Soul Touched by Dogs

Play-based dog training might sound like it's just for puppies, but Marc Windgassen has spent over 30 years proving otherwise — from hunting dogs carrying raw eggs without breaking them, to reactive dogs learning to see other dogs as background noise. In this conversation, he walks us through why play, not treats, becomes the most sustainable way to teach your dog what matters, and how understanding the "why" behind any method is what keeps it working long after the trainer leaves.

Prefer video? Watch on youtube.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

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Why your dog might not play tug (even though every dog is wired to chase, catch and hold), and how to build that drive back without pressure or proximity stress

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How to use a game of tug to redirect a reactive dog in real-world environments — and why it works faster than trying to suppress the behaviour

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What happens in your dog's brain when you replace an old neural pathway (like lunging at cats) with a new one (like looking for the toy), and why consistency matters more than perfection

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Why teaching your dog the "why" behind a cue — not just the action — helps you adapt when life doesn't follow the script

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How to keep an older dog physically and mentally sharp through play, and why those small stabilizing muscles matter more than you think

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What it looks like to train online without losing influence — and why having the owner hold the leash from day one creates more lasting change

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How to create an invisible boundary in your kitchen (or anywhere else) using spatial pressure, so your dog stays safe and your mobility stays intact

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"If your neighbors think you've gone mental, you're doing it correctly." — Marc

ABOUT MARC WINDGASSEN

Marc Windgassen is a German dog trainer with over 30 years of experience across multiple countries and disciplines. He specializes in online training and believes that explaining the "why" behind every method is what makes change stick. Marc is the founder of Dog Point, where he works with dog owners internationally to solve behaviour challenges and build confidence through understanding, not compliance.

CONNECT WITH MARC WINDGASSEN

Website: https://dogpoint.pet
Instagram: @dogpoint.usa
TikTok: @dogpointusa
Facebook: dogpoint
LinkedIn: Marc Windgassen
Newsletter: The Dogpoint Newsletter

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com.
And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

Prefer video? Watch on youtube.

Turning cherished dog photos into lasting art sounds simple until you realize most of those hundreds of images on your phone will never make it off the screen. Luke Welsh understands the gap between digital memories and something you can hold, see every day, and pass down — and he's built a business around closing it with the kind of quality and care that honours what those photos actually mean.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

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Why a professional-grade canvas matters more than you think when it comes to preserving a memory that will hang in your home for years

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How to choose the right photo from your camera roll, even if you're not sure which one captures the moment that still makes you laugh or tears at your heartstrings

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What happens behind the scenes when someone who actually cares about your story takes your photo and prepares it for printing, including colour correction and enhancement

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The kinds of moments dog lovers most often want to preserve beyond the passing of a beloved dog — family portraits, celebrations, even the everyday shots that somehow mean everything

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How a custom canvas can become the gift you give when someone already has everything, especially when it's a photo they didn't know they needed on their wall

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Why working with someone who treats your pet's photo like the family treasure it is makes all the difference in what you receive

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"These people are trusting us with this photo. Even though it's not a valuable gold watch or diamonds, it's so valuable to them." — Luke

ABOUT LUKE WELSH

Luke Welsh is the co-founder of Love My Pet Canvas, a business he runs with his wife Tammy. With 42 years of experience in the printing industry as a quality manager, Luke brings meticulous attention to detail and professional-grade standards to every canvas they produce. More than that, he and Tammy are devoted pet lovers who've adopted and cared for many dogs over the years — each one leaving pawprints on their hearts and inspiring them to help others preserve those same kinds of precious memories.

CONNECT WITH LUKE WELSH

Website: https://lovemypetcanvas.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070365874880

Special offer for Soul Touched by Dogs listeners: Use promo code Pawsome at checkout for a discount on your order.

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

Prefer video? Watch on YouTube.

Trauma recovery in dogs isn't just about bad behavior that needs fixing — it's about a nervous system that got stuck in survival mode and can't switch off. When your dog startles at every sound, can't settle, or seems suspicious of the world, training alone won't reach what's really going on. Annie Phenix, a certified behavior expert who specializes in the most serious cases, shows why healing the body first is the missing piece in helping anxious, reactive, and traumatized dogs find peace.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

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Why some dogs bounce back from hard experiences while others get stuck in a trauma loop — and what that has to do with how their nervous system regulates itself, not the event itself

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How a dog's nervous system works almost exactly like ours, and why addressing it first makes behavior change happen faster than counter-conditioning alone

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What it looks like when a 120-pound Doberman Dane who wanted to eat strangers heals in six months — and why he could do it faster than most humans with similar trauma

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Why your dog jumps up on the counter or digs in the couch when they're anxious — and how these behaviors are actually attempts to self-soothe and ground their nervous system

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The one simple environmental change (a white noise machine) that can help noise-sensitive dogs finally get deep, restorative sleep in their own home

