The Recall Room

We spend a lot of time trying to understand why our dogs do the strange things they do—but have you ever wondered what your dog thinks about all the weird things you do?

Why do you leave the house every day just to come back? Why do you stare at that little rectangle in your hand? Why don’t you stop to sniff every tree, bush, and patch of grass? And why on earth do you keep closing doors?

In this lighthearted mini episode of The Recall Room, we’re flipping the perspective and looking at some of our everyday human behaviors from a dog’s point of view. Along the way, we’ll explore canine senses, learning, routines, social behavior, and just how differently dogs may experience the world we share with them.

Because maybe your dog isn’t the weird one.

Maybe… it’s you.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

References & Further Reading

• Horowitz, A. (2016). Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell.
• Miklósi, Á. (2015). Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition (2nd ed.).
• Bradshaw, J. (2011). In Defence of Dogs: Why Dogs Need Our Understanding.
• Rooney, N. J., & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2002). An experimental study of the effects of play upon the dog-human relationship.
• Udell, M. A. R., Dorey, N. R., & Wynne, C. D. L. (2010). What did domestication do to dogs? A new account of dogs’ sensitivity to human actions.

For more on canine cognition, communication, and the human-dog relationship in general, look for research and resources from the Applied Animal Behaviour Science journal, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), and academic canine cognition research programs.

Halloween is fun for us — but what does it actually feel like to experience Halloween as a dog?

In this Quick Recall, we’re looking at Halloween from our dogs’ perspective: costumes, masks, doorbells, trick-or-treaters, strange decorations, new smells, unusual movement, and all the sensory chaos that comes with the holiday.

We’ll talk about why some dogs love Halloween while others would happily skip it, why a dog’s reaction isn’t necessarily a reflection of their training, and why giving dogs the ability to opt out can be one of the most compassionate things we do.

Because sometimes understanding our dogs means recognizing that something that feels exciting and fun to us might feel completely different to them.

Halloween may be weird if you’re a dog — but it’s also a pretty great opportunity for us humans to slow down, pay attention, and listen.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

References & Further Reading

For this particular episode, I would keep the references focused on the underlying behavioral concepts rather than trying to find “Halloween studies.”

• Patricia McConnell, PhD — The Other End of the Leash
• Alexandra Horowitz, PhD — Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell
• Zazie Todd, PhD — Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) — resources on canine behavior, fear, socialization, and humane training
• American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) — resources on canine fear, anxiety, and behavior
• Sophia Yin, DVM, MS — resources on canine body language and low-stress handling

Does your dog actually love you—or do they just love the person who fills the food bowl?

Dogs follow us from room to room, greet us when we come home, seek us out when they’re nervous, and sometimes seem to know exactly when we need a little extra comfort. But what does science actually tell us about what our dogs feel for us?

In this mini episode of The Recall Room, we explore the science behind the dog-human bond, including attachment, secure-base behavior, oxytocin, brain responses to familiar people, and the ways dogs show that specific humans matter to them.

We may never know exactly what “love” feels like from a dog’s perspective. But the evidence suggests that the relationship between dogs and their humans is much more than simply food, shelter, and learned behavior.

So… does your dog really love you?

The answer might be a little more complicated—and a lot more beautiful—than you think.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

References & Further Reading

• Palmer, R. & Custance, D. (2008). A counterbalanced version of Ainsworth’s Strange Situation Procedure reveals secure-base effects in dog–human relationships.
• Nagasawa, M. et al. (2015). Oxytocin-gaze positive loop and the coevolution of human-dog bonds.
• Berns, G. S., Brooks, A. M. & Spivak, M. (2015). Scent of the familiar: an fMRI study of canine brain responses to familiar and unfamiliar human and dog odors.
• Cook, P. F. et al. (2016). Awake canine fMRI predicts dogs’ preference for praise vs food.
• Payne, E. et al. (2016). Exploring the existence and potential underpinnings of dog–human and horse–human attachment bonds.

Have you ever been petting another dog and suddenly your own dog appears out of nowhere, determined to get your attention? Maybe they squeeze between you and the other dog, demand affection, or give you that look.

But is your dog actually jealous?

In this mini episode of The Recall Room, we take a closer look at what might be happening when dogs seem to compete for our attention. We’ll explore what research tells us about jealousy-like behavior in dogs, how learning and reinforcement can shape these behaviors, and why changes in a dog’s routine or social environment can sometimes look like jealousy.

