The Dog Gone Positive Way

Sometimes we talk so much to our dogs that we make learning harder. In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, I explore the beginning stages of training, capturing and shaping behavior, and when to start adding cues—with a special focus on teaching “down.”

With footage of Tony from about three months old through his first year, you’ll see his progress from early clicker training to learning cues for behaviors. I discuss observing what our dogs offer, marking and rewarding those moments, and giving them room to learn without a constant stream of chatter.

Next episode, we’ll take a closer look at shaping tricks, including how I taught Tony to wave by building the behavior one step at a time.

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#PositiveReinforcement #ClickerTraining #DogTraining

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We're going back to the early 2000s for a special throwback episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way!

In this throwback television interview on Daytime, airing on WFLA News Channel 8 out of Tampa Bay, we're talking about one of the biggest decisions you'll make as a future dog guardian: choosing the right dog for your home and lifestyle.

Should you get a puppy or an adult dog? What should you consider before bringing a dog home? And what do you really need to have ready?

We cover everything from choosing a dog and preparing for their arrival to essential supplies, leashes, training, doggy daycare, and setting your new companion up for success.

It's a fun look back at an earlier television appearance, with advice that's still relevant today. And you'll get to see my beloved Taloo, too!

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📧 Maria@DogGonePositiveTraining.com

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#DogGonePositiveTraining #PositiveReinforcement #livetv #DogTraining #daytimetvshow

In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, I examine the shocking animal-cruelty case involving a Connecticut woman accused of repeatedly using a shock collar on a caged dog. I also discuss the USDA’s newly announced plans to strengthen oversight of federally regulated dog breeders—and what those protections do and do not guarantee.

Finally, I explain how to find a truly evidence-based dog trainer, what professional credentials actually mean, and why owners should investigate a trainer’s methods before placing a dog in their care.

The Connecticut case remains pending, and the allegations have not resulted in a conviction.

Follow Dog Gone Positive Training for evidence-based training advice, industry news, and honest conversations about dog welfare.

In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, I’m reviewing a training short from a balanced dog-training company that uses a shock collar as part of its training approach.

We’ll break down what’s happening in the video, why the dog’s behavior may look like “success,” and what we need to consider when punishment or discomfort is being used to change behavior.

Does a dog complying mean the dog understands what we want? What is the shock collar actually teaching? And could we accomplish the same training goal without using an aversive tool?

I’ll walk through what I see as a positive reinforcement dog trainer and explain why how we get the behavior matters just as much as the behavior itself.

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#DogTraining #ShockCollars #TheDoggonePositiveWay

In the final part of my conversation with Peggy Frezon, author of Goodbye to a Good Dog, we discuss a deeply personal question many people face after losing a beloved pet: Should I get another dog—and how will I know when I’m ready?

There is no correct timeline and no single answer. Some people welcome another dog quickly, while others need more time or decide not to adopt again. A new dog can never replace the one you lost, but when the time feels right, they can open your heart to a new and entirely different relationship.

A heartfelt thank-you to Peggy for sharing her wisdom, faith, personal experiences, and compassion throughout this five-part series.

To learn more about Peggy, her books, or to contact her

Website: http://www.peggyfrezon.com/

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#PetLoss #AnotherDog #DogGrief #GoodbyeToAGoodDog

How do we honor a beloved dog after they’re gone?

In Part 4 of my conversation with Peggy Frezon, author of Goodbye to a Good Dog, we explore the many meaningful ways people keep their pets’ memories alive. From photographs and memorials to sharing stories and continuing traditions, everyone finds their own personal way to remember the dog they loved.

Peggy also shares how her Christian faith brings her comfort and why she holds on to the hope that we may see our beloved pets again in heaven. It’s a heartfelt conversation about remembrance, faith, healing, and the love that remains with us long after we say goodbye.

Follow The Dog Gone Positive Way and Dog Gone Positive Training for more heartfelt conversations and positive dog-training information. Please subscribe, follow, and share this episode with someone who has loved and lost a special pet.