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How to know if your dog's behavior problem is actually rooted in pain — and why even mild physical issues can create huge emotional responses

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What glimmers are, and why looking for tiny moments of peace, joy, and curiosity is more useful than waiting for your dog to be "fixed"

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"You can't heal in the environment that caused the stress." — Annie

ABOUT ANNIE PHENIX

Annie Phenix is a certified canine behavior expert and trauma-informed professional who works virtually with dog owners around the world. She specializes in the most serious and complex behavior cases — the dogs other trainers say can't be helped — and has a remarkable success rate. Annie is the author of two best-selling books on canine behavior, including Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs, and runs the Canine Trauma Clinic, a private community where dog lovers learn how to regulate their dog's nervous system and support real healing. She's also the founder of the Phenix Advocacy Center for R+ Canine Professionals, a nonprofit focused on mental health and wellbeing in the dog training world.

CONNECT WITH ANNIE PHENIX

Website: https://choosetotrainhumane.com

Canine Trauma Clinic: https://choosetotrainhumane.com/canine-trauma-clinic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phenixdogs

Free guide — 7 Steps to Quick Healing: https://phenix-dogs-canine-behavior-experts-llc.kit.com/7-steps

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com.

And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co — the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

Prefer video? Watch on youtube.

Mental health benefits of dogs aren't always visible the way physical health is, but they may be the most powerful gift our dogs give us. Daniel Popovic joins the show to talk about grief, rescue dogs who carry trauma, and why the stories we share about our dogs matter more than we might realize — especially when we're struggling.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

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Why the grief of losing a dog can hit harder than you expect, even when you thought you were prepared

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How dogs pick up on energy and trauma in ways we don't, and what that means when you bring a new dog into your home

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What caregiver fatigue really looks like when you're caring for a senior dog, and why it's okay to admit it's hard

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Why resource guarding and reactivity might be about your energy in the room, not just the dog's history

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How having a dog holds you accountable in ways that quietly shape your mental health, your routine, and your sense of purpose

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Why younger generations — especially those navigating isolation, stress, or big life transitions — benefit deeply from having dogs in their lives

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What it means to make room for a dog when your life feels full, and why the sacrifice is worth more than you give back

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"Every misstep is a stepping stone to success. There's a diamond underneath every challenge — you just have to look for it." — Daniel

ABOUT DANIEL POPOVIC

Daniel Popovic is a product innovation executive, author, and podcast host who spent years generating over two billion dollars in product value across multiple industries before turning his attention to what matters most: the human-animal bond. After losing his Doberman Marley in devastating circumstances, he wrote a book to process his grief — and discovered it resonated with others navigating the same heartbreak. Now he hosts the Every Paw Print, Every Story podcast, works with rescue dogs carrying trauma, and is developing a framework to speak at universities about how dogs anchor our mental health and shape us into better leaders and humans.

CONNECT WITH DANIEL POPOVIC

Website: https://pawpads.pet

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com.

And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

Prefer video? Watch on youtube.

Greyhound adoption might not be on your radar if you think retired racing dogs need endless exercise or won't settle into normal life. But what if the reality was completely different — and these gentle, intelligent souls made some of the easiest, most affectionate companions you could ask for? Maritsa Inglessis shares what it's really like to welcome ex-racing greyhounds into your home, from the moment they see a TV for the first time to learning that sofas are, in fact, the best place on earth.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

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Why greyhounds are nicknamed "45 mile an hour couch potatoes" and how little exercise they actually need compared to what most people assume

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What it looks like when a dog who spent their whole life in racing kennels steps into a home for the first time — stairs, washing machines, sofas and all

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How greyhounds compare to other rescue dogs in temperament, intelligence and how quickly they adapt to the good life

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Why their thin skin and low body fat mean they genuinely need coats in winter and careful temperature management in summer

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What to know about their prey drive, especially around small fluffy dogs or cats, and how that plays out on walks

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Why finding a vet experienced with greyhounds matters — their blood markers and physiology are different enough to cause confusion

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Where to look if you're considering adopting a retired racer, and what kind of history you should ask for before bringing one home

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"Howard took about one or two weeks to learn that he could actually get up onto the sofa and sit on it. Now he won't actually get off it." — Maritsa

ABOUT MARITSA INGLESSIS

Maritsa and her husband originally planned to adopt one rescue dog. Instead, they came home with Rocket and Tilly, a bonded pair of ex-racing greyhounds, and quickly discovered that one greyhound is rarely enough. Daisy joined the family soon afterwards, and all three later made the move with them to Greece. After losing Rocket and Tilly last year, Maritsa and her husband recently welcomed Howard into their home as a new companion for Daisy. Having helped Daisy and Howard adjust to life beyond racing kennels, Maritsa has seen them encounter everything from stairs to washing machines for the first time. She is passionate about showing what loving, affectionate and surprisingly low-maintenance pets greyhounds make, while speaking honestly about the realities of the racing industry.

