Community Jessica Yergin Community Jessica Yergin

Surviving Hurricane Helene With a German Shorthaired Pointer

This week we sat down with Rebecca, the amazing human behind the popular and soulful dog account, @life.with,pickles, which is an eponymous tribute to her German Shorthaired Pointer, Pickles. Rebecca was one of our first followers when we launched TOC, and we are so thankful that she and Pickles are okay following Hurricane Helene, which impacted their home in North Carolina. We sat down with her to discuss how Pickles helped her during and following the storm, and before that, in the aftermath of a big move to North Carolina, and a broken foot and subsequent surgery. Keep reading for how you can help their community recover as well.

How are you and Pickles doing following Hurricane Helene?

I truly appreciate all the TOC family members who checked in on us. The storm was intense and unnerving for both of us. We stayed close together throughout the storm and the weeks after. But if you know Pickles, she’s never very far away! ;)

Can you tell us more about what happened to your house? How about your community?

Pickles and Rebecca stand overlooking the mountains and sunset from a road with a low rock wall that Pickles has her paws up on

Rebecca (above with Pickles), wrote on Instagram following Hurricane Helene, “After nine days at home without power or water or cell coverage, I left to go stay with a great friend. She spoiled us and provided a loving space to decompress. At that point, I was able to get online and see the extent of the devastation, but also the recovery efforts and community efforts. I was also able to receive all of the loving messages from friends, family, coworkers. It meant the world, and I continue to deeply appreciate messages checking in.”

Hurricane Helene broke 34 flood records, causing catastrophic flooding, landslides, and immense damage in the Appalachians, with some areas receiving up to 30 inches of rain. Many lives were lost, homes and businesses were destroyed, and entire towns were flooded, with ongoing search efforts for missing people and pets.

Fortunately, my house sustained only minor damage. We went 12 days without power, water, or cell service.  Large trees crashed down around us, but missed the house. The driveway took a hit but is fixable, and the road down the mountain was severely damaged until just yesterday. We cleared water from the house right away and treated it preventively for mold.

In the aftermath, communities came together to support rescue and recovery efforts. Neighbors shared food and supplies, while organizations and volunteers worked tirelessly to clear debris and help repair homes.

Did you notice anything about Pickles’ behavior during and following the storm?

We experienced intense storms the day before the hurricane, which heightened both our anxiety. Even going outside for her to relieve herself became unpleasant, and she tried to avoid it. The worst of it came overnight and in the early hours on Friday, when I worried about falling trees hitting the house. The cracking sounds, booming gusts, and debris hitting the metal roof were overwhelming. Pickles stayed very close to me, and I think we helped each other stay as calm as possible. She seemed a bit confused, but quickly adapted to life without lights at night. We skipped our usual walks and stayed close to home, spending our outside time fetching water from the creek for flushing, reading, cooking outside, and cleaning up debris. She did manage to expand her collection of sticks during this time!

You had an eventful year and moved to North Carolina relatively recently, took a new job and changed roles, and broke your foot and had surgery (with a long recovery), among many other twists and turns. How has Pickles been there for you through all of these changes?

I feel incredibly fortunate to have such a flexible, loving, and patient companion. I often apologized to Pickles, and she seemed to respond with a look that said, “We’re in this together. Would I like more fun? Yes. But I’ll be here to make you laugh and snuggle, too.”

How’s it been meeting Pickles’ needs during your recovery while prioritizing your own health?

It’s been a balancing act. During this time, especially during my recovery, I had to focus on a few things: 1. Ask for help. 2. Get creative. 3. Be forgiving to myself. 4. Try my best.

What’s your favorite thing about living with Pickles?

In another recent Instagram post that we absolutely adored, Rebecca wrote of Pickles, “The things she loves are exactly what my soul needs! Her happiness fills my heart, and I love her so much. When she’s happy, my spirit instantly lifts. Sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation to care for myself when I’m feeling low, but I can always rally for her. And every time I do, her joy brings me more happiness too. So here’s to catching sunsets together, squeezing in tug-of-war breaks between work calls, soaking up every moment of joy, and fully and unapologetically embracing fun whenever it appears!”

Pickles is a true delight, and the word that stands out most to me is “joy.” Her playful, goofy personality constantly makes me smile and laugh. She’s trusting and always up for anything—whether it’s a cozy snuggle, a fun brain game, or massive zoomies. She brings so much joy, gratitude, and energy into my life.

Tell us about one of the most interesting humans you’ve met through your dog account.

This is a tough question! Meeting Jess and Christie transformed my understanding of dog behavior. I was blown away by Alexis and baby Bunny in our first group course, and early friends like Leanne and Jude always made me smile with their stories about their large, picky eater. Learning from Amanda at Stone City Canine about compassionate care has been a highlight, and I even found a real-life close friend in Kristen and Kona. This community is amazing, and I’m so happy to be part of it.

What are you reading right now that’s not dog-related?

I always have several books on the go! Right now, I’m listening to Braiding Sweetgrass, which beautifully blends indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge about the relationship between humans and nature. I just finished Circe by Madeline Miller, a fantastic reimagining of Greek mythology focusing on a strong woman’s journey. I’m also enjoying Funny Story, which is delightful with its witty humor and engaging characters.

If someone in our community wants to get involved to help in the aftermath of the storm, do you have any resources that you can help point them to?

Thank you for asking! Donating money, resources, or time can make a huge difference. Monetary donations can directly support local organizations like BeLoved Asheville, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, and humane societies working on recovery efforts. There are also GoFundMe campaigns for local businesses and individuals facing serious challenges. Resource pages are available that outline organizations regularly sharing volunteer and donation needs. As winter approaches, many people still need basic essentials like generators, heaters, water filters, and propane stoves.

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Community Jessica Yergin Community Jessica Yergin

Behind the Scenes of Writing 'The Happiest Dog on the Block'

This week we sat down with Taylor Finton, the human behind the wildly popular dog enrichment community, @bindisbucketlist. Taylor is about to release her first book, The Happiest Dog on the Block: Canine Enrichment Activities to Keep Your Pet Young and Healthy. In our interview she told us all about the writing process, how she got so interested in enrichment, her favorite enrichment content in the book, how you can get started with enrichment for your dog and more!

Tell us about your new book.

My new book, The Happiest Dog on the Block, is a beginner's guide to canine enrichment. While the topic has gained some traction online, there’s still a significant number of dog owners who haven’t yet discovered the benefits of enrichment. I believe that more people should be aware of how much it enhances a dog’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being. That’s what inspired me to compile my knowledge from all of my platforms into one easy-to-access resource!

Taylor’s new book, The Happiest Dog on the Block, comes out November 12.

In the book, I explain the science behind enrichment in a way that’s approachable, even if you’re brand new to the concept. I also provide practical tips and strategies to implement enrichment activities at home, using items many people already have. If you’re an experienced enrichment enthusiast, you may know some of these tips and tricks already - nonetheless, I hope you’ll find fresh ideas or new perspectives!

If this book resonates with readers, I’m excited to dive deeper and create more advanced volumes for those who are ready to take their enrichment game to the next level.

What was the writing process like for you? 

It was honestly a whirlwind! The opportunity to write this book came while I was in the middle of planning my wedding. Balancing a full-time job, wedding preparations, honeymoon planning, content creation, freelance work, and still trying to maintain time for family, friends, and my dogs — it was definitely a challenge! Despite the hectic schedule, writing has always been something I enjoy and find rewarding. I loved having the chance to put everything I’ve learned about enrichment over the years into a structured format.

It’s funny because as stressful as it was, it didn’t feel overwhelming in a negative way. It felt like something that just needed to happen—a culmination of all my efforts and experiences living with dogs and as a creator. I’ve poured my heart into these topics for years, and it feels great to finally share them in one comprehensive resource.

What’s your favorite enrichment game or recipe in the new book? 

A snuffle mat (above) is an example of an enriching activity for your dog. Taylor tells TOC, “I believe that more people should be aware of how much [enrichment] enhances a dog’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being.”

It’s tough to pick just one! My dogs absolutely love the snuffle cinnamon buns—it’s a fun twist on a snuffle game using things that you likely already have at home. Aside from that, one of my favorite parts of the book is the chapter on creating a Sensory Yard. It’s surprisingly easy to set up, and it can have such a positive impact on a dog’s mental and emotional well-being (and our own!).

Tell us how you started BBL?

Bindi’s Bucket List originally started as a way to update the rescue organization about Bindi’s progress after I adopted her. What started out as a small, personal project, soon became much more than that when I started sharing some of my enrichment ideas and Kong stuffing recipes. It wasn’t long before the content began to resonate with others. People were engaging with my posts, trying out my ideas, and giving me feedback. It became a space where I could connect with like-minded dog owners, and it’s grown into something much bigger than I ever anticipated.

How did you get so into enrichment?

It all started when I noticed how much my dogs, Rosie and Bindi, enjoyed these simple enrichment games and activities. I began to realize that enrichment was more than just keeping them occupied; it was improving their quality of life. I loved seeing how these activities could reduce their stress, make them more confident, and even improve their problem-solving skills. The more I explored it, the more I realized that enrichment isn’t just an occasional activity—it’s a mindset. By always looking for ways to enhance our dogs' lives and environments, we’re actively contributing to their happiness and well-being.

Outside of BBL, do you have a separate job? Any non-dog related hobbies?!

Yes, I actually work a traditional 9-5 job that’s entirely unrelated to dogs! But I’m very thankful for it, as it gives me the stability to pursue my passion for canine enrichment in my spare time. When I’m not working or creating dog-related content, my husband and I love to cook together. We’re total foodies and enjoy exploring new recipes and trying different cuisines.

Is there a particular post that made you go viral? What was that like?

I’ll never forget my first viral moment - It happened after I posted a series of flatlay photos featuring Kong recipe ideas on Facebook. I wasn’t expecting much, but all of a sudden, my phone started blowing up with notifications. The post had struck a chord with people, and I had a flood of messages and comments practically overnight! It was surreal. That moment really opened up the floodgates for my platform and showed me that there’s a big appetite for accessible, practical enrichment ideas.

Bindi and Taylor high five in front of a floor plant

Taylor (above with Binidi) tells TOC, “Bindi’s Bucket List originally started as a way to update the rescue organization about Bindi’s progress after I adopted her. What started out as a small, personal project, soon became much more than that when I started sharing some of my enrichment ideas and Kong stuffing recipes. It wasn’t long before the content began to resonate with others.”

What have your dogs, Rosie and Bindi, taught you? 

Where do I even begin? They’ve taught me so much without saying a word. From resilience to the confidence to try new things, they’ve inspired me in ways I never expected. These two little dogs have sparked a passion in me to learn, create, and grow—simply by being their wonderful, unique selves.

What’s your favorite thing about having a dog?

My favorite thing about having a dog is how much they expand your world. They’re not just companions; they’re teachers, motivators, and loyal friends. My dogs have introduced me to new people, new ideas, and new passions that I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. Plus, there’s nothing better than coming home to a wagging tail and knowing they’re just as happy to see you as you are to see them. And, of course, snuggling up with them after a long day is the best!

What are you reading right now that’s not dog related?

I recently finished Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, and it was incredible! I love reading memoirs, especially ones that explore real-world emotions and experiences. Zauner’s writing was both raw and beautiful, and I couldn’t put it down.

What’s the one enrichment product you can’t live without? 

Taylor's dogs, Bindi and Rosie, pose in front of red kong toys.

Bindi and Rosie (above), pose in front of their trusty red Kongs.

Okay this one might not be super shocking, BUT… I’d have to say the Classic Kong and the West Paw Toppl. They’re my go-to enrichment tools, especially for days when I need a quick and easy setup. You can stuff them with all sorts of treats, and they’re durable enough to keep my dogs entertained for a while. Plus, they’re easy to clean, which is a bonus! Not only that, but they’re some of the only enrichment toys that I can’t replicate in terms of durability and design (for example: You can DIY lick mats with muffin tins or food safe silicone trivets, and you can DIY snuffle mats in your grass, but you can’t truly DIY the durability of a Kong and a Toppl!)

If someone in our community wants to get started with enrichment but feels overwhelmed, how can they easily kick things off?

My biggest piece of advice is not to stress! There’s a lot of pressure on social media to create elaborate, Instagram-worthy enrichment setups, but that’s not necessary at all. Often, the simplest activities are the most effective and enjoyable for our dogs. Start small with items you already have around the house, and build from there. The most important thing is to have fun and focus on what makes your dog happy—you don’t need to overcomplicate it. Also, never hesitate to reach out to me via email or direct message - I’m always happy to help!

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Guide Christie Catan Guide Christie Catan

Guide: Help for Your Barking and Lunging Dog

TOC Reactivity Guide cover with red background and brown dog on the right

Living with a reactive dog can be really challenging. It can also be really beautiful. Reactive dogs are some of the best teachers I know. While reactivity can be isolating at times, it’s important to know that you are not alone. You are not a bad dog guardian. And your dog is not a bad dog. If you find yourself looking for some support with your reactive dog, the good news is that there are so many wonderful, skilled, trainers (who are committed to humane training practices) out there creating great resources for you and your reactive dog. 

While this guide is not designed to lay out exactly what to do with your your reactive dog, our hope with this page is to: 1) give you a useful overview of reactivity to help you make informed decisions on your reactivity journey; 2) connect you to great reactivity resources across a range of formats (books, courses, webpages, podcasts, etc.); and 3) recommend trusted products that might help you on your journey - keep scrolling for our list with links. There is no one perfect resource or product, so ultimately, you’ll still want to do a little investigating to find what works for you, but we hope this guide gives you a great jumping off point. 

We want this to be a community resource, and we are thrilled to receive suggestions of things we should look into adding to the guide. You can make a suggestion here.

While we may use the term “reactive dog” in this guide for ease of reference (referring to a dog who shows reactive behaviors under some conditions), in reality, reactivity describes behaviors your dog does in certain conditions (for example, when another dog comes within 20 yards of them on a walk) rather than who your dog is. Your dog is wonderful. “React” is what your dog does in certain situations.

The photos in this guide are all from awesome, “reactive dogs” from our TOC community with captions that share a bit about that dog’s journey. Let’s dive in!

close up photo of Tatum who is three years old and is a black dog standing and looking at a camera while on the grass and in front of a road with trees and grass behind it

Tatum is three years old and has a ton of interest in other dogs. He barks/lunges/growls when he can’t say hi to them. Even seeing a dog across the street (with natural barriers like trees and cars in between) was too much for him at the worst. He’s made a lot of progress, and while he can’t pass dogs on the same side of the street, he can disengage from dogs nearby much easier. (Photo & story credit: Hannah)

What Is Reactivity in Dogs?

This is a really important first question to ask. Reactivity is often described as an “overreaction” to a stimulus (something in the environment). I think this type of general description may be useful in providing an overall “sense” of what reactivity is, but ultimately, “reactivity” and “overreaction” are both labels. If we want to really understand a behavior (and at some point, change it), we need to operationally define it: What behavior can I actually observe? 

Here are some common behaviors that are often associated with reactivity: barking, lunging, freezing, excessive pulling on leash, hyper fixation, whining, and jumping. 