#PetLoss #DogMemorial #DogsInHeaven #GoodbyeToAGoodDog #FAITH

In Part 3 of my conversation with Peggy Frezon, author of Goodbye to a Good Dog, we discuss one of the most painful decisions a pet owner may ever face: knowing when it is time to say goodbye.

How can you tell whether your dog still has a good quality of life? Are the difficult days beginning to outnumber the good ones? We talk about recognizing changes in comfort, mobility, appetite, enjoyment, and everyday activities—and why you should not have to make this decision alone.

Your veterinarian can help you understand your pet’s condition, discuss available options, and work with you as a team. Although no one can remove the heartbreak, having honest conversations and reliable information can help you make a loving, informed decision based on your pet’s needs.

Follow The Dog Gone Positive Way for more podcast episodes and Dog Gone Positive for positive, relationship-based dog training information. Please follow, share, and subscribe.

#Pet #compassion #veterinarian #PetLoss #SeniorDogs

My wheelchair repair nightmare continues. In Part 2, I took my chair to another medical equipment specialist who told me the problem was fixed. Unfortunately, it wasn't.

When you depend on a wheelchair every single day, a failed repair isn't a minor inconvenience—it affects your independence and your ability to function.

Follow Dog Gone Positive Training and The Dog Gone Positive Way for more dog training, disability, and real-life conversations.

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#WheelchairRepair #WheelchairUser #Disability #Accessibility #DogGonePositive #ableism

In Part 2 of my conversation with Peggy Frezon, author of Goodbye to a Good Dog: Healing, Comfort, and the Hope of Heaven After the Loss of Your Pet, we have an honest discussion about anticipatory grief—the sadness and fear that can begin while a beloved pet is still with us.

We also explore the many different ways people experience grief. Some people openly express their emotions, while others are quieter or more stoic. There is no single “right” way to grieve, no required timeline, and no measure of how deeply someone loved based on how their grief appears to others.

We also address the painful judgment pet owners sometimes face from people who say, “It was just a dog,” “It was just a cat,” or “You should be over it by now.” The loss of a pet can be every bit as real and devastating as losing any other member of the family. Grieving pet owners deserve compassion, understanding, and the freedom to process their loss in their own way.

Follow The Dog Gone Positive Way for more podcast episodes, and follow Dog Gone Positive for positive, relationship-based dog training information. If this conversation could help someone you know, please share it with them—and don’t forget to follow or subscribe.

#PetLoss #AnticipatoryGrief #GriefSupport #HumanAnimalBond

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In Part 1 of my conversation with author Peggy Frezon, we discuss her new book, Goodbye to a Good Dog: Healing, Comfort, and the Hope of Heaven After the Loss of Your Pet.

Peggy shares how she and her husband began rescuing senior dogs, why these often-overlooked dogs deserve loving homes, and what they have taught her about love, loss, and saying goodbye. Although adopting a senior dog may mean having less time together—and eventually experiencing tremendous grief—Peggy explains why the love, joy, and companionship make it worth the pain.

If this episode touches your heart, please share it with another animal lover. Follow or subscribe to The Dog Gone Positive Way so you don’t miss Part 2 or any future episodes.

A Palm City, Florida, woman is facing 72 charges after 36 Border Collies were rescued from horrifying living conditions. Authorities say the dogs were confined inside a home filled with feces, urine and debris—and reports indicate that Animal Services had responded to concerns at the property numerous times since 2020.

In this short episode, I discuss the suffering these dogs endured, the difficult connection between animal hoarding and mental health, and the question many people are asking: How was this allowed to continue for so long?

The dogs are now receiving care through the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, but their physical and emotional recovery is only beginning.

Hashtags:

#AnimalHoarding #BorderCollieRescue #AnimalCruelty #PalmCityFlorida #ProtectAnimals

This week's episode is different. I'm stepping away from dog training to share something very personal that's happening to me right now.

This documents my experience with @DMEofAmerica and what has happened since my wheelchair repair was attempted.

What was supposed to be a routine repair to my rigid manual wheelchair has turned into a nightmare that has completely disrupted my independence.