CONNECT WITH MARITSA INGLESSIS

Website: https://thepeoplekeeper.com

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

Prefer video? Watch on youtube.

Therapy dogs visit hospitals, schools, and nursing homes — but what does it actually take to build that kind of partnership with your dog? Susan Hartzler has been doing therapy dog work for 26 years, and in this conversation, she shares what she's learned about helping dogs and their people bring comfort, connection, and healing to communities. It's a glimpse into a world most of us only see from the outside — and a reminder of just how much dogs give when we learn to work alongside them.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

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The difference between service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs — and why understanding those distinctions matters if you're considering any kind of working role with your dog

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How to recognize whether your dog has the temperament for therapy work, and what training foundation they need before stepping into hospitals, schools, or other settings

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Why therapy dog work is as much about the human as it is the dog — and what it takes to be a calm, present partner at the other end of the leash

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What happens when a dog intuitively knows what someone needs, and how to follow your dog's lead rather than override it

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The science-backed benefits of spending time with dogs — from lowering cortisol to calming panic attacks — and how to tap into those intentionally, not just accidentally

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How Susan taught her dogs to wear hats and sunglasses (and why that skill actually matters in therapy and modeling work)

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What it's like when your dog becomes both a therapy dog and a professional actor — and how those two worlds surprisingly overlap

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"He actually knew what each person needed, and I was just kind of his facilitator at the end of the leash." — Susan

ABOUT SUSAN HARTZLER

Susan Hartzler is an award-winning writer and passionate advocate for the human-animal bond. For the past 26 years, she and her pack have volunteered as certified therapy dog teams, visiting hospitals, schools, libraries, nursing homes, and community organizations across the country. Her newest book, Teaming Up with Therapy Dogs: Skills to Build Healing Partnerships, offers practical guidance for aspiring therapy dog teams, blending training insights with real stories from the field. She's also the author of two memoirs — I'm Not Single, I Have a Dog: Dating Tales from the Bark Side and The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace — and the creator of BlissDog, a Substack publication exploring the healing power of dogs. Her current pack, Seven and Paige Turner, aren't just therapy dogs — they're also professional actors and models.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN HARTZLER

Website: https://susanhartzler.com

Substack: https://blissdog.substack.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blissdog and facebook.com/SevenForPresident

YouTube: youtube.com/@SusanHartzler

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanhartzler/

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

Prefer video? Watch on youtube.

Dogs and babies living together isn't always the Instagram-perfect moment many parents imagine. When certified dog trainer Dominika Knossalla-Pado's beloved Labrador showed predatory behavior toward her newborn twins, it shattered the romantic picture she'd held and sent her searching for answers that simply didn't exist. This conversation offers the practical, honest guidance expecting parents and new families need to help both their children and dogs not just survive this transition, but truly thrive.

What You'll Learn

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Why even well-trained dogs can struggle when a baby arrives, and how to recognize the early signs that your dog is finding the transition difficult

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What you can actually prepare for before your baby is born, including the specific behaviors and routines that matter most (and why you probably don't need that expensive doll)

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How to create a safe first meeting between your dog and baby, especially if your dog has never been around young children

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Why those heartwarming social media posts of dogs and babies together can be misleading, and what a truly comfortable dog actually looks like in those moments

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What to do when your toddler becomes mobile and suddenly your calm dog seems stressed by grabby hands, unpredictable movements and constant noise

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How to give both your child and your dog the freedom they need without constant supervision becoming overwhelming

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When separation and baby gates become tools for peace rather than punishment, and how to prepare your dog for these changes before stress builds

A Favourite Moment

"Give me that neighbor." — Dominika

About Dominika Knossalla-Pado

Dominika Knossalla-Pado is a certified dog trainer who graduated with honors from the Academy for Dog Trainers. When her beloved Labrador Lola showed predatory behavior toward her newborn twins, Dominika realized most parents lack the tools and knowledge to navigate these critical moments safely. That experience inspired her to found Dog Meets Baby, now a trusted resource for families worldwide through online courses, consultations and free resources. She's also the author of the children's book Lola and the Bubble Mission, which introduces young children to the concept that all animals need their own safe space.

Connect with Dominika Knossalla-Pado

Website: https://www.dogmeetsbaby.expert/

Instagram: @dogmeets_baby

YouTube: Dog Meets Baby

Facebook: Dog Meets Baby

Pinterest: Dog Meets Baby

Free Resources

Preparation Checklist for Expecting Parents

Rules of Interaction for Caregivers of Toddlers and Preschoolers

Guide for Caregivers of Toddlers

Dog Meets Family Preparation Checklist

Dog Bite Prevention for Families

Lola and the Bubble Mission

Connect with Soul Touched by Dogs

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

Prefer video? Watch on youtube.