Talking about observable behavior is important, but we also need to talk about the conditions under which the behavior occurs. Behavior doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and many of the behaviors listed above would get labeled as reactivity in some contexts but not others. For example, if my dog was stuck in the basement and barked at the door, I wouldn’t call that reactivity. If my dog was lunging and barking anytime another dog got within 20 yards of us on a walk, I’d probably label that reactivity. Ultimately, we need to talk about behavior in context to understand it.

And while it may go without saying, I want to mention that reactive behaviors (like any behavior) involve the whole body. This means that there are lots of physiological processes at work – the nervous system, the circulatory system, and respiratory system, etc. are all involved when a dog is “reacting.” This also means that the dog is experiencing emotions as they are behaving and interacting with the world around them – this should matter to all of us. 

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What Causes Reactivity in Dogs? 

Gotham wears a yellow muzzle and lies in the grass with his black leash and orange biothane handle over him

Gotham is a three year old Doberman who has "stranger danger" and reacts to dogs in certain contexts. Things that have helped his reactivity include: Playing around his triggers, carrying his ball, describing his triggers to him, blocking triggers with a small umbrella, wearing a muzzle, and pattern games such as up & down game and 1-2-3. (Photo & story credit: Steff)

Behavior in general comes from three things: genetics, learning history, and current conditions. You can’t do much about the genetic piece of your reactive dog’s puzzle or the experiences that they’ve already had (though knowing this information can be useful), but you can build new learning histories and adjust current conditions. 

One of the most important aspects of the current conditions to consider is whether your dog is experiencing any pain or discomfort, which are often present when we see reactive behaviors – especially if there is a sudden shift in behavior. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell if your dog is in pain or discomfort (especially if we haven’t been trained how to spot it), so we’ve included some resources in our resource list below to help you. Getting your dog checked by a vet and any other relevant professional is an important first step on your reactivity journey (we generally don’t want to start any behavior modification until pain is addressed if pain is involved). A trainer should be able to help you through this process too (they won’t diagnose though). Okay, so what else could be causing the reactivity if pain isn’t involved? 

In order to understand why your dog is reacting, the key is to look at their observable behavior and the conditions under which it occurs. While your dog’s behavior may look like an “overreaction” to you, it’s functional behavior for them (i.e. it produces some valued outcome) – otherwise they wouldn’t be repeating it. This is just the way behavior works on this planet. 

If you want to understand what is causing your dog’s reactivity, here are some questions to investigate (noting that ruling out and/or addressing pain/discomfort is the place to start): 

  • What are the behaviors you are seeing (describe them in observable terms like barking or lunging)?

  • What happens in the environment immediately after your dog performs the behavior? This likely tells you WHY your dog is performing that behavior. For example, did the mail person walk away from the house? Did the passing dog look away?

  • What happens in the environment immediately before your dog performs the behavior? This tells you WHEN your dog performs the behavior. This could be something like another dog appearing within 15 yards of them.

  • What other things might set the stage for the behavior but not directly cue it? This might be things like whether or not your dog has had a trail walk that day, how many dogs they’ve seen on a walk, how long it’s been since their last acupuncture appointment, etc.

These questions can help you pay attention to the behavior and the conditions under which it occurs (or doesn’t). If you are feeling up to it, you can even collect data (an important part of changing behavior)! Check out this post we created to get an idea of an easy way to collect data.

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When It Comes to Reactivity, How Do My Dog’s Emotions Factor Into the Equation?

You may have noticed that emotions were conspicuously absent from the “what causes reactivity” section above. Using a behavior science lens (or even a neuroscience lens), emotions do not cause behavior. 

Does that mean I don’t care about a dog’s emotions? HECK NO! I care deeply about dogs’ emotions. And I think there are likely some very big feelings involved for our reactive dogs and see great value in thinking about emotions anytime we try to change behavior.

The difference is really in how we talk about those emotions in relation to the behavior: Instead of saying “the dog barked and lunged because they were afraid,” we can say “the dog barked and lunged AND was afraid because an unknown dog came within 15 feet of them.” The environment causes both the behavior and the emotions. 

Ready to add another layer to it? 

Scenario 1: Imagine you are on vacation and swimming in the ocean. Suddenly a shark appears. You feel afraid and immediately swim to shore. The contingency (“When X event happens, if Y behavior is performed, then Z result will happen”) in play is basically this: When the shark appears, if I swim to the shore, I will avoid being bitten. The emotions that track an escape/avoidance contingency like that tend to be “unpleasant”/”uncomfortable” (not in all cases though – for example, I move away when a dance partner moves into me, and my emotions aren’t uncomfortable). 

Scenario 2: Now imagine you’re a marine photographer swimming in the ocean with your camera. A shark appears. You feel excited and start snapping photos. The contingency in play here is likely: When the shark appears, if I snap photos, the camera will click (which is a conditioned reinforcer … down the line results in photos of sharks). In contingencies where individuals are behaving to get/access something valued, emotions tend to be “pleasant” or “comfortable.” 

In both scenarios, the same thing showed up in the environment: a shark. But in the first scenario, you felt fear; in the second, excitement. What you felt was determined by the type of contingency that was in play. 

While saying that emotions don’t cause behavior may sound callous at first and then like a picky semantic thing, I actually think it matters when it comes time to help our dogs. If the cause of the barking and lunging is fear, it’s harder to figure out where to start if you want to change the behavior. How do you just make a fear go away? Perhaps you see how it starts to get circular very quickly. However, when we think about the cause of both the behavior and the emotion as being the unknown dog coming within 15 feet, you now have a pretty tangible starting point if you want to change the emotion and the behavior (we can change conditions to change behavior AND emotions). If we can get the unknown dog approaching to signal a different contingency, different emotions and behaviors are likely to follow. 

Note: We happened to talk a lot about fear here as an example (it’s a common one), but it’s not the only emotion dogs may experience in situations where they display reactive behaviors. For example, plenty of dogs experience excitement and frustration in situations where their reactive behaviors show up. 

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What Is a ‘Trigger’ in Dog Training?

Nova sits in front of tombstones and is wearing a patriotic bow tie while on a leash

"Nova started exhibiting reactive behaviors, including on-leash reactivity toward other dogs and other big feelings in general, when he was four months old. With three years of consistent R+ based training working with fantastic trainers and behavior professionals as well as vet behaviorists and Fear Free vets, I'm happy to share that Nova's once debilitatingly big feelings - especially on walks - have dramatically been reduced. Some of our go-to training and management techniques in the face of triggers include u-turns (Nova's personal favorite), arch-bys (if we're feeling comfortable and confident), and "front" (face me for treats as triggers pass). My favorite piece of equipment is the double-ended leash because it helps distribute the force more evenly if he lunges." (Photo & story credit: Jessica Arnold)

With reactivity, it’s common to call the stimuli that “set off” dogs’ reactive behaviors “triggers,” which has a way of making you think that your dog’s behavior is being involuntarily “triggered” when this thing shows up. So many reactive behaviors are big and explosive and give the impression that they’re happening automatically. In reality, most of the observable behaviors that we think of as the reactive behaviors (e.g. barking and lunging) are voluntary and have been learned based on the past results (consequences) of doing them. 

There are certainly also respondent behaviors (“reflexes”) that are triggered (aka involuntarily pop) in the presence of whatever your dog’s “trigger” is – those behaviors are primarily physiological responses like muscle tension, heart rate increase, etc. These involuntary behaviors happen basically at the same time as (or maybe fraction before) those voluntary ones like lunging. Some of those physiological responses may even make certain voluntary behaviors more or less likely. 

I don’t bring this up trying to zero in on the difference between respondent and operant behavior (ultimately, a less and less useful distinction), but rather to emphasize that the language that gets used with reactivity isn’t always as accurate or helpful as it could be. Most of the behavior you think of when you picture your dog reacting (barking, lunging, jumping, etc.) is not automatic; it has been learned based on the past results of doing that behavior in similar situations. 

Here’s the good news about all this: Learning is always happening! Our dogs can learn new behaviors! We can really humanely and effectively change conditions to change behavior and emotions – yay!

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How to Change Your Dog’s Reactive Behavior

We can’t give an individualized plan in this article, but we can highlight some key aspects of a lot of good reactivity training. Before doing any training, it helps to start with determining exactly WHAT the reactive behavior is (what does your dog do), WHY your dog behaves that way (to produce what outcome?), and WHEN your dog behaves that way (under what conditions … presumably they aren’t barking and lunging 24/7). Below this general overview, we’ll connect you to resources we really like to help you on your journey.

  1. Health check – Make sure your dog has a clean bill of health. If you suspect pain or discomfort, keep going until you find the right person to help assess your dog. 

    1. For example, when my dog suddenly seemed quicker to bark on walks, I had a gait analysis done to see if a professional noticed anything and suspected pain. 

  2. Add enrichment – A key part of most behavior plans is meeting your dog’s needs. We want dogs with big skill repertoires and environments that have a big variety of reinforcers that they can behave to access! Behavioral health is health! Some of the resources we’ve shared below provide great enrichment info. 

    1. For example, this might mean finding low-traffic trails and taking your dog on walks using a long line and letting them sniff and move freely. This could also mean hiding a food item in your yard and letting your dog sniff and scavenge for it (I am a BIG fan of sniffy enrichment). I’ve also found it hugely helpful to teach “reactive dogs” tricks – dogs gain lots of new behaviors and ways to impact and control their environment to access a range of reinforcers related to working with you. There are SO many ways to add enrichment – the key is to watch how it impacts your dog’s behavior. 

  3. Prevent rehearsal of reactive behaviors (as much as possible) – This is done by avoiding certain environments, changing conditions, and/or implementing trained management strategies.****

    1. For example, if your dog is reactive to other dogs coming within 20 yards of them on a walk, this might mean avoiding areas where other dogs walk altogether. It might also mean teaching your dog a pattern game (like Leslie McDevitt’s 1-2-3 pattern) at home and then gradually moving it into more distracting settings until your dog is able to play the pattern game with you to move past another dog. 

    2. Pssst … sometimes this is enough to make daily life navigable for you and your dog. Other times, you may continue teaching new skills. Either way, preventing the rehearsal of reactive behaviors (as much as possible) is an important step.

  4. Teach desired behaviors out of context – It’s often easier to teach your dog skills in contexts where they’re likely to occur as a starting point. Why swim against the current?

    1. For example, if you want your dog to orient to you when they see another dog, you would first train offered attention at home and then gradually add neutral distractions and move to new locations before finally working on the behavior around other dogs (at a distance to start). Or if you were looking for your dog to sniff when they see other dogs, you may start training by playing a nose work game and then slowly fade in distractions (starting with neutral) as the dog sniffs.   

  5. Slowly bring those behaviors into the target contexts / teach your dog to do desired behaviors around their triggers – This is a slow process. You won’t move straight from your living room to working outside a dog park. 

    1. This is true for even “simple” things like eating a treat from your hand. A behavior that shows up in one context may not in another. It’s our job to gradually add distractions and change environments in a way that keeps the behavior stable. This may mean playing the up-down pattern game at home, then at home with some toys out, then at home with a friend walking around you, then in a low-distraction new location, etc. 

**** Sometimes we can’t change conditions enough to make space for new behaviors, so we may need to partner with a vet behaviorist or vet to add some pharmaceutical support if needed. This can be a very important part of a reactivity journey. If medication may help your dog thrive, it’s absolutely worth exploring.  

Ultimately, if we want to change behavior, we change conditions. There are so many things we can play with to help support our dogs: distant antecedents (things like the amount of enrichment they’ve had that week, their learning history related to desired behaviors, etc.); antecedents (things like walking in places less likely to have triggers or introducing other stimuli that can cue more desired behaviors); and consequences (things like reinforcing more subtle distance increasing behaviors like stiff body or upping the value of treat available for orienting to you). 

Hana Solo lies on a red and gold turkish rug and looks at the camera

Hana Solo is a two year old Keeshond who reacts to dogs, cats, squirrels, (and anything that could be a dog/cat/squirrel), and people when they're alone or in small groups. Hana's human expressed that it can feel demoralizing when reactivity training feels like "two steps forward, two steps back," and also explained that they have to be quite selective about when they go outside with her to avoid huge reactions. (Photo & story credit: Hana Solo)

As a little plug here, I can’t speak highly enough about the importance of adding enrichment to you and your dog’s life. Working on reactivity can be hard (on you both) – be sure to also do things that you both love doing! I could go on a whole tangent story here, but my dog used to bark and lunge at anything new in the environment. I mostly addressed this by doing LOTS of fun shaping games that didn’t seem super related to the “problem.” I still had to work on reinforcing some new behaviors in the contexts where the barking and lunging historically showed up, but our “unrelated” training gave my dog a whole new set of skills and learning history that changed how he approached some of those situations. Plus, fun matters. 

At any rate, there are SO many ways to work on changing reactive behavior. One key element in most (all?!) of them will be honoring the function of your dog’s original behavior (when possible). If your dog was barking and lunging to create distance, they still need to be able to use their behavior to create distance (especially initially) – you might just teach them other behaviors that can also access that same distance increasing result. In plenty of cases, we don’t even have to teach them anything new. We just need to help them create space (e.g. walk them away or ask someone to stop approaching) when they show more subtle behaviors (like muscle tension) than barking and lunging (i.e. we just have to be really good observers and “listeners”). If they can effectively use those more subtle behaviors to control distance from a trigger, the need to bark and lunge may decrease. 

While retaining your dog’s ability to avoid or escape a trigger, you can also teach them that “good things” are available in the presence of a trigger. Sometimes being able to effectively say no opens the door for them to say yes to other things. 

And in time with new skills and experiences, that trigger showing up may no longer represent an escape contingency at all - cool!!! It may come to represent the opportunity to gain valued things (this takes some intentional work on your part)! As a quick reality check, this doesn’t necessarily mean your dog-reactive dog is suddenly going to seek out social interaction with other dogs (though it certainly could). It might look more like a reactive dog who sees another dog and either looks to you for a treat or puts their head down to keep sniffing and walking. Behavior is flexible, and that is a good thing. 

I feel excited knowing that there are so many ways to tailor training to support specific dogs and teams. There are lots of levers you can pull that can influence behavior and so many different procedures. 

Reactivity is really about a problem situation, and we can adjust situations (at least to some degree). 

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Charlie sits in a living room on a blue rug with a lighter pattern

This is Charlie -  a seven year Great Pyrenees/Pitbull/Boxer mix. He’s the biggest, cuddliest sweetheart and is also selectively reactive to other dogs when in the house (looking out the windows) and on leashed walks. He has a few dogs in the neighborhood he strongly reacts to, even from a good distance. His humans do a lot of avoidance and try to reinforce a range of alternative behaviors to reacting around dogs. Without any dogs present he walks like a dream: loose leash, casual sniffing and taking in the world. Charlie can slip out of a harness or collar on its own, so his humans use a collar/harness combo and clip them together at his chest, which helps them keep Charlie secure in case they can't avoid a reaction. (Photo & story credit: Emily)

Resources to Help You and Your Reactive Dog

Reactivity can be a tough journey with a lot of ups and downs. It can feel isolating and frustrating and can get expensive quickly. There are so many reasons to be hopeful though! There are wonderful people creating great resources to support you and your dogs. Our hope is to connect you with some of them. With that being said, here are some resources for you to explore. We’ve included some recommended products below the resources section in case it’s of interest. (You and your dog are doing a good job!!!!)

