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

Ep.16 - End of Season Recap!

After an incredible season of Ruffly Speaking, we're wrapping things up with one final episode before we take a break. Join us as we look back on the conversations, lessons, and moments that made this season so special. From our favourite episodes and biggest takeaways, to behind-the-scenes reflections and what surprised us along the way, we're sharing it all. We're also talking about what we've learned as trainers, creators, and dog people, and giving you a little glimpse into what's next for Ruffly Speaking. Whether you've been with us since episode one or just recently joined the pack, thank you for listening, supporting, and being part of this community. We couldn't have done it without you! So grab your coffee, leash up the dog, and come hang out with us for one last chat before we officially close out the season. Thanks for listening — we'll see you next season. 🐾 Takeaways * Collaboration and support are essential in navigating the challenges of podcast production. * The journey of creating a podcast involves technical learning, emotional growth, and the realization of audience impact. Gratitude for the impact of the podcast on listeners' lives * Desire to challenge perspectives and explore new topics in the next season * Emphasis on the importance of trust and relationships in conversations * Highlighting the need for more empathy in the dog world * Reflection on vulnerable moments during recording * Sharing humorous behind-the-scenes experiences Finding their flow and evolving over the course of the season * Gratitude for the supportive community of listeners and guests Chapters * 00:00 The Beginning of the Journey * 07:21 Challenges and Learning Experiences * 15:34 The Joy of Collaboration * 31:05 Realization of Audience Impact * 40:16 Emphasis on Trust and Relationships * 52:02 Vulnerability and Behind-the-Scenes * 01:02:05 Navigating Technical Challenges * 01:26:21 Gratitude and Looking Ahead

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