Canine Flow and the energetic lens that changes how we understand dog behaviour — that's what this conversation is about. Caroline shares a perspective that goes beyond traditional training methods, showing how emotions, energy and even water influence our dogs' wellbeing. If you've ever felt there's something deeper going on with your dog than what you can see on the surface, this episode offers a completely different way of looking at the relationship you share.

What You'll Learn

• How your dog's behaviour is actually a flow of emotion seeking expression, not something to suppress or control
• Why separation anxiety often has less to do with you leaving and more to do with whether your dog can emotionally ground on you when you're present
• What it means when your dog has "charge" — and how to recognise when energy has built up and needs to be released
• The surprising role water plays in holding somatic trauma in both humans and dogs, and simple ways to structure your water at home
• Why enrichment isn't about mentally tiring your dog but about helping them release emotional charge and find contentment
• How shifts in your own state — like attending a yoga class or releasing stuck emotions — can directly change your dog's behaviour
• What electromagnetic fields and Wi-Fi may be doing to dogs, who have the largest heart per body mass of any creature

A Favourite Moment

"The dog is not trying to be in charge. They have a charge." — Caroline

About Caroline

Caroline has been leading Canine Flow Retreats for dogs and their guardians for the past 16 years, specialising in soul-level behaviour transformation. She brings together decades of experience in canine nutrition and holistic therapies with a unique energetic lens that looks at how a dog's measurable energy field — what she calls the vital life force flow — influences their behaviour. Caroline is also co-founder of the Association of Pet Nutrition Consultants and works as a nutrition consultant in the international pet food industry.

Connect with Caroline

Website: https://www.canineflow.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveWoofandWonder/

Connect with Soul Touched by Dogs

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com.
And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co — the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

Prefer video? Watch on YouTube.

Setting boundaries with your dog isn't about being harsh—it's about creating safety, connection and calm for both of you. In this conversation, Dutch dog trainer Miranda van der Heijden walks us through the delicate balance between unconditional love and healthy limits, and why the struggles we see in our dogs often mirror the patterns we carry ourselves.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

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Why setting boundaries for your dog is an act of love, not control—and how it helps them feel safer when you're not around

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How your dog's behaviour often mirrors your own fears, hesitations and resistance to change

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What it really takes to help a fearful dog move through something new (and why avoiding discomfort keeps them stuck)

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Why one-to-one training allows for deeper transformation than group classes—for both dogs and their people

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How agility, scent work and other activities can become therapeutic mirrors for personal growth

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The unexpected emotional work that comes with teaching people to train their dogs

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What it means to be connected with your dog without becoming enmeshed—and why that distinction matters

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"I'm always training the person… because things don't change if you as a person do not change." — Miranda

ABOUT MIRANDA VAN DER HEIJDEN

Miranda van der Heijden has been training dogs in the Netherlands since 1987. After years of working with groups, she shifted her focus entirely to one-to-one sessions, where she can look beyond behaviour and into the relationship between dog and human. She's spent over three decades in competitive agility and now works with her own Border Collie in scent detection and mantrailing. Her training centre, located near 's-Hertogenbosch, is a space where dogs learn—and people discover what their dogs have been trying to teach them all along.

CONNECT WITH MIRANDA VAN DER HEIJDEN

Website: https://www.gehoorzamehuishond.nl
Instagram: @miranda_gehoorzamehuishond
Facebook: De Gehoorzame Huishond
Facebook: Hand in Poot
Email: gehoorzamehuishond@yahoo.com

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com.
And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co—the Ultimate Hub for dogs and the people who love them.

LINK TO YOUTUBE

Prefer video? Watch on youtube.

Learning from dogs isn't just sentimental—it might be the most practical life advice you'll get this year. Bruce Littlefield, bestselling author and self-described "professional appreciator of American fun," stumbled into this truth one morning when his dog Felix was having the best day ever while Bruce was having the worst. What followed was a notebook full of observations that became a book, and a shift in how he approaches his entire day.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

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How one melted shirt on book launch day taught Bruce to shake things off—literally—the way dogs do when something goes wrong

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Why dogs wake up with enthusiasm every single morning, and what happened when Bruce decided to try doing the same thing

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The surprising side effect of taking 10-minute rest breaks during the day, inspired by watching Felix relax without guilt

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How a dog's patient vigil by the door reveals something deeper about waiting for what matters without complaint

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Why learning a few tricks—whether you're a dog or a human—keeps life playful and gives you something to share at parties

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How Felix's morning patrol around the property became a lesson in checking in, staying grounded, and knowing your boundaries

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What loyalty looks like in both dog and human form, and why Bruce says it's one of the most important traits we can cultivate

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"Felix was like, 'Hey, this is the best day ever.' And so I thought, you know what? I'm going to follow Felix today." — Bruce

ABOUT BRUCE LITTLEFIELD

Bruce Littlefield is a bestselling author, television personality, designer, and the co-author of 20 books spanning everything from garage sales to Airstream trailers to dog wisdom. His newest book, Everything You Need to Know About Life You Can Learn from a Dog, published by Penguin Random House, is a funny and heartfelt celebration of dogs as the life coaches we never knew we needed. Bruce lives in New York and on his farm in the Catskills with his rescue dog Felix, a border collie/cattle dog mix who inspired the book after helping him shake off a very bad morning.