As a note, we recommend resources and products from companies that follow a suggested hierarchy of behavior change procedures according to the least intrusive, effective intervention principle (LIMA). 

If you see any missing resources or products you think should be in our guide, you can make a suggestion here.

Books:

Reactivity Courses, Webinars, etc.: 

Free E-Books, Guides, and Webinars: 

Articles: 

  • Thanks for Barking 2.0 by Kiki Yablon – If you have a dog who barks a ton at noises they hear in the apartment hallways or things they see out your window or through your fence, this is likely going to be a very helpful blog for you. The “thank you protocol” (as it’s often called) is pretty straightforward and accessible and can help you build an alternative behavior to barking at stuff out of windows and fences (or at a minimum, have a reliable way to stop the barking).

Body Language YouTube Videos: 

Podcasts:

Relevant Research or Scientific Papers and Articles:

Other: 

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Products We Like for You and Your Reactive Dog

We are big fans of buying quality products so you don’t have to buy as much stuff. With that in mind, we’ve collected recommendations from our community and shared them below for you. 

Signage 

There are lots of ways that you can try to signal to people to give your dog space – you can use leashes with words on them, attach leash sleeves to your leash or the belt of your treat pouch (attaching to your belt can be helpful!), wear a vest yourself (can buy these on Etsy or DIY them), and much more. Here are some recommendations from our community: 

Leashes & Leash Add-Ons

A good leash setup will go a long way with any dog, but it can be especially important for a reactive dog. In general, people tend to like slightly longer leashes with a traffic handle add-on (so you can quickly grab a shortened leash if needed), a safety strap, and a harness and collar. Here are some recommendations from our community: 

Harnesses

A well-fitted, non-restrictive harness is critical. We have an entire TOC Harness Guide to help you determine the right fit. The guide also has a lot of harness product recommendations. 

Muzzles

Good dogs wear muzzles! I am a strong supporter of muzzle training dogs – even if they don’t need to wear them. You just never know when they might, and future you (and your future dog) will thank you if wearing the muzzle isn’t stressful. Muzzle training can be so empowering for you and your dog and open up their world. Here are some preferred places to get muzzles from our community: 

Go-To Enrichment Items

Enrichment before a walk may set your dog up for a bit more success, and enrichment after a walk may help them decompress. Here are some favorite enrichment activities and products from our community. 

Treat Packs

Other Fav Products: 

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Rosie sits on leash on a bed of fall leaves

Rosie used to be very reactive and fearful of other dogs and animals, barking at them loudly and only focusing on whatever she was reacting to - even from long distances - and of sounds and objects she didn't recognize. Three years later and she's traveled with her humans through eight countries on a road trip and can settle in cafes and restaurants and even the vet. What’s helped the most is simply building her confidence. For instance, her human, Johanna, would sit in parks with her just watching what's around and delivering treats, play with her in various places, do cooperative care training, and even agility and tricks in parks using the environment as their props. Recently, Rosie was even able to do scent training in a class with other dogs. (Photo & story credit: Johanna)

TOC Reactivity Instagram Posts

In case it’s helpful, we’ve compiled links to all of the posts we’ve done related to reactivity.

“Feed your dog when they notice a trigger to create a positive association.” A deeper look at this common advice.

If you use treats to train your dog, will all future training requite treats? Will you have to use them forever?

Why your management may not be working with your reactive dog.

Why are thresholds important in training?

Working through your dog’s toughest distractions.

Change conditions to change behavior.

Hypothetical stories to explain your dog’s weird behavior.

Reminder that you’re a wonderful human for your dog.

12 ways to change your dog’s behavior without formal training sessions.

Management: Tips to prevent unwanted behavior and teach new ones.

It’s okay to run away.

The most useful behavior my dog knows.

Info/advice about reactive dogs that you wish you’d been given sooner.

Affirmations for when life with your dog feels hard.

Tips to prevent your dog from reacting to triggers.

This simple trick for walking reactive dogs is not cheating.

Long line handling skills.

Calming dog down after getting worked up.

Why I sometimes show my dog treats to help get behavior.

Up-down pattern game & how I modify it to suit different situations.

Handling a reactive dog when visitors come over.

Can your dog take a breath?

Helping a noise sensitive dog with a fear of trucks.

Simple enrichment game to help build your dog’s confidence.

“My dog knows it but chooses not to respond” → What to say instead.

Can you make progress if you're avoiding the scary things with your dog?

Questions reactive dog guardians can ask themselves to help navigate the environment.

One way I use sniffing to change a fearful dog’s behavior.

Dog training tips for passing other dogs on walks.

Some things we can do to make life easier on reactive dog teams.

One way to help dogs who struggle with noises.

IRL example of handling triggers with a dog-reactive dog.

Should you toss treats towards something your dog is afraid of?

But what if I can’t get ahead of my dog’s problem behavior?

One way I set up training with an anxious dog.

What does good training look like? Training around horses.

Reactive dog success stories: they involve management.

Reactive dog training doesn’t always look flashy.

Reactive dog management: Teach “harness” cue.

Why decision making with your dog can and should look different.

Try this simple scent game to help your reactive dog.

Is my anxiety causing my dog to be anxious?

Navigating hot zones in apartment buildings with a reactive dog.

Watch me navigate a trigger with my dog IRL.

How I reduced my dog’s barking at noises outside the door.

Let your dog do their own desensitization. 

Watch this tiny reactive dog learn to pass other dogs.

Thank You

It’s important for us to thank the people who have contributed to this guide - including the many members of our community who’ve made recommendations. We’d also like to thank trainers Lyz Knight, IAABC-ADT, FFCP, Juliana DeWillems, CDBC, KPA CTP, and Ran Courant-Morgan, M.S., Behavior Analysis for sharing their favorite resources and really helping us get this guide off the ground. Grateful to be a part of such a generous community who really cares about helping people and their dogs. 

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What It’s Like Working With Shelter Dogs in Ukraine

This week we sat down with a member of our community named Gordon Price. Gordon is an American from Portland, Oregon. For the last ten years he’s lived in Europe, and most recently he has been working with shelter dogs in Ukraine. In our interview, Gordon told us about why he felt drawn to Ukraine, what it’s been like living there and helping dogs during the war, and how you can get involved to help.

Gordon (bottom left and surrounded by the dogs that he's helped in Ukraine) tells TOC, "I have been in Ukraine for about 20 months, but in the next month or two, once I get transport for me and two dogs sorted, I will be going back to Netherlands. I hope to find a way to keep supporting the shelters here, potentially facilitating adoptions to Netherlands, since I can come back and actually meet the dogs and maybe do a better job pairing dogs and people. And in a perfect world I would open my own shelter, focused on “problem” dogs that just suffer in a traditional shelter environment."

You were an architect and software developer? Why did you decide to transition to studying dog training? When and why did you decide to move to Ukraine? 

At the beginning of the war I found myself very frustrated. Here was a country fighting for its very existence, and I wanted to DO something to help. I had been in the Army in the late 80’s, but my job was maintaining aircraft radios, not something useful in Ukraine like medic or EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal). Eventually I decided I would just come for a few weeks, and sort out what I would do upon arrival, so I made plans to come in the autumn of ‘22. I was unbelievably naive, and I told myself worst case I could wash dishes in a kitchen making food for other volunteers.

But I had also been a “dog person” all my life, growing up with dogs and always dog and house sitting for friends so they could vacation without kenneling their Rottweilers. Anyway, I had been following a YouTube channel called Love Furry Friends for some time. Olena had been documenting her rescue work in an around Odesa for some years before the war, but since the war, the channel had been more… intense. In any case, on the train from Poland, I managed to get in touch with Olena’s team, who got in touch with Oxana [another rescuer], who got in touch with the shelter she works with. Once I arrived in Kyiv, for the next 12 days I walked dogs twice a day for the shelter.

When I returned to Rotterdam I found myself realizing that I basically hated my job and had been done for some years. Two weeks of looking forward to “work” with the dogs every day had just made it impossible to deny that now. And then as the year ended, three “firm” customers ghosted me and New Years brought the realization that a business I no longer wanted to do was also basically failed. 

At first I had no idea what I could do, but I decided I could just return to Ukraine and be “useful” at the shelter and sort the bigger picture out later. It took a few weeks to realize I could actually take an online dog training and behavior course, and use the time in Ukraine as intensive practical work experience.. In any case, by spring of 2023 I was driving in a donated ambulance convoy organized by Zeilen van Vrijheid with a bunch of clothes and dog gear in back.

What has the experience been like living there during the war? 

The war itself is always in the back of your mind, but mostly at a distance, at least here in Kyiv. Many if not most of the Ukrainians I know have friends or family who are fighting or still living much closer to the war. Indeed, some of the Keepers I have worked with are not from Kyiv at all. Some have escaped places like Mariupol to Kharkiv, only to have to flee again. But most of the time it’s not something I think about, until I hear a Shahed or a cruise missile fly by, or worse yet, detonate almost overhead from AA fire. But then you have a scared dog to deal with and you push those concerns away to do what needs to be done. Ukrainians provide that inspiration every day, simply getting on doing what needs to be done, usually with a wicked sense of humor to make it a bit easier. 

You work with shelter dogs in Ukraine. What’s it like for dogs living there during the ongoing conflict? 

The conditions in the shelters can be pretty grim from a western standpoint. Chicken wire and plywood enclosures, outdoor enclosures, etc. And with the war, overcrowding is a massive problem. Way too many times I have seen dogs put together in a kennel without a proper evaluation, sometimes with bad results. But there just isn’t room, and I wouldn’t want to have to try to decide which dog gets sent away. The fact that there basically is no such thing as a kill shelter amazes me, but at the same time it does make the overcrowding issue even more acute. I do think the war has impacted the dogs themselves, in that I have seen a lot of injuries, dogs missing limbs for example. And just generally traumatized dogs. On the one hand it is often hard to see, but frequently the dogs show an amazing resilience that makes it easier to, again, do what needs to be done, and try to make their lives as full as possible.

At least at the shelters I worked at, most dogs got walked twice a day, in a park type setting. And the keepers and volunteers for the most part have their hearts very much in the right place. Many are professionals, Kinologs (basically a combination of trainer & behaviorist with education in breeding as well) with a background in force free and positive reinforcement based training. One of the shelters even did training for volunteers before they could walk dogs educating them about the importance of sniffing and how to walk a dog on a harness.

Tell us about a dog that you’ve met there that’s made a big impression on you. 

There have been so many dogs that I call my Professor Dogs because they taught me something important, perhaps even something I couldn’t have learned from another dog. But I think a good example to mention here is Cindy. She came in one of the first trucks from Kherson, after the Kakhovka Dam was destroyed. I suspect she had been close to the dam since she arrived covered head to toe in light oil, perhaps turbine oil from the power station destroyed with the dam. She was also covered in hundreds of huge ticks. I had never thought about it before but in a flood the ticks are knocked off the foliage and a floating animal becomes their only refuge. It took hours to remove all the ticks, and again for multiple baths to wash as much of the oil off her as possible. Weeks later she still smelled of petroleum. It also looked to me like she had been nursing not very long prior, so I suspect she may have lost her litter in the floods. And finally, she had zero understanding of walking on a collar and leash, or indeed of paying any attention to the wants of people in general. And yet she wasn’t afraid of people, just shy, and traumatized. I think it’s very likely she was a “village dog,” not owned or controlled by anyone, but cared for by many, while still living free to make her own decisions in life. A common scenario in Ukraine, and if true, landing locked in a small cage in a shelter after surviving all that was a brutal experience.

She taught me to understand the value of a long leash, to let a timid dog find their own comfortable distance, and to notice the changes in that distance over time as a proxy for changing levels of trust, long before petting or even taking treats was an option. 

If someone in our community wants to support people and dogs in Ukraine, how do you recommend they can help?

Nova Ukraine is a good charity here, as well as Greater Good, an international charity that has been in Ukraine since before the war. Both support shelters and other animal oriented causes, as well as many other efforts. And Shelter Khvostati, the largest shelter in Ukraine, comes highly recommended by some Kinologs I trust.

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Sitting Down With Creative Director and Influencer, Alisha Cohen

When we launched TOC, Alisha Cohen, was one of our first followers. Over the past several years, we’ve become huge fans of her beautiful and cheerful content. In our interview, Alisha told us all about her agency, Lish Creative, life with her dog, Mona, and her human baby girl, how you can get started making stop motion content, and so much more.

Alisha sits on the couch with her dog and baby

Alisha (above with her husband and dog, Mona), is adjusting to life as a mom. She tells TOC, “If there’s a work project I want to take on, it now requires an entire village around me to make it happen.”

We are obsessed with the vibrant photo, video, and stop motion ads that you make for clients through your business Lish Creative. How did you come up with such a defined and recognizable aesthetic? 

My whole aesthetic started with finding objects in my every day life that brought me joy! When I started the business, I was working for another agency for my “day job” and everything was very dark and moody. I was looking for a bright and colorful creative escape. 

You’ve worked with a lot of big clients. Tell us about one of your all time favorite campaigns? 

It’s always the most exciting to work with brands that I love and personally consume! I also love to travel for work, so traveling to Bermuda to shoot the Hamilton Princess Resort was one of my favorite projects!

How do you manage relationships with big clients so that you make them happy and stay true to your style and values? 

This part of my job is tricky! I’m a creative, yes, but as a business owner, my main goal is always customer service. Happy clients come back with repeat business and happy clients refer you! 

We love it when you turn household objects into props for your campaigns. Do you have any favorite props that you’ve DIY’ed? 

We used plaster to create faked whipped cream once, that was pretty cool! 

Tell us about your dog, Mona. 

Mona is a five year old golden doodle with lots of energy and personality. We rescued her in 2019 when she was four months old and we’ve had to work through a lot of anxiety and have focused a lot on confidence building! 

Mona [above on the bed] has moved around a lot for Alisha’s husband’s journey studying orthopedic surgery.

Does Mona ever participate in campaigns you’re working on? 

Yes! She knows that cameras equal treats! She’s been part of campaigns for Purple Mattress and GNC, among others. 

You’re also a new mom to a baby girl. How has motherhood changed you? 

It’s just given me a whole new outlook on how I prioritize my time and where I’m spending my energy. If there’s a work project I want to take on, it now requires an entire village around me to make it happen. 

How is Mona adjusting to life with the baby? 

She’s slowly getting used to not being the center of attention, but we can tell she loves baby C and we try to include her as much as we can. She will lay on the bed next to us during feeding and diaper changes, and always enjoys a family walk. 

Your husband is an orthopedic surgery sports medicine fellow and you’ve moved around a lot for his medical training. How has moving impacted Mona? 

In each new place we go, we try to get Mona out and about and familiar with the new neighborhood and surroundings. This time has been the easiest transition so far because we moved close to my parent's house, and she’s very comfortable there. She’s best buds with their dog, Holly (another rescue doodle mix) and they have an acre fenced in for them to run and play. We take her over there as much as we can and she just loves it so much. 

Tell us about your online course.

Slaytheflatlay is the ultimate online resource for learning how to take your own product photos, videos and stop-motion animations. It has four hours of content, plus free downloads like my gear guide and a photoshoot planning guide. You can find out more at lishcreative.com/course. 