Last week, I brought my wheelchair in to have the front caster forks and bearings replaced. During the attempted repair, one of the forks was bent and the chair was damaged. My wheelchair is now sitting without its front forks or casters and is completely unusable.

Since Wednesday, I have been relying on a transport chair that does not meet my mobility needs. This isn't simply uncomfortable or inconvenient. I cannot independently put the brakes on. I can't properly reach my sink to wash my hands or dishes. Cooking and using the microwave have become difficult or impossible. I can't go outside with my dogs the way I normally do. My body is hurting from spending days in a chair that was never designed to replace my everyday wheelchair.

A replacement loaner was supposed to be brought to me Friday. I provided my measurements, but the chair that arrived was too large and had to be sent back. I then went through the entire weekend in the transport chair.

This video documents what has happened, the condition of my wheelchair, and what it actually means when a disabled person's primary mobility equipment is taken out of service.

A wheelchair isn't just a piece of equipment. Mine is what allows me to move through my home, take care of myself, go outside with my dogs, and live my life with independence.

I am sharing this because what has happened should not be considered acceptable treatment of anyone who depends on mobility equipment.

#WheelchairUser #DisabilityRights #Accessibility #WheelchairRepair #selfadvocacy

n Part 4 of my Balance Training series, I explore one of the most controversial questions in dog training: Is balance training animal abuse? We discuss why some trainers believe positive reinforcement is only effective for puppies, what the science tells us about training adult dogs, and how simple tools like a clicker can help capture and reinforce the behaviors you want—without using fear, pain, or intimidation.

I also cover Florida's new law requiring veterinarians to inform clients that they have the freedom to fill prescriptions through their veterinarian or the pharmacy of their choice.

If you enjoy this episode, please like, share, follow, and subscribe to help more pet parents make informed, humane decisions for their pets.

maria@doggonepositivetraining.com

#PositiveReinforcement #DogTraining #AnimalWelfare #ForceFree

In Part 3 of my Balance Training series, I take a closer look at what pet owners should consider before hiring a dog trainer. We discuss certifications, what they really mean, how to verify them, why training philosophy matters, and the questions every pet owner should ask before trusting someone with their dog. I also share lessons from a real Florida case that highlight the importance of doing your research and making informed decisions.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, follow, and subscribe Your support helps educate more pet parents and promotes humane, science-based dog training.

#PositiveDogTraining #ForceFree #DogTraining #PetEducation

What does it really mean to build a strong relationship with your dog? In Part 2 of this series, I dive deeper into why trust, communication, and positive reinforcement create more reliable behaviors than fear or intimidation ever can.

We take a closer look at aversive training tools, including shock collars, prong (pinch) collars, and choke chains, and discuss how these methods can damage the bond between dogs and their people while affecting both learning and welfare.

I also discuss the heartbreaking story surrounding Ridglan Farms and the rescue of thousands of beagles bred for laboratory research. We follow the funding trail, exploring how taxpayer-funded grants and the USDA intersect with commercial breeding operations that supply animals for research, and what "animal welfare" really means in these situations.

Whether you're a pet parent, trainer, or simply someone who cares about animals, this episode encourages you to think critically about the choices we make for the animals in our lives and how those choices shape their physical and emotional well-being.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who wants to build a better relationship with their dog.

#PositiveReinforcement #DogTraining #AnimalWelfare #ForceFreeTraining #DogBehavior #Beagles #RidglanFarms #PetParents #HumaneTraining #TheDogGonePositiveWay

What exactly is "balanced" dog training, and what does that term really mean?

In Part 1 of this series, I take a closer look at balanced training, punishment, and the potential impact aversive training methods can have on the relationship between you and your dog. We discuss how trust can be affected when punishment is used, why this can create liability and safety concerns, and why it's important to understand the long-term effects of the training methods you choose.

I also share my personal experience using a shock collar on one of my own dogs many years ago, what I learned from that experience, and why my approach to training changed. We talk about why punishment is often not the most effective way to teach behavior and I reference research that has shaped modern, reward-based training.