CONNECT WITH BRUCE LITTLEFIELD

Website: https://brucelittlefield.com

Illustrator Maribel Lechuga: @maribellechugaillustration

Publisher: @penguinkids

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

Prefer video? Watch on YouTube.

Doberman owners often wonder why their high-energy, intelligent dog seems harder to train than other breeds—or why four hours of daily walks still leave them with a restless, sometimes destructive companion. John Walter, founder of Doberman Planet, shares what makes this breed different, how they think in patterns and multi-step sequences, and why mental stimulation matters just as much as physical exercise when raising a loyal, balanced family Doberman.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why Dobermans are called emotional mirrors and what that means for daily life with them
• How their pattern recognition can actually work against traditional training methods (and what to do instead)
• The surprising differences between male and female Dobermans in bonding, maturity and temperament
• Why over-exercising a Doberman can backfire and what they need mentally to truly settle
• What makes this breed both incredibly loyal and sometimes misunderstood
• How to know if a Doberman is the right fit for your family and lifestyle
• The importance of routine, consistency and full integration into family life for this breed

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"Dobermans think in patterns. They don't learn 'I got in position, I got the treat.' They learn 'I pulled, I went in position, then I got the treat.'" — John

ABOUT JOHN WALTER

John Walter is the founder of Doberman Planet, a leading online educational platform devoted exclusively to the Doberman Pinscher. Through hundreds of videos, in-depth articles, original breed studies and hands-on work with Dobermans and their families, John helps owners better understand this intelligent, sensitive and often misunderstood breed. With nearly 300,000 subscribers on YouTube and a combined audience of more than 700,000 across all platforms, his work focuses on practical training, behaviour, health and strengthening the bond between Dobermans and the people who love them.

CONNECT WITH JOHN WALTER

Website: https://www.dobermanplanet.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/dobermanplanet/

Dobie Masters Season 2 Playlist: Watch here

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DobermanPlanet/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedobermanplanet

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com.

And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

Prefer video? Watch on youtube.

Canine nutrition goes far beyond what sits in the bowl. When your dog won't eat, struggles with chronic health issues, or shows puzzling behavioral patterns, the answer might lie in how we understand nourishment itself. Dr. Alexia Mellor shares how her own dog's health crisis led her to question everything she thought she knew about feeding dogs—and ultimately transformed how she understands the bond between dogs and their people.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

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Why "balanced and complete" is a marketing term, and what bioavailability actually means for your dog's ability to absorb nutrients

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How to start improving your dog's diet without overwhelm, beginning with simple fresh toppers that address what's missing from kibble

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The FETCH methodology for observing your dog holistically—from tracking behaviors at specific times of day to understanding what environmental factors might be affecting their wellbeing

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Why restlessness at 11 PM, nibbling at certain times, or seasonal changes in appetite might be telling you something about your dog's internal health

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How Chinese medicine principles and energetics can unlock puzzling health or behavior patterns that conventional approaches haven't solved

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What it means to work in partnership with your dog rather than treating them as an optimization project

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How curiosity about what your dog is showing you can become an entry point for deeper understanding—and why there's rarely just one root cause

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"They are gateways to our own spiritual evolution." — Alexia

ABOUT DR. ALEXIA MELLOR

Dr. Alexia Mellor is a holistic canine nutrition consultant on a mission to transform how we nourish our dogs, ourselves, and the world we share. Through Mystic Dog Mama, she explores what it truly means to be nourished—using dogs as both teacher and guide. Her work brings together canine nutrition, holistic health, systems thinking, and the wisdom of the human-animal bond. With a background in participatory art, design, and climate research, Alexia approaches dog health with curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for the partnership between dogs and their people.

CONNECT WITH DR. ALEXIA MELLOR

Website: https://mysticdogmama.com

Podcast: Search for "Mystic Dog Mama" wherever you listen to podcasts

Free Resource: Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit at https://mysticdogmama.com

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

Prefer video? Watch on YouTube.