If someone in our community wants to learn how to do basic stop motion, what are some resources that they should check out to get started?

I have a lot of blogposts and Instagram reels on this topic! You can find them at lishcreative.com/blog

[Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning TOC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.]

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Sitting Down With Cookbook Author and Influencer, Serena Wolf

Pinch us: This week we are beyond excited to chat with Serena Wolf. A few months ago, Jess met Serena at her book party in DC, and she lit up when she told her about her dog, Taco. Since then, we’ve been beside ourselves whenever she likes one of our posts. So today’s Community Corner is pretty much a dream come true. We talked about her new book, the impact of puppy Taco on her anxiety, what she does with Taco during her famous dinner parties, and much more!

Tell us about your new cookbook! We’re so excited for you

Thank you so much! This cookbook has been a long time coming and is really a love letter to anyone who is looking to boost their creativity and confidence in the kitchen. Each recipe either incorporates a fundamental technique or has endless substitution options, and there will be plenty of sidebars throughout with the best cooking tips and tricks I’ve collected over the years. My goal is for this book to feel like a friendly culinary resource that helps cooks of all levels create delicious meals with what they have on hand. Ironically, my hope for this book is that it will help people go off book more often.

We heard that you’re looking for recipe testers for the new book. What’s involved and how can our community participate? 

Unfortunately, I’m no longer accepting testers! I did an open call for recipe testers earlier this summer, and I was truly overwhelmed by how many people enthusiastically answered. I was only able to take the first 100 volunteers, and they are now cooking this book’s recipes in their own kitchens and sharing feedback on their experience (including timing, taste, likeability, and more). I have 3 people test each recipe, and the feedback is truly invaluable. It really helps me make sure that the recipes are as clear, delicious, and user-friendly as possible, and I’m so grateful that people are willing to help a crazed cookbook author out.

Tell us about your dog, Taco.

Oh my god, how much time do we have? Taco is a 2½ year old Whoodle (Wheaten Terrier and Poodle), and I truly don’t think I could love this floofy nugget more. Fun fact, I wasn’t a dog person growing up. I truly can’t explain it, but I simply woke up one day 5ish years ago and was suddenly…obsessed with dogs? I knew I would love my own dog, but I don’t think I was remotely prepared for how Taco would crack my heart wide open and bring such an outrageous amount of joy into my life. He is truly the sweetest, most gentle, absurdly cuddly dog, and he loves other dogs and people so much. He lives for a beach walk, all things chicken, a good zoomie sesh, and being smooshed between my husband and me in bed or on the couch. He also loves to bark and chew any and all makeup brushes and skincare items. (He is easily forgiven due to the aforementioned floofy nugget-ness.)

What do you cook for Taco and how is he involved in your content?

I’m embarrassed to admit that I don’t cook all that much for Taco! But I do love to make him little frozen treats with Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and applesauce, and he’s the lucky recipient of some good steak and chicken on a pretty regular basis. Taco is almost always in the background of any content that I create, but given that I have a lot of fellow dog obsessives in my community, I love to share some of his day-to-day adventures and cuddliness. 

You’ve been open about your journey with anxiety and panic attacks. How has Taco impacted your anxiety?

To be completely honest, baby Taco sent my anxiety through the roof. I was constantly terrified that he was going to eat something toxic or injure himself (dear God, the number of times he clocked his head on various things doing zoomies), and I feel like I spent 6 months screaming, “WHAT’S IN YOUR MOUTH?!” But as he got a little bit older and better trained (“drop” remains a challenge…), I was able to relax. He’s now an incredibly calming presence in my life and, given his affinity for cuddling, regularly acts as a heated anxiety blanket. I also walk so much more thanks to Taco, and that has had such a positive impact on my general anxiety levels.

You host a lot of dinner parties. Does Taco get to attend? Why or why not?

Taco gets to attend *sometimes,* depending on the crowd. If it's a smaller party with people he's familiar with, he'll usually hang and get plenty of extra pets from his extended family and friends. But Taco gets very excited around new people, and he often has a little bit of trouble containing said excitement, which can result in a slightly more chaotic party than necessary. If he's having a hard time calming down (and/or restraining himself around the cheese board), he tends to be "given the opportunity" to hang out in the bedroom until dessert. 

We read that you’ve had pizza almost every Sunday for three decades. How did you start this tradition and do you have an all time favorite slice? 

I’m not sure if it was my mom or dad who instituted this tradition, but growing up my family always went to or got takeout from California Pizza Kitchen on Sundays. I’d always get the same pizza–pepperoni and mushroom with no sauce because I weirdly hated tomato sauce until my teens–and I have such happy memories of those Sunday Nights. (I’m giggling to myself thinking about how stressed my dad would get about making it home for 60 Minutes.) I think I’ve always just really loved traditions, so I committed to Sunday pizza whenever possible in my adulthood. My husband and I try to make it to Rubirosa in SoHo most Sundays for my all time favorite pizza, which is half Tie-Dye (vodka sauce with mozzarella and pesto) and half Supreme (marinara with mozzarella, pepperoni, meatballs, roasted garlic, and basil). It’s heavenly. 

Tell us about your cooking classes.

I started teaching virtual classes during the early days of the pandemic. I figured I’d teach a couple to keep people entertained during lockdown, but 4½ years later Serena’s Cooking Club is still going strong! I teach a new 90-minute class on Zoom every week, and participants make a cocktail/mocktail and cook a full meal with me from start to finish. Everyone is sent the recipes and shopping list in advance so that they can gather ingredients, but zero prep needs to be done in advance. They’re accessible to cooks of all levels, people can ask as many questions as they like, and it’s just a really good time. People join from all over the country, some cook with friends and family, and the group energy is fantastic!

What book are you reading right now? 

The Wedding People by Alison Espach. It wasn’t my favorite from the jump, but now I can’t put it down. 

We know that you’re obsessed with skin care. What is your daily routine? 

I’m a religious NuFace user, which is a little at-home microcurrent device that helps to tone the facial muscles! In the morning, I rinse my face with water and then use my NuFace to depuff and generally lift my morning face. After using the NuFace, I rinse off the conductive gel and wash my face. I apply some sort of calming/hydrating serum, followed by a vitamin C product (usually 3x a week), moisturizer, and a boatload of sunscreen. At night, I do a double cleanse, then some sort of hydrating OR exfoliating serum and a heavier moisturizer. When I’m feeling super ambitious, I’ll work my LED mask in the morning or evening!

Pay it forward: Can you recommend any cooking creators our community should follow right now. 

I’m always inspired by @alexandracooks, @samanthaseneviratne, @thedefineddish, @phoebelapine, and @dianemorrisey! 

Bonus: Do you have a recipe you could share with our community?! 

This salad is one of my all-time favorites and will be on repeat in my kitchen through the fall and winter!

Kale, brussels sprout, and apple salad in a bowl.

Serena tells TOC, "This salad is one of my all-time favorites and will be on repeat in my kitchen through the fall and winter!"

Kale, Brussels Sprout, and Apple Salad (Serves 8 as a side)

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup pepitas

  • 1 large bunch curly kale (Lacinato kale is also great), center ribs removed and very finely chopped (about 6 cups finely chopped kale)

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • Salt

  • 4 cups shaved Brussels sprouts (about ¾ pound whole sprouts)

  • 1 large apple, cut into matchsticks

  • 1/3 cup golden raisins

  • For the dressing:

  • 1 medium shallot, minced

  • 1 large garlic clove, grated or finely minced

  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)

  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

  • Salt to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

 Instructions:

1. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. (Do not add any fat to the pan!) When hot, add the pepitas and toast, shaking the pan occasionally, for about 3 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant. Transfer to a plate or bowl to cool.

2. Add the kale to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with a good pinch of salt. Massage the kale in handfuls—literally rub the leaves between your fingers—for a minute or two, until the leaves soften and darken in color. (Yes, I know giving your salad a rubdown is a little weird, but it’s worth it. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.)

3. In a medium bowl, whisk all of the ingredients for the dressing. Add the apple to the dressing and toss to coat. (The lemon juice in the dressing will help prevent the apples from browning in the salad.)

4. Add the apple, dressing, Brussels sprouts, raisins, and cooled pepitas to the bowl with the kale and toss to combine. Taste and season with a little extra salt, pepper, or lemon if needed. Serve at room temperature.

 NOTES:

*You can absolutely use store-bought shaved/shredded Brussels sprouts to save time. You can also use a shredding attachment on a food processor to shave the sprouts if you’d like.

*If you don’t like raisins, dried cranberries, currants, or chopped pitted dates are also delicious!

*Sliced or slivered Almonds, or chopped walnuts or pecans are fantastic in place of pepitas. If you’re feeling extra fancy, candied walnuts or pecans are delightful.

*Don’t hesitate to add some cheese to this salad! I’m particularly fond of Pecorino Romano, Parmesan, ricotta salata, or goat cheese. (If using goat cheese, sprinkle it on top so that it doesn’t create a creamy film on the salad.)

*Want to bulk things up with a grain? 1-2 cups of cooked farro, quinoa, or barley is a great addition to this mix.

*If preparing this salad ahead, remove it from the fridge 20 minutes before serving to allow it to cool to room temperature. Leftovers can be freshened with a squeeze of lemon and/or an extra drizzle of olive oil if needed.

[Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning TOC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.]

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Sitting Down With Entrepreneur and Mom, Alisha Ramos

Today we are so excited to chat with Alisha Ramos, the co-founder of Girls’ Night In and now her new newsletter, Downtime. In our chat, Alisha told us all about life with her dog Bowie and her baby, Lily, what it’s been like building her new newsletter, the best books she’s read this year, and more.

First of all we’ve been following you for a long time and were big fans of your brand, Girls’ Night In. Tell us about your newsletter, Downtime. 

Thank you so much. Downtime is my new iteration of Girls’ Night In. I started the former when I was 26 years old and I am now in my thirties; the name no longer embodied what the newsletter had grown to become – it is a little less about literally “staying in” and more about the cozy feeling you get from the small joys in life, whether that’s a really good book or a wonderful piece of life advice you got from a friend. I felt it was time for a change and an evolution - Downtime is that.

Alisha calls her dog, Bowie, “her first baby.” Now she says that he and Lily (above) “are just the cutest together.”

What’s it like launching a new newsletter after the success of Girls’ Night In? We’d imagine it must be daunting.  

The most difficult part of this all has been going from working with an incredibly talented team to now running the newsletter solo (aside from my part-time collaborators who help me with partnerships, editing, and design). I am trying to be realistic about my expectations for myself as anyone who has run their own business knows, it’s not easy. Especially as a new mom, I’ve learned to take things day by day and not try to overdo it.

You also have a beautiful one-year old daughter, Lily. What’s motherhood been like so far?

Motherhood has been surprising, beautiful, and challenging all at once. It sounds cheesy to say, but I didn’t know I had the capacity to love someone so much. 

Motherhood has also taught me what having  *hard* boundaries around work looks like. I consult with consumer brands on the side, and I had a “come to Jesus” moment recently where I was like, “Wait, I don’t have twenty hours a week to devote to this client. It actually looks more like five.” It’s a hard conversation to have with yourself and with others, but I think you’ll be happier once you accept your new reality.

All of this is to say that motherhood has been a revolutionary shake-up of my life. I used to define myself solely by my job, my career, my title. Now it’s something much more expansive. Of course, I don’t believe everyone needs to become a parent to experience this type of expansion. But it’s been a welcome “forcing factor” for me to wake up and build harder boundaries between work and life.

On a lighter note, currently motherhood looks like searching our community for the coolest parks and indoor activities so we can get all of her energy out on the weekends! It’s been a fun way to explore our area with fresh eyes and meet new people. Building supportive community is so important at this stage and something that I am constantly working on.

You’ve been very open about your journey with IVF and preeclampsia on Instagram. How have those experiences and now motherhood changed you?

Before I experienced infertility and IVF I just didn’t think twice about what the journey to having kids might look like. I just assumed, “Okay we want kids now, let’s do it, boom, it’s going to happen.” Of course it did not unfold that way and it took us a little longer than we expected to have a baby.

I’m now much more empathetic to every parent who has had their own unique journey to having their child. I am much more aware of the pain, sacrifices, and time it takes some to conceive whether that is on your own or through a surrogate. 

As for my experience with preeclampsia - it was scary. I am more focused now on raising awareness about it on social media and within my own IRL circles. I’m grateful to the person who shared a story about preeclampsia on their Instagram Story a few years ago; this is how I learned about it and how I felt confident in advocating for myself and my body while at the hospital. It saved my life. You never know whose life you will impact by sharing important information and personal stories like this.

How is your dog, Bowie, adjusting to life with a toddler?

Bowie was a little unsure at first of what was going on – he kept his distance, understandably! But now, Lily and Bowie are just the cutest together. They love each other. Lily gets very excited when Bowie runs into the room she is in. She’s even learned how to “throw” his toys for him to play fetch with. Bowie loves to give her all the kisses. And he loves hanging out under her high-chair. :) We’re so happy that they get along. Bowie was our first baby, after all.

These days Bowie loves hanging out under Lily’s high chair.

We love your passion for fiction. Have you ever considered writing your own novel? 

I would love to write my own novel one day! I’ve brainstormed a few ideas but I haven’t landed on an idea I love just yet. I love historical fiction (like Maggie O’Farrell’s books), fantasy (I love A Court of Thorns and Roses), and I’ve recently gotten into mysteries (I loved The Sicilian Inheritance). A combination of these would be my dream novel to write. I have so much admiration and respect for authors. Finding the motivation to write is one of the hardest things!

What are the top five books you’ve read this year?

  1. Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

  2. Real Americans by Rachel Khong

  3. The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell

  4. The Wedding People by Alison Espach

  5. Come and Get It by Kiley Reid

If someone in our community wants to build their own small business, how can they get started? 

I am a big fan of talking about it with others as a way to test out your idea. Gather as much feedback as possible. Take baby steps and create small experiments to “validate” your ideas before pouring a ton of time, energy, and money into it. 

Once you have conviction in your idea, and hopefully some initial paying customers, one practical step you can take is legal: create an LLC or a C-corp. (There are other types, too, like an S-Corp.) Investing in a lawyer who can help you navigate these - setting up your business, setting up basic contracts, and so on - will pay dividends in the long run.

One thing I regret not doing in starting my first business was not having a business partner alongside me. It is *so* much work to build your own business – it’s worth identifying your strengths and weaknesses, and finding a partner who can truly complement you and be along for the ride for many, many years to come. 

[Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning TOC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.]

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Sitting Down With Emily Conley, Co-Founder of Grit N Glory and New York City Pet Parent

Today we are thrilled to chat with Emily Conley, a longtime member of our TOC Family, the co-founder of the badass clothing boutique and tattoo studio in New York City, “Grit N Glory,” and her dog, Boss’s, human. In our chat, Emily told us all about life with a dog in Manhattan, what it’s like working with her business partner, the tattoo artist and star, Megan Massacre, and how you should prep if you want to get a tattoo.

Tell us about your dog, Boss. 

