Welcome to Think Like a Dog podcast hosted by Millie Travis and Andreia Paiva. We discuss how to build the best relationship with your dog, dog psychology, and help guide you into the leader position so all your dog has to do is relax and follow. You will get input from a professional dog trainer and dog parents. From rescues to reactivity, we'll cover it all. Send us your questions at: info@thinklikeadogpodcast.com
Crate Training for Dogs with Separation Anxiety & Tips to Reduce Reactivity
In this episode, Millie and Andreia come together to explore a diverse range of dog training topics and provide answers to listener questions. They offer invaluable insights to help you establish a harmonious relationship with your dog. Discover effective strategies for managing separation anxiety, creating boundaries and structure to reduce reactivity and anxiety, and understanding the root causes of insecurity and reactivity in dogs. Millie, drawing from her extensive experience in the dog training industry, she highlights the valuable lessons learned and offers practical advice for transforming canine behavior. In addition to their expertise in training, Millie and Andreia also share their personal journeys as devoted dog owners and active participants in rescue efforts. Tune in and unlock the keys to eliminating reactivity, fostering a different relationship with your dog, and cultivating a deeper understanding of their needs. Get ready for an episode filled with invaluable advice to help you create a more fulfilling and harmonious bond with your furry friend.Work with Millie here: https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactus Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9 @OzzieAlbiesFoundation
2/19/2024 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 6 seconds
Understanding Relationship-Based Dog Training with Everyday Pack Leader
In this episode, the hosts interview Javier and Nikki from Everyday Pack Leader, a dog training business. They discuss the importance of relationship-based training and understanding the dog's needs. They emphasize the need for owners to be the pack leader and provide guidance and safety for their dogs. They also address the misconception around dominance and alpha theory, highlighting the importance of word choices in dog training. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for a strong connection between humans and dogs and the importance of fulfilling the dog's needs. In this conversation, Xavier and Millie from Everyday Pack Leader discuss the importance of changing our perspective from being mean to being the best friend for our dogs. They emphasize the need to create a safe and trusting relationship with our dogs, providing them with guidance and support. They also discuss the importance of dealing with discomfort and anxiety in both dogs and humans, and the need to find the balance between feeling better and getting better. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding the individual needs of each dog and the importance of patience in dog training.TakeawaysRelationship-based training is crucial for effective dog training.Understanding the dog's needs and providing guidance and safety is essential for a healthy relationship.Word choices in dog training can impact the perception and effectiveness of training methods.Being a pack leader means providing structure, boundaries, and fulfilling the dog's needs. Change your perspective from being mean to being the best friend for your dog.Create a safe and trusting relationship with your dog by providing guidance and support.Deal with discomfort and anxiety in both dogs and humans to promote growth and learning.Understand the individual needs of each dog and find the right balance between feeling better and getting better.Connect with Everyday Pack Leader: website - https://linktr.ee/Everydaypackleaderinstagram - @everyday_pack_leaderWork with Millie here: https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactus Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9 @OzzieAlbiesFoundation
1/8/2024 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 54 seconds
Pack Positions: How They Influence Dog Behavior
In this episode of "Think Like a Dog Podcast," Andreia and Millie discuss pack positions in detail. They explain the roles of the front, middle, and back of the pack and how these positions affect a dog's behavior. They also explore the behavioral problems commonly associated with each pack position. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding and guiding your dog based on their pack position. They discuss how pack positions can vary in different environments and how they can change over time. Additionally, they highlight the need to avoid putting dogs in boxes and instead focus on their individual personalities and needs. Millie and Andreia also discuss the importance of giving humans the tools they need to be with their dogs for a lifetime. They emphasize that dog ownership is a fluid journey and that it's essential to understand the psychology of dogs and how they respond to different situations. The hosts also address a listener's question about handling reactivity and provide techniques for managing reactions. They highlight the significance of setting boundaries and being the front of the pack for your dog. Additionally, Millie and Andreia discuss the use of leashes as a communication tool and how it can help in training and managing dogs' behavior. TakeawaysDog ownership is a lifelong journey that requires understanding the psychology of dogs and their responses to different situations.Setting boundaries and being the front of the pack for your dog is crucial in managing reactivity and creating a balanced relationship.Using leashes as a communication tool can help in training and managing dogs' behavior.Listeners are encouraged to reach out with questions and feedback, and upcoming episodes will feature guest appearances and real-life training sessions.Work with Millie here: https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactus Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9 @OzzieAlbiesFoundation