Your dog heals you in ways you may not fully realize. The simple act of having a dog in your life already offers measurable health benefits, but there's a whole world of untapped potential in that relationship. This conversation explores how the human-dog bond can become a deliberate pathway to better physical health, emotional balance, and everyday wellbeing.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

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How synchronizing with your dog creates what Michael calls a "cocoon"—an energy system that amplifies wellbeing for both human and dog

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The measurable health benefits dogs offer, from increased oxytocin and serotonin to reduced cortisol, lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and even potential cancer prevention

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Why walking your dog while staring at your phone means you're missing the most healing part of the walk

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How simple rituals like placing your hand on your dog while visualizing love can calm an anxious or traumatized rescue dog

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The concept of "sniff walks" and why letting your dog lead the pace and choose what to investigate is actually mindfulness practice for you

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How dogs act as mirrors, reflecting back our own mental and emotional states in ways that can reveal what we need to address in ourselves

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Why setting too many boundaries with your dog—no couch, no bed, no jumping—might mean you're missing out on the deeper healing potential of the relationship

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"Dogs are uniquely attuned to us all the time. We look at our dog, and we see our own mental state as a reflection." — Michael

ABOUT MICHAEL PRIV

Michael Priv is a wellness innovator, writer, and former energy healer who has spent decades exploring how the human-dog bond can become a powerful pathway to better health and emotional balance. He is the creator of HoundHeart, a human-dog synchronization app that uses paired wearable devices and AI-supported insights to help people unlock the wellness benefits of the relationship they already have with their dog. Michael believes those benefits can be strengthened, measured, and made more intentional through technology and simple daily rituals.

CONNECT WITH MICHAEL PRIV

• Website: https://michaelpriv.com/
• HoundHeart: https://houndheartwellness.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelprivauthor/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpriv/

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com.

And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co — the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

Dog-friendly offices aren't just a perk—they're a productivity strategy. If you've ever declined a job because you couldn't bear to leave your dog at home, or felt your stress spike during a late meeting knowing your pup had been alone all day, this conversation is for you. Emily Birch walks us through how companies can thoughtfully introduce dogs into the workplace in a way that benefits everyone—dogs, employees, and the business itself.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How dog-friendly offices actually increase productivity and employee retention, backed by peer-reviewed research
• Why predictability matters more than enthusiasm when it comes to managing dogs (and people) in shared workspaces
• The traffic light system that helps dogs settle and prevents over-excitement without feeling restrictive
• What makes a dog suitable for office life—and the one non-negotiable that rules a dog out entirely
• How to address common concerns like allergies, phobias, and the myth that offices will turn into chaotic doggy daycares
• Why some dogs need a "red light" approach even when they're friendly, and how that sets them up to succeed
• What happens when new management takes over, and how to make the case for keeping dogs in the office

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"I counted and I was like, 'We've got 18 dogs in here,' and yet you wouldn't know. Every dog was just fast asleep under the table." — Emily

ABOUT EMILY BIRCH

Emily Birch is the Owner and Director of The Office Dog, where she helps organisations introduce dogs into the workplace in a structured, safe, and genuinely beneficial way. She also runs a canine consultancy focused on behaviour work. Based in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Emily has been pioneering dog-friendly office environments since 2014, working with businesses at every stage—from policy creation and training through to implementation and probation sign-off.

CONNECT WITH EMILY BIRCH

Website: https://www.theofficedog.org

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

Is your well-behaved dog actually shut down? A calm, compliant dog might look like the goal — but fear-based obedience isn't the same as trust. In this conversation, journalist-turned-dog-trainer Annie Grossman explains why understanding how your dog feels matters more than getting them to behave, and how a little science goes a long way in building the relationship you both deserve.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why a dog who looks calm and well-behaved might actually be scared and shut down — and how to tell the difference
• What classical conditioning really means, and why it matters more than you think when it comes to how your dog experiences the world
• How punishment (yes, even "just a correction") can create hidden fallout you won't see in a 30-second Instagram video
• Why dog body language is so misunderstood — and what that little tongue flick actually means
• How focusing on what you want your dog to do instead of what you want them to stop changes everything
• Why there's no such thing as "just dog training" — it's all rooted in the science of behaviour, whether people know it or not
• What questions to ask before choosing a trainer, a method, or even a viral training hack

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"A shut down dog can look like a well-behaved dog." — Annie

ABOUT ANNIE GROSSMAN

Annie Grossman is a dog trainer, journalist, and the author of How to Train Your Dog With Love + Science. A lifelong New Yorker, she spent over a decade running School For The Dogs, a storefront training centre in the East Village where she worked with thousands of dogs and their people. Before diving into dog training, Annie worked as a journalist and producer, writing for outlets like The New York Times and The Boston Globe. She's a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy and a passionate advocate for positive reinforcement rooted in behavioural science. These days, she writes Don't Be a Dick to Your Dog on Substack and speaks at conferences about making dog training less jargon-heavy and more human.

CONNECT WITH ANNIE GROSSMAN

Website: https://anniegrossman.com
Instagram: @anniegrossman
Facebook: @annie4thedogs
Substack: https://dogtraining.substack.com
Get the free guide on How Not To Be A Dick To Your Dog: https://dogtraining.substack.com/p/guide

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com
And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

Pet health coaches offer support that many veterinarians simply don't have time to provide. When your dog faces a serious diagnosis or chronic condition, the clinical visit might last 15 minutes—but the questions, confusion, and overwhelm can last for weeks. This conversation explores how certified pet health coaches are stepping in to bridge that gap, working alongside veterinary care to help guardians make informed, confident decisions for their dogs.