Boss is 4 years old. My husband and I adopted him a little over 3 years ago from Arkansas. He is a smart, sweet, sensitive, and engaged dog. He loves to learn new things and train together, he really lights up. He has taught me so much over our few years together. 

Boss sits on a rock in a park

Boss, above, is allowed to come to Grit N Glory, which is located near Washington Square Park in New York City.

What’s it like having a dog in NYC? 

Having a dog in NYC has lots of big challenges and so many benefits. As a sensitive guy, Boss can get overwhelmed and a bit shut down in the city. He's come so far in working through his urban anxiety but we still let him guide us as far as what he's comfortable with. We're lucky to be surrounded by a lot of parks, both large and small, and dog friendly businesses that create big rewarding checkpoints for Boss. 

Tell us about your store, Grit N Glory?

Grit N Glory is a rock-n-roll-inspired online clothing boutique and tattoo studio in Greenwich Village, New York City. We've been open for 13 years. We feature tattoo artists from all around the world, of all different styles, that are the best at what they do. One of the biggest draws to our shop is pet portrait tattoos. Clients travel from all over the world to seek out our artists to tattoo their cats, dogs, gerbils, snakes, you name it! 

What is it like working with tattoo artist and tv star, Megan Massacre?

My favorite tattoo is a portrait of my previous dog, Candy, done by Megan Massacre my business partner and one of the co-founders of Grit N Glory. Working with Megan is great, not just for my own pet portrait tattoos, but getting to hear so many people's stories about the impact a pet has had on their lives. 

Does Boss ever come to the store?

Boss does come to work and is a great shop dog! We're located near Washington Square Park so he gets lots of work breaks to go sniff and roll in the grass. He may greet clients but mostly loves to hang out in the office away from the tattoo areas.

tattoo of Candy, Emily's old dog

Emily shared this photo of the tattoo of Candy done by Megan Massacre.

You are so cool. How did you find out about our community? 

I've been following the TOC community for a while, Boss and I had a blast partaking in the camp series both last summer and this summer. He loved practicing recall and retrieving! 

If someone in our community wants to get a tattoo, how do you suggest they get started with the process?

If someone were interested in getting a tattoo I would recommend starting by getting a good idea of what they want, including style, size, and placement. From there, taking the time to look into which artist they may like to work with.

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Sitting Down With Mom, Teacher, and Design Influencer, Nicole Yosick

This week we are so excited to chat with Nicole Yosick, a longtime friend and member of our community who is a mom, ESL teacher, and has a passion for design and baking. (PS: Her dog, Lionel, met and played with Otis when he was just a puppy.) In our chat, Nicole told us all about launching her new micro bakery, why she’s homeschooling her daughters this year, how you can make your home cozy for the fall, and SO much more.

You recently had a second baby, Joelene. Congratulations! How are you feeling? 

I am thankful to be feeling really good. The recovery from a C-section was honestly quicker than I had anticipated. I like to fully rest and take the days slow and easy postpartum, although I quickly found this time looked very different with a toddler! I was happy to be out on small outings since Joelene was born in the spring and pretty quickly got back into our routine so that we felt a sense of normalcy during a big life change. Having a second child really has filled my heart in a way I couldn’t imagine or understand. I find so much beauty in seeing my oldest love on her younger sister and it just melts me when Joelene smiles directly at Ophelia. It’s been hard for me to balance two kids and there are times when I notice how much independence Ophelia immediately gained. It makes me so proud, but breaks my heart at the same time. I am certainly still learning how to balance everything, but it’s been a wonderful journey. 

Ophelia bathes her sister Joelene in the farmhouse kitchen sink

Ophelia (3) baths her sister, Joelene (5 months) in their farmhouse kitchen sink.

How is your older daughter, Ophelia, doing with life as a big sister?.

Ophelia is honestly just as sweet as a big sister as we’d expected! She has loved playing with dolls for so long and sees Joelene as her real life baby doll! We intentionally offer ways for Ophelia to help with Joelene and she thrives on those opportunities. The initial adjustment was tough for her, specifically in not receiving my attention in all the same ways anymore. However, over time she’s learned ways to help out and is also starting to include Joelene in on her own activities. She tells everyone about her baby sister and loves her endlessly!

What’s it been like for your dog, Lionel, adjusting to life with a newborn and a toddler?

Lionel and Ophelia have started to become the best playmates. They’re frequently chasing each other around or play fighting over a toy. We felt like Lionel ignored Ophelia for the most part as a baby, and he’s been the same way with Joelene. He comes up and gives her the occasional face lick and he’s always very gentle with her, but he doesn’t acknowledge her too much. He absolutely loves it when Ophelia gets silly and playful with him. 

How does your cat do with the babies and Lionel? We imagine life is not chaotic at all lol. 

Our cat, Prada, has very sadly disappeared. I had her for 14 years, and we think she was 15 or 16 years old. Prada thrived as an outdoor cat here in the country. She had actually never been friendly towards any people except me, but once she was outdoors she grew friendly towards strangers. It seemed she was finally happy, as she always tried to (and once did!) escape my home in DC. Ophelia called Prada her best friend and loved to hold her every day. We have so many happy memories with Prada and do hope she makes her way back home to us, but also understand her time may have come and we are grieving the loss of our sweet cat. 

Lionel the black and white sheepadoodle lies on the porch

Lionel (above), is five now and loves relaxing on the balcony at home.

You are a teacher but you recently decided to homeschool your girls at home. How did you come to that decision? 

For 14 years, I taught elementary school as a classroom teacher, a reading interventionist, and an ESL teacher. I had tough years, but I loved it overall. However, after we’d moved out of DC, my commute was unbearable. I knew I couldn’t do it forever, but I loved my job so much that I didn’t know how to leave it. Once I finally made the decision not to return last school year, we decided I should take some time just to be home with Ophelia and take what would’ve been my maternity leave. In that time, I loved being home with her so much that it became hard to envision going back to any full time job. Since all of my experience is in teaching, I have loved teaching Ophelia unofficially. We stay super busy with play dates and outings, and I know how much she loves our current situation. I do believe wholeheartedly that I am her best teacher, so it just felt like the natural next step. She isn’t legally required to do any schooling yet at 3, but she is so eager to learn that I just had to start! I purchased a subscription to Child of the Redwoods, a Montessori curriculum, and we have both enjoyed it. The number one reason I want to homeschool her is so that she can spend the majority of her days outdoors in nature and getting experiential, hands on learning. There are programs out there that I would be interested in enrolling her in, but they are expensive. I am already here with her and feel capable, so we’ve chosen to do it ourselves for now! 

In this photo that Nicole (above) shared with TOC, she celebrated Mother's Day with Ophelia and Joel in 2023.  

How has motherhood changed you? 

When Ophelia was a newborn, I have this distinct memory of pushing her down our driveway amidst the autumn leaves and thinking to myself, “My life has just begun.” This may change over time, but currently l feel a strong change in my identity before and after becoming a mother. Many things that used to matter to me don’t anymore and have been replaced with things I never knew I’d care so much about. We moved from the city to the country when we found out we were expecting, so some changes in myself happened naturally with that relocation. However, I’ve felt a huge shift in my focus in life, no longer to build a career but to build character in my children. I have felt my priorities shift, my friendships change, and have gotten closer than ever with family. It would feel nearly impossible for me to name one way motherhood hasn’t changed me. 

This past year you tragically lost your brother, Joel. Our hearts ache for your family. How are you coping with grief? 

Thank you so much. I am still in shock, honestly. I’ve wondered for a long time when that will wear off, but I’ve accepted that I may feel this disbelief for the first year or two. Some days, I cope by journaling and reflecting. Other days, I cope by baking and walking in nature. I view every waking moment as coping because it just hasn’t gotten any easier and I’m still in survival mode. The saying that grief comes in waves couldn’t be more accurate, so I try to let those waves wash over me and succumb to it. Trying to swim against them and fight them is a battle I’ll never win, but the feeling of drowning in grief is real. In those times where I’m drowning, I cope by getting out of the house, by talking and visiting with friends, and by staying in close communication with family. Finding a friend who is on a similar grief journey has helped me a lot, as well as a paid grief partnership I’ve joined. I attended a grief group locally, but it was almost too much for me. I could hardly even speak when I first joined because the emotions overcame me. The work of Megan Devine has comforted me a lot and her words guided me through my toughest days. I’ve learned the ways that our society minimizes grief and expects us to move swiftly through a certain set of stages, when that isn’t reality for a griever at all. Part of my coping is taking comfort in the knowledge that society’s way of handling grief is often unintentionally harmful, so it’s not uncommon to feel alone. However, to know many grievers are indeed on this journey with me, it can feel less isolating. Then I can allow grief in because it isn’t going anywhere. 

How have you explained sadness to Ophelia?

I’m very thankful Ophelia has been very understanding and hasn’t needed me to explain a lot to her. When she sees me cry, she knows why I’m sad, to the extent she can understand. She frequently tells me, “Your brother Joel died and now you’re sad. We won’t ever see him again”. She is just processing it in the way she knows how, by talking about it. When I do explain it to her, I just tell her that I’m sad because I won’t see him again here on earth. However, I teach her to look for him in the butterflies and the cardinals and everywhere in nature. 

This cabin on Nicole’s property was established in 1915 and will be used for her sourdough porch pickups for her micro bakery business.

You also have a passion for home design. Do you have any tips for making your house feel cozy this fall? 

Of course! Fall is when the weather just starts to get cooler, so everyone wants to feel cozy! Pumpkins and mums lining stairs on the porch give that immediate Hallmark movie feel. I like to place sweet scented candles and soaps throughout the house, a basket of extra blankets near the couch, and logs by the fireplace. Fall themed mugs on the coffee bar are inviting as well. I keep one large photo above the mantel and swap it out for a cozy fall photo of our family or home from the prior year. I highly suggest displaying baked goods in a beautiful glass cake dish- you’d be surprised how much beautiful baked goods can make the kitchen feel cozy! 

Tell us about your micro bakery. That is so exciting!

I had started baking sourdough bread around the time of Joel’s death, and it really was like a form of therapy. It became this hobby that I couldn’t get enough of. I found that everyone in my own family was enjoying my bread and baked goods so much that I was inspired to make more and more. Eventually, I kept scaling up until we couldn’t keep up eating it all, so I was giving it to friends just to practice more. Fast forward only 6 months later, I decided I wanted to start selling it! I spent one month planning, researching, investing in tools, and marketing. In the end of August, I launched my first porch pickup day and had 14 orders placed! I am preparing for my first vendor market this week as well.

Our property has a historical cabin on it, which is over 100 years old. I knew the cabin porch would be the perfect place for sourdough pickups, so I thrifted some cottage bakery style decor, added some shelving, and began advertising the pickups. Our home is very unique in its character and charm, and I love to share it with others. I also love to share my baking with others, so it’s the perfect combination which allows me to do both! The biggest thing the micro bakery will do, however, is allow me to stay at home with my girls long term.  

Nicole holds a fresh loaf before a family picnic at a flower farm

Nicole is launching a micro bakery called Chesapeake Sourdough.

If someone in our community wants to start baking, can you share some favorite resources to get started? 

Instagram provides me with so much inspiration! I would never have even known porch pickups were a thing otherwise. Just search for any sourdough or baking accounts, and so much learning can be done there. Otherwise, join Facebook groups because they provide such strong community when you’re learning something new. Social media has been my number one learning tool. I recommend the book The Perfect Loaf by Maurizio Leo as well. 

[Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning TOC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.]

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Sitting Down With Michelin Star Chef, Andy Clark

This week we are honored to sit down with Andy Clark, a Michelin Star chef and chef instructor for the Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute. In our chat, Andy told us all about cooking for famous politicians and athletes, life with his dog, Gibson, who has a huge appetite, and why he loves teaching people to be professional chefs these days.

We heard that you are now an instructor at the Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute. Can you tell us more about that?

Andy and Gibson pose at a Nats game

Andy (above with his dog Gibson) tells TOC, “Gibson is a big love bug. He loves people and belly rubs. I think he loves attention from random strangers more than he loves food, which he loves a lot.”

Yes, I've kind of transitioned from working in kitchens to now teaching mainly at Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute, which is the professional program that they run. And then there's Cookology, which is the more casual date nights and camps for kids and stuff like that. So it's a great little setup for the professional program. The ages span a large range, anywhere from 18 to I think we had somebody that was 63 a couple classes ago. So it really ranges from anybody, from people just looking to have a good time and learn how to actually cook professionally to people that want to go and do this for a living. And that's really what we focus on, is people who want to do this for a living. So that's a really cool part of what we do there. It's a great course. I love teaching the Cookology classes, the team building events, and we do mystery baskets. So I do a little bit of both, which I thoroughly enjoy.

What’s the best part of teaching other chefs?

Really what I loved doing as an executive chef is teaching my line cooks, my sous chefs, how to cook [and] how I want things. And it was so rewarding watching them grow and learn and even teaching me things and me growing and learning. I learned from everybody, from the dishwasher to a server, to front house manager to the sous chefs, the cooks, whatever. But being focused on just cooking or just working with people who really want to do this for a living is pretty spectacular. You can see their eyes light up when they finally figure something out. So that's probably the best part about teaching other cooks and other chefs is them being there for the sole purpose of learning and being dedicated to it. 

As a Michelin star chef in the DC area, we imagine that you’ve cooked for some very interesting people. Can you tell us about any famous guests you’ve cooked for?

I've been very lucky. I started out at the Four Seasons when I first moved to DC and that was Obama's inauguration -  the first one. So everybody stayed at the Four Seasons. I cooked for Tom Hanks, Larry David, Oprah, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and numerous basketball players. So that was a really great place to kind of get my feet wet and really understand the luxury side of things. And Tom Hanks basically told me to cook him a pasta, whatever I wanted. So I was 19 years old and I was cooking Tom Hanks a pasta dish … I cooked for some athletes, Yao Ming, and like I said, a lot of basketball players, a lot of football players. I've cooked for Michelle and Barack Obama. I've cooked for their daughters. I've cooked for the current chief of staff for Joe Biden, and some senators and congressmen. I've really done it all in the gamut of DC and I feel really privileged that I've been able to actually do that and experience all those people and meeting them and taking pictures with some of them. So it's been very awesome.

Do you have any kitchen horror stories?

I’m not going to go into detail, but I've worked for some really rough chefs and I worked for them because they were the best and I learned a ton from them. But at the same time, it was basically a mild form of torture to severe form of torture. I've had to cut eight quarts of some really hot peppers because I did something wrong the day before. So after my 13 hour shift, I had to stay an extra two hours to cut these really hot peppers. My eyes were burning, my face was burning, the gloves were not working. I've had plates thrown at me, pans thrown at me. I've been told that I wasn't worth anything and I should never cook again and all these things. And I really just kind of took it and let it kind of roll off my back because I knew they never meant any of these things they said, but it kind of made me the chef I am today. And I for one, would never treat anyone like that just because I've been treated like that. So I always try to do the you catch more flies with honey, then vinegar kind of thing. Having the respect of everybody and not just fear is a much more effective way to run a kitchen these days versus 20 years ago.

Taking care of Gibson and working restaurant hours has definitely been a balancing act for Andy and his partner, Christina. He tells TOC, “When Gibson was a puppy, we set up his schedule so that I took care of his morning routine and Christina handled the evening routine. This means that Gibson sleeps in until about 9am every day, which means that we all get to enjoy sleeping in a little bit on the weekends..”

Tell us about your dog, Gibson.

Gibson is a big love bug. He loves people and belly rubs. I think he loves attention from random strangers more than he loves food, which he loves a lot.

When Gibson was a puppy, we introduced him to communication buttons. He currently has 25 buttons. A button story: We taught Gibson the phrase "all done" when he was a puppy at the suggestion of a dog trainer. Her recommendation was that when we finish training, we say "all done" and then put away the treats. We continued to apply this concept to other things. When we introduced the "all done" button to the board, Gibson started using it to tell the Humans that he had enough of whatever we were doing. It is not uncommon for Gibson to tell [Andy’s partner] Christina "all done" at 4 pm on Friday to communicate that he thinks she should be done working from home because he wants belly rubs or a big walk. 

Last year, we enrolled Gibson in agility training classes and have continued to take classes with him. Christina thought it would be a fun thing to try out since we often joke that Gibson is a dog version of a billy goat. Being a billy goat seems to also mean that he is pretty good at agility too. He loves the dog walk, the teeter, and the jumps. We are working at getting better with the weaves. 

Do you ever cook special things for Gibson? What does he like to eat?

Gibson LOVES food. There is no such thing as a bad snack, unless you count zucchini. He hates zucchini. He actually pretends to like it, he will take it from you and then walk over to his dog bed, chew on it for a minute, and then spit it out before finally coming back over to find or ask for a better treat. 

Gibson's love for food means that special snacks are things like fresh fruit and vegetables. His favorite vegetable is romaine lettuce. Every once in a while we will make him scrambled eggs. If we are feeling really adventurous, Gibson will get "special ice cubes," which is essentially a dog friendly smoothie made with whatever we have in the kitchen and frozen into an ice cube tray.  Some examples of things that we have added to the "special ice cubes" are peanut butter, water, yogurt, watermelon, blueberries, carrots, apples, chicken broth, strawberries. 

How did you balance having a dog and having to work at a restaurant at night?

Teamwork. One benefit of working restaurant hours is that my day started much later than Christina's work day. This means that we can usually do without a dog walker during the day because I would leave for work around 11am and Christina would get home around 6pm. When Christina has to work late or my schedule changes for a special event, we tend to rely on a dog walker for help. 

When Gibson was a puppy, we set up his schedule so that I took care of his morning routine and Christina handled the evening routine. This means that Gibson sleeps in until about 9am every day, which means that we all get to enjoy sleeping in a little bit on the weekends.

If someone in our community wants to learn to be a better cook do you have any resources you can recommend?

And then if somebody wants to learn about cooking, feel free to contact me here. I do private lessons. Read, read, read, read, read as much as you can. I collect cookbooks, just read them. And then just really practice. Cook at home, watch YouTube, watch Jacques Pepin and … Julia Child. They really taught you how to cook and give you [a] good solid foundation. If not, come see us at Cookology and we'll guarantee you that you will learn how to cook at least one meal and you can kind of just build from there. But really just practice, [and] cook at home. Don't be afraid to mess up and really just try to explore cooking methods and cooking styles. A lot of people don't cook because they're afraid. And when I was a kid, luckily I started cooking when I was a very young age. I've made some inedible meals when I was 13 or 14, but I learned and you get better every day. And that's really the main focus on how to get better with cooking- you have to actually do it. It's one of the muscle memories. And I'd say when all the young chefs, I say young as in new to the industry, come through Cookology and Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute, I always say you need to train your tongue. Your tongue is a muscle. So I'm teaching you how to taste. Does it need salt? Does it need acid? Does it need fat? And all these things. And as you work and work and work, you'll get better at it.

[Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning TOC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.]

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Sitting Down With Artist, Instagram Star, and New Author, Riley Sheehey

This week we are honored to sit down with Riley Sheehey, a watercolor and multimedia artist based in Falls Church, Virginia. Riley just announced that her first book, “Modern Motherhood” will be published on March 25, 2025, and is available for preorder now. In our chat Riley told us all about her transition from being an elementary school art teacher to being a full time professional artist, life at home with her dog, Stevie and her daughter, Bryn, and of course the process of writing her new book.

Tell us about your new book. We’re so excited for you!

According to her publisher, Riley’s book is “Originally inspired by Delft tiles, the 400+-year-old blue and white pottery from the Netherlands.”

Thank you so much! I am really excited about it, too! Modern Motherhood is a series of 100 blue and white watercolor illustrations, inspired by antique Delft tiles, depicting scenes of caretaking. I started the series in early 2023, and realized quickly that the idea resonated with people, so it’s been a great experience to be able to continue it through working on the book! It will be published by Abrams March 25, 2025, but just went up for preorder.

How has motherhood changed your life?

In every way! With work, I feel more creative, but have less time to work, and so it has helped me set better boundaries so that I can protect the time I have at work and to spend with my daughter.

What was the writing journey like for you?

The book doesn’t have too much writing aside from an intro and short captions, but those were the hardest parts for me, because I’m used to painting a lot, but not writing as much. My editor and literary agent were so helpful with providing guidance for this part.

Before you were an artist full time, you were an elementary school art teacher. How did you transition careers?

Very slowly! It’s a boring answer, but once I felt that I had more work than I had time to complete, I spoke with my principal, who kindly helped me scale back my teaching schedule so that I had a sort of “trial” period for about six months to see what one full day each week as a professional artist would look like. Once I was able to save up some money and make it work financially, I finished out the school year, and transitioned to full-time art.

You’ve done some exciting collaborations with some big clothing and retail brands. Do you have a favorite collab so far?

Thank you so much! Honestly, I feel so lucky to have been able to work on each one, so I genuinely don’t have a favorite, but I would say that for me, the most fulfilling partnerships have been ones where the expectations have been really clear from the get-go, so I’ve been able to ensure that I can provide what the other brand is looking for! 

Tell us your card painting project. How did that come about?

I think I painted my first couple in 2021, when I was going through a tough pregnancy with my daughter and in a creative rut- I couldn’t come up with ideas for something new to watercolor, so I looked around the room for a new surface to paint on, and landed on some playing cards. In the years since, I’ve painted a card or two (they are a really great painting surface because of the texture!) each year, but this is the first year I’ve painted one per week. I painted one right before the new year- my daughter was on winter break and I had limited time to make something during her nap!- and I will always be very grateful to the stranger on IG who messaged me that 52 weeks = 52 cards, and so it would be fun to paint one per week. 

Riley snugles Stevie

Riley, above with her dog, Stevie, tells TOC, “We got Stevie when she was 8 weeks old, in early 2018, so in so many ways, I feel like we have grown up together (she has been through a new home, a wedding, a baby, etc. with us). She makes me laugh every day- she has a lot of cat-like mannerisms, which we always get a kick out of.” (Photo Credit: @abbygracephotography)

Tell us about your dog, Stevie.

We got Stevie when she was 8 weeks old, in early 2018, so in so many ways, I feel like we have grown up together (she has been through a new home, a wedding, a baby, etc. with us). She makes me laugh every day- she has a lot of cat-like mannerisms, which we always get a kick out of. She absolutely ADORES my husband- even though I was the one who made the initial decision to get a dog, she is definitely Dylan’s dog- when he is home, she is within a few feet of him.

Did life with Stevie shift after having your daughter? What felt challenging? What felt beautiful?

Honestly, we’ve been really lucky, in that the shift was pretty seamless- at the beginning stages especially, we made sure that we took time (well, usually Dylan, haha) to take Stevie on walks or play ball with her so that she never felt left out. Because Stevie is so small (she is about 7lb last we checked) we do have to monitor to make sure Bryn is gentle with her- Bryn just sometimes gets so excited that she forgets! Bryn really loves Stevie, and Stevie loves and wants to protect Bryn (but sometimes she acts like she only tolerates her, ha!).

If someone in our community wants to get started with painting do you have recs for how they can learn?!

I feel like there are so many great online resources for this- I have a few materials lists/tutorials in the Journal section of my website, but I also love good old-fashioned hard-copy books. I would just say not to worry about having the right materials at the start- just get started!

[Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning TOC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.]


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Behind the Scenes of Writing a New Dog Training Book

This week we are honored to sit down with Juliana DeWillems, the owner of JW Dog Training & Behavior Consulting, star of our e-course, Attention Unlocked, and the author of the new book, “Manage It! Hacks for Improving Your Dog’s Behavior.” Juliana told us all about the process of publishing her first book, why the topic of management is so important in life with dogs and how it could help your dog, and how you can get started writing your own book if that’s your dream.

Congrats on your new book! How did you decide you wanted to write this book about management?

Juliana’s new book is currently the number one new release in the “Dog Training” category on Amazon.

Thank you! Over the past decade of working with training clients 1-on-1 it became clear to me that management is one of the most valuable tools for providing guardians with immediate relief from many challenging behavior issues. Despite the effectiveness of management, it’s not mainstream or, in my opinion, talked about enough! So I wrote this book to get information about management to the masses. 

A lot of people (though likely not our wonderful readers) still think of management as “cheating” or “not a real solution.” Tell us a bit about how you think about management and the role it can play in our lives with our animals.

Society has dumped a lot of baggage on dog guardians about how dogs should and shouldn’t behave, and what a “well trained” dog looks like. The problem is, these standards rarely match up with the wonderful, personality-filled, normally-behaving dogs we have in our homes, and a lot of times we feel shame around our dog’s behavior or how much training we think we should do with them. The great news is that management can solve problems and dramatically improve the lives of people and dogs. I don’t see any downside to that! I dive deeper into this in the book, but my favorite saying is: management is good enough if it’s good enough for you.

We know that you have a dog and cats at home now. How do you use management to help them thrive?

Physical separation using gates and closed doors has helped us the most. Having such an easy way to separate my dog from the cats gives everyone the opportunity to take a break, relax, and recharge for more coexisting time. 

Christie had some BTS access to your writing journey, but tell us a bit about what the process was like for writing this book?

preview of book with page about a permanent gate

Above is a preview of a page in Juliana’s new book.

It was a two year process from pitch to publish. Over those two years it was so crazy watching my idea come to life! It felt great to have the space to really expand on topics I feel passionate about (normally I am stuck to an Instagram-length caption), but I still felt surprised when the words sort of fell out of me as I wrote it. What I learned through the process is that writing the book is only half the work. Editing it and taking the 80+ photos took just as much time, though I’m grateful for all the back-and-forth with my publisher because it turned it into a really strong resource for anyone with a dog. 

If someone in our community wants to publish a book, how would you recommend they get started?

Start writing! Most publishers require at least a detailed outline and plan, if not a full manuscript, before offering you a contract. Then research publishers and learn about their submission process.

What is one of your other  favorite dog training books and why? 

I think Kathy Sdao’s Plenty in Life is Free did a lot for how we look at our relationship with dogs. When it came out in 2012 it offered a really impactful reframe from the old, yet pervasive, idea that dogs need to work for everything we give them (“Nothing In Life is Free” was a popular training protocol at the time, even among positive reinforcement trainers). 

When you’re not reading or writing about dog training, what else do you like to read (or watch)? 

Anything totally unrelated to dogs, lol. I love all the trendy romance books these days—Colleen Hoover, Emily Henry, Taylor Jenkins Reid, etc. It’s so nice to get lost in a story that takes me out of my work brain!

[Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning TOC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.]

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Sitting Down With President Obama’s Former Senior Speechwriter

This week we are honored to chat with David Litt, a former senior speechwriter for President Barack Obama, a New York Times best selling author, and the former head writer/producer for Funny Or Die D.C. David told us all about his dog, Emily, and what it was like to meet President Obama’s dogs when he worked in the White House. He also shared what he thinks is going to happen in the presidential election this fall, and how you can get involved.

You’ve worked in politics for years. What do you think is going to happen in the presidential election?

Emily lies down in the grass wearing a grey harness with her red leash ahead of her

Daivd’s dog, Emily (above), is “about half husky (the other half is a combo of chow-chow, german shepard, pitbull, and about a dozen other breeds).”

I’ve worked in politics long enough to know that no one knows. (And after the century we lived through in July, that’s truer than ever.) That said, I got my start in politics as a field organizer on Obama’s 08 campaign, and I haven’t seen that kind of energy until Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee. 

Tell us about your dog, Emily.

Our friends Sam and Lauren fostered Emily’s mom while she was pregnant - and literally delivered the puppies like Roger and Anita in 101 Dalmatians. So we first met Emily when we she was about four weeks old - basically a potato with fur. I was explaining to Sam that this was the wrong time to get a puppy, and then I looked over and Emily had crawled into Jacqui’s lap, and now we have a dog. That was about 18 months ago, so Emily still has tons of energy, zero chill, and no sense of personal space - and she’s also the best dog in the history of dogs.

We heard you have two cats. How does Emily do living with them? 

We were really worried about how she’d do with our cats, Harry and Maisie. Emily’s about half husky (the other half is a combo of chow-chow, german shepard, pitbull, and about a dozen other breeds), so before we adopted her we called husky breeders all over the country to see how she’d do. They all had cats, and they said that if you get the dog as a puppy everything will be fine. 

Which turned out be true. It was touch and go and first, and we didn’t leave them unsupervised, but now Emily knows the cats are part of the family. The main problem is that she wants to be their best friends, and she thinks the way to become someone’s best friend is by sniffing their butt, and the cats don’t agree with that. But when Jacqui and I aren’t home, we’re 99% sure Emily and Harry hang out together. They’re like the toys in Toy Story. 

Emily lives at home with two cats, Harry and Maisie.


When you worked in the White House, did you spend any time with President Obama’s dogs?

When I got to the White House, Bo was the only dog in the first family. He was a total celebrity, and sometimes we’d see him being walked through the residence. I think presidential pets are the closest thing America has to royalty, and I think Bo agreed. I always got the sense he knew he was the White House dog. A few years later the Obamas got Sunny, who was also a great dog but way more chaotic - kind of like Prince Harry before he settled down. 

Have you ever met any other presidential pets?

I haven’t! Our cats starred in a 2020 “Cats for Biden” video, though, and I was very happy that the Bidens kept their word and brought a cat into the White House. Promises made, promises kept.

David and Obama behind the desk in the oval office

David was described as "the comic muse for the president" for his work on the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

What’s one of your favorite memories from working in the White House?

The amazing thing about working in the White House is that you can have a dozen once-in-a-lifetime experiences a week. To pick a favorite at random, I always loved the Medal of Freedom Award ceremonies. Once, I chaperoned an awardee, so I’m standing in this room with, like, Gloria Steinem and Ernie Banks and former Republican Senator Dick Lugar and civil rights icon CT Vivian and Oprah. In the Obama White House those moments weren’t political - they really were celebrations of this country, and of the people who have shaped it. 

David (above) started surfing in 2022 following the pandemic.

We’ve seen that you like to surf. Tell us more. 

I picked up surfing in 2022 to try to get out of a post-pandemic rut. I got hooked, and set a goal of surfing Hawaii’s North Shore - home to some of the best and most dangerous waves in the world - in 18 months. With the help of my brother-in-law, Matt, I did it, but more than that I learned a ton about harnessing the power of fear and finding courage in a very scary world. And then because I’m an author, I thought, “This should be a book.” So It’s Only Drowning is coming out next June.

If someone in our community wants to get involved in the election, what’s the best way for them to make a difference?

Volunteer! If you live or near a swing state, knocking on doors and talking with voters is the best way to use your time on behalf of your favorite candidate. And if you don’t live in a swing state, making phone calls has gotten way better - and easier - since I started in politics. They usually have you call voters who are likely to already support the candidate, but just need information about when to register, what kinds of ID to bring to the polls, and stuff like that. So you don’t need to understand all the issues in order to make a difference.

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Social Impact PR and How You Can Help Make a Difference

This week we had the privilege of sitting down with Silvie Snow-Thomas, President of Elle Communications. Silvie was part of the Elle Communications team that was just acquired last week, and she tells us all about that, life in Los Angeles with her dog, Joni, her partner, Matt, and her toddler, Didion, and how you can get involved to help support the social issues her clients champion.

Last week was huge for you! Congrats on the sale of your PR firm, Elle Communications. What does the sale mean for you and the future of the company? 

Silvie (above with Joni on her lap) tells TOC, “Once, on a flight from Los Angeles to New York, [Joni] helped a woman who was having a panic attack during takeoff by sitting in her lap and allowing the woman to pet her while J licked her arm.”

Thank you! I’m incredibly excited for all that lies ahead. Our acquisition by Dolphin Entertainment gives our current team new resources, access points, and opportunities to better serve and deepen the impact we make for each of our clients. Across the parent company and the eight agencies they acquired before us, Dolphin is making and shaping culture every day. The big audacious visions our clients have for the future of our country and the world can be further realized through the integration of our team with these experts and their clients who are defining the current zeitgeist. 

Your firm specializes in social and environmental impact for mission-centered brands, nonprofits and foundations, activists and leaders. Can you tell us about one of your favorite clients and how you’ve helped them?

This is a bit like being asked to pick your favorite child (or dog!). I continued to be honored every single day to elevate the work and voices and leadership of our country’s most incredible activists and advocates as they fight for policy change and narrative change and culture change around the issues I care most about: the climate crisis, sustainability, saving democracy, equal pay, equality for women and girls, safe working conditions for all, immigration reform, paid family leave, care for all, criminal justice reform, Latinx representation, Black liberation, destigmatizing mental health…the list goes on. 

Tell us about your dog, Joni.

I am of course biased – as I believe all dog parents should be – but I think Joni is truly one-of-a-kind. She is sweet, kind, loving, playful, smart, and also super chill. She travels with us on planes, trains, and in automobiles. Once, on a flight from Los Angeles to New York, she helped a woman who was having a panic attack during takeoff by sitting in her lap and allowing the woman to pet her while J licked her arm. The flight attendant was so impressed that she gave Joni her wings. Also, she has arguably the greatest tongue in the world. See her Instagram for proof. 

Joni is Silvie’s first dog.

How does Joni get along with your toddler, Didion? 

Didion, who will be three in August, has spent this summer saying to us “Joni is my best friend.” It makes my heart melt in the very best way. They play together, they snuggle together, Didion has to give Joni kisses and hugs before naptime and bedtime, and the only time they seem to ever get frustrated at each other is when one wants to play keep away and the other wants the ball. 

What’s your favorite thing about having a dog?

Joni is the first dog I’ve ever had, thanks to my partner Matt. He adopted her when she was just six weeks old – which also happened to be the day of Matt and my first date. We consider that day, September 24, to be all of our anniversary together. I love that she gives us so much incredible, unabashed, unwavering love. I also love that she (like our daughter now, too) reminds us to get outside and walk and run and play and go to the beach as much as we possibly can.

You grew up on the east coast and lived in Cambridge, MA, but have been in Los Angeles for the last several years. What do you like about living in LA?

I like the beach, the mountains, the farmers markets, and the Venice, CA vibe. I also like that my good buddy who I grew up with in Cambridge now lives out here too and has an epic cheese and provisions shop, Canyon Grocer, that everyone should visit and then we can have a picnic. 

Silvie, her partner, Matt (above), and their daughter, Didion, live with Joni in Los Angeles.

A lot of your work intersects with American politics. What do you think is going to happen with the election? 

Yes, we do a lot of work in what I think is an incredibly important place, at the intersection of political and cultural change. Since Election 2016, we’ve worked on so many diverse, national GOTV (Get Out the Vote) and pro-democracy efforts. For Election 2024, I am desperately hopeful that voters will turn out en masse to save our democracy and in turn elect not only a president but also local election officials around the country who will protect women, families, LGBTQIA+ communities, BIPOC communities, immigrants, small businesses, and our environment. And I cannot wait to campaign for and vote for the first-ever Black woman president of the United States of America.

If someone in our community wants to get involved in the issues your clients champion, what’s the best way for them to make a difference? 

I love this question! First, I would say start to research and get educated about the issues in which you’re most interested. Knowledge really is power and then it can help you take the next step towards engagement and real action. There is no one superior way to make a difference, and I really do believe that every little bit counts. Maybe you don’t consider yourself an activist or advocate with a capital “A” just yet, but you can start your journey by listening, learning, standing up for the things you really believe in, and never forgetting to pass the mic to give voice to others with lived experience or whose stories also deserve to be told. 

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How a Vet Behaviorist May Be Able To Help Your Dog

This week we had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Meaghan Ropski, DVM, DACVB. Dr. Ropski is a veterinary behaviorist in Washington D.C. at Friendship Animal Hospital. She spoke to us about how she can help dogs and their pet parents, options for people who can’t afford to see a vet behaviorist or aren’t able to get into one, what to say to people who think there’s a stigma with medicating dogs, and much more. Fun fact: Jess’s dog, Stanley, is lucky enough to be one of her patients, and she just saw him for his annual recheck. 

For people who are unfamiliar with what a vet behaviorist does, can you tell us a little bit about your job and how you help dogs and humans?

Dr. Ropski poses with Sadie and her partner

Dr. Ropski calls this picture a “family photo.” She’s kneeling beside her husband and her dog, Sadie, who she says is “her reason for getting into behavior.”

A veterinary behaviorist, is first a veterinarian. We have the same knowledge base as your primary care vet or another specialist, but we have additional training in animal behavior, learning theory, psychotropic medications, and forming treatment plans for behavior concerns. We have 3 additional years of learning in behavior, on top of our vet school learning, before we sit for a 2 day national board exam. A veterinary behaviorist works with families to manage challenging behaviors, typically anxiety, fear, and aggression. They work with your primary care vet to rule out medical concerns and with your trainer to form a treatment plan that suits the needs of the family. A treatment plan involves a safety plan, environmental modification, training and behavior modification and commonly medication to reduce stress and anxiety.

How do you respond if someone asks you how to determine if they should bring their dog to a vet behaviorist?

If you and your dog are struggling with any fear, anxiety, stress, aggression OR have reached a plateau in training / behavior modification, it's a good time to start that conversation. I will always say - it's never too early to start talking (especially when most of us are booked out months in advance). We can make more changes for the better when we start early. 

How do you work with trainers to support dogs and their families?

If a family is already working with a trusted trainer (meaning non aversive / punishment based training), I send them right back! Training and behavior modification is essential to a treatment plan. If they are not working with a trainer already, we make recommendations for one in that family’s area that meets their needs once they are ready and good learning can take place. 

Dr. Ropski calls Sadie “the most perfect princess.”

What’s your favorite thing about what you do? 

Seeing the change and improvement from year to year in my families is the absolute best. Some families I’ve known for 5+ years and we get to a point where we’re no longer making big changes to treatment plans but can focus on smaller items (because the big things have already been accomplished). 

What’s the most challenging part of your job? 

Discussing difficult decisions with a family, whether that is rehoming, relinquishing or even euthanizing a dog. We focus a lot on quality of life, human and animal suffering and if we are doing everything possible and are still not seeing success - this may not be the best home / environment for that dog. It is heartbreaking to reach this point, but having someone to talk about the options with can be very helpful for these families facing tough decisions. 

How do you respond to people who are against medicating their dogs because of the stigma in our society? 

I think about our dogs’ brains being very similar to a human brain. If a human / child / family member was suffering from anxiety or other mental health concerns and a medication could help them to be successful and live comfortably / free from suffering then we would want to give them every possible chance we could to reach that success. Our dogs are no different. 

Dr. Ropski tells TOC that this photo is “a celebration" because Sadie was “NOT reacting to a dog on a walk.” 

Tell us about your dog. 

Our perfect princess Sadie? She is a 70 pound lab / husky mix. She is the reason I got into behavior. She had horrible separation anxiety when we adopted her and through a medication and behavior modification plan she is happy and comfortable to be alone at home for a whole work day. She is getting older (she’ll be 10 in September) and we are seeing some noise / storm anxiety start to develop. She LOVES snacks, sleeping in her bed, and spending time in her yard. 

There aren’t that many vet behaviorists in the US. If someone doesn’t have a vet behaviorist near them, what options do they have?

Their primary care vet is a great place to start! Some vets are comfortable providing behavior assistance and some are not. It doesn’t hurt to have that conversation. If a DACVB is not near you (and you need one), there may be a veterinary behavior resident that is closer. There are also some DACVBs that will do virtual consults - either with you or with your primary care vet. 

If someone can’t afford to work with a vet behaviorist, are there other ways they can help their dog? 

Their primary care vet may be an option, especially if a medication is needed to be successful. A positive reinforcement trainer is always a good place to start - they can help to modify the environment as well as providing training options. Options as simple as - avoiding triggers, increasing mental enrichment, and reinforcing desired behaviors – can be helpful to avoid practicing a behavior, meeting their needs and cultivating your relationship. With any of these options - they don’t “replace” a veterinary behaviorist, but they can be helpful should one not be in a family’s budget. 

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Community Corner: What Does Positive Animal Welfare Mean for Your Dog?

Editor’s note: This week we are thrilled to sit down with Lisa Dickel (whom you probably know as @calm.mindsandcanines on Instagram). Lisa tells us, “I am initially from Germany, but have been moving around for the past 10 years for various studies and research projects. I wanted to become a dog trainer after finishing school, but did not find any education I really liked, so I studied ecology instead. I have worked with a whole range of species, including plants, spiders, cattle, birds - and currently bees. I finally learned about dog behavior at the Nordic Education Centre for Ethical dog training some years ago, where I am currently teaching ecology, ethics and learning theory; and am running a journal club about dog behavior and welfare.” We hope that you enjoy our chat about animal welfare and how it relates to her research with dogs and bees, how her background as a scientist helps her with dog training, and much more! 

We heard you just finished your PhD defense - congrats! Can you tell us a bit about what you got your PhD in?

The photo above is of “fieldwork for my PhD on a tiny island in British Columbia to ring birds and observe their behavior and follow their breeding activity,” Lisa tells TOC.

Thank you so much! My PhD was in evolutionary ecology - so evolution on small time scales and in relationship to ecological conditions. I followed the fate of birds on a tiny island in British Columbia, Canada, with different ancestors - some of them local, some of them immigrated, and found out how their survival and reproduction went. This gave some clues about what the underlying genetic effects of both inbreeding and outbreeding depression are. Also quite important and fascinating topics for dogs! 

We understand you are doing post-doc work in animal welfare science (COOL!). Can you tell us a bit about how you got interested in that topic? 

I think I was always interested in animal welfare- but it was only quite recently that I understood this was actually a scientific field, and: dogs brought me here! 3 years ago I started a journal club project (it's called the “Tiny science chat”) centered on dog behavior and welfare. In the journal club we read and discuss scientific articles together with other animal professionals biweekly. This led me to discover a lot of welfare literature and put me on my current path.

And because you are extra cool, we know you are also working on a proposal about dog welfare and ecology (“on the side” as you put it). What can you tell us about this? 

This is the eternal fate of working in research - I only just started my post-doc project, but I am already thinking about which research grants I want to apply for next. Even though I am working with bees at the moment, my post-doc project aligns well with my interests regarding dogs: The “degrees' ' of captivity they are kept in and how their welfare might be affected (both positively and negatively) through captivity. It's not so frequent that we look at captive animals through the lens of ecology - but it would be very interesting to see what we can find if we do! 

In your mind, what is animal welfare broadly speaking? 

 “I followed and observed free ranging cows in the Norwegian forest for a summer to record their behavior and identify the plants they were eating,” Lisa tells TOC.

Defining animal welfare is not an easy job! But I would say: the subjective emotional experience of an individual, which is impacted by a lot of different factors, including health, opportunity for species-specific behaviors, social relationships, and choice and control about all of these aspects to modify one's own welfare. What exactly good welfare looks like depends on who you are- which species, which individual, and in which state you are currently in. I am especially interested in positive animal welfare, a quite new development in welfare science - so going beyond just minimizing suffering. 

Can you tell us a bit more about “positive animal welfare” and what questions we might ask ourselves related to it when it comes to our dogs?

Positive animal welfare is a relatively new development in animal welfare focusing on positive experiences of animals - so going far beyond just trying to avoid or alleviating suffering and disease. An amazing refined definition of positive animal welfare is about to be published soon, which was developed within a European collaboration project (“COST LIFT: Lifting Farm Animal Lives - laying the foundations for positive animal welfare”). This new perspective also brings a lot more focus on choice, agency, and competence building of animals. 

The aim is to bring the individual animal and their experience in the center of attention, rather than viewing humans as the ones “doing things to animals”. We start to acknowledge that the same opportunity or situation might be totally different for different individuals. This is possible, because it has become much more feasible to measure emotional responses in many species rather than just expecting every individual of a population to have a similar interpretation. 

I think despite being so close to our dogs, there is still a lot to do in terms of understanding their expressions better - especially also positive emotional states and maybe most importantly the ones at low arousal levels. Unfortunately it's quite easy to “read” arousal, and quite difficult to read how positive or negative an emotional state is (the “valence”). For many dogs (depending where we look), the level of human control is really high, which brings a lot of potential welfare concerns. I think the expansion to positive welfare will highlight some of the challenges that dogs are exposed to through these high levels of control more clearly (and humans too really), and will hopefully offer some solutions as well - that might have the power to improve the shared welfare of human and canine animals?! 

You’re currently researching insect welfare with bees. We think this is so fascinating. How are y’all defining welfare with bees? 

 This photo is of “the first day at my new bee job (already becoming more daring and going without all the protective gear) :D,” Lisa tells TOC.  

I just started this project on bee welfare at the Swedish University of Agricultural sciences where I am part of a research group working mostly on bee health and diseases. Insect welfare as a field is just emerging and so far there is very little written about bee welfare - what it is, if we need to think about it, and how we could measure it. I am going to try to extend the current frameworks we use for measuring animal welfare in other animals (mostly mammals and birds) to bees and other insects. So far I am just getting to know my new study species and am finding out amazing things about them every day!

Why is it so important to think about the welfare of animals in captivity (like our dogs)? Are there any hallmarks of welfare you can share?

Generally we view captivity very differently for different animals. For 'wild' animals (and for our own species) we tend to view captivity as more problematic for their lives and welfare, while we view captivity as a natural and normal state for domestic animals.

But now we see that some aspects of captivity can also be really problematic for the welfare of  domesticated species, who have evolved to share, but not necessarily be captive in, a human niche. Yet, opinions that all domesticated animals require strict captivity for their own good are quite abundant. 

