Advertise on podcast: Love ’Em & Lead ’Em

How well do you really know your dog? Not how well they sit, stay, heel, or follow directions. We mean: Do you know what they're telling you? Do you notice when something feels different? Do you understand who they are beyond the behaviors you'd like to change? This week, Cory and Melaney get a little philosophical—and maybe a little woo-woo—about what happens when we stop trying to control every little thing our dogs do and start actually paying attention to them. Inspired by a C.S. Lewis quote about free will, they talk about why the smartest, most incredible dogs can also be some of the hardest to live with—and why good training isn't about creating a perfectly obedient robot. It's about building communication with another living creature who has instincts, preferences, abilities, and an entire experience of the world that we may never fully understand. From dogs who seem to know things before their humans do, to subtle behavior changes that turned out to signal something much bigger, Cory and Melaney share stories that make you wonder just how much our animals are telling us that we simply aren't noticing. Because yes, sometimes your dog is doing something annoying. Sometimes a behavior absolutely needs to be trained, managed, or changed. But sometimes it's worth asking another question: What is my dog trying to tell me? Plus, Sardine Summer comes to a gloriously fishy end—with sourdough, hidden sardines, a mango allergy, and the discovery that there is definitely a limit to how much tinned fish two people should consume in one day.

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.

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/

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.

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.

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.

People ask us all the time: “Will my dog forget me?” “How long are they in a kennel?” “What do they actually DO all day?” In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain and walking you through a real day at Training Camp — from early morning potty breaks to evening tuck-ins. We cover: Why rest after meals is non-negotiable (and how we prevent bloat) Why dogs are out of their kennels an average of 13 times a day The 26 daily reps of door manners built into one potty break Structured play vs. chaos Why field trips are essential for real-world reliability How our kennel layout is designed for calm and co-regulation Why we feed “dinner” at 1pm What the “Bad Boy Corner” actually is (and no, your dog isn’t bad) We’re there all day with your dog — building structure, confidence, coping skills, and relationship — even when you’re not. It’s not just staying somewhere. It’s immersive, behavior-based training done with intention and love. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens at Training Camp… this episode is for you.

In Episode 18, we start with Mel being back on her bullsht*—thanks to an orchid rescue that turned into a truly unhinged slap-bet situation (no worries… Cory refuses to slap “a baby,” so the punishment becomes verbal roasting and threatened hugs). Then we get into the real heart of the episode: a diagnosis isn’t destiny—and you have to train the dog in front of you, not the one in the paperwork. We share two current camp cases: Pippa, a chihuahua mix with a long list of behavior diagnoses that terrified her owner into five years of “bubble wrap” living Bean, a golden mix with a bite history and anxiety—who’s now learning confidence, structure, and real-world coping skills We talk about the gap between clinical labels and everyday life, why “comforting” can accidentally reinforce fear, and the moment Cory told a cardiologist: “You’re your dog’s French fry.” 😅 Bottom line: your dog can make huge progress—with the right plan, the right support, and a whole lot of consistency. Want help with a dog who’s anxious, reactive, or “too much”? Follow along on Instagram: @dogtrainingcampusalouisville

Season 2 is officially here — and we’re kicking it off by looking back, looking ahead, and having a little fun along the way. After a big 2025 (new podcast, biggest year ever at Dog Training Camp, and plenty of lessons learned), we’re starting 2026 with our dog training Ins & Outs list — the trends, habits, and choices we’re loving… and the ones we’re absolutely leaving behind. In this episode, we talk about: Why feeding schedules are in (for health, behavior, and sanity) The importance of researching your dog’s breed and purpose Why DNA testing your dog can be a game-changer Getting one puppy instead of two (trust us on this one) Hot girl walks, slow walking, and actually connecting with your dog Why transparency matters when choosing a dog training company Clear leash communication vs. just “watching your dog do stuff” Why retractable leashes, littermates, backyard-only exercise, and “it’s okay, he’s friendly” are officially out We also manage to cover birding updates, staff competitions, Northern Flickers, Sandhill Cranes, and yes… why chicken salad is apparently in for 2026. If you’re a dog owner trying to do better, a trainer navigating trends, or just here for the laughs and real talk — welcome to Season 2 of Love ’Em & Lead ’Em. We’re glad you’re back with us.