Because while dogs may not experience jealousy exactly the way humans do, their behavior is still telling us something—and understanding the difference can help us respond to them more thoughtfully.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

References & Further Reading:

• Harris, C. R., & Prouvost, C. (2014). Jealousy in dogs
• Cook, P. F., Prichard, A., Spivak, M., & Berns, G. S. (2016). Awake canine fMRI predicts dogs’ individual differences in behavioral responses to humans and food
• Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2011). In Defence of Dogs: Why Dogs Need Our Understanding
• Horowitz, A. (2010). Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know
• Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats

How much do you really know about dogs?

We’ve all heard the classic “facts” — dogs only see in black and white, a wagging tail means a happy dog, a warm nose means your dog is sick, and dogs eat grass because they have an upset stomach.

But how many of these are actually true?

In this mini episode of The Recall Room, we’re taking a closer look at some of the most common dog myths and misconceptions — and separating what we think we know from what science actually tells us.

We’ll talk about how dogs see color, what a wagging tail really tells us, why your dog’s nose isn’t a reliable health thermometer, why dogs eat grass, and whether you really can teach an old dog new tricks.

Because understanding dogs means looking beyond the simple rules and sayings we’ve heard our entire lives.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

References & Further Reading:

• American Kennel Club (AKC) — Dog vision and color perception
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) — Pet health and behavior resources
• VCA Animal Hospitals — Canine behavior, body language, and health resources
• Horowitz, Alexandra. Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know. Scribner.
• Miklósi, Ádám. Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition. Oxford University Press.

This episode is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for in-person professional advice.

We spend so much time teaching our dogs—but what if they’ve been teaching us all along?

In this Season One finale of The Recall Room, we step back to reflect on the biggest lessons our dogs quietly share every day. From slowing down and noticing the world around us to understanding that behavior is communication, this episode explores how living alongside dogs can change not only the way we see them, but the way we see ourselves.

Rather than looking back at individual episodes, we’ll look at the bigger picture—how curiosity, compassion, patience, and understanding have been the thread connecting every conversation this season.

Whether you’ve been here since Episode One or you’re just discovering the podcast, this episode is an invitation to appreciate the remarkable relationship we share with our dogs and the profound ways they shape our lives.

Thank you for joining me for Season One of The Recall Room. I can’t wait to continue the journey with you in Season Two.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

References & Further Reading

• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB).
• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
• American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB).
• Horowitz, A. (2009). Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know.
• Horowitz, A. (2016). Being a Dog: Following the Dog into a World of Smell.
• McConnell, P. (2002). The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs.
• Hare, B., & Woods, V. (2013). The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think.
• Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats.
• Miklósi, Á. (2015). Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition (2nd ed.).
• Bensky, M. K., Gosling, S. D., & Sinn, D. L. (2013). The world from a dog’s point of view: A review and synthesis of dog cognition research. Advances in the Study of Behavior, 45, 209–406.
• Ziv, G. (2017). The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs: A review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 19, 50–60.
• Rooney, N. J., & Cowan, S. (2011). Training methods and owner–dog interactions: Links with dog behavior and learning ability. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 132(3–4), 169–177.
• Hall, N. J., et al. Research on canine olfaction, cognition, and enrichment.
• Peer-reviewed research from Applied Animal Behaviour Science, Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Animal Cognition, and Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

Season One Note: Throughout this season, information has been drawn from current peer-reviewed research in canine behavior, cognition, learning theory, welfare science, veterinary behavior, and the human–animal bond, alongside the work of leading researchers and clinicians in these fields. As our understanding of dogs continues to evolve, so does this podcast’s commitment to sharing evidence-based information with curiosity, compassion, and an open mind.

Dogs are communicating with us every day—but are we listening?

In this episode of The Recall Room, we explore the fascinating world of canine body language and discover why behavior is so much more than barking, growling, or wagging tails. From subtle shifts in posture to changes in facial expression, you’ll learn how dogs communicate their emotions long before their behavior escalates.

Together, we’ll discuss:

• Why body language should always be read in context—not as isolated signals.
• The emotional journey that often leads to behavior.
• The “ladder of communication” and the subtle ways dogs ask for space before they ever feel the need to bark, growl, or bite.
• How to recognize your own dog’s unique communication style and become a more thoughtful observer.

Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy, living with an adult dog, or sharing your home with a senior companion, understanding body language can strengthen trust, improve training, and deepen your relationship in ways you may never have imagined.

Because when we stop asking, “How do I stop this behavior?” and start asking, “What is my dog trying to tell me?” everything begins to change.

Join me as we learn to see the conversations our dogs have been having with us all along.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

References & Further Reading

This episode was informed by current research and evidence-based practices in canine behavior, learning, and communication, including the work of:

• Patricia B. McConnell, PhD – The Other End of the Leash
• Turid Rugaas – On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals
• Barbara Handelman – Canine Behavior: A Photo Illustrated Handbook
• Lili Chin – Doggie Language: A Dog Lover’s Guide to Understanding Your Best Friend
• Karen B. London, PhD
• Eileen Anderson – Canine Enrichment for the Real World (body language and behavior observations)
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) Position Statements
• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) educational resources
• Fear Free® educational resources on canine stress signals and low-stress handling

As always, this episode is intended for educational purposes and reflects current evidence-based understanding of canine behavior. Every dog is an individual, and behavior should always be interpreted within the context of the dog’s environment, health, and learning history.

Grief doesn’t end when we understand it.

It begins with learning how to live through it.

In Part Two of this conversation, we explore how dogs experience our grief, practical ways to support a dog after losing a companion, and the remarkable lessons dogs teach us about love, memory, and moving forward.

Whether you’re helping a grieving dog, grieving yourself, or simply wanting to better understand the bond we share, this episode offers compassionate, evidence-based insights into one of the deepest connections we have with our dogs.

Sometimes the greatest comfort isn’t having all the answers.

It’s knowing we don’t have to grieve alone.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

References & Further Reading

• The Emotional Lives of Animals by Marc Bekoff
• How Animals Grieve by Barbara J. King
• Barbara J. King’s articles and interviews on animal grief
• Research by the Dog Aging Project on behavioral changes in dogs
• The Mourning Dog Questionnaire study by Morris Animal Foundation researchers (2022), which surveyed thousands of owners about dogs’ behavior after the death of a companion animal
• Work from the Center for the Human-Animal Bond on the human–animal relationship

What happens when a dog loses someone they love?

Whether it’s the death of a human family member, the loss of another pet, or a major change in the home, many dogs seem different afterward. They may eat less, sleep more, search familiar places, or simply become quieter than before.

But are they actually grieving?

In this episode of The Recall Room, we explore what science can—and can’t—tell us about grief in dogs. We’ll look at the research behind behavioral changes after loss, the emotional lives of dogs, and why this question is more complex than it first appears.

Because understanding grief isn’t just about knowing what dogs feel.

It’s about learning how deeply our lives become intertwined with theirs.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

References & Further Reading

• The Emotional Lives of Animals by Marc Bekoff
• How Animals Grieve by Barbara J. King
• Barbara J. King’s articles and interviews on animal grief
• Research by the Dog Aging Project on behavioral changes in dogs
• The Mourning Dog Questionnaire study by Morris Animal Foundation researchers (2022), which surveyed thousands of owners about dogs’ behavior after the death of a companion animal
• Work from the Center for the Human-Animal Bond on the human–animal relationship

Why does your dog stare at you while they’re pooping? Spin in circles before lying down? Eat grass, steal socks, kick dirt after going to the bathroom, or suddenly sprint around the house like they’ve completely lost their mind?

As strange as these behaviors may seem, most aren’t random at all.

In this episode of The Recall Room, we explore the science and instincts behind some of the most common—and most puzzling—things dogs do. You’ll learn how evolution, communication, body language, and individual personality shape the behaviors we see every day, along with how to recognize the difference between harmless quirks and behaviors that may warrant a closer look.

Whether you’ve laughed at your dog’s zoomies, wondered why they sniff every inch of a walk, or questioned why they insist on making eye contact during bathroom breaks, this episode will help you see those moments from your dog’s perspective.

In this episode, you’ll learn things like:

• Why dogs spin before lying down or circle before going to the bathroom

• The truth about eating grass

• Why dogs sniff everything on walks

• What zoomies, head tilts, play sneezes, and other “weird” behaviors are actually communicating

• Why dogs roll in foul smells, steal socks, and stare while they poop

Sometimes the strangest behaviors have the simplest explanations—and sometimes they remind us just how remarkable dogs really are.

