Advertise on podcast: Dog Days

Fair warning: if you’re listening to the audio version, you’re missing Roman’s boundary-breaking moment on the video stream — let’s just say it involved a lot of chaos and clown music, and we’ll leave it at that. But don’t worry — the stories in this episode translate just fine to audio. In this episode we’re talking about the what, the where, the how, and most importantly, the why when it comes to boundaries — physical and behavioral, inside the home and out. Dogs need rules to live by, and once you understand why boundaries matter — not just for your sanity but for theirs — the whole picture changes. Plus the stories — and this time Roman made sure we had a good one. This is Dog Days, where we dive into what’s really going on beneath your dog’s behavior—and how understanding their needs can unlock real, lasting change. You’ll hear honest stories of transformation, unexpected breakthroughs, and the kind of training wisdom that will help you feel more confident, connected, and calm with your dog. You won't find one-size-fits-all training tips here. Instead, you'll hear from compassionate, often humorous experts who help you build an enduring trust with your dog by shifting how you show up to the party. Whether your pup fits the description or not, there's something here for every dog parent. NEW! We're on video! See shorts from the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/dogdayspamela Watch the whole podcast up close and personal: https://www.youtube.com/@pamela_woof/videos ✨ Learn more about Woof Academy and explore our programs at https://woof-academy.com 🐾 Interested in becoming a dog trainer? Visit our training site: https://theacademy.dog 🎧 Subscribe to Dog Days and rate us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more dog lovers find us. 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/woofacademy_enc ❤️ Our "Heart Project", The Forever Home Foundation, can be found at https://www.foreverhome.dog

Your dog’s nose is doing something extraordinary every single moment of every single day. In this episode, we dig into the fascinating science behind the canine olfactory system — and the numbers are genuinely mind-blowing. We talk about the world of scent-based service dogs: how they’re trained, what they can detect, and the ways a dog’s nose is helping humans manage everything from medical conditions to search and rescue. And then we bring it home — practical ways to tap into your own dog’s native language, use their sense of smell as an enrichment and training tool, and help them thrive by doing what they were literally born to do. As always, there are stories. Because the nose always knows — even when we don’t. NEW! We're on video! See shorts from the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/dogdayspamela/ Watch the whole podcast up close and personal: https://www.youtube.com/@pamela_woof/videos ✨ Learn more about Woof Academy and explore our programs at https://woof-academy.com 🐾 Interested in becoming a dog trainer? Visit our training site: https://theacademy.dog 🎧 Subscribe to Dog Days and rate us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more dog lovers find us. 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/woofacademy_enc/ ❤️ Our "Heart Project", The Forever Home Foundation, can be found at https://www.foreverhome.dog

We turned the tables. This time, Rachael and Noel put Pam in the hot seat — and asked the questions they’ve always wanted to ask someone with 20 years of real-world dog training experience. What changes after two decades in this work? What’s the hardest part that nobody talks about? What does spending 20 years training dogs teach you about the people on the other end of the leash? No single topic, no technique deep-dive. Just honest conversation, real stories, and the kind of perspective that only comes from being in the field for a very long time. A lighter listen with a lot of heart — and a few answers that might surprise you. NEW! We're on video! See shorts from the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/dogdayspamela/ Watch the whole podcast up close and personal: https://www.youtube.com/@pamela_woof/videos ✨ Learn more about Woof Academy and explore our programs at https://woof-academy.com 🐾 Interested in becoming a dog trainer? Visit our training site: https://theacademy.dog 🎧 Subscribe to Dog Days and rate us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more dog lovers find us. 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/woofacademy_enc/ ❤️ Our "Heart Project", The Forever Home Foundation, can be found at https://www.foreverhome.dog

