In this episode, we discuss how answering your dog's question of "why are we walking?" can help build more confidence in your dog and trust in your relationship.

In this episode, we discuss the different factors that go into choosing the right dog. What breed might be the best match for your lifestyle and setup? Should you dive in and get a puppy or would an adult be the smartest choice? If you hope to adopt a great rescue dog, where do you start? If you're choosing a purebred, how can you be sure (and why SHOULD you be sure) you've got a responsible breeder? And finally . . . should you ever just go with your heart and take that dog who, on paper, seems like a terrible idea but you simply cannot stop thinking about? We hope you enjoy this conversation, and it helps give you a bit more fodder to ponder the next time you approach one of the most exciting decisions we have in life: adding a new dog to the family.

Do you know how to really PLAY with your dog? The answer is more complicated - and important - than it might seem. True social play between you and your dog can be a powerful tool in building connection and trust, and it can be a much-needed reprieve for a dog living here in our human world. Dr. Amy Cook is the expert on human-canine play, and her "Play Way" approach is our topic for this episode.

LINKS:

Video of Dr. Cook demonstrating some elements of "The Play Way"

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=681929543785963

Graphic illustrating highlighting key Play Way concepts

https://blog.doggiedrawings.net/post/614077754120519680

Kathy's article on play in Whole Dog Journal