Because once you stop asking, “Why is my dog being weird?” and start asking, “What is my dog trying to tell me?” everything begins to make a little more sense.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

References & Further Reading

• Horowitz, Alexandra. Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know. Scribner.

• McConnell, Patricia B. The Other End of the Leash. Ballantine Books.

• Overall, Karen L. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.

• Yin, Sophia. Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs & Cats. CattleDog Publishing.

• Bekoff, Marc. The Emotional Lives of Animals. New World Library.

• Coppinger, Raymond & Lorna Coppinger. Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior & Evolution. Scribner.

• Hart, B. L. (1985). The Behavior of Domestic Animals. W.H. Freeman.

• Miklósi, Ádám. Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition. Oxford University Press.

• Coren, Stanley. Research and publications on canine cognition, sensory perception, and behavior.

• Hecht, Julie. Research on canine behavior and cognition.

• Hart, V., et al. (2013). “Dogs are sensitive to small variations of the Earth’s magnetic field.” Frontiers in Zoology.

As always, every dog is an individual. If behavioral concerns persist after medical causes have been ruled out, seek guidance from a qualified, evidence-based behavior professional.

Welcome back to Part Two of our conversation about senior dogs.

In Part One, we talked about what happens as our dogs age and some of the changes we might notice along the way.

Now we’re getting into the practical side:

How do we actually help our dogs through this stage of life?

In this episode, we’re talking about the ways we can adapt our care as our dogs’ needs change — from supporting mobility and managing pain to making changes around the house, thinking about nutrition, keeping their minds engaged, and paying attention to changes in behavior or cognitive function.

We’ll also talk about something that can be surprisingly difficult for dog owners: knowing when a change is simply part of aging and when it’s time to call the veterinarian.

Because senior dogs often don’t need us to completely change their lives.

They need us to make their lives a little easier.

A softer place to sleep. A safer way to get around the house. A slightly different exercise routine. More patience. More observation. And sometimes, a little more help from their veterinary team.

And perhaps most importantly, we’ll talk about quality of life.

Our dogs don’t get to stay young forever. But that doesn’t mean their senior years can’t be full of comfort, enrichment, connection, and really good days.

So let’s talk about how we can help make those years as good as they possibly can be.

Let’s hop into the Room.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

References & Further Reading

This episode was informed by current veterinary research and evidence-based guidance on healthy aging, senior wellness, canine cognition, pain recognition, and quality of life.

• Epstein, M.E., et al. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 2023.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Senior Pets educational resources.
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – Riney Canine Health Center. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and Healthy Aging in Dogs.
• American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Educational resources on canine osteoarthritis, mobility, and pain management.
• Overall, K.L. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.
• Bender, A., & Strong, E. Canine Enrichment for the Real World. Dogwise Publishing, 2019.
• Landsberg, G.M., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat.Elsevier.

As always, this episode is intended for educational purposes and should not replace advice from your veterinarian. If your dog is showing sudden changes in mobility, behavior, appetite, cognition, or overall health, consult your veterinary team for an individualized assessment.

Senior dogs have a way of making us slow down.

They may not move quite as quickly as they used to. Their routines can change. They might sleep more, play differently, or develop little quirks that weren’t there a few years ago. And sometimes, it can be hard to know what’s simply a normal part of getting older — and what might be a sign that something else is going on.

In Part One of our conversation about senior dogs, we’re taking a closer look at what actually happens as dogs age.

We’ll talk about when a dog is considered a senior, how aging can look different depending on the individual dog, and some of the physical, behavioral, and cognitive changes we may notice as our dogs move into their later years.

Most importantly, we’ll talk about why “they’re just getting old” isn’t always the best explanation.

Aging is a normal part of life, but old age itself isn’t a disease. Understanding what’s normal — and knowing what changes deserve a closer look — can help us become better advocates for our dogs as they age.

And this is only Part One.

In Part Two, we’ll shift from understanding the changes to talking about what we can actually do to support our senior dogs and help them stay comfortable, engaged, and happy.

Because getting older doesn’t mean the good years are behind them.