We open with a quick bird-nerd update (hi, northern flicker 👋), then dive into a viral NYC foster moment that shook the rescue world: a severely underweight, sweet-as-pie pup who suddenly redirected on a passing dog during a city walk. No villains here—just real life with real animals. In this episode we unpack: • Why an emaciated dog can seem angelic…until health returns and true preferences show up • Dog-to-dog communication you never see (scent, posture, micro-signals) • The 3-3-3 Rule for rescue transitions—and why “the dog you bring home” isn’t the dog you’ll know in 3 months • Leash proximity and handling that reduce surprise moments in busy environments • Balancing heart and head in rescue work, with human safety as priority #1 • Shout-outs to ethical rescues with trainers on staff (like our local partners) and why thoughtful matchmaking matters Not anti-rescue, not anti-breeder—just pro-education and pro-grace. Listen in for practical takeaways you can use on your very next walk.

Picking up where Episode 14 left off, we get real about what service dogs can do—and what they shouldn’t be asked to do. We talk through the big sticking point for families: who’s the handler (and why your second-grader probably can’t bring a service dog to school). Then we open the curtain on our hybrid approach: the first month of foundations and task starts with us, followed by lots of real-world lessons—workplaces, airports, classrooms—so the human feels as trained as the dog. You’ll hear how we design tasks around actual lives: pairing early “tells” like foot-tapping with scent changes, teaching intentional “disobedience” when safety demands it, and even shaping a persistent wake-up for a client with narcolepsy. We share a guide-style assist case for a blind adult, why not every dog (or breed) fits every task, what happens when life/meds change, and how advocacy with schools and housing often comes with the territory. It’s honest, hopeful, and practical—light on myths, heavy on outcomes. Also: a quick yacht-rock detour, because of course. Follow our podcast IG for extras and clips: @lovethemleadempodcast.

Service dogs change lives—but the path to one isn’t simple, quick, or cheap. In this episode, we break down what the ADA actually says (and doesn’t say), what task training really means, why public access skills matter, and how to tell if a dog–human team is a good fit. We share stories from our own case files—mobility tasks, psychiatric alerts, scent work, even siren alerts—plus the hard conversations we have when a well-meaning doctor says “get a service dog” and a family is left on their own to figure it out. You’ll hear: The ADA definition of a service animal and why tasks must mitigate a disability The difference between agency-trained, self-trained, and our hybrid model Realistic timelines, costs (why $50–60k isn’t a scam), and waitlists Kid handlers, school realities, breed myths, and when we say no (for the dog’s sake and yours) How to start smart: evaluating the dog you already have vs. sourcing the right puppy If you’re considering a service dog—or you work with clients who might—this is your friendly, no-nonsense guide before you make big decisions.

Resource guarding isn’t just about a food bowl — it can be toys, bones, couches, people, even whole corners of the house. In this episode, Cory and Melaney dive deep into why dogs guard, what it looks like in real life (hello, Benny the bernedoodle), and why the old “bait and switch” trick can actually make the problem worse. You’ll hear stories from camp, including the cocker spaniel who guarded his person like treasure and the Labrador who couldn’t relax enough to eat. We’ll unpack common myths, explain why putting your hand in the food bowl won’t “fix” anything, and share safer, smarter ways to manage guarding before it turns dangerous. If your dog guards food, toys, or even family members, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on — and how to set up the leadership, structure, and environment your dog needs to feel secure without going on the defensive.

A listener asked a great question about our “Zuko” episode: why did that dog like Cory but come after Melaney? Short answer: dogs read us—our body language, heart rate, even our scent—better than we read ourselves. In this conversation we unpack how your mental and physical state can flip a session from smooth to sketchy, why thresholds and territory matter, and how tiny life changes (a vet visit smell, moving a favorite chair, a new neighbor’s dogs) can ripple into “sudden” behavior shifts. We also share practical tools: build a predictable routine, make a simple plan before you train, visualize success (shoutout Sheri Wolf Lucas), advocate for your dog with confident “no, you may not pet,” and know when to tap out for safety. Plus: cryptid tees, The Cranberries, and a post-college-drop-off birding field trip to get our heads right—because your vibe becomes your dog’s vibe.

Two puppies are always better than one… right? In this episode of Love ’Em & Lead ’Em, Cory and Melaney dig into the messy reality of littermate syndrome — the hidden challenges of raising two puppies from the same litter (or close in age). From sibling squabbles to tag-team chaos, they’ve seen it all. You’ll hear stories of families who got more than they bargained for, what breeders and rescues don’t always tell you, and the real-life strategies that can make (or break) life with littermates. Plus, updates on past podcast favorites Nala the golden retriever and Guinness the miracle pup — spoiler: there’s some heartwarming progress to celebrate. If you’ve ever thought about bringing home “just one more puppy,” this is the episode you don’t want to miss.