Dog Mom Self-Care: Why taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do for your dog
When the world feels heavy — or your dog’s health or behavior challenges have you running on empty — how do you find your calm again?
This episode is your reminder that your dog doesn’t need you to be perfect; they need you to be present.
We’re rethinking self-care as something deeper than bubble baths and timeouts — it’s an energetic reset that helps both you and your dog feel more grounded and connected. In this episode, we’ll learn simple, free exercises to do right now — no equipment or experience needed.
Raechel Winters shares why self-care is essential for dog moms and walks us through a powerful yoga breathing technique you can do anywhere, anytime. (19:21)
Neurosomatic intelligence practitioner Sofia Ejaz explains the mind-body connection with two easy nervous system exercises (you’ll just need a cloth and a straw) (36:30).
Writer and breathwork guide Katya Lidsky opens up about her unexpected lessons from dogs and breathwork — and guides us through an exercise we can do alongside our dogs (1:14:25).
Whether it’s the chaos of the world or the stress of caring for your dog, this episode will leave you feeling more grounded, present and deeply connected — to yourself and your animals.
Find links & show notes at:
https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode132
Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)
Support this podcast with a review: on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.
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Grey Muzzles & Golden Years: Supporting Senior Dogs Every Step of the Way with Helen St. Pierre
What if “senior” didn’t mean the end—but the beginning of a whole new chapter with your dog?
Today we’re joined by Helen St. Pierre, dog trainer and founder of Old Dogs Go to Helen Rescue. What started as a way to help dogs get adopted through training turned into a lifelong passion for giving senior dogs the love, dignity and care they deserve.
Helen reminds us that senior does not mean the end — our older dogs can still live full, joyful lives (and yes, even learn new tricks!). We talk about how to recognize important senior dog behavior changes, shifts in tolerance toward children or other dogs, and physical signs that tell us it’s time to adjust care.
Helen also shares practical, compassionate tips for making home adjustments for senior dogs—from mobility support to creating safer spaces—so our pets stay comfortable as they age. And when it’s time to face difficult decisions, Helen walks us through her three-pronged quality of life scale and what she calls “quality of death,” helping us advocate for our dog at the vet office and approach medical decisions with clarity and love.
Whether you share your life with a senior dog now or want to be ready for the golden years ahead, Helen’s guidance will help ensure your dog ages gracefully.
Find links & show notes at:
https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode131
Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)
Support this podcast with a review: on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.
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Second Chances: How Shelter Dogs Bring Redemption and Hope to Incarcerated Youth
What happens when one woman believes so deeply in the power of dogs to change lives that she builds a program to prove it — and keeps it alive even after the state stops funding it?
Content Note: In this episode, there are mentions of child abuse and neglect and a juvenile case involving murder and the death of a dog. These topics are discussed only in passing, but we recognize they may be sensitive for some listeners.
In this episode, we’ll meet Joan Dalton, author of the book Second Chances: The Transformative Relationship Between Incarcerated Youth and Shelter Dogs. Joan is the founder of Project POOCH, a program pairing teens in juvenile detention with shelter dogs. What started as an idea grew into a transformative program that not only rehabilitates dogs in need of homes but also teaches young people the skills and compassion they need to heal and move forward.
Joan & I discuss how the program began, the life-changing impacts she’s witnessed and the resilience it took to keep the program going when funding was pulled. From trauma to trust, you'll hear how Project POOCH creates powerful paths to healing, empathy and redemption — for both humans and animals.
Juvenile justice is something we should all care about, because these youths will return to society as adults. We have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to help them grow into contributing members of society. When we give people and animals the tools to heal, the results can transform lives and communities.
Find links & show notes at:
https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode130
Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)
Support this podcast with a review: on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.
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Why we should all care about BSL: A Pit Bull Advocacy Story with Cait Conroy and Ilona Price of PG Pet Unity Project
What would you do if buying your dream home meant giving up your dog?
In 2018, Cait Conroy and her husband were forced to confront Prince George’s County, Maryland’s decades-old “pit bull” breed ban when it threatened their beloved Poptart. That experience sparked Cait’s ongoing advocacy — not just for her own dog, but for all dogs and pet parents impacted by this harmful law.
In this episode, Cait and Ilona from the PG Pet Unity Project share the shocking history of why “pit bull” dogs were banned in PG County in the 1990s — and the deeper consequences this law has had on families, the animal welfare system and the dogs. From wasted taxpayer dollars to ineffective public safety outcomes, we dig into why breed-specific legislation fails families, communities and dogs.
But there’s hope: we’ll talk about recently proposed Pit Bull Pilot Program, why momentum is growing to finally overturn the BSL now, and what it would mean for Maryland to leave this discriminatory policy behind.
Find links & show notes at:
https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode129
Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)
Support this podcast with a review: on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.
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Scent Work for Dogs: How to Start, Why it Matters & Easy Games to Try with Dianna Santos of Scent Work University
Has your dog played the sniffy game yet today?
Today we’re joined by Dianna Santos, founder of Scent Work University, to explore one of the most powerful — and fun — activities you can do with your dog: scent work. Whether you’ve heard it called nose work or scent work, this enriching game taps into your dog’s natural superpower — their incredible sense of smell.
We’ll dive into why scent work is especially beneficial for reactive and fearful dogs, including how it has helped my own nervous senior guy. Dianna explains how scent work provides the kind of mental stimulation that can actually tire dogs out faster than physical exercise, making it a great option for any lifestyle.
You’ll also learn simple ways to get started at home with easy games, plus tips for introducing scent work to puppies, seniors, and even dogs with special needs.
Whether you’re curious about enriching your dog’s daily life, looking for ways to support a reactive pup, or simply want a fun new activity to strengthen your bond, this episode will show you how scent work can transform your relationship with your dog — and why it’s the most important game you’re not playing yet.
Find links, show notes & your FREE PDF Scent Work Game at:
https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode128
Did you get the Pet Parent "Gut Check" yet? Get your Free Checklist: 12 Changes in Your Dog to Never Ignore (even if they seem small)
Support this podcast with a review: on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser.
Are you looking for deep dive conversations into topics like dog training & behavior issues, the best health & nutrition options for your dog or an honest look at rescues, shelters & the animal welfare world?
Join Erin for candid discussions sharing wisdom that will help you navigate the challenges of pet parenthood, celebrate the amazing times and discover everything that Dog Moms & Dog Dads should know.
Erin believes that dogs can be healers, teachers and inspirations in our lives. Say hi to your dog for me!
New Zealand