Good Dogs! ™
This show explores all aspects of communication between people and dogs — whether they are K-9 partners in military work, purpose-bred and trained service dogs, competitors in dog sports, or pets — from a newly-adopted senior dog to a young puppy.
The show’s philosophy is that dog training is people training: people need to understand dogs from the canine perspective so they can live and work together harmoniously.
Tracie has numerous guests and co-hosts, including Carol Borden, the Founder/Director of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, which are purpose-bred and trained working dogs.
Many GOOD DOGS! shows originally featured three veteran trainers — Gayle Watkins, Lise Pratt and Marcy Burke — who bred agility performance Golden Retrievers.
Theme song “My One Best Friend” by Jasmine Tea.
Episodes
62 episodes
What is Real Aggression? Does This Frenchie Have It?
#6032-REV: Marcy Burke discusses what real aggression is — and what the solution might be for the owners of an aggressive French Bulldog in New Jersey who has bitten several people.
What Personality Type is Your Dog?
#6029-REV: Breeders and trainers often look at an individual dog’s personality as inborn and categorize dogs into different canine personality traits like bold, soft and exuberant. If you didn’t get your dog as a puppy, then it’s hard to know h...
3 Kinds of Scent Work to Try With Your Dog
#6025-REV: There are three categories of scent work for dogs: tracking (you can join a club to learn how to teach your dog to track humans), nose work (which mimics the identification of drug, bomb and other contraband) and fun games at home (l...
Private or Group Dog Training?
#6021-REV: How to decide which will be better for you and your dog — to learn in a class or by yourselves? There are pros and cons to both, but maybe a combination of the two might work best, if you can afford it.
The "BFO" Moment Understanding Your Dog — the "Blinding Flash of the Obvious"
#6019-REV: Lise explains her term about training and the “light bulb moment” people have when understanding their dog — which she calls a BFO — Blinding Flash of the Obvious. She also explains how puppies learn bite control and what to do if yo...
What "Alpha Dog" Really Means
#6073-REV: Trainer Marcy Burke says people don’t really understand what an “alpha dog” really means since an ”alpha dog” is never aggressive — because they don’t need to be! Marcie discusses what makes an “alpha dog” tick.
Car Manners for Dogs
#6070-REV: Gayle Watkins talks about car manners. How to teach a dog to be calm in a vehicle and how you want him to behave begins with someone else driving while you have a collar, leash and treats. She emphasizes the importance of a crash-tes...
Let Your Dog's Personality Flourish
#6068-REV: Trainer and Golden breeder Lise Pratt speaks about letting your dog’s individual personality quirks flourish. What less-than-perfect behavior can you allow? How to manage behavior that could make other people uncomfortable? Dogs only...
The Challenge of Training Small Dogs
#6060-REV: Trainer and Golden Retriever breeder Marcy Burke says to make training the “wee ones” a game! It needs to be fun for both of you --- and should include a mountain of very small delicious treats to reinforce commands --- especially th...
Importance of a Good First Meeting Between Dogs
#6072-REV: Dogs will not forget a bad first meeting with another dog — so we have to make sure it never happens! Gayle Watkins talks about the importance of introductions between dogs — and how we can cause dog aggression between dogs because w...
Dog parks: Wonderful or Terrible?
#6026-REV: What’s the truth about dog parks? Are they fun or dangerous? Maybe a little of both! Gayle Watkins warns about the serious dangers in a dog park, offers potentially life-saving advice and cautions to never take a puppy before 9 month...
Understanding Dog Friendships
#6077-REV: Dog friendships are misunderstood by people. Gayle Watkins discusses whether dogs have individuals they really like — or can't stand? Can a dog have a favorite friend, a “bestie?” What makes dogs good friends? How to judge compatibil...
What To Do About Extreme Separation Anxiety
#6044-REV: Does your dog have separation anxiety issues?! What if you had three dogs going berserk when you left the house — even if only to take out the garbage?! Jessica has three rescued dogs with this issue: Felix (German Short-Haired Point...
Preventing Aggression Between Dogs
#6065 REV: Golden Retriever breeder and trainer Dr. Gayle Watkins explains a dog’s “prey drive” — especially when re-directed at other dogs. The dog’s brain focuses only on the prey. They cannot see or hear you trying to stop them when th...
The Professional Puppy Evaluator
Mallory Galatzer-Levy (The Right Paw in Auburn, MA) discusses evaluating puppy personalities in Shikari Vizsla litters to determine best fit for potential owners
Be Careful When You Call a Dog “Aggressive”
Housecall veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sarah Cutler on handling "aggression issues" with dogs, avoid demonizing dogs, who are usually reacting from fear
How to Stop a Barking Dog
Carol Borden offers tips on how to stop a dog's frequent barking by changing dog's focus, offering treats, practicing frequently in low key situations
The Perfect Dog Harness — Made in Italy!
Stephanie Rousseau on shortcomings of flat collars with a leash, slip collars, prong collars and "anti-pull" harnesses, and why she prefers ergonomically perfect Haqihana harness
Notice the “Question Mark” Above Your Dog’s Head
Carol Borden on what can lead to a service dog "washing out" of her training program, and treating reactive issues to feared objects with "bridging" technique
Get That Puppy INTO Bed With You!
Stephanie Rousseau ("How to Raise a Puppy: Dog-Centric Approach") on inviting new puppy into your bed, how co-sleeping is normal and healthy for all mammals, how dogs are "social sleepers"
Don’t Judge a Dog by the Cover
Ethologist Kim Brophey confirms certain dog breeds are genetically inclined toward certain behaviors
Don’t Give Puppies as a Christmas Gift!
Carol Borden explains why the winter holidays are the worst time to bring a puppy into a household, too much social activity when a puppy needs predictable routine, close attention
Children Are Little Aliens!
Carol Borden and Tracie discuss how children can be threatening or distressing for a dog, and how to eliminate risk of dog bites