Sometimes, it just means we have to learn how to experience those years a little differently.

Welcome to The Recall Room.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

References & Further Reading

This episode was informed by current veterinary research and evidence-based guidance on healthy aging, senior wellness, canine cognition, pain recognition, and quality of life.

• Epstein, M.E., et al. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 2023.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Senior Pets educational resources.
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – Riney Canine Health Center. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and Healthy Aging in Dogs.
• American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Educational resources on canine osteoarthritis, mobility, and pain management.
• Overall, K.L. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.
• Bender, A., & Strong, E. Canine Enrichment for the Real World. Dogwise Publishing, 2019.
• Landsberg, G.M., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat.Elsevier.

As always, this episode is intended for educational purposes and should not replace advice from your veterinarian. If your dog is showing sudden changes in mobility, behavior, appetite, cognition, or overall health, consult your veterinary team for an individualized assessment.

This is Part 3 of our Dog Development series, exploring how dogs grow physically, emotionally, socially, and behaviorally throughout their lives—and how understanding each stage can help us better understand the dogs beside us.

In this episode of The Recall Room, we explore the often-overlooked adult years and how dogs continue to learn, why routines and predictability matter, and why training is never really “finished.” Adult dogs might not come with the chaos of puppyhood or the emotional roller coaster of adolescence—but that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped growing.

We’ll also look at the subtle ways adult dogs learn to read our habits, communicate with us, and settle into the partnership that can become one of the richest parts of life together.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

Resources, References & Further Reading

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). 2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines.
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). Humane Dog Training Position Statement.
• Bensky, M. K., Gosling, S. D., & Sinn, D. L. (2013). The World from a Dog’s Point of View: A Review and Synthesis of Dog Cognition Research. Advances in the Study of Behavior, 45, 209–406.
• Duranton, C., & Horowitz, A. (2019). Let Me Sniff! Nosework Induces Positive Judgment Bias in Pet Dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 211, 61–66.
• Miklósi, Á. (2015). Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Horowitz, A. (2016). Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell. Scribner.
• Bradshaw, J. (2011). Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet. Basic Books.

One day they were eager to learn, happy to check in with you, and seemed to hang on your every word. Then suddenly they’re ignoring cues, pulling on the leash, chewing everything in sight, and acting like they’ve never heard their name before.

In this Part 2 of our Dog Development series here on The Recall Room, we explore the fascinating world of canine adolescence. You’ll learn what’s happening inside your dog’s developing brain, why behavior often seems to fall apart during the teenage months, and how normal developmental changes can influence everything from recall and impulse control to fear, independence, and curiosity.

This episode is sure to help you see your dog through a new lens—and remind you that the challenging teenage months are just one chapter in the journey toward adulthood.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

Resources & References

This episode was informed by research and the work of leading experts in canine behavior, cognition, welfare, and learning, including:

• Dr. Patricia McConnell — The Other End of the Leash; For the Love of a Dog

• Dr. Alexandra Horowitz — Inside of a Dog; Being a Dog

• Dr. Zazie Todd — Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy

• Dr. Karen Overall — Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals

• Dr. Ian Dunbar — Puppy development and adolescent behavior resources

• Dr. Kathy Sdao — Learning theory and positive reinforcement

• Jean Donaldson — The Culture Clash

• Dr. Daniel Mills — Canine behavior and welfare research

• Dr. Clive Wynne — Dog Is Love

• Dr. Brian Hare — The Genius of Dogs

In Part 1 of The Recall Room’s Dog Development series, we’re discussing puppies. In future episodes, we’ll learn about adolescence, adulthood, senior dogs, and grief.

Puppies are adorable, chaotic, exhausting - and developing faster than we sometimes realize.

In this episode of The Recall Room, we’re kicking taking a closer look at what’s actually happening during puppyhood. From critical socialization periods and rapidly developing brains to biting, chewing, fear, and those seemingly endless bursts of energy. We’ll explore the science behind some of the behaviors that can make raising a puppy both fascinating and overwhelming.

We’ll also talk about what puppies really need from us during this stage, why socialization is about much more than meeting lots of people and dogs, and how the experiences we create now can influence the adults they become.

Whether you’re currently surviving the puppy stage, preparing to bring one home, or simply want to better understand how dogs develop, this episode is a reminder that puppy behavior isn’t just something to “get through” - it’s communication from a brain that’s still figuring out the world.