WHAT YOU''LL LEARN

• Why veterinarians often don't have time to answer all your questions, and how pet health coaches fill that critical gap without replacing veterinary care
• What actually happens during a pet health coaching session—from reviewing your dog's medical history to creating a personalized plan you can realistically follow
• How to know when your dog needs emergency veterinary attention versus when you can manage a health concern with lifestyle changes and support
• The questions you should be asking your vet to make appointments more efficient and effective for everyone involved
• Why lifestyle medicine matters for chronic conditions like kidney disease, allergies, and cancer—and where conventional treatments still play an essential role
• How to approach your veterinarian with information about integrative care without creating conflict or defensiveness
• What credentials to look for when choosing a pet health coach, and why real-world experience matters as much as education

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"If Janet had not had me, Rosie would've been dead a year too early." — Ruth

ABOUT DR. RUTH ROBERTS

Dr. Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian with over 30 years of experience and the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. After retiring from clinical practice, she founded Holistic Pet Health Coach, an educational institution that trains and certifies professionals to become trusted guides for pet guardians navigating chronic illness and complex health decisions. Her work emerged from witnessing too many pets lose precious time because their guardians had nowhere to turn for reliable, personalized support beyond the exam room.

CONNECT WITH DR. RUTH ROBERTS

Website: https://drruthroberts.com

Instagram: @dr.ruthroberts

Facebook: @Crockpetdiet

YouTube: @DrRuthRoberts

Free guide: When Not to Go to the ER Vet

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

Natural remedies for dogs facing cancer, arthritis, inflammation and allergies are becoming a lifeline for pet parents looking beyond pharmaceuticals. This conversation with MaryBeth Powers began with a devastating cancer diagnosis and turned into a mission to help dogs live healthier, more comfortable lives through carefully chosen herbs, spices and whole-food ingredients.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

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How MaryBeth developed a turmeric-based blend when her dog Teddy was given only weeks to live, and what happened when his aggressive sarcoma disappeared after four months on the formula

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Why ingredients like turmeric, ginger, flaxseed and medicinal mushrooms work synergistically to support healing, reduce inflammation and boost overall wellness in dogs

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What signs to watch for when introducing natural remedies, including how dogs sometimes signal what their bodies need through their appetite and interest in certain ingredients

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How to start incorporating anti-inflammatory support into your dog's routine, whether they're dealing with a health crisis or you want to support them preventatively

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Why natural flea and tick repellents made with essential oils can be an alternative to chemical-based collars and treatments

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What pet owners report back after trying turmeric blends, from improved mobility and energy to relief from chronic allergies and skin conditions

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How to navigate the conversation between holistic approaches and traditional veterinary care, and when pharmaceuticals may still be necessary

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"He didn't even want to walk, so we decided we didn't want him to die like that. Within two or three days he started walking." — MaryBeth

ABOUT MARYBETH POWERS

MaryBeth Powers is the founder of Teddy's Turmeric Tamer, a Virginia-based pet wellness company born from her determination to save her beloved Newfie mix, Teddy, after he was diagnosed with an aggressive sarcoma. What started as a desperate search for natural ways to help one dog has grown into a business that supports hundreds of dogs facing cancer, arthritis, inflammation and allergies. After a 30-year career in event planning, MaryBeth now dedicates herself to creating all-natural, human-grade wellness products and educating pet owners about the power of whole-food ingredients. A portion of every sale goes back to dogs in need through rescues and shelters.

CONNECT WITH MARYBETH POWERS

Website: https://teddysturmerictamer.com

Instagram: @teddysturmerictamer

Facebook: Teddy's Turmeric Tamer

LinkedIn: Teddy's Turmeric Tamer

TikTok: Teddy's Turmeric Tamer

Use code SOUL for 10% off your order

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs and the people who love them.

Senior dog adoption isn't just about giving an older dog a home—it's about discovering a personality who's already fully themselves, no training required. When Jonathan Graziano adopted Noodle, a seven-and-a-half-year-old pug, he had no idea this little dog would redefine his life, teach millions about self-care, and leave a legacy that continues to inspire kids and adults alike. This is a story about love, loss, and the unexpected joy that comes from saying yes to a dog who's already lived a full life before you even meet them.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

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Why adopting a senior dog can be one of the most rewarding decisions you'll ever make, even if you never expected to become a pug person

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How Noodle's simple "Bones or No Bones" routine became a global phenomenon during lockdown, and what made it resonate so deeply with people who needed hope

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What it's really like to navigate grief when your dog was beloved by millions, and how fostering became a healing path forward

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How Jonathan used his platform to raise awareness for dog rescue while keeping the focus on what mattered most: his dogs' comfort and wellbeing

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Why Milton, his fifth foster pug, turned out to be the perfect fit—not because he replaced Noodle, but because he brought his own quiet, uncompromising personality to the family

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How Jonathan turned viral moments into children's books that teach kids about asking for help, taking care of themselves, and being brave in the face of change

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What it means to keep your day job while your dog becomes internet-famous, and why that boundary mattered so much

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"Being brave can be hard, but everything is a little easier with a friend by your side." — Jonathan

ABOUT JONATHAN GRAZIANO

Jonathan Graziano is a number one New York Times bestselling author and the devoted caretaker of some of the internet's most beloved pugs. His late dog, Noodle, captured hearts worldwide with the "Bones or No Bones" series during lockdown, teaching millions that it's okay to take a day for yourself. Jonathan has since fostered and adopted Milton, another pug with his own distinct personality, and continues Noodle's legacy through children's books that celebrate kindness, bravery, and the importance of rescuing senior pets. He works in communications and social media marketing and is based in Rochester, New York.

CONNECT WITH JONATHAN GRAZIANO

Website: https://jonathangraziano.com

Instagram: @jongraz

TikTok: @jongraz

Preorder Milton Makes a Move (out August 4): Simon & Schuster

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at https://planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

Dog-assisted coaching brings leadership development out of the boardroom and into a space where authenticity can't be faked. Frank van Nimwegen, Dutch agility handler turned coach, uses dogs to help corporate teams and individuals develop confidence, clear communication, and grounded leadership. Because dogs respond to who you really are, not who your business card says you should be.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How dogs reveal the gap between who we pretend to be and who we actually are, and why that matters for leadership and personal growth
• Why people-pleasing patterns show up instantly when working with dogs, and what a simple bowl of treats can teach you about setting boundaries
• How mental state affects performance in dog sports, and what that means for managing your own reactions under pressure
• The difference between demonstrating dominance and offering genuine leadership, as dogs will always choose the highway over an inflexible handler
• Why starting with the basics matters, whether you're learning agility for fun or aiming for competition level
• What happens when corporate teams work through exercises with dogs instead of staring at PowerPoint slides
• How fear and discomfort can shift when someone gets to approach dogs at their own pace, without pressure or pretence

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"There's only one nervous creature allowed in the ring, and the dog has already chosen." — Frank

ABOUT FRANK VAN NIMWEGEN

Frank van Nimwegen is a Dutch agility handler, instructor, and coach who has competed internationally with Belgian Shepherds and served as team manager of the Dutch agility team. After decades in dog sports, he became increasingly interested in how dogs can help people develop confidence, communication, and leadership. Today, he combines his competition experience with coaching methodologies like NLP and mBIT to offer dog-assisted coaching for agility handlers, corporate teams, and professionals seeking greater performance and personal growth.

CONNECT WITH FRANK VAN NIMWEGEN

Website: https://www.qynnect.nl

LinkedIn: Frank van Nimwegen

Additional: https://www.caniquest.com

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who's also building a business - or just want a calmer, happier dog - come find us at Happy Pupcakes. Happy dogs, thriving businesses, and a community that gets both.

Dog food and canine nutrition can feel like a minefield when your vet tells you one thing, but your dog's body is telling you something completely different. If you've ever stood in the pet food aisle overwhelmed, or watched your dog struggle with skin issues, digestive problems, or low energy despite "doing everything right," this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and a path forward that makes sense.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

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Why kibble alone might be contributing to your dog's skin issues, digestive upset, and low energy, even if it's the expensive "vet-approved" brand

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How to transition your dog from kibble to whole foods without shocking their system or second-guessing every meal

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What "gently cooked" actually means and why it might be easier than you think to feed your dog real, nutrient-dense food

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The role histamine levels play in your dog's inflammatory response and why the way food is cooked matters more than you realised

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How to know if you're feeding too much or too little when you switch from kibble to whole foods

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Why rotating proteins matters and how to keep meals simple, affordable, and genuinely nourishing

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Where to find support and trustworthy guidance when you're ready to go against the grain and trust what your dog's body is telling you

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"Your dog's probably not allergic to chicken. It's highly unlikely." — Wendy

ABOUT WENDY BROWN

Wendy Brown has spent over 25 years in medical and behavioural dog rescue, including a decade as Vice President of a rescue organisation. Her work with dogs facing serious medical challenges sparked a deep interest in canine nutrition, and she now shares what she's learned through her dog food cookbook and her children's book series, Inspired by Lily. Wendy believes that simple, whole foods can transform a dog's health and that every dog deserves meals as nourishing as the love we have for them.

CONNECT WITH WENDY BROWN

Website: https://www.wendychowbrown.com

YouTube: youtube.com/@wendychowbrown

Instagram: @chowdownwithwendybrown

Facebook: facebook.com/wendychowbrown

TikTok: @kitten.atomic

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com