Some dogs heel like pros. Others add a little spin, a little sass, or a perfectly timed “woo” for dramatic effect.

This episode is a celebration of the weird ones—the quirky behaviors, the joyful chaos, the little things our dogs do that make us laugh, soften, and stay present. From Eden’s extra flair in obedience class to a viral Boxer recall that stole the show, we’re diving into the beauty of imperfection and the gift of authenticity.

Because whether it’s a puppy who flops instead of sits or a crate nap that looks like a crime scene, these oddball moments are often the ones that connect us most deeply—to our dogs and to each other.

So here’s your reminder: let them be weird. Let yourself be weird. Because the best lessons aren’t always tidy—and the most joyful ones rarely are.Some dogs heel like pros. Others add a little spin, a little sass, or a perfectly timed “woo” for dramatic effect.

This episode is a celebration of the weird ones—the quirky behaviors, the joyful chaos, the little things our dogs do that make us laugh, soften, and stay present. From Eden’s extra flair in obedience class to a viral Boxer recall that stole the show, we’re diving into the beauty of imperfection and the gift of authenticity.

Because whether it’s a puppy who flops instead of sits or a crate nap that looks like a crime scene, these oddball moments are often the ones that connect us most deeply—to our dogs and to each other.

So here’s your reminder: let them be weird. Let yourself be weird. Because the best lessons aren’t always tidy—and the most joyful ones rarely are.

“Your dog’s just feeding off your energy.”

It’s a phrase we hear all the time. But what if blaming the handler is more deflection than diagnosis?

In this episode, we’re digging into the moments when well-meaning advice turns into unhelpful blame—and how that narrative can actually get in the way of real progress. You’ll hear the story of Ollie, a reactive dog whose human was told she wasn’t doing enough—until a new approach shifted everything. We’ll explore what can happen when we stop pointing fingers and start creating clarity, and why real success is about more than just corrections and control.

Because sometimes, it’s not about trying harder.

It’s about finding a system that actually works—for both ends of the leash.

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Want more? Join Kari on Substack at lifelessonsfromdog.substack.com or follow along on TikTok and Blue Sky @lifelessonsfromdog.

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In this episode, we’re talking about something I see every day in training—and feel just as deeply in life: the slow, steady process of real change.

Because behavior change? It’s not a one-and-done. It’s a long game. One that requires repetition, consistency, and grace—especially when it feels like we’re backsliding. And the same is true for healing.

From dogs learning to generalize new behaviors to those quiet moments when grief sneaks back in, I’m exploring what it really means to stay with the work. Even when it’s slow. Even when it’s hard. Even when it feels like nothing is happening.

Because the real work begins after the breakthrough.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why things aren’t sticking—or feeling like you should be further along—this one’s for you.

Most dog trainers are taught to follow the formula. Obedience solves everything. Stick to the system. Don’t question what works.

But what happens when a dog doesn’t fit the mold—and neither do you?

In this episode, I’m sharing the story of Kirie, a rescue who shattered every training protocol I thought I was supposed to follow. Her case forced me to abandon conventional methods and trust my gut—ultimately leading to the development of my e-collar method and a new way of working with dogs that honors individuality, not rigidity.

We’ll talk about what it means to break the mold, why intuition matters just as much as education, and how doing things your own way—even when it goes against “what you’re supposed to do”—can lead to the most meaningful results.

If you’ve ever felt like the traditional path just isn’t working for you—or your dog—this one’s for you.

We talk a lot about how dogs love us. But what if one of their greatest gifts isn’t just how they love—but how they receive love?

In this episode of Life Lessons from Dog, Kari shares a personal conversation that sparked a deeper reflection on what it means to let love in—especially when it feels unfamiliar. From a quiet moment on the couch with her Malamute, Eden, to the stories we carry about worthiness, productivity, and self-protection, this episode explores the vulnerability of being loved exactly as you are.

If you’ve ever struggled to soften into love, to trust it without questioning, or to receive care without feeling like you have to earn it—this one’s for you.

Topics include:

• Why receiving love can feel more vulnerable than giving it

• The connection between worthiness and overthinking

• What dogs model for us about presence and trust

• A story about Eden’s quiet companionship that changed everything

Tune in for a heartfelt reminder that you don’t have to be perfect to be loved—and that maybe, just maybe, it’s time to let the love in.

Why do we assume a fearful dog must have been abused? Or that a reactive dog is simply “too much to handle”? In this episode of Life Lessons from Dog, Kari Solberg unpacks the quiet power of the stories we tell—about our dogs, and about ourselves.

Through personal reflection and real-world training experience, Kari explores how narratives shape behavior, influence expectations, and often hold both people and dogs back from real growth. You’ll hear about Bianca and her puppies, and how even the most ideal upbringing doesn’t always override genetic wiring. You’ll also hear how the assumptions we carry—about trauma, identity, or ability—can quietly shape our choices, our relationships, and our progress.

Whether you’re navigating reactivity in your dog or bumping up against an old belief in yourself, this episode invites you to pause and ask: is this story helping… or holding me back?

Because sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs start with changing the story.

Play isn’t just for puppies—and it’s not something we’re meant to grow out of. In this episode of Life Lessons from Dog, Kari explores the essential role of play in both dog training and daily life. Drawing from years of experience with dogs who had forgotten how to engage socially, Kari shares how structured play brought balance, confidence, and joy back into their lives—and how a recent life transition revealed just how much she needed that same medicine, too.

You’ll hear stories of transformation from dogs like Archie and Ollie, reflections on what burnout can teach us about the absence of play, and a gentle invitation to reclaim the moments of silliness, curiosity, and connection that help us feel alive.

If you’ve been stuck in the grind or feeling disconnected from joy, this episode is your reminder: play isn’t frivolous. It’s healing. And it might be the very thing you didn’t know you were missing.Play isn’t just for puppies—and it’s not something we’re meant to grow out of. In this episode of Life Lessons from Dog, Kari explores the essential role of play in both dog training and daily life. Drawing from years of experience with dogs who had forgotten how to engage socially, Kari shares how structured play brought balance, confidence, and joy back into their lives—and how a recent life transition revealed just how much she needed that same medicine, too.

You’ll hear stories of transformation from dogs like Archie and Ollie, reflections on what burnout can teach us about the absence of play, and a gentle invitation to reclaim the moments of silliness, curiosity, and connection that help us feel alive.

If you’ve been stuck in the grind or feeling disconnected from joy, this episode is your reminder: play isn’t frivolous. It’s healing. And it might be the very thing you didn’t know you were missing.

In this episode of Life Lessons from Dog, host Kari Solberg delves into the concept of finding joy in everyday moments, drawing inspiration from her Alaskan Malamute, Eden. Kari shares heartfelt stories, including a memorable obedience trial that turned into an unexpected lesson in joy and presence. She reflects on how dogs like Eden embrace each moment with enthusiasm, teaching us to find happiness not in perfection, but in the simple, unplanned experiences of daily life. Tune in to discover how embracing joy as a practice can enrich your life and strengthen your bonds with those around you.