Because when we understand what’s happening underneath the behavior, we can respond with a little more patience, a little more intention, and a lot more curiosity.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

Resources, References & Further Reading

This episode was informed by current research and the work of leading experts in puppy development, canine behavior, learning, and socialization, including:

• Dr. Patricia McConnell – The Puppy Primer, The Other End of the Leash, and For the Love of a Dog

• Dr. Ian Dunbar – Early puppy development, bite inhibition, and socialization

• Dr. Sophia Yin – Resources on puppy socialization, canine body language, and low-stress handling

• Dr. Karen Pryor – Don’t Shoot the Dog! and foundational work in learning theory and positive reinforcement

• Dr. Bonnie V. Beaver – Canine Behavior: Insights and Answers

• Dr. James Serpell – The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People

• The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), including the Position Statement on Puppy Socialization

• The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB)

• Fear Free® – Educational resources on reducing fear, anxiety, and stress during early puppy development

The Recall Room is an educational podcast designed to help dog owners better understand canine behavior through current behavioral science and positive, evidence-based practices. The information shared in this episode is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized veterinary or behavioral advice.

Have you ever wondered why one dog trainer tells you to reward a behavior, while another recommends correcting it? Why do training philosophies seem to conflict so dramatically?

The answer lies in history.

In this episode of The Recall Room, we’re taking a journey through more than a century of dog training—from early military and working dog methods to the scientific discoveries of Ivan Pavlov and B.F. Skinner, the rise of the Koehler Method, clicker training, force-free training, balanced training, LIMA, and today’s evidence-based approaches.

Rather than debating which method is “right,” we’ll explore how each philosophy developed, the people who shaped them, and how our understanding of dogs has evolved over time.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a better understanding of why trainers sometimes disagree, how modern training philosophies came to be, and how to thoughtfully evaluate the advice you encounter as a dog owner.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

Resources, References & Further Reading

• Konrad Most. Training Dogs: A Manual (originally published in German in 1910; English translation, 1954)
• Ivan P. Pavlov. Conditioned Reflexes (1927)
• B. F. Skinner. The Behavior of Organisms (1938)
• William R. Koehler. The Koehler Method of Dog Training (1962)
• Karen Pryor. Don’t Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training (1984)
• Ian Dunbar. Before & After Getting Your Puppy (multiple editions)
• Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) – LIMA position statements and ethics
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) – Position statements on training and socialization

Note: This episode examines the historical development of dog training philosophies. Discussing a training method or historical figure should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any particular approach.

If dogs could sit down for a conversation, what would they want us to know?

In this episode of The Recall Room, we’re stepping into a dog’s paws to explore the world from their perspective. From how they communicate and learn to why they sometimes make choices we don’t understand. We’ll uncover the truths that help build stronger relationships, reduce frustration, and create happier lives on both ends of the leash.

Needless to say, this is the first of many episodes that could change the way you see your best friend.

—————

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

—————

Resources, References & Further Reading

• Dr. Patricia McConnell – The Other End of the Leash and For the Love of a Dog

• Dr. Alexandra Horowitz – Inside of a Dog and Being a Dog

• Dr. Brian Hare – The Genius of Dogs

• Dr. Zazie Todd – Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy

• Dr. Sophia Yin – Resources on canine body language and low-stress handling

• The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)

• The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB)

Note: The Recall Room is an educational podcast designed to help dog owners better understand canine behavior through current behavioral science and positive, evidence-based practices.

What if understanding your dog wasn’t about finding the perfect training method—but about learning how dogs actually think?

Welcome to The Recall Room, a podcast where science meets story to explore the minds, emotions, and behavior of our canine companions.

Whether you’re a lifelong dog lover, a trainer, or someone simply trying to better understand the dog sharing your life, each episode takes a deeper look at the research behind canine behavior while separating evidence from myth.

In this introductory episode, you’ll learn what The Recall Room is all about, why this podcast exists, and what you can expect in the episodes ahead. We’ll soon explore why dog training has become so divided, why understanding behavior matters more than memorizing techniques, and why curiosity—not certainty—is often the best place to begin.

If you’ve ever wondered why dogs do what they do, you’re in the right place, and it all starts here.

Welcome to The Recall Room.

Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

http://www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail