Pack Life

3 Top Tips for road tripping with dogs

For many people and dogs road tripping together is about as good as it gets. Whether you are thinking about taking your first trip and not sure where to start, or you take trips often but could use some fresh tips, this show is for you. I also share some personal experience successes and failures to help you skip the learning curve:-) Topics in this Episode 0:15 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] My context with trips and the learning curve 1:17 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Tip One: Testing and Training BEFORE the Trip 1:59 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Rest Stop's/Service Areas 3:06 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Dog's that get car sick 3:53 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Teach how to get in and out of the car 4:11 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Dog's that bark at stuff in the car 4:28 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Seeking help with training 4:48 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Hotels and Lobby's 5:32 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Camping/Backpacking: tents, campfires, etc 6:04 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Tip Two: Pack Light 8:17 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] What to pack your stuff in 8:31 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] The dog essentials 9:40 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Day pack ready to go 10:45 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Tip Three: Enjoy the Journey 10:50 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Two kinds of trips 11:35 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Rest Stops vs Activity Stops 11:45 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] How often should you stop? 12:30 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] All about planning bonus stops  14:12 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Doing the research 14:46 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Dog Parks and Public Parks 16:21 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Trails 17:11 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes/13467270-3-top-tips-for-road-tripping-with-dogs/chapters#] Keeping your dog safe in the car Helpful Links and Resources: Pack-a-Paw for emerg [https://mountaindogware.com/dog-carrying-harness-usa.html] a Happy With Dogs podcast

Best hacks for treating your dog

Our dog's love treats. We love giving them treats. Win-Win, right? Sometimes no. This episode is all about how to increase our dog's health AND still treat them to our hearts content. Topics in this episode: 0:13 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] What you will get from this episode 1:18 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Pet Obesity 2:27 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Why we overfeed dogs 3:24 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Cultural shifts about "healthy" weight 4:39 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Happy Brain Chemicals 4:59 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] When Food = Love 5:26 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Keeping them entertained 6:31 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Strategy 1: Everything counts 8:05 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Strategy 2: Using their normal diet as treats (maybe with some bling) 8:56 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Strategy 3: More treats for the price of one 9:53 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Strategy 4: Increase the quality of the treats Helpful Links and Resources: Ideal dog weight and calorie counter [https://petnutritionalliance.org/resources/calorie-calculator?type=dogs] Silicone Treat Pouch [https://www.chewy.com/dexas-popware-pets-silicone-pooch/dp/390263] Want to connect? Email me, I would love to hear from you:-): Melissa@happywithdogs.com a Happy With Dogs podcast

A shiny new routine can be a dog-life game changer

This episode is all about getting a new perspective on the routines and rhythms we create when we live with pets.  Learn how to leverage the power of changing routines to decrease stress while supporting you and your dog. The routines we have create the content of our lives and setting them  up intentionally can have huge impact. Topics in this episode: 0:13 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] One of the big benefits of living with dogs 1:16 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Avoiding extra stress and frustration 1:48 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Consistency vs Variety and the nervous system  3:26 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Decision Fatigue 5:32 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Plane, Pilot, Engineer 6:31 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Adaptation Energy 8:18 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] How Emily Fletcher can change your life 8:38 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Meatloaf meltdowns 10:07 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Layered Stress Model 11:32 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] A great question 12:59 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Biologically appropriate lifestyles in the modern day 14:34 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Clarity 16:33 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] How to know it’s time for a routine change 17:16 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Real Trainer Example 18:52 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] How to design a new routine 20:59 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Help when you are stumped Helpful Links and Resources: Is Your Dog Happy? Podcast Episode [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/12120963] Canines Providing Assistance to Wounded Warriors [https://nursing.fau.edu/outreach/c-paww/?fbclid=IwAR2XmfJrWZrwcr0v-ja4nFQJgVdvFdGG253AoNeN-U8bcbt6lFjHqYYw27c] Emily Fletcher on Adaptation Energy [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ27v4MQQCA] Emily Fletcher's Ziva Meditation Program [https://zivameditation.com] Jay Jack talks about the Layered Stress Model on the Canine Paradigm [https://thecanineparadigm.com/2018/05/11/episode-27-the-layered-stress-model-with-jay-jack/] Ali Abdaal's YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@aliabdaal] American Medical Association on Decision Fatigue [https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-decision-fatigue] Want to connect? Email me, I would love to hear from you:-): Melissa@happywithdogs.com a Happy With Dogs podcast

What to do if your dog is lost

What would you do if you suddenly realized your dog was lost? That is the question that drove me to seeking out better information than I could find from a quick google search. In this episode I share some detailed strategies of things you can do BEFORE you lose your dog, so that if it ever happens you don't waste time and energy trying to figure out a plan while under stress. Topics in this episode: 0:12 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Lost Dog's and why I needed more info 1:02 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Nelson Hodges Lost Dog Recovery Course 1:45 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Checklist in show notes 2:11 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Basics 3:28 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Background for advanced concepts 5:00 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Advanced Strategies 1: Leader 10:32 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Advanced Strategies 2: Team 13:46 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Advanced Strategies 3: Map 14:29 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Advanced Strategies 4: Equipment 15:33 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] General lost dog timeline 18:09 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Nelson's Final Words of Hope Helpful Links and Resources: Lost Dog Preparedness Checklist [https://happy-with-dogs.ck.page/31e04bd549] Nelson Hodges and CHRI Institute [https://www.chrinstitute.com/nelson-hodges-founder] Their Courses [https://www.chrinstitute.com/nelson-hodges-founder] Want to connect? Email me, I would love to hear from you:-): Melissa@happywithdogs.com a Happy With Dogs podcast

3 Top Trainer Tips for Playing with Your Dog

In this episode we are talking about playing with dogs. I discuss how big this topic is and share some of the major concepts that totally changed how I see play. I introduce the predatory cycle, competitive and cooperative games, and how how games need goals, rules, and penalties, I also share some of my favorite people and companies who have influenced and inspired me. Topics in this episode: 0:14 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Why play is important and how it impacts your relationship with your dog 1:07 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Dog play is unique to each dog 1:21 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Best games for your dog 2:00 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#]  More to play than meets the eye 2:48 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Play and the predatory cycle 5:29 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Competitive and Cooperative Games 7:59 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Games have goals, rules, and penalties 9:48 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Seek professional assistance for how to play with dogs who have demonstrated resource guarding, aggressive behaviors, or have a bite history 10:11 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Making games fun 12:42 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] What to do now 14:14 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Amazing leaders in the dog play space worth checking out 14:27 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Dog's Playing for Life and Amy Sadler 16:39 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Ivan Balabanov 18:18 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2105196/episodes#] Jay Jack Helpful Links and Resources: Dogs Playing for Life: https://dogsplayingforlife.com/ [https://dogsplayingforlife.com/] Ivan Balabanov https://www.trainingwithoutconflict.com/ [https://www.trainingwithoutconflict.com/] Jay Jack content warning, Jay has strong opinions and uses explicit language. I am a big fan of his messages, but he will not appeal to sensitive ears https://nldogs.com/ [https://nldogs.com/] GRC Dog Sports https://nldogs.com/grc-dogsports/ [https://nldogs.com/grc-dogsports/] If you liked this episode you will likely also dig this guide: How to make your dog happy You're One Week Guide to Good Vibes Furever [https://happy-with-dogs.ck.page/bc7ebdc13a] Want to connect? Email me, I would love to hear from you:-): Melissa@happywithdogs.com a Happy With Dogs podcast