The Dog Training Unplugged Podcast

It’s estimated that around 4.5 million people are bitten by a dog in the US every year. Most of these are children. Children between the ages of 5-9 are most likely to be bitten by dogs and males are more likely than females to be bitten.
When it comes to dog bites, we humans often do things to or around dogs that make them feel unsafe or even threatened. Most of the time we do it because we don’t think or because we don’t know better or simply don’t understand dog body language. 
If a dog growls or bites, we are quick to label them ‘bad’, ‘mean’, ‘aggressive’ and so on. It’s ironic how many of us actually expect that dogs should be ok with us doing things to them, manipulating their bodies or free will, letting kids run around them, jumping, screaming, throwing things at them, pulling at them, and so on. Because they are our pets we assume we have the right to do anything we want to them. How incredibly arrogant is that?
In this episode I want to dive deeper into the many situations where dogs bite and help you, the listener, get a better understanding of what typically goes wrong, especially in homes with smaller kids. 
It’s so important to emphasize that dogs do not bite without in some way being provoked, or without a trigger or stressor present.
It’s equally important to understand the warning signs or calming signals that dogs often exhibit when they feel uncomfortable.
It's our responsibility to teach kids to respect a dog’s space and to help them understand that if a dog growls at them, or shows his teeth, the dog is not being mean, but is requesting space and does not want the person to come any closer. 
We humans must never punish a growl! It’s the dog’s only means of respectfully telling us “ I don’t like what you are doing to me so please stop and please move away”
This episode is an important one for all dog parents! It's time to get a better understanding of why dogs bite. So if you you are concerned about YOUR dog's behavior, take a listen.....all the way to the end.....and listen out for the FREE GIFT I am giving away!!!
Thank you for listening with an open mind, heart, and soul,
Vivi MJ
 
Don't forget to take advantage of these resources as well:
To help you understand dog body language,  I would recommend taking a look at these two videos: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00_9JPltXHI&t=102s (5 mins long - great for kids!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bg_gGguwzg (9mins long)
Blog: How to keep children safe around dogs: https://www.thedogtalker.com/blog/how-to-keep-children-safe-around-dogs
Helpful website & resources for families with kids and dogs:
https://www.familypaws.com/
Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/dog-attack-statistics-breed/
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more: www.yoursouldog.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email me at: unplugged@thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to 
https://www.thedogtalker.com/the-dog-training-unplugged-podcast
________________________________________________________________
Grab your copy of my FREE 9 page ebook explaining the 4 Principles on how to ‘Live Life Unplugged’ with your dog here: https://www.thedogtalker.com/purchase-now/p/live-life-unplugged-free-ebook-download
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

Unless you have a dog who was well socialized as a puppy, who loves other dogs and people and who seems to be the ‘friendly happy-go-lucky’ type of dog nearly all people dream of sharing their life with…..in other words the ‘perfect pet’...... you are likely to run into some behavior issues with your dog - if you are someone who is already living in, soon moving into, or dreaming of moving into one of the many sub-divisions that are being built in almost every city in the US and around the world. 
In this episode I talk about how important it is to understand your dog's 4 L.E.G.S.® (Learning, Environment, Genetics & Self) and WHY your dog reacts to certain triggers or stressors and HOW you can best help your dog navigate life in a sub-division.
Sub-divisions are especially tricky to navigate for so many dog breeds and they desperately need your help. This episode sheds light on the many difficulties our dogs find themselves faced with in these tight-knit communities and HOW to help make life easier for your dog.
Thank you for listening with an open mind, heart, and soul,
Vivi MJ
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more: www.thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email me at: unplugged@thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to 
https://www.thedogtalker.com/the-dog-training-unplugged-podcast
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grab your copy of my FREE 9 page ebook explaining the 4 Principles on how to ‘Live Life Unplugged’ with your dog here: https://www.thedogtalker.com/purchase-now/p/live-life-unplugged-free-ebook-download
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sniffspot- rent private spaces to let your dog off leash, run, or play for 1 hour at a time
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: History of sub-divisions in the US: https://blog.subdivisions.com/the-rise-of-subdivisions
 

Dogs bark. Dogs growl. Dogs bite.....and dogs do so many other NORMAL dog behaviors. It's time to STOP the labelling and demonizing of dogs.
Think about how often humans REACT to things.... stressors and triggers, just like dogs.
Our dogs are living as captive species in our modern homes. We have completely handicapped them. They are 100% dependent on us for everything. They don't have FREE movement or choice in what happens to them or their bodies.
Imagine for a moment if that was YOU.
Take the time to stop and listen to your dog's concerns when he barks. If your dog has snapped or growled at someone, don't punish him. Take the time to figure out WHY he did what he did. If you don't know how, seek the help of a Licensed or Certified Family Dog Mediator®. 
Most 'reactive' and 'aggressive' behaviors in dogs happen as a result of something that has happened to the dog in the past, in the environment.....typically because of human behavior, misunderstandings, and misinterpretations of their body language.
Never punish a growl! Your dog has a valid reason. Figure out what that is and help him feel safer next time.
 
Thank you for listening with an open mind, heart, and soul,
Vivi MJ
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more: www.thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email me at: unplugged@thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to 
https://www.thedogtalker.com/the-dog-training-unplugged-podcast
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grab your copy of my FREE 9 page ebook explaining the 4 Principles on how to ‘Live Life Unplugged’ with your dog here: https://www.thedogtalker.com/purchase-now/p/live-life-unplugged-free-ebook-download
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

Did you know that too many dog training sessions are conducted without the trainer understanding what is really going on from the dog’s perspective? Because so many trainers don’t have an educational background in dog behavior, they resort to dominance and control and they communicate to you, the client, that you need to control and dominate your dog. Their reasoning behind these methods originate from the dominance theory about wolves, pack theory, and that you have to show your dog you are the Alpha - and from the behavioral psychology models that have dominated dog training for decades. 
But the REAL reason behind any excuse to use dominance or control is a lack of understanding and the root cause behind it, which is fear. Fear makes you powerless. Nobody likes to feel powerless, which is why it is much better to empower yourself with knowledge.
This brings me to this thing, or tool, I have created…. A framework I call the Umbrella Framework. This is basically a framework for understanding what your dog needs MORE from you than training and to help prevent, reduce, and resolve behavior issues and experience REAL change for the long-haul.
The Umbrella Framework: Understand. Unplug. Unleash. Unfold.
-The Key to A Better Life With Your Dog.
The 4 Guiding Principles (Understand. Unplug. Unleash. Unfold.) form the umbrella of ‘Dog Life Navigation’, under which your dog’s C.O.M.P.A.S.S. helps you fulfill ALL his/her needs and balance his 4 L.E.G.S.®(the ONLY way to resolve behavior issues!) - leading to an enriched & nuanced life for you both.
Unconventional. Provocative. Disruptive. - (perhaps)…..but BETTER.
Thank you for listening with an open mind, heart, and soul,
Vivi MJ
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more: www.thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email me at: unplugged@thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to 
https://www.thedogtalker.com/the-dog-training-unplugged-podcast
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about our Live online Group Course ‘Dog Training Unplugged’:
https://www.thedogtalker.com/dog-training-unplugged-course
________________________________________________________________
Grab your copy of my FREE 9 page ebook explaining the 4 Principles on how to ‘Live Life Unplugged’ with your dog here: https://www.thedogtalker.com/purchase-now/p/live-life-unplugged-free-ebook-download
And a FREE copy of the canine & human COMPASS here:
https://www.thedogtalker.com/purchase-now/p/live-life-unplugged-free-ebook-download-efyr6
—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is THE no.1 podcast where your dog’s voice is heard. The first of its kind. This podcast is where the TRUTH is told about dogs. You may not like what I talk about. You may not agree with the things I say. And that’s perfectly fine. Whether you agree or not, I would love to get a conversation going. It’s time for change. Change is always uncomfortable. But our dogs need us to change…..that’s why I’m doing this.
I reached out on social media encouraging people to connect with me and let me know what they would like me to talk about. It’s not easy being a small voice in a vast ocean of much more sophisticated, skilled, educated, cool, and louder voices - but to my surprise and excitement, a listener reached out on Instagram and told me  
quote” I would love to hear more on connecting on an emotional level with dogs. Unlearning the training we’re doing. The whole industry, not just anti one side”
Yes! This is such an important conversation to have. The part about connecting with our dogs on another level than training and this is what my work is all about - but also to look at what we do as dog professionals in a much more nuanced way.
To make a connection with anyone, human or animal, you have to first be able to understand WHO they are and WHY they do what they do. You have to be willing to hear their story, to hear their voice, to listen and build trust - help them FEEL safe  - that you have their back. You have to give them your full attention and really SEE the being in front of you. You have to give them YOUR TIME.
UNPLUG training as the first thought when it comes to your dog. This is NOT his main need!! 
UNLEASH your need for control and learn to engage in REAL communication and understand what your dog is saying (with his body language).  Then you’ll be ready to get down on the floor and get to know your dog, connect with him spiritually and emotionally. 
You will be able to HEAR his voice. I encourage you to go to my website and download the FREE ebook on living life unplugged. See details below.
Thank you for listening with an open mind, heart, and soul,
Vivi MJ
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email me at: unplugged@thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to 
https://www.thedogtalker.com/the-dog-training-unplugged-podcast
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discount code for the Live online Group Course ‘Dog Training Unplugged’:
PODCAST50 for $50 off if you purchase before February 26th 2024. Find out more:
https://www.thedogtalker.com/dog-training-unplugged-course
________________________________________________________________
Grab your copy of my FREE 9 page ebook explaining the 4 Principles on how to ‘Live Life Unplugged’ with your dog here: https://www.thedogtalker.com/purchase-now/p/live-life-unplugged-free-ebook-download