Ever wonder what really goes on at doggie day care? We go behind the scenes — the good, the surprising, and the things most owners never think to ask about. We cover what to look for when choosing a day care, the questions you should be asking before your dog goes in, and what to realistically expect once they’re there. And of course the stories, because our own experiences have been full of moments that taught us more than any handbook could. Doggie day care done right can be an incredible form of enrichment, especially for puppies. Done wrong, it can set a dog back. We’re here to help you know the difference. A lighter listen with a lot of practical takeaways and a few laughs along the way. NEW! We're on video! See shorts from the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/dogdayspamela/ Watch the whole podcast up close and personal: https://www.youtube.com/@pamela_woof/videos ✨ Learn more about Woof Academy and explore our programs at https://woof-academy.com 🐾 Interested in becoming a dog trainer? Visit our training site: https://theacademy.dog 🎧 Subscribe to Dog Days and rate us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more dog lovers find us. 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/woofacademy_enc/ ❤️ Our "Heart Project", The Forever Home Foundation, can be found at foreverhome.dog This is Dog Days, where we dive into what’s really going on beneath your dog’s behavior—and how understanding their needs can unlock real, lasting change. You’ll hear honest stories of transformation, unexpected breakthroughs, and the kind of training wisdom that will help you feel more confident, connected, and calm with your dog. You won't find one-size-fits-all training tips here. Instead, you'll hear from compassionate, often humorous experts who help you build an enduring trust with your dog by shifting how you show up to the party. Whether your pup fits the description or not, there's something here for every dog parent.

This one's a little different. No single topic, no deep dive — just the stories, moments, and hard-won lessons that remind us why we love working with dogs every single day. And why we're still here. Pam introduces the idea of “edutainment” — education with an entertainment spin — and honestly, that’s exactly what this episode is. We get into the moments that surprised us, the dogs that taught us more than we taught them, and a handful of real, practical tips woven in along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s actually like to be a dog trainer — working outdoors, in real environments, with real dogs and real people — this is that conversation. A lighter listen, a lot of heart, and a few things you can probably use with your dog today. This is Dog Days, where we dive into what’s really going on beneath your dog’s behavior—and how understanding their needs can unlock real, lasting change. You’ll hear honest stories of transformation, unexpected breakthroughs, and the kind of training wisdom that will help you feel more confident, connected, and calm with your dog. You won't find one-size-fits-all training tips here. Instead, you'll hear from compassionate, often humorous experts who help you build an enduring trust with your dog by shifting how you show up to the party. Whether your pup fits the description or not, there's something here for every dog parent. NEW! We're on video! See shorts from the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/dogdayspamela/ Watch the whole podcast up close and personal: https://www.youtube.com/@pamela_woof/videos ✨ Learn more about Woof Academy and explore our programs at https://woof-academy.com 🐾 Interested in becoming a dog trainer? Visit our training site: https://theacademy.dog 🎧 Subscribe to Dog Days and rate us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more dog lovers find us. 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/woofacademy_enc/ ❤️ Our "Heart Project", The Forever Home Foundation, can be found at https://foreverhome.dog

Another installment in our safety series, “Hey, Let’s Be Careful Out There,” our ongoing safety series — and this one stays close to home, literally. We’re covering the household and environmental hazards that put dogs at risk: plants, chemicals, and food items that are toxic, some of which genuinely surprised us when we started looking into this episode. We walk through what to watch for in your house and yard, the everyday foods that are riskier than most owners realize, and what to actually do if your dog gets into something dangerous. An ounce of prevention goes a long way — and this episode gives you exactly that. Topics: toxic plants for dogs, foods toxic to dogs, household chemical hazards, dog poisoning prevention, pet-safe home, dog safety at home. This is Dog Days, where we dive into what’s really going on beneath your dog’s behavior—and how understanding their needs can unlock real, lasting change. You’ll hear honest stories of transformation, unexpected breakthroughs, and the kind of training wisdom that will help you feel more confident, connected, and calm with your dog. You won't find one-size-fits-all training tips here. Instead, you'll hear from compassionate, often humorous experts who help you build an enduring trust with your dog by shifting how you show up to the party. Whether your pup fits the description or not, there's something here for every dog parent. NEW! We're on video! See shorts from the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/dogdayspamela/ Watch the whole podcast up close and personal: https://www.youtube.com/@pamela_woof/videos ✨ Learn more about Woof Academy and explore our programs at woof-academy.com 🐾 Interested in becoming a dog trainer? Visit our training site: theacademy.dog 🎧 Subscribe to Dog Days and rate us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more dog lovers find us. 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/woofacademy_enc/ ❤️ Our "Heart Project", The Forever Home Foundation, can be found at foreverhome.dog

