Dog Days

Love the Dog You Have: Instinct, Learned Behavior, and Working With Both

Episode Summary

Why does your dog sprint to the back 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.

Episode Notes

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.

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