Ruffly Speaking with Laura and Olivia

Ep.15 - Is Dog Ownership a Scam??

In this episode of Ruffly Speaking, we discuss if dog ownership is a scam? Are we being sold an idealistic picture of what dog ownership looks like? Laura and Olivia chat about the financial aspects of dog ownership, including initial setup expenses and the decision to get a dog. We also delve into the influence of marketing on consumer behaviour, the impact of lifestyle marketing, and the capitalization on time commitment in dog ownership. At the end of the episode, we'll answer the question of "is it worth it?" and ultimately what you should consider before getting a dog. Takeaways * Dog ownership costs and finances * Initial setup expenses * Understanding the full scope of dog ownership * Marketing influences * Dog ownership is about connection and experience

Ep.14 - Toby Craze: Street Dogs, Rescues & the Complex Reality of "Saving" them

In this episode, we have a very fun and insightful conversation with Toby Craze from Craze Dog Training about rescue dogs, street dogs, and the nuance that comes with helping dogs adjust to life in a human world. Toby shares his experience working with overseas rescue dogs, shelter dogs, and free-roaming dogs in Thailand. We talk about the multilayered reality of rescue work, what can happen when dogs move from one environment into a completely different one, and why expectations matter so much when adopting or working with rescue dogs. We also get into the ethics of rescue, the difference between helping and “saving,” and why some street dogs may be better supported in their own communities rather than being moved into a home environment that doesn’t make sense for them. Topics we cover: ✨ Why street dogs often seem emotionally “different” from selectively bred dogs ✨ Why setting expectations low can actually help both dogs and humans succeed ✨ The role of freedom, agency, and environmental choice ✨ How trainers can rethink their services to accommodate more sensitive dogs ✨ The emotional burnout that can come with dog training and social media ✨ Why empathy and humour matter so much in this work If you’ve ever struggled with a rescue dog or simply wanted a more honest conversation about behaviour and the complexities of helping street dogs, we think you’ll really love this one. Chapters * 00:00 Understanding Street Dogs and Free-Roaming Dogs * 34:10 Challenges of Working with Rescue Dogs * 49:22 Managing Expectations When Adopting a Dog * 01:01:22 Balancing Mental and Physical Enrichment for Dogs and Owners * 01:24:05 Connecting with Like-Minded Individuals * 01:34:21 Podcast Reflection and Future Plans

Ep.13 - Bianca Barlow: A Holistic Approach to Raising Dogs

In this episode, we sit down with Bianca Barlow of Dogfulness to explore dog training through a thoughtful, global lens. Drawing from her experience as a German living in the United States, Bianca shares insights into the cultural differences that shape how we live with and train our dogs. We dive into what it really means to support both dogs and their humans—covering everything from navigating life transitions and prioritizing wellness, to the powerful connection between psychology and dog training. We also unpack the realities of living with a reactive dog, including how it can deepen self-awareness, empathy, and understanding. This conversation highlights the importance of seeing dogs for who they are: animals with instincts, drives, and breed-specific needs. Bianca emphasizes a holistic approach to training, where rest, routine, and resilience play just as important a role as skill-building—especially for high-drive dogs. If you’re looking for a grounded, compassionate take on dog behaviour, this episode is packed with thoughtful insights you won’t want to miss. Takeaways * Exploring cultural differences in dog ownership and training * The journey of discovering passion and purpose in your work * Why high-drive dogs need a holistic, whole-dog approach * The essential role of rest and routine in managing high-drive dogs Connect with Laura and Olivia here: Laura — Curious Snoots Dog Walking & Training Website: www.curioussnoots.com [http://www.curioussnoots.com]Instagram: @curioussnoots Olivia — Olive Bark Dog Training Website: www.olivebark.ca [http://www.olivebark.ca]Instagram: @oliviatrainsdogs

Ep.12 - “Wait…Is My Dog Overweight?!” Chunky Dog Denial, Facing Reality, and Doggie Diets

In this episode, we get real about our own experience with chunky dog denial. We talk about how easy it is to miss weight gain when it happens slowly, how we both brushed things off longer than we should have, and what finally made it click that our dogs were actually overweight. We also share our personal experiences helping our dogs lose weight, including the habits that were contributing more than we realized, the small changes we started making, and what that process has looked like in real life. This is a very honest conversation about something a lot of dog owners go through, but don’t always talk about openly. In this episode, we talk about: * our own experience not noticing the weight gain right away * why denial can be such a big part of this * how treats, training, chews, and little extras can add up fast * the changes we made to help our dogs lose weight * what we learned through the process Note: This is not medical or nutrition advice. We’re simply sharing our personal experience and the process we took with our own dogs. If you’re concerned about your dog’s weight or health, please consult a qualified professional. Connect with Laura and Olivia here: Laura — Curious Snoots Dog Walking & Training Website: www.curioussnoots.com [http://www.curioussnoots.com]Instagram: @curioussnoots Olivia — Olive Bark Dog Training Website: www.olivebark.ca [http://www.olivebark.ca]Instagram: @oliviatrainsdogs Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Ruffly Speaking Podcast * 06:10 Realizing the Issue of Dog Weight * 12:09 Understanding Dog Breeds and Weight * 18:04 Cultural Influence on Dog Weight * 23:55 Dietary Changes for Dog Weight Management * 29:45 Moderating Dog Treats and Enrichment * 36:33 The Snackle Box Method and Treat Size * 46:00 Lifestyle, Exercise, and Weight Management * 54:56 Unexpected Behavioral Changes

Ep.11 - Julia Schwark: More Than Ribbons - The True Rewards of Dog Sports

In this episode of Ruffly Speaking, we sit down with Julia Schwark, certified Dog Trainer and Trick Trainer, to explore the world of dog sports—her journey, her dogs, and how to find the right fit for each individual dog. We talk about why listening to your dog matters, how to adapt to their preferences, and how sports like agility and rally obedience can be more approachable than you might think. We also dive into why tricks can be a powerful gateway into dog sports, the difference between obedience and rally, and common misconceptions like the “high-drive dog” myth. Throughout the episode, we come back to connection—how building a strong relationship, adjusting expectations, and embracing challenges can transform your experience. It’s a conversation about having fun, growing together, and truly learning to “run as one.” Find Julia - Run As One Dog Training Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runasone_dogtraining [https://www.instagram.com/runasone_dogtraining] Website: https://runasonedogtraining.com/ [https://runasonedogtraining.com/] Key Topics * Adaptability in dog sports * Understanding the dog's preferences * Exploring different dog sports * Tricks as a gateway to dog sports * The importance of connection and relationship in dog sports * Building a strong connection with your dog is essential for success in dog sports. * Adjusting expectations and goals is important for a fulfilling experience in dog sports. Keywords dog sports dog sports training beginner dog sports dog agility training rally obedience for dogs dog obedience vs rally obedience canine sports for beginners how to get started in dog sports best dog sport for my dog choosing the right dog sport dog training for engagement building connection with your dog relationship-based dog training how to motivate your dog dog training tips for real life