12/25/2023 • 53 minutes, 51 seconds
Understanding and Meeting the Unique Needs of Your Dog with Molly From Pete's Adventure Pack
In this episode of "Think Like a Dog Podcast," Andreia and Millie are joined by Molly Avrin, founder of Pete's Adventure Pack, an expert dog trainer, and an avid outdoors enthusiast to discuss the importance of fulfillment in a dog's life. Molly shares her passion for teaching people how to safely adventure outdoors with their dogs and emphasizes the need to find a dog that fits your natural lifestyle. She addresses common misconceptions about fulfillment and highlights the importance of creating an off switch for dogs. She also discusses the role of affection in a dog's life and emphasizes the need for intentional and mutual affection. Overall, Molly emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling the unique needs of individual dogs.Connect with Molly: website - https://www.petesadventurepack.com/instagram - @petesadventurepackTakeawaysFind a dog that fits your natural lifestyle to ensure fulfillment for both you and your dog.Fulfillment for dogs goes beyond physical exercise and includes mental exercise and understanding the dog's pack position and confidence level.Affection should be intentional, mutual, and tailored to the individual dog's preferences.Creating an off switch is crucial to allow dogs to rest and process information.Adjust your expectations and understand that each dog is unique and may have different needs and preferences.Work with Millie here: https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactus Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9 @OzzieAlbiesFoundation
12/11/2023 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 59 seconds
Reactivity in Dogs: What causes it, and how do we fix it?
Join hosts Andreia and Millie in this insightful episode as they explore the topic of reactivity in dogs with special guest Easton Carver, a Mirror Image K9 trainer. Reactivity in dogs can manifest in various ways, including aggressive behaviors and excessive barking, and it often poses challenges for both dog owners and their furry companions.In this episode, we delve into the causes of reactivity in dogs and the impact it can have on their overall well-being. Our guest, Easton Carver, shares her extensive knowledge and expertise, providing valuable insights and practical tips to help dog owners navigate this complex issue.With an emphasis on behavior modification techniques, we discuss effective strategies for helping reactive dogs overcome their reactivity. We explore a range of approaches that can make a significant difference in transforming reactive behaviors into more balanced and calm responses.Whether you are a dog owner grappling with a reactive dog or simply interested in understanding this behavior, this episode promises to provide valuable information and guidance to help you think like a dog and support your furry friend through their journey of overcoming reactivity.Tune in to gain insights, tips, and encouragement as we discuss ways to help reactive dogs lead happier, more harmonious lives.Work with Millie here: https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactus Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9 @OzzieAlbiesFoundation
8/22/2023 • 56 minutes, 30 seconds
Benefits of Fostering and Setting Your Foster Dog Up For Success
In this episode, Andreia and Millie are joined by Connor, assistant trainer at Mirror Image K9, to discuss the importance of fostering and how to set your foster dog up for success. Foster homes are the bridge between the shelter and a dog’s next step so your time with your foster dog means you can provide valuable structure and exposure to that dog so they can be successfully adopted. Fostering a pet can save their lives and give them a second chance. If you're interested in becoming the best foster you can be, this episode is for you.In this episode we discuss:- What your goals should be as a foster - How to help your foster dog transition into a new home as easily as possible- Fundamentals you can learn and utilize with any dog- Why too much affection is not benefiting your foster dog- Importance of providing boundaries and structure- Managing your expectations Work with Millie here: https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactus Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9 @OzzieAlbiesFoundation
3/20/2023 • 51 minutes, 14 seconds
Grooming and Vet Visits
In this episode, Andreia and Millie are joined by Jillian, trainer at Mirror Image K9 and puppy expert, to discuss how to train your dog for a less stressful experience next time you take them to the vet's office or groomer. Groomers and veterinarians are typically trying to get the job done as quickly as possible, whether to shorten the length of stress time for the dog or to get started on the next appointment. This typically doesn’t leave room for counter conditioning and desensitization. Learn how to keep your dog calm and less stressed at the vet or groomer with these tips. In this episode we discuss:- How to prepare a new puppy for handling- Nail Trim vs. Nail Dremel- Tips for vet visits- Why neutral energy is critical - Muzzling - Setting boundaries to help your dog feel more secure - Less is more- When you should hire a trainer Work with Millie here: https://www.mirrorimagek9.com/contactus Instagram: @thinklikeadogpodcast @Mirrorimagek9 @OzzieAlbiesFoundation