Part 2 of “Hey, Let's Be Careful Out There,” our ongoing safety series — and this one covers a situation almost every dog owner will face at some point: a dog reacting aggressively, whether it's yours or one you run into on a walk. We talk through what's actually happening in those moments, the early warning signs most people miss, and exactly what to do to keep yourself and your dog safe — both on leash and off. This isn't about scaring you. It's about giving you a clear plan so you're not caught off guard. If you listened to Episode 28 on rattlesnake safety, this picks up that same thread — practical, real-world safety information for the situations dog owners actually run into. Topics: dog reactivity, dog aggression, leash reactivity, off-leash safety, reading warning signs in dogs, de-escalating a dangerous situation. This is Dog Days, where we dive into what’s really going on beneath your dog’s behavior—and how understanding their needs can unlock real, lasting change. You’ll hear honest stories of transformation, unexpected breakthroughs, and the kind of training wisdom that will help you feel more confident, connected, and calm with your dog. You won't find one-size-fits-all training tips here. Instead, you'll hear from compassionate, often humorous experts who help you build an enduring trust with your dog by shifting how you show up to the party. Whether your pup fits the description or not, there's something here for every dog parent. NEW! We're on video! See shorts from the podcast: www.instagram.com/dogdayspamela/ Watch the whole podcast up close and personal: www.youtube.com/@pamela_woof/videos ✨ Learn more about Woof Academy and explore our programs at woof-academy.com 🐾 Interested in becoming a dog trainer? Visit our training site: theacademy.dog 🎧 Subscribe to Dog Days and rate us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more dog lovers find us. 📸 Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/woofacademy_enc/ ❤️ Our "Heart Project", The Forever Home Foundation, can be found at foreverhome.dog

Summer is calling — and so is something that would very much prefer to hit "Ignore." Whether your backyard is a year-round playground or a seasonal escape, warm weather means sharing the great outdoors with one of its oldest residents. This week on the Dog Days Safety Series, we're getting up close (but not too close) with one of nature's most misunderstood neighbors: the rattlesnake. We sit down with Bruce Ireland — the Snake Wrangler of North County — whose calm expertise might just change the way you see these remarkable reptiles. We cover everything from how to identify a venomous snake, to avoidance training — what it actually involves and whether it's worth it. Because the best adventures are the ones where everyone walks — or slithers — away. Stay curious, stay alert, and hey... watch your step. This is Dog Days, where we dive into what’s really going on beneath your dog’s behavior—and how understanding their needs can unlock real, lasting change. You’ll hear honest stories of transformation, unexpected breakthroughs, and the kind of training wisdom that will help you feel more confident, connected, and calm with your dog. You won't find one-size-fits-all training tips here. Instead, you'll hear from compassionate, often humorous experts who help you build an enduring trust with your dog by shifting how you show up to the party. Whether your pup fits the description or not, there's something here for every dog parent. NEW! We're on video! See shorts from the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/dogdayspamela/ Watch the whole podcast up close and personal: https://www.youtube.com/@pamela_woof/videos ✨ Learn more about Woof Academy and explore our programs at woof-academy.com 🐾 Interested in becoming a dog trainer? Visit our training site: theacademy.dog 📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woofacademy_enc/ ❤️ Our "Heart Project", The Forever Home Foundation, can be found at: foreverhome.dog

Whether they're tracking by sight or by scent, one thing unites every hound: the ability to cover serious ground and make serious decisions — entirely on their own. This episode dives into the AKC Hound Group, exploring the split between sight hounds and scent hounds, what makes them gloriously (and occasionally maddeningly) independent, and how to channel that superpower without losing your mind — or your dog. This is Dog Days, where we dive into what’s really going on beneath your dog’s behavior—and how understanding their needs can unlock real, lasting change. You’ll hear honest stories of transformation, unexpected breakthroughs, and the kind of training wisdom that will help you feel more confident, connected, and calm with your dog. You won't find one-size-fits-all training tips here. Instead, you'll hear from compassionate, often humorous experts who help you build an enduring trust with your dog by shifting how you show up to the party. Whether your pup fits the description or not, there's something here for every dog parent. NEW! We're on video! See shorts from the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/dogdayspamela/ Watch the whole podcast up close and personal: https://www.youtube.com/@pamela_woof ✨ Learn more about Woof Academy and explore our programs at: http://woof-academy.com/http://woof-academy.com/ 🐾 Interested in becoming a dog trainer? Visit our training site: theacademy.dog 🎧 Subscribe to Dog Days and rate us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more dog lovers find us. 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/woofacademy_enc/ ❤️ Our "Heart Project", The Forever Home Foundation, can be found at: https://www.foreverhome.dog/

Ever wonder why your dog sprints to the door the moment you put on your shoes? Hint: they didn't read the manual — they wrote it themselves. Your dog has been studying you a lot longer than you've been studying them, and they're very, very good at it. In this episode, we dig into the difference between hard-wired instinctual behaviors (the ones your dog can't help) and learned behaviors (the ones someone taught them — and that someone is often your dog). We'll talk about how to manage the instincts that never fully go away, how to untrain the habits that are driving you nuts, and — here's the good news — how the best training actually works with your dog's natural instincts, turning what they're already wired to do into behavior that works for everyone. This is Dog Days, where we dive into what’s really going on beneath your dog’s behavior—and how understanding their needs can unlock real, lasting change. You’ll hear honest stories of transformation, unexpected breakthroughs, and the kind of training wisdom that will help you feel more confident, connected, and calm with your dog. You won't find one-size-fits-all training tips here. Instead, you'll hear from compassionate, often humorous experts who help you build an enduring trust with your dog by shifting how you show up to the party. Whether your pup fits the description or not, there's something here for every dog parent. NEW! We're on video! See shorts from the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/dogdayspamela/ Watch the whole podcast up close and personal: https://www.youtube.com/@pamela_woof ✨ Learn more about Woof Academy and explore our programs at: http://woof-academy.com/http://woof-academy.com/ 🐾 Interested in becoming a dog trainer? Visit our training site: theacademy.dog 🎧 Subscribe to Dog Days and rate us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more dog lovers find us. 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/woofacademy_enc/ ❤️ Our "Heart Project", The Forever Home Foundation, can be found at: https://www.foreverhome.dog/

Does your dog lose it every time you grab your keys — or have they just figured out that a well-timed meltdown keeps you glued to their side? In this episode, we dig into one of the most misunderstood behaviors in the dog world: separation anxiety. We break down how to tell the difference between a dog who is genuinely distressed when left alone and one who has simply learned that the drama works. For the truly anxious pup, we walk through practical, compassionate strategies to help them build confidence and stay calm, so that time apart doesn't feel like the end of the world. And for the canine negotiator who's been running the show? We've got some tools for you too. Because loving your dog has room for both hello and goodbye. And after all, how can you come back if they never let you leave? This is Dog Days, where we dive into what’s really going on beneath your dog’s behavior—and how understanding their needs can unlock real, lasting change. You’ll hear honest stories of transformation, unexpected breakthroughs, and the kind of training wisdom that will help you feel more confident, connected, and calm with your dog. You won't find one-size-fits-all training tips here. Instead, you'll hear from compassionate, often humorous experts who help you build an enduring trust with your dog by shifting how you show up to the party. Whether your pup fits the description or not, there's something here for every dog parent.  ✨ Learn more about Woof Academy and explore our programs at woof-academy.com 🐾 Interested in becoming a dog trainer? Visit our training site: theacademy.dog 🎧 Subscribe to Dog Days and rate us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more dog lovers find us. 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/woofacademy_enc/ ❤️ Our "Heart Project", The Forever Home Foundation, can be found at foreverhome.dog

If your dog has ever outrun you, outwitted you, and then magically appeared by your side to work together — congratulations, you might own a Sporting breed. In Episode 5 of our AKC Dog Group series, we're sprinting headfirst into the world of the Sporting Group. The largest of the AKC groups, these 30+ breeds are purpose-built to partner with human hunters. Hard-wired to lure, flush, and retrieve feathered game with laser-like precision, these dogs are elite performers who just happen to need a whole lot of love when they are off duty. We break down the Setters, Spaniels, Pointers, and Retrievers — and why coaching these canine athletes is equal parts game plan and group hug. This is Dog Days, where we dive into what’s really going on beneath your dog’s behavior—and how understanding their needs can unlock real, lasting change. You’ll hear honest stories of transformation, unexpected breakthroughs, and the kind of training wisdom that will help you feel more confident, connected, and calm with your dog. You won't find one-size-fits-all training tips here. Instead, you'll hear from compassionate, often humorous experts who help you build an enduring trust with your dog by shifting how you show up to the party. Whether your pup fits the description or not, there's something here for every dog parent.  ✨ Learn more about Woof Academy and explore our programs at woof-academy.com 🐾 Interested in becoming a dog trainer? Visit our training site: theacademy.dog 🎧 Subscribe to Dog Days and rate us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more dog lovers find us. 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/woofacademy_enc/ ❤️ Our "Heart Project", The Forever Home Foundation, can be found at foreverhome.dog