But slowly this picture is shifting: as we find out more about the importance of choice and agency in welfare science we see how important these are for animals, and this includes dogs and other domesticated species. It might be a frequent trap to assume we know domesticated animals so well, as they live alongside us, so we know what they want and what is good for them. But do we, really? 

Has thinking about bee welfare made you think a bit more about the welfare of the dogs that live with us? 

I wanted to answer similar questions for dogs as I do get to explore now for bees. I have been living with dogs since I was born and they have always been a part of my life. So when the opportunity came up to explore similar questions with a species I had absolutely no preconceptions about, I thought this was an amazing opportunity. I often ask people to try to learn about their dog as if they were an alien species which they had never seen before. This is a little bit what bees are for me now. I hope to take off yet another pair of “coloured glasses of bias” when exploring welfare, and then hopefully bring a more systematic and open mind to the dogs who I work with and study. Welfare is something very universal: What do you experience and what do you want, as an individual? It can be difficult for our human brain to ask that question again and again for every individual without making assumptions. 

Above: Lisa and her dog, Nyoko, walk around in the snow. She is in rubber boots (and spikes) which is something she tells us she does all winter. 

Tell us a bit about your dog, Nyako. 

Nyako came to me when she was 7 years old while I was right in the middle of my dog behavior training. I was feeling like I could deal with quite a lot of things (probably right on top of the Dunning-Kruger curve!). Then, living together with Nyako was total chaos for quite a while and brought me on the roller-coaster ride that rapidly brought me far down from “I know what I am doing” to “I am really overwhelmed”. In the three years since then, Nyako has been a really important teacher for me. Especially, she taught me to let go of assumptions about dogs and to ask questions to her as an individual. She has put a few brightly colored sticky notes in my mind: That all behavior has function and reason; that pain is so incredibly important and can be very hard to detect. This was definitely no easy journey for both of us, and I am so grateful for the relationship we have today, and the generally positive welfare which we share in our little ecosystem. 

Since you have mentioned that you are now a dog trainer as well as a teacher teaching future dog trainers, how do you use your science background in this context? 

Becoming a dog trainer has made it much more obvious to me how much science is actually needed in practice. And it is the best both for my work as a scientist and as a dog trainer to move fluently between these two spheres. I really started to love science communication by bringing the scientific evidence into practical application, but also making scientific research more accessible to everyone. But equally practical work reveals scientific knowledge gaps all the time, and I have learned so much from all the discussions with non-academics about science! Further, I think in dog training, my science background really helps me when things do not work as expected. Then, I am familiar with the process of being confused, starting a broader literature search, asking people for guidance, wondering where my blind spot might be located (the “unknown unknowns”). Like that, it's possible to find out how I got to an incomplete answer, or whether I was possibly asking the wrong question, and to constantly broaden and shift my perspective as needed. 

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Community Corner: Dealing With Anticipatory Grief for Pets and More

Editor’s Note: This week we are honored to sit down with Jessica Kwerel, whose focus as a licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience is pet loss. While we know this can be a hard topic, we thought this conversation was a beautiful reminder of the special bond we share and how thinking about death may even help us appreciate life. We hope that this interview can help anyone who is currently experiencing grief or who knows someone who is grieving or even pre-grieving the loss of a beloved furry friend.

Tell us a bit about why you think the bond so many of us are lucky enough to form with our beloved dogs is so special. 

Jessica hikes with dogs Tilly, Buford, and Sam.

Jessica hikes with dogs Tilly, Buford, and Sam.

There are so many reasons! I think the main ones are that our dogs provide us with the kind of pure, consistent, magical, unconditional love that no other human can provide us. Dogs function as our secure base (a term used in attachment theory), are the witnesses of our lives, and anchor us emotionally. We feel stabilized, tethered, and grounded with our dogs. It’s one of the only relationships where we are really “allowed” to be fully enmeshed because they are completely dependent on us, and that feels so gratifying! Dogs also allow our most private and intimate self to exist, without any judgment or question. We share so much consistent physical and emotional proximity with them because they are with us in our homes and accompany us through life, outside of our homes. They often sleep in our bed with us (mine do at least!) and are often right next to us. The book The Purest Bond does a great job of describing this special bond.

I’ll be honest. I’ve been pre-grieving Otis since he was 2 years old. I regularly hold him and sob thinking about the day that he is no longer here. I’ve had so many people talk about pre-grieving as something that robs us of the current moment, but I seem to find that remembering that we don’t get to love these creatures forever helps me appreciate my time with them even more. (Is this bad?! LOL.) How do you tend to talk about pre-grieving? Can thinking about death help us appreciate life? 

It’s not bad at all and it’s completely normal! I did the same thing with my beloved Buford long before he was ever sick. I remember once bursting into tears on 395 out of the blue thinking about saying goodbye to him. There is a Latin phrase that the Stoics used; “Memento Mori” which means “remember you will die” as a reason to not take your life for granted. So humans have experienced these feelings for a very very long time. The work is to allow for the awareness of death without becoming consumed by it. A way to do this is to name the feelings, feel the feelings, and come back to the present moment. 

What’s something that you have learned from your patients who are grieving the loss of a dog? 

I continue to learn more and more about our ability to love fully, receive love fully, and how brave and resilient humans are. I’ve worked with hundreds of people and I am so humbled and honored to hear the most incredible and unique love stories.

What’s something that you have learned from your dogs?

Where do I start? I have learned so much about patience, staying present, gentleness and tenderness with myself, and self-compassion. My dogs have helped me clarify my values, taught me to trust my instincts, and not compare my path in life to someone else’s. They’ve taught me how to slow down, lighten up, be brave, how to give and and receive love, deal with uncertainty, and not give up. They’ve taught me about death and dying. I’ve also learned from my dogs that my most favorite people are dog people 🙂

What are some ways that people can support someone who has lost a beloved companion? 

The most important thing you can do for someone is to validate their loss as a very real and significant loss. For most people I know, pets are our family, our children, our best friends, our partners, our worlds. Allow people to feel their feelings. Grief is not a problem to be solved. We are to be steady witnesses to their sorrow and pain. I talk more about this in a Washington Post article where I was interviewed on this topic. Though it comes from a very well meaning place, don’t task grievers with any overly broad decision making that involves any cognitive or emotional work with questions like “what can I do to help?” Take action yourself to do something specific, like dropping off food or asking if you can do any of their errands. Check in, but without the expectation of a response. I love sending a heartfelt text or audio message, with the closing “no need to respond.” It’s also important to be there for them after the dust settles, and much of the initial outpouring of support has faded. Continue to say the name of their companion, and talk about their companion. I tell my clients to stay tethered to the other “holders” of their companion, the other people who had a relationship with their dog or knew their dog. Find your holders so they can hold you and keep you anchored.

I know death is a part of life, but it’s not something people tend to think about as much. And the more I think about it, the more I see how rare it is to experience a full life – birth (or close to it) to death – with another being. For many of us (but not all), that’s what the journey with our dogs will be. A part of me has always felt like my dogs are going to teach me about aging and letting go whether I want them to or not (for the record, I very much want them to cut the shit and stay alive forever). Do you have any words of wisdom about going on this journey with dogs?

This is such a great point! I see this journey as a privilege and a gift. We walk alongside our dogs, as they are our teachers about life, and how to live and die. The more we can accept that many different feelings can all be true, the less rigid we can become about our expectations of their death. I also like to journal as a way to document my life with my dogs, and as a way to slow down the pace on how quickly life is passing by. Writing helps to slow it all down just a little bit, and take a minute or a page to reflect, to capture this moment, while I have my dogs with me. Confronting the end of your dog’s life is an emotional experience, not an intellectual experience. The more comfortable we are with our own feelings, the better able we are to ask for what we need when that time comes. Saying goodbye to my beloved Buford was both the most painful and most sacred and beautiful experience I’ve ever had.

What led you to open a practice dedicated to helping pet parents grieve the loss of their beloved companions?

I first started my practice in 2019 as a small side project when my husband said goodbye to his soul dog, Tilly, and saw how much he suffered because of her loss, without any available specialized support. As a licensed therapist, I knew how important this loss was to him and the significance of this loss. I realized that this was such an underserved, specific area of loss that I cared deeply about. By the time I said goodbye to my Buford in 2020, I knew this was my calling, to support those who have lost their beloved companion animal, and made this my career. As I say, if it’s life changing love, then it’s life changing loss. And I will continue the important work of  validating and normalizing pet loss in all spaces, especially in mental health spaces.

I was lucky enough to know your sweet soul dog, Buford, and witness your bond firsthand. If you’re comfortable, can you tell us something you loved about Buford and how you've been doing since he died?

Thank you so much for asking! I loved that Buford was not a dog. He was like an angel being, in the body of a dog. He was so incredibly gentle, tender, devoted, silly, and loving. He was an old soul, even when I first adopted him when he was around 2 years old. He was so so so loving. He just wasn’t a dog, I don’t know how to describe it. But what I loved the most, was his HUGE smile. I’ve never seen a dog really smile like he did.

Who can come to see you for support (does their dog have to have already passed away?)? 

Anyone who has a special bond with animals or their own animals can come see me, whether they are preparing to say goodbye or have already said goodbye. I have also provided mental health support for veterinarians, zookeepers, animal welfare professionals, and animal rescue workers.

Where can people find you if they want to connect?

They can go to my website or my instagram page.

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How Dog Training Made My Partner an Even Better Dad

For me, dog training has always felt much bigger than training dogs. We have an opportunity to listen and connect with another species, AND we get to learn more about how behavior works on this planet in the process. It’s been fun for me to see how my behavior seems to have impacted those around me - namely my partner, Ben. Ben is not a dog trainer, and I don’t actually spend my personal time lecturing him on the science of behavior. I do talk about it in passing or when I’m asking him to change something he’s doing with the dogs. Over time, it seems to have shifted how he moves through the world. For fun this week, I’m sharing two cute moments that I think are a great reminder that HOW you choose to train your dog matters. People are watching and your behavior may end up influencing theirs. 

Story One: The Curious Case of The Cloth Diapers and ‘Lazy’ Parents

When I was pregnant, Ben and I looked into cloth diapers in an effort to be more sustainable. Ben was researching companies that could help wash them to reduce the workload on us, and in his research, stumbled upon a page that basically explained the whole cloth diaper landscape today. As it turns out, few of the companies we were looking for remain in business, and the author said it was because “people these days are too lazy” as an explanation for why there is less demand for cloth diaper related services. When Ben relayed this info to me, he said, “It is not fair of the author to call everyone lazy. He didn’t even consider why people might not be using cloth diapers these days. The environment we exist in is so different from generations past, and that’s a much better explanation than just saying people are lazy.” I looked at him, and said, “Wow, am I grateful to get to parent with you.” He was right. We explain behavior by looking to the environment.

Story Two: Why the Way You Pick up Your Baby Matters 

Just the other day I was sitting on the couch with our baby in my lap, and I asked Ben to come grab him and change his diaper. Ben scooped him up and our son immediately started sobbing. Ben turned right around and handed him back to me. The baby stopped crying immediately but Ben waited a couple of minutes and then tried again to pick him up. This time he said ourson’s name and asked him if he wanted to be picked up as he extended his arms. Ben stood patiently while our son looked at his hands for about five seconds. Then our son reached over to Ben asking to be picked up. Ben scooped him up and off they went - a smile on our son’s face. This interaction made me so happy. He listened to ourbaby’s cry right away. “No” was an acceptable answer. He later told me that he messed up by scooping him up from behind without any notice or assent. He adjusted by giving the baby some time with me (smart setup on his part). Then he switched his approach to make it more collaborative. He gave our son an opportunity to say yes or no, and he got a yes. Ben did this so fluently - it put a big smile on my face. 

So all of this is to say that I think yall are doing a great job. How you train matters for your dog, and you may be surprised to find out how much broader your impact may be … !

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The Science Behind Why I Was Unusually 'Annoyed' With My Dogs

It was 4:30pm on a Tuesday afternoon and my dog, Otis, delivered one of his stuffed toys directly onto my lap and looked up at me with expectant eyes. He’s done a version of this hundreds if not thousands of times before, and I can remember smiling and tossing him the toy. But this time, I had to close my eyes and take a deep breath to avoid screaming. I felt annoyed. And then very guilty. 

The next morning, I walked both of my dogs in the woods by my house - just like I’d done every morning for years. Every time they stopped to sniff … there was that feeling of annoyance again. When we approached a tree on the trail and they went left when I went right, I felt myself wanting to scream. 

Christie holds her baby against her face with his back facing the camera while her dog Otis rests at her feet besides her rocker chair in the nursery

Author Christie Catan (above with her son and dog, Otis), is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed and the co-founder of Tails of Connection.

What the hell was going on? Why were my dogs annoying me so much? Had my dogs suddenly become “annoying” and “needy”? I felt guilty as I remembered all the nights I’d laid my head on Otis’s shoulder and cried because it felt like my body couldn’t possibly hold all of the love I had for him. 

Then somewhere from beneath the sleep deprived fog, I remembered: emotions track contingencies. 

My dogs were not “bad” or “annoying” or “too needy.” Conditions had changed. 

I had gone from a life where I controlled so much of my own time (and had a fair bit of it) and often had the flexibility to stop and play with my dogs when they asked. Now I had a baby who couldn’t eat or sleep without me, and my time was not my own. Suddenly I found myself being pulled in so many directions at once while desperately trying to be present for the beings in my life whom I love so much.

Now my dogs doing things they had always done signaled something entirely different for me. Not because they were different but because the rest of my conditions had changed. 

The answer wasn’t that my dogs needed to stop bringing me toys or sniffing on walks. The answer was that I needed to find some ways to get a bit more support. 

I look back now and feel grateful that the annoyance I felt was so damn strong. As Dr. Israel Goldiamond (a professor emeritus in psychiatry and psychology and a pioneer in the field of behavioral psychology … much of his work influences dog training today) explained, that strong emotion helped me identify what contingencies were in play … which allowed me to shift some things in my environment. 

I am still very much learning how to show up in this new role in my life while still honoring the ones I had pre-baby. But the good news is that I know I am learning. And I have my emotions as little flags that will help me identify what's going on in the environment in case I ever get too overwhelmed to pay attention to myself. 

To my dogs: I love you beyond words. I am the mother I am today in large part because of you. I am so grateful that you are with me on this journey. Thank you for your patience. Please never stop asking me to play or telling me to slow down on a walk and look around. I need those reminders.

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Meet the Human Behind Bunny the Talking Dog

This week we are so excited to kick off a new series entitled '"Dog People" where we sit down with with the fascinating humans behind the dogs that we know and love. For this first installment, we were delighted to chat with Alexis Devine, who is a longtime community member, certified professional dog trainer, knowledge assessed, author, and the human behind the viral account @whataboutbunny. Alexis is an incredibly compassionate soul who has a great sense of humor, and we hope that you enjoy this q&a.

Bunny and Alexis hike in a grassy field

Alexis and her dog Bunny skyrocketed to fame on their social media accounts, @whataboutbunny, as Bunny’s use of an AIC button board seemed to become a part of pop culture. Alexis is very open about Bunny’