Episodes

  • Canine Master - Episode 28 Off the Leash, On the Level: How to Train for Trust & Safety

    Canine Master - Episode 28 Off the Leash, On the Level: How to Train for Trust & Safety
    May 20 2025
    When and how can I let my dog off-leash? Every pet owner would love the luxury of having a dog who is reliable off leash. The truth is it is always a calculated risk to do so. Chris and Jaimee discuss how to give your dog the best chance of being safe and predictable off leash. It requires establishing the right relationship and building the skills and teaching the commands that will lead to success. We also discuss the importance of knowing and following local leash laws and what to do if an off-leash dog approaches you in an unwanted way. Always prioritize safety and be aware of the potential risks, starting with controlled environments and building up to more challenging situations as your dog's training and recall become more reliable.

    EPISODE NOTES: Off the Leash, On the Level: How to Train for Trust & Safety
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    28 mins
  • Canine Master - Episode 27 Mastering the Walk: How to Prevent Leash Meltdowns

    Canine Master - Episode 27 Mastering the Walk: How to Prevent Leash Meltdowns
    May 5 2025
    On this episode of Canine Master, host Chris Onthank teams up with Jaimee Kelsey, Director of Training at Dog Gone Smart, to tackle one of the most common behavior challenges dog owners face: leash reactivity. Why does your dog act like a totally different animal the second you clip on the leash? Chris and Jamie explain the “fight or flight” dilemma, how body language can be misinterpreted on walks, and what you can do to prevent aggressive or fearful leash behavior. Plus, they break down the best tools for walking your dog—why retractable leashes might be a no-go, and which harnesses and leads get two paws up. If you’ve ever wondered why your sweet pup turns into Cujo on a leash, this episode is for you!

    EPISODE NOTES: Mastering the Walk: How to Prevent Leash Meltdowns
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    31 mins
  • Canine Master - Episode 26 Traveling With Your Pet

    Canine Master - Episode 26 Traveling With Your Pet
    Jul 10 2022
    If you have ever taken a pet with you on a plane, then you have Gayle Martz to thank. Gayle is the creator of the SHERPA BAG for all the different modes of pet travel. Her mission is to change, improve and enrich the travel experience for people and their pets. The love we all share for animals is universal. For some, traveling is difficult. Traveling with a pet becomes an even more difficult situation. Join Chris and Gayle as they discuss how to best travel with your pet providing tips on the importance of planning ahead and how to prepare your pet for his journey.

    EPISODE NOTES: Traveling With Your Pet
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    31 mins
  • Canine Master - Episode 25 Piglet – The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind Pink Puppy and His Family

    Canine Master - Episode 25 Piglet – The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind Pink Puppy and His Family
    Mar 14 2022
    Today’s featured guest is Connecticut veterinarian Dr. Melissa Shapiro. Tune in to hear the story of how she got a a call about a tiny deaf blind puppy rescued from a hoarding situation in need of fostering. She didn’t hesitate to say, “yes.” Little did she know how that decision would transform her, her family, and legions of admirers destined to embrace.

    One of the most anxious dogs Melissa had ever encountered, the traumatized Piglet weighed under two pounds upon his welcome into the Shapiro household—which included Melissa’s husband Warren and their three college-aged kids, plus six other rescued dogs. After months of reassurance, and lots of love, Piglet connected, gained confidence, and his extraordinary spirit emerged. Melissa soon forged a powerful bond with Piglet, allowing the two to communicate without sound or visual cues.

    EPISODE NOTES: Piglet – The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind Pink Puppy and His Family
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    47 mins
  • Canine Master - Episode 24 One Dog, Two Dogs, Three Dogs or More? What To Consider When Adding Multiple Dogs To Your Family

    Canine Master - Episode 24 One Dog, Two Dogs, Three Dogs or More? What To Consider When Adding Multiple Dogs To Your Family
    Feb 16 2022
    We all know that dogs are great. There is almost nothing like the love, loyalty and joy that comes with canine companionship. What is better than a dog? How about two dogs? Or three dogs? What about more dogs? At some point every pet parent begins to ask themselves that most important of questions… Should I get another dog?

    That is the topic of today’s show. And don’t believe for one second that there is only one right answer. Like many questions when it comes to pet parenting, it all depends. On you. On your home. On your family. On the dogs. Join Canine Master Chris Onthank and Jaimee Kelsey, the Director of Training at Chris’ canine center Dog Gone Smart as they discuss the pros and cons of what to consider when making this decision.

    EPISODE NOTES: One Dog, Two Dogs, Three Dogs or More? What To Consider When Adding Multiple Dogs To Your Family
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    30 mins
  • Canine Master - Episode 23 Mastering The Dog Urine Marking Behavior

    Canine Master - Episode 23 Mastering The Dog Urine Marking Behavior
    Oct 29 2020
    Join Chris as he discusses a destructive and misunderstood canine behavior that has left its mark on households around the world since the first dogs became domesticated... The Canine Master and Jaimee are discussing marking behavior in dogs.

    Listen in as they talk about the instinctual why and - most importantly - the how to control this troublesome and off-putting behavior. Chris goes in-depth on the Canine Master methodology that he developed and offers personal insight into its background and how it can help. Tune in for a master class on marking behavior that will change the relationship you have with your dog.

    EPISODE NOTES: Mastering The Dog Urine Marking Behavior
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    30 mins
  • Canine Master - Episode 22 Integrative Veterinarian Medicine And Its Benefits To The Wellness Of Our Companion Animals With Dr. Marty Goldstein

    Canine Master - Episode 22 Integrative Veterinarian Medicine And Its Benefits To The Wellness Of Our Companion Animals With Dr. Marty Goldstein
    Jul 14 2020
    Join Chris as he takes you behind the scenes of the new documentary, "The Dog Doc". We’ll talk with Dr. Marty Goldstein of the Smith Ridge Veterinary Center to explore holistic animal care and the impact it can have on pets and their owners. Find out why we’ve seen an increase in cancer diagnoses in our animals and the importance of boosting the immune system. This enlightening conversation bridges traditional medicine and alternative medicine in a sensible way you will be sure to find fascinating. Could this be the future of animal care?

    EPISODE NOTES: Integrative Veterinarian Medicine And Its Benefits To The Wellness Of Our Companion Animals With Dr. Marty Goldstein
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    34 mins
  • Canine Master - Episode 21 Sheepdogs In Ireland

    Canine Master - Episode 21 Sheepdogs In Ireland
    Aug 13 2019
    While on vacation in Ireland with his family, Chris is joined by landowner John Davoren of County Clare in the southwest of Ireland. Since the age of 16, John has been training dogs to work with both sheep and cattle on his farm. The sheepdog is an integral part of farming culture and is of utmost value when trying to move or direct sheep and cattle across the vast rocky landscape. The use of a small number of well-understood directions enables the sheepdog to complete tasks in half the time it would take several people. This, along with the qualities of loyalty and hard work, make the sheepdog the very best pet a farming family could want. Tune in to this episode to better understand how and why these dogs are chosen, how they are trained and how John is trying to educate the public on the valuable work these dogs do.

    More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - Sheepdogs In Ireland on Pet Life Radio
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    22 mins