This is just the beginning. There is far too much information to cover in a single episode, so this is Part 1 of a series exploring the science, ethics, and practical realities of balanced training.

Whether you're a new puppy owner or have shared your life with dogs for years, this episode will help you make more informed decisions about the methods you choose and the relationship you want to build with your dog.

#DogTraining #shockcollar #BalanceTraining #Dog #DogGonePositive

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat stroke in our pets. In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, we're discussing one of the most serious warm-weather emergencies affecting both dogs and cats.

You'll learn how to recognize the early warning signs of heat stroke, which pets are at the highest risk, what to do if you suspect your pet is overheating, and—just as importantly—what not to do. We also cover simple ways to help prevent heat-related emergencies before they happen, whether you're taking a walk, spending time outdoors, traveling, or simply relaxing at home.

Heat stroke can become life-threatening in just minutes, but knowing what to look for and acting quickly can save a life. Every pet parent should know these signs before heading outside this summer.

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another pet lover. Together, we can help keep more pets safe, healthy, and happy.

#HeatStroke #PetSafety #Dog #Cat #Summer #DogTraining #TheDogGonePositiveWay

Fireworks may be fun for us, but they can be frightening for our pets. In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, I discuss noise phobia in dogs and cats and share practical ways to help your pet feel safer during the Fourth of July and other loud events.

We cover the signs of fear and anxiety, how to create a safe space at home, whether a ThunderShirt may help, and when it's time to talk to your veterinarian about calming supplements or prescription medications. I also share simple tips you can use before the fireworks begin to help reduce your pet's stress and keep them safe.

Whether your pet experiences mild anxiety or severe panic, preparing ahead of time can make a big difference. I hope this episode gives you the knowledge and confidence to help your furry family members have a calmer, safer holiday.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with another pet parent.

Happy Fourth of July, and stay safe! 🇺🇸🐾

#DogTraining #PositiveReinforcement #NoisePhobia #FourthOfJuly #FireworksSafety #DogAnxiety #PetSafety #ThunderShirt #TheDogGonePositiveWay

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but house training can feel overwhelming if you don't have a plan. In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, I'm sharing my 5-Step House Training Guide to help set your puppy up for success using positive reinforcement.

I'll walk you through the foundation of successful potty training, including creating a consistent routine, recognizing your puppy's signals, preventing accidents, and using a crate appropriately to build good habits. You'll also get to see adorable throwback videos of Tony as a puppy while he was learning both crate training and house training, so you can see these techniques in action.

Whether you're welcoming your first puppy or need a refresher, these practical tips will help make the house training process less stressful for both you and your dog.

🐾 In this episode you'll learn:

• My 5-step house training guide
• How to create a successful potty routine
• Why consistency is the key to success
• How crate training supports house training
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Real-life puppy videos of Tony learning the process

If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow pet parent. Every puppy can succeed with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement!

#DogTraining #PuppyTraining #HouseTraining #PositiveReinforcement

When Tony suddenly became sick, we found ourselves making an unexpected trip to the emergency veterinarian. In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, I share Tony's pancreatitis diagnosis, what his bloodwork revealed, and how to better understand the lab results your veterinarian may discuss with you.

We also dive into one of the most debated topics in pet nutrition: prescription diets versus fresh, raw, and home-prepared food. Are prescription diets always the best choice? What ingredients should pet parents pay attention to? And what questions should you ask when making feeding decisions for your dog?

This episode is not about telling you what to feed your pet—it's about helping you become a more informed advocate for your dog's health by understanding nutrition, bloodwork, and the role diet can play in overall wellness.

Topics discussed:
• Tony's emergency vet visit and pancreatitis diagnosis
• Common signs and symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs
• Understanding bloodwork and diagnostic testing
• Prescription dog food ingredients and concerns
• Raw feeding and home-prepared diet considerations
• How to make informed nutrition choices
• Lessons learned from Tony's recovery journey

Have you ever had a dog diagnosed with pancreatitis? Share your experience in the comments below.

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#DogGonePositiveWay #PetHealth #DogNutrition