Dear Dog Fanatic

(Bonus) WFH with Dogs? Listen & share this!

If you are a dog owner who works from home, I know some things about you. My name is Kirsten, but you can call me K. And I am both a virtual dog trainer and dog mom of three. In this mini episode, I share some of the insights I have collected from The 2026 International Remote Workers with Dogs Survey. I created this survey because I wanted to your input on what it is like working from home with your dog. If you have 5 minutes, please click the link below and share your own experience. Survey: https://forms.gle/zBYJS7eo1MRA53hcA [https://forms.gle/zBYJS7eo1MRA53hcA] The data collected will be turned into a report about what challenges are being faced by remote-working, dog-owning professionals. Please share this with other dog owners you know who also work from home! Thank you. :)

(16) Redditors Work From Home With Dogs

Struggling to balance your work-from-home routine with your dog’s needs? In this episode, Kirsten Matthews (The Canine Detective) explores common challenges faced by remote dog owners, sharing Reddit stories and expert advice to help you create a workable daily routine for you and your furry coworker. Takeaways * Building effective morning routines is crucial for remote workers with dogs. * It is necessary to create strategies to keep dogs occupied and calm during work calls in order to be successful when working from home. * Some dog owners working from home address separation anxiety with a combination of training and medication. * Some Redditors have great suggestions of tools for noise reduction and soundproofing in home offices. * The first step whenever your dog is demonstrating unwanted behaviour generally should be to ask yourself whether or not you are adequately meeting your dog's needs on a regular basis. Adjust exercise and enrichment routines to reduce barking and stress. I would really appreciate it if you would take 5 minutes to fill out The 2026 International Remote Workers with Dogs Survey! Your responses will contribute to a wider report on what remote dog owners are actually dealing with right now. Survey Link: https://forms.gle/G19BGisboYyqTTYf6 [https://forms.gle/G19BGisboYyqTTYf6] Reddit Stories * How do you manage your WFH mornings with a dog? [https://www.reddit.com/r/workfromhome/comments/17vmjqq/how_do_you_manage_your_wfh_mornings_with_a_dog/] * Remote work with dogs at home [https://www.reddit.com/r/DogTrainingTips/comments/1o6p4rw/switching_back_to_fully_remote_work/] * Switching back to fully remote work [https://www.reddit.com/r/DogTrainingTips/comments/1o6p4rw/switching_back_to_fully_remote_work/] * Got offered a WFH gig, but it will require quite work space. I HAVE DOGS. any tips on a good nose cancelling headset in case they bark? [https://www.reddit.com/r/remotework/comments/1kqjm41/got_offered_a_wfh_gig_but_it_will_require_quite/] * Starting a remote job with a dog who barks all the time [https://www.reddit.com/r/reactivedogs/comments/1ojk4ws/starting_a_remote_job_with_a_dog_who_barks_all/] Have a dog question of your own? Connect with K: https://linktr.ee/thecaninedetective [https://linktr.ee/thecaninedetective]

(15) Creating a Reactive Dog Decompression Plan with Abby & Wizard

In this episode of Dear Dog Fanatic, Kirsten Matthews (@thecaninedetective [https://www.instagram.com/thecaninedetective/]) chats with special guest Abby Petkov (@habichuelaaa [https://www.instagram.com/habichuelaaa/]) [https://www.instagram.com/habichuelaaa/#] about her dog Wizard. The conversation delves into understanding the unique needs of a sensitive dog and the challenges in balancing enrichment and rest in his environment. The pair discuss the importance of creating a routine and plan for decompression to manage Wizard's reactivity and anxiety. Content Warnings: Dog Attacks. Resources * Meet Your Dog by Kim Brophey [https://www.meetyourdogbook.com/]: A book that provides insights into dog behaviour based on learning, environment, genetics, and self. * Handlers and Humans with Jess Adam [https://www.handlersandhumans.com/]: A mental health resource for dog trainers and owners focusing on the human end of the leash. * Sniffspot [https://www.sniffspot.com/]: The AirBnB for private dog parks. This service gives you access to private, rentable dog parks and yards. Use this discount code: thecaninedetective5off, which gives new users $5 off their first booking. Takeaways * How understanding a dog's unique needs can help you with balancing enrichment and rest for a sensitive dog. * Decompression and rest are essential for dogs after stressful experiences. * Creating a routine and plan for decompression can help manage a dog's reactivity and anxiety. Submit Your Dog Question Here:  https://linktr.ee/thecaninedetective [https://linktr.ee/thecaninedetective]

(14) Dog Hospice & Palliative Care

In this episode of Dear Dog Fanatic, Kirsten "K" Matthews (The Canine Detective) reads questions from the r/DogAdvice & r/AskReddit subreddits. Content Warnings: Senior Dog Medical Challenges, Euthanasia, and Palliative Care. Resources * Quality of Life Assessment [https://www.lapoflove.com/quality-of-life-assessment] * Bear’s Buddies Animal Foundation [https://bearsbuddiessanctuary.ca/] (Geriatric & Hospice Sanctuary) Donate Here: Fundraising Campaign [https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/peer-to-peer/a-permanent-home-and-peaceful-ending-for-animals-who-have-nowhere-else-to-go?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnRbuxMTxo_QKYjSB53cTxmXn8HOTgPNiWvle9f-wM16BNARvyStMMj0fD4J0_aem_63mQhERfYHmetm5iXtj42Q&donate=true] Make a donation of $125 and receive a FREE virtual dog training consultation. Feel free to message me for more information! “Securing the Soil for the Souls We Save: A Permanent Home and a Peaceful Ending For the Animals Who Have Nowhere Else to Go” Submit Your Dog Question Here: https://linktr.ee/thecaninedetective [https://linktr.ee/thecaninedetective]

(13) Senior Dogs, Floor Licking, and Dog Breed Preferences

In this episode of Dear Dog Fanatic, Kirsten "K" Matthews (The Canine Detective) reads and responds to listener write-ins. She gives tips and tricks on how to care for a senior dog with medical challenges. She also explains some of the reasons why a dog may be excessively licking various surfaces. And finally, gives her take on why people choose the dog breeds that they do. Content Warnings: Senior Dog Medical Challenges. Takeaways * With senior dogs, notice if your dog loses interest in activities; it might mean they need extra care. * Excessive licking can be due to medical issues, the dog's diet, or boredom/anxiety/stress. * Choose a dog breed that fits your lifestyle to avoid long-term frustration (on both ends). Listener Questions 1. "Have you covered the topic of caring for a senior/elderly dog? I'm just trying to ensure a good quality of life for my elderly greyhound who is 11 years old." 2. "My dog licks the floor like it's her JOB. Not one spot where something interesting was spilled, the whole thing like she's mopping the house. Anxiety? Something else?" 3. "What does someone’s breed preferences say about their personality or, the inverse - what sort of people tend to be best suited for different breed groups, and what they should stay away from?" Submit Your Dog Question Here: https://linktr.ee/thecaninedetective [https://linktr.ee/thecaninedetective]