Love ’Em & Lead ’Em

Episode 24: Dog Names, Bird Names & Other Bad Decisions

Cory and Melaney return from the Alabama Coastal Birding Festival with matching shirts, 35 new lifer birds, and plenty of stories. From painted buntings and loggerhead shrikes to hummingbird research and migration fallout events, they share some of their favorite moments from an unforgettable birding adventure. Then the conversation takes a turn toward a subject they feel surprisingly passionate about: dog names. Why does every dog need a middle name? Are some names just too popular? Can a dog accidentally become the name you gave them? And what happens when trainers decide a dog's name for you? Along the way, they discuss: * The most overused dog names they see every year * Why Bella, Luna, Nala, and Ollie are everywhere * The old hunting dog lore behind choosing a good name * Their favorite client dog names of all time * Why naming your Cane Corso "Diva" might be asking for trouble * The importance of a proper middle name when your dog is in trouble Whether you're a birder, a dog lover, or currently trying to name a new puppy, this episode is full of laughs, stories, and strong opinions.

Episode 23: Before You Hire a Dog Trainer, Listen to This

Choosing a dog trainer shouldn’t feel like guessing… but for most people, it does. You call, ask for pricing, compare a few options—and hope you made the right choice. But here’s the problem: Price alone won’t tell you if a trainer is actually right for you or your dog. In this episode, we break down what you should be looking at (and what most people completely miss), including: * Why credentials don’t always mean what you think they do * The questions you need to ask about tools and methods * What to know about board & train programs (before handing your dog over) * Why environment, transparency, and aftercare matter more than price * And how to make sure the training actually transfers to you at home Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t just a trained dog—it’s a dog you can live with confidently. If you’re considering training (or already overwhelmed by your options), this episode will help you cut through the noise and make a decision you feel good about. 📞 Want help figuring out what’s right for your dog? Give us a call: 502-356-3059 📲 Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogtrainingcampusalouisville/ [https://www.instagram.com/dogtrainingcampusalouisville/]

Episode 22: Dog Introductions - You’re Doing Too Much

If introducing your dog to other dogs feels stressful… you’re probably doing too much. In this episode of Love ’Em & Lead ’Em, we break down how to properly introduce dogs to dogs and dogs to cats—and why most people are overcomplicating both. We cover: * How to introduce dogs without creating tension, chaos, or fights * Why on-leash greetings with random dogs are a bad idea * The step-by-step method we use at camp to build calm, neutral interactions * How to safely bring a dog into a home with cats (or a cat into your dog’s world) And yes… we’re giving cats the credit they deserve: * Why cats are not fragile little house pets—they’re apex predators with boundaries * Why “the best dog trainer might actually be a cat” * How cats naturally correct dogs better (and faster) than most humans We also talk about what socialization actually means (hint: your dog doesn’t need more friends), and how bad introductions can create long-term behavior issues. The big takeaway? The more pressure, emotion, and chaos you bring into introductions… the worse they go. Keep it simple. Stay in control. And stop doing so much.

Episode 21: Rehoming Reality Check

Rehoming a dog sounds simple… until you’re actually in it. In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most emotional and misunderstood topics in dog ownership—when it’s appropriate to rehome a dog, when it’s not, and the hard truths most people don’t want to hear. We share real client stories (the kind that stick with you), break down common myths like the magical “farm,” and talk about what responsibility actually looks like when behavior issues show up. We also cover: * Why most rehoming situations aren’t what people think * When rehoming can be the right decision * Why behavior problems don’t just “go away” in a new home * And what your options actually are when things feel out of control As always, we’re here to help you navigate the tough stuff, make informed decisions, and do what’s best for both you and your dog—even when it’s not easy. Expect honesty, a few rants, and probably a laugh or two.

Episode 20: Stop Talking to Your Dog (Yes, Really!)

This week on Love ’Em & Lead ’Em, Cory and Melaney start with birding adventures, slow walks with a bird club, and a few unexpectedly intense 10-mile hikes. But all that time in the woods leads to a surprising training insight. The most uncomfortable thing we ask clients to do… isn’t complicated training, expensive equipment, or extreme discipline. It’s stopping the constant talking to their dog. In this episode, the ladies break down why quiet observation can be one of the biggest game-changers for anxious, clingy, or over-stimulated dogs. They explain how too much chatter can create insecurity, why dogs actually respond better to clear actions than endless words, and how small uncomfortable changes from owners can lead to massive improvements in behavior. Plus: bird club stories, hiking mishaps, hydration debates, and why doing hard things—whether it's a 10-mile hike or ignoring your dog for a weekend—can build better habits for both humans and dogs. Challenge of the week: Try not talking to your dog for a day… and see what you notice.