We all love positive reinforcement — and for good reason. Rewards are powerful, intuitive, and kind. But any balanced trainer will tell you: sometimes the reward just doesn't cut it. So what then? This episode digs into the full toolkit of dog training theory, exploring the alternatives to positive reinforcement that actually work — and more importantly, why and when to use them. Because the most effective training isn't about having only the right reward — it's about having a genuine conversation. When you learn to communicate in a language your dog understands, consequences create clarity, and the reward makes more sense. That's when real, BALANCED learning begins. This is Dog Days, where we dive into what’s really going on beneath your dog’s behavior—and how understanding their needs can unlock real, lasting change. You’ll hear honest stories of transformation, unexpected breakthroughs, and the kind of training wisdom that will help you feel more confident, connected, and calm with your dog. You won't find one-size-fits-all training tips here. Instead, you'll hear from compassionate, often humorous experts who help you build an enduring trust with your dog by shifting how you show up to the party. Whether your pup fits the description or not, there's something here for every dog parent.  ✨ Learn more about Woof Academy and explore our programs at woof-academy.com 🐾 Interested in becoming a dog trainer? Visit our training site: theacademy.dog 🎧 Subscribe to Dog Days and rate us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more dog lovers find us. 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/woofacademy_enc/ ❤️ Our "Heart Project", The Forever Home Foundation, can be found at foreverhome.dog

We may be dog people — but really, we're animal people. And that means making room for all of them, even the ones with teeth and talons. In this episode, we dive into one of the most important (and occasionally heart-stopping) realities of life in today’s increasingly crowded world: predators are part of the deal. We focus on two of the most fascinating ones — coyotes and owls — and what it actually looks like to share space with them. Along the way, we introduce you to Jonny Quest, the teenage coyote who made himself our unofficial ranch greeter for several months. Was he a threat? A curiosity? A neighbor? Probably all three. We also get practical: what can you do to reduce the risk of a close encounter? Because predators aren't villains. They're just doing what they do. And if humans have been asking "why can't we all just get along?" for centuries, maybe it's time we started answering that question — one coyote, one owl, one dog at a time. This is Dog Days, where we dive into what’s really going on beneath your dog’s behavior—and how understanding their needs can unlock real, lasting change. You’ll hear honest stories of transformation, unexpected breakthroughs, and the kind of training wisdom that will help you feel more confident, connected, and calm with your dog. You won't find one-size-fits-all training tips here. Instead, you'll hear from compassionate, often humorous experts who help you build an enduring trust with your dog by shifting how you show up to the party. Whether your pup fits the description or not, there's something here for every dog parent.  ✨ Learn more about Woof Academy and explore our programs at woof-academy.com 🐾 Interested in becoming a dog trainer? Visit our training site: theacademy.dog 🎧 Subscribe to Dog Days and rate us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more dog lovers find us. 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/woofacademy_enc/ ❤️ Our "Heart Project", The Forever Home Foundation, can be found at foreverhome.dog

In this episode, we dive into the art of the introduction—and why you being fully present can make or break your dog’s first impressions. We break down what really happens when your dog meets new people or new dogs, and how subtle shifts in body language (theirs and yours) can be the difference between “aww, new besties” and “okay, this is… tense.” Whether your dog is meeting a new roommate, a new dog-park buddy, or your entire extended family at once (sorry, buddy), this episode gives you the tools to read the moment, support your dog, and make every “nice to meet you” a little smoother. This is Dog Days, where we dive into what’s really going on beneath your dog’s behavior—and how understanding their needs can unlock real, lasting change. You’ll hear honest stories of transformation, unexpected breakthroughs, and the kind of training wisdom that will help you feel more confident, connected, and calm with your dog. You won't find one-size-fits-all training tips here. Instead, you'll hear from compassionate, often humorous experts who help you build an enduring trust with your dog by shifting how you show up to the party. Whether your pup fits the description or not, there's something here for every dog parent.  ✨ Learn more about Woof Academy and explore our programs at woof-academy.com 🐾 Interested in becoming a dog trainer? Visit our training site: theacademy.dog 🎧 Subscribe to Dog Days and rate us on your favorite podcast platform—it helps more dog lovers find us. 📸 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/woofacademy_enc/ ❤️ Our "Heart Project", The Forever Home Foundation, can be found at foreverhome.dog