress takes time, much longer than most people expect * Understanding your dog changes how you respond * Small signals matter more than the big reactions * Potty training isn’t linear (and regression is part of it) * You can work on behavior while still accepting your dog as they are * Not every dog needs to be social, and that’s okay * “Good behavior” often goes unnoticed (until it changes) * Management and training are two different things, and both matter * Sometimes the biggest shift is helping the human feel less like they’ve failed * Context matters, behavior isn’t one-size-fits-all * You don’t need a perfect dog, just a better understanding of your own RELEVANT LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: * Ginger's Way: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/itsgingersway/?hl=en] / Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/itsgingersway/]/ Website [https://www.itsgingersway.com/] * Leash Explorer: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/leash.explorer.uae/?hl=en] / Website [https://www.leashexplorer.ae/] * Review the podcast on Podchaser [https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/tails-and-tones-6086657] * Sign up to our Tails and Tones newsletter here [https://newsletter.tailsandtones.com/] * Piper's Founders Pack - Sign up to our Tails and Tones waiting list for our first product (Elevated Food System) here [https://tailsandtoneselevated.carrd.co/] * Find Tails and Tones on our socials: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tailsandtones/] / Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/tailsandtones/]/ TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@tailsandtones] / LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailsandtones/?viewAsMember=true] / Website [https://tailsandtones.com/] TIMESTAMPS TO RELEVANT POINTS WITHIN THE EPISODE: [00:00]-Intro [02:22] – Mena’s story + how Ginger changed everything [05:06] – What people misunderstand about dog behavior [06:25] – What reactivity actually looks like day-to-day [07:41] – Where to start with a reactive dog [09:14] – Why we often need to train the human first [12:26] – How reactivity becomes a pattern [13:03] – When behavior changes later on (and what to do) [16:01] – The myth around “rewarding bad behavior” [17:55] – Can reactivity really be fixed? [22:29] – The subtle signs we often miss [27:02] – The idea behind Leash Explorer [30:46] – Potty training expectations vs reality [35:08] – Why accidents happen (even later on) [37:33] – What training looks like on hard days [38:28] – Stories that stay with you Notes Pipers Founders Pack: [https://tailsandtoneselevated.carrd.co/] Mention it is the first 100 but we extended it to the first 150 people.

31: Senior Dog Care & When Is It Time? Navigating Dog Dementia and Pet Loss With Adam Greenbaum

Caring for our pets as they grow older asks something deeper of us, more noticing, more patience, and sometimes the courage to begin preparing for goodbye. In this heartfelt conversation, Adam Greenbaum, founder of Love, Baxter, shares his personal journey through losing his beloved dog Baxter and caring for his 16-year-old Boston Terrier, Sophie, who is living with dementia. Together, we explore anticipatory grief, senior pet care, making end-of-life decisions with clarity, and how to support someone grieving the loss of a pet. This episode is a gentle reminder that loving well includes planning well, and that no pet parent has to walk that road alone. GUEST BIO: Adam Greenbaum is the founder of Love, Baxter, the world’s largest pet end-of-life resource and professional directory, created in honor of his late dog Baxter. He previously founded WhiskerCloud, a veterinary technology company that supported over 10,000 veterinary clinics globally before being acquired by PetDesk. Today, Adam partners with veterinary teams and human hospice professionals to remove friction for families, provide practical tools, and raise the standard of care from the first hard conversation through aftercare. He lives in Newport Beach, California with his wife Elizabeth, their senior Boston Terrier Sophie, one-year-old Boston Terrier Cosmo, and their cat Nala. TAKEAWAYS: 1. Preparing for end-of-life care does not make it happen sooner, it creates clarity when it matters most. 2. Tracking “good days vs. bad days” can help pet parents make grounded, compassionate decisions. 3. You do not have to agree to euthanasia immediately if your pet is stable, you can pause and reflect. 4. There is no timeline for grief, and pet loss is not “less than” any other form of loss. 5. The most helpful thing you can say to someone grieving a pet is simple: I’m here. Tell me about them. 6. Routines and consistent systems (like feeding and walk schedules) can provide comfort for senior pets. 7. Take more photos and videos, not out of fear, but out of gratitude. 8. Loving our pets fully means honoring both the joyful seasons and the difficult ones. RELEVANT LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: 1. Love, Baxter: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lovebaxterco] / Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/lovebaxterco]/ TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@lovebaxterco] / LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/love-baxter/posts/?feedView=all] / YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@lovebaxterco]/ Website [https://lovebaxter.com/] 2. Senior pet planning quality of life [https://lovebaxter.com/blog/pet-owners-hhhhhmm-quality-of-life-scale/] 3. Connect with Adam Greenbaum on LinkedIn 4. Review the podcast on Podchaser [https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/tails-and-tones-6086657] 5. Sign up to our Tails and Tones newsletter here [https://newsletter.tailsandtones.com/] 6. Sign up to our Tails and Tones waiting list for our first product (Elevated Food System) here [https://tailsandtoneselevated.carrd.co/] 7. Find Tails and Tones on our socials: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tailsandtones/] / Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/tailsandtones/]/ TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@tailsandtones] / LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/tailsandtones/?viewAsMember=true] / YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TailsandTones] / Website [https://tailsandtones.com/] TIMESTAMPS TO RELEVANT POINTS WITHIN THE EPISODE: [00:00] Intro Caring for our pets as they grow older [02:14] Welcome Adam Greenbaum [02:52] Adam introduces himself, Sophie, Cosmo, Nala & WhiskerCloud [04:18] The loss of Baxter & why Love, Baxter was created [06:56] Insurance, access to care & the chaos at end-of-life [08:12] What people are actually searching for in crisis moments [10:20] Senior dogs, dementia & what we don’t talk about enough [12:49] Planning ahead, red lines & tracking good vs. bad days [14:07] You don’t have to euthanize immediately [16:40] Adapting care as dogs age, feeding, routines & daily life [20:30] The power of consistent systems for senior pets [22:19] What to say and not say after someone loses a pet [25:09] “It was just a pet” navigating minimization & grief [29:08] There is no timeline for grief [31:24] Preserving memories, photos, rituals & honoring their life [32:18] Why we replay the final days [35:24] Small rituals that help during grief [37:09] How loving our pets changes how we move through the world [39:17] What Adam hopes grieving pet parents feel [41:15] What makes a founder build something that truly matters [42:22] Closing reflections