The Healing Power of Joy: A Conversation with Dr. Jeff Feinman
In this episode of Raising Happy Dogs, I sit down once again with holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Feinman, author of Path to Pet Wellness: The Holistic Vet’s Guide to Thriving Pets and Empowered Pet Parents. Together, we explore a new way of thinking about healing, seeing symptoms not as problems to fix, but as messages from the body and spirit.Dr. Feinman shares insights on BEAM (Behavior, Energy, Appetite, and Mood) and the Animal-Centered Treatments movement, which brings compassion and consciousness back to pet care.We also discuss Maya’s story, a fearful shelter puppy who found safety through joy, and introduce Jeff’s Micro-Engagement Plan: a simple two-week rhythm of short, joyful moments that help dogs build trust and resilience.Learn More about Holistic Actions Here: https://www.holisticactions.com/Pre-Order Path To Pet Wellness and Gain Access to the November 4th Fireside Chat Here: https://www.holisticactions.com/book/Book a Session with Me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/Check Out my Recommended Products: https://shopmy.us/shop/sarahhodgson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com
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Helping Your Dog Feel Safe When You’re Gone: Listener Questions + Roger’s Story
In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most common struggles dog parents face: separation anxiety. You sent in thoughtful, heartfelt questions, and I’m answering them all: when to consider medication, why some dogs panic only when one person leaves, whether getting another dog can help, and what kinds of pre-departure exercises truly make a difference.I’ll share practical ways to help your dog feel calm and safe when you walk out the door, as well as how to shift from control to connection when anxiety takes over.Then, at the end of the episode, I sit down with Roger’s mom (the dog from last week’s separation anxiety video) to talk about what it’s really like living with and loving a dog who struggles to be alone.This one’s all about empathy, understanding, and small steps toward peace for both you and your dog.Follow My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogsSign Up for Training With Me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com
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Separation Anxiety vs Early Separation Stress: How to Reassure Your Puppy
When a young puppy cries out as you walk away, it’s not disobedience; it’s biology. Before its anxiety, it’s longing. In this episode, I explore what puppies really experience when left alone, how early stress differs from clinical separation anxiety, and simple ways to nurture confidence without over-comforting. Because when dogs feel safe in solitude, they don’t just stop crying, they start growing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com
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Why Is My Dog So Reactive? Part III: Car Reactivity, Nighttime Barking, and More Listener Questions
If your dog barks in the car, growls at visitors, or goes wild on walks, you’re not alone. In this listener Q&A, I address five real-world questions about reactivity, ranging from car meltdowns and nighttime barking to leash explosions and unexpected bites.You’ll learn how to recognize the emotions beneath the behavior, create safety through small daily shifts, and turn stressful moments into chances for trust and calm.Because when we stop reacting to our dogs and start listening with them, everything begins to change.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogsBook a session with me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com
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Why Is My Dog So Reactive? Part II: Turning Barking and Lunging Into Trust and Play
Sarah Hodgson continues her deep dive into reactivity with the remarkable story of Hannah and her boxer, Ranger. Once on the verge of being rehomed, Ranger barked, lunged, and snapped his way through daily life—until a few simple shifts changed everything.Sarah shares how reframing his behavior from “bad” to “burdened” unlocked a new path forward. Through structure, safety, and play, Ranger learned to relax, trust, and reconnect with his family. You’ll hear how setting boundaries, creating calm routines, and letting go of constant correction turned tension into teamwork.Whether your dog guards the window or pulls on every walk, this heartfelt episode shows that reactive dogs aren’t broken—they just need clarity, compassion, and a little help finding their calm.Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogs Book a session with me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com
Join author, dog trainer, and behavior expert Sarah Hodgson as she provides training advice, talks to other experts, and demystifies dog behavior one podcast at a time! raisinghappydogs.substack.com
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