It’s a new dawn.  It’s time. For change. And if you have listened before, you will notice the new music and the name change.
This podcast is changing name because I have an even more important mission to fulfill.
It’s time to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves, our best friends, our loyal companions, our dogs, who have our backs - but do we have theirs?
I will argue that in too many cases we don’t but we can learn how to have their backs and that is my mission with Dog Training Unplugged.
I encourage you to Be a Voice, not an Echo. Stand up for your dog 
and Let’s hear your dog’s voice!
My new mission with this podcast is to raise awareness about the current state of our pet dog population, to challenge you to think deeply about what we humans are doing to, and around our dogs. 
To help YOU take responsibility for YOUR actions and choices which affect your dog’s behavior and welfare directly.
It’s time to UNPLUG Dog Training and what I mean by that exactly is what you can learn in this podcast. 
It’s time to get down on the floor and connect with your dog…..HEAR his voice and transform your relationship with him.
It’s time to do away with outdated dog training methods and HELP our dogs the way they NEED our help.
Thank you for listening with your soul, an open heart and mind,
Vivi MJ
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more: www.yoursouldog.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email me at: unplugged@thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to 
https://www.thedogtalker.com/the-dog-training-unplugged-podcast
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discount code for the Live online Group Course ‘Dog Training Unplugged’:
PODCAST50 for $50 off if you purchase before January 28th 2024. Find out more:
https://www.thedogtalker.com/dog-training-unplugged-course
________________________________________________________________

This episode is the second in the Let’s DO better series.
Today we're going to talk about a very common behavior in dogs that we humans often find to be a nuisance. I am of course talking about jumping. It is a behavior almost every household experiences in one way or another.
Whether you have a dog or not I’m sure you have experienced this at one point or another: You walked into a room and a dog enthusiastically jumped on you, wagging its tail and licking your face? While this can be a sign of affection, it can also be a sign of other motivations, such as seeking attention or expressing excitement.
In human-to-dog communication, jumping can be a sign of excitement or submissiveness, or Excitement Overload. Dogs who are easily excitable or prone to overstimulation can often jump on people as a way to express their elation. For example, a dog that has been left alone for the day may jump up excitedly when his owner returns home, jumping on them as a means of communication, and to alleviate their pent up energy.
Jumping on people can also be a way for dogs to get attention. Whether it's a reward for good behavior or just some good old-fashioned petting, dogs may jump to get our attention. This is why it's important to establish boundaries early on, so that your dog doesn't develop a habit of jumping on people for attention.
Puppies and younger dogs tend to jump on people more frequently than adult dogs. This is due in part to their high energy levels and inability to contain their excitement. 
So how do you stop your dog from jumping?
Thank you for listening with an open mind, heart, and soul,
Vivi MJ
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more: www.yoursouldog.com or www.thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Join Your Soul Dog Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2014741258909494
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email me at: yoursouldog@thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to https://www.thedogtalker.com/your-soul-dog-podcast
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This episode was supposed to be about something else entirely, about jumping, but I have pushed that out for the next episode.
Something happened yesterday which triggered a lot of emotions in me and brought about the thought of whether or not humans  are ready for change when it comes to dogs.
Most people want a dog whom they can take with them everywhere they go, who is well behaved, who will sit and lay down for as long as you want her to, who will not bark, growl, jump, etc. who loves people, kids, and other dogs.
And of course it’s nice when you have a dog like that. But is it realistic or should we humans learn to lower our expectations for the perfect pet dog?
Let’s talk about it.
Dogs are just being DOGS, each breed with the traits WE humans have planted in their DNA for thousands of years. Now that we don’t need those herding or terrier skills anymore, we call them problems instead - problems WE have created, NOT our dogs!! 
They need us to lead with compassion and understanding and once and for all let go of our old way of thinking and doing - to let go of our outdated models and methods of correction, punishment, dominance, and begin to see them for WHO they really are.
We need to be willing to change our behavior, that’s the thing, if we truly want to help our dogs who are struggling trying to figure out this crazy modern world we have put them in.. 
Our dogs NEED us to step up and DO better by them - BE better to them.
Thank you for listening with an open mind, heart, and soul,
Vivi MJ
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more: www.yoursouldog.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email me at: yoursouldog@thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to https://www.thedogtalker.com/your-soul-dog-podcast
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This episode is the first of many in a series called ‘Let’s DO better’.
It is a known fact that you cannot do better until you know better, until you understand HOW to approach something and until you understand what effect your actions will have on another being.
Humans can talk to us and tell us how our actions or words have made them feel.
Dogs can’t but they DO talk……in their body language and behavior! We just haven’t paid them enough attention so far.
That’s one of the things we need to change.
Because of how we have been conditioned to think about our dogs by the pet industry, this way of thinking with all our focus on the dog as the problem has become part of our belief system.
As we all know I’m sure, changing our belief systems can be challenging. Some of us humans can be very set in our ways, and some of us are so convinced in our belief systems that we refuse to hear what another has to say or see another’s viewpoint.
But it is time. And that is my purpose with this podcast.
In this episode 7, let’s examine the very foundation most modern pet dog relationships are built on…..a very rocky foundation rooted in disconnect, miscommunication, and misunderstandings between us and our canine companions - which ultimately are the effects of the root cause = a failure to understand our 4legged family member, due to dog training typically being concerned with treating the symptoms not the cause.
The misunderstandings and miscommunication I witness a lot of boils down to the misconstrued image of the perfect pet and that you have to talk down to your dog, let him understand who is the boss, make him obey or else.
Again, this is not your fault, the dog parent, but the wrongful illusion we have been fed for decades by the pet industry. 
How many dogs have been wronged because of this misunderstanding of WHO a dog really is and why he does what he does, HOW to train him, how to dominate him? 
How sad…..
But how amazing it is to experience for yourself the huge difference it makes to a dog’s behavior when YOU finally understand him and you change your behavior and frequency,  and by doing so your dog begins naturally to match your frequency because you have built trust between you.
Thank you for listening with an open mind, heart, and soul,
Vivi MJ
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more: www.yoursouldog.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email me at: yoursouldog@thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to https://www.thedogtalker.com/your-soul-dog-podcast
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode I talk about my first dog, my soul dog, Rufus, a Miniature Schnauzer whom I lost in 2017 at the age of 11.
Rufus was my greatest, or should I say first, animal teacher in life and the reason I later became a Professional Certified Dog Trainer and Family Dog Mediator®. 
I want to share this story with you because it’s a great example of how your dog can be your greatest teacher if you are willing to open your heart & soul and hear what he has to say.
Rufus and I shared a very special bond but I am not proud of how I behaved towards Rufus due to lack of knowledge of dog behavior at the time.
He taught me so many things; most importantly he was my mirror showing me clearly how my behavior affected him and that I needed to be more patient and show understanding for his needs.
I was always frustrated and in a hurry when walking him but he showed me that life should not be hurried, he put his brakes on no matter what I tried, and I finally realized how he was so right and I was so wrong.
Life is meant to be enjoyed, to be sensed, to be felt, to just BE.
The walks were HIS, not mine, they were FOR him (and for me, if I had only listened and slowed down.....). They were meant to be sniffed, to be indulged..... to connect with nature, with the universe, with each other.
But I missed the point entirely back then....Rufus didn't!!
Thank you Rufus, my SOUL dog, my first and most significant animal teacher!!
You inspired me to DO better....to BE better. I just wish I could have done better by YOU!!
But I will love you forever and ever, my first dog, my 4legged soul mate. I know you forgave me - One day I will forgive me too!
Thank you for listening with your soul, an open heart & mind, and for your support of this podcast!
Vivi MJ
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more: www.yoursouldog.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email me at: yoursouldog@thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to www.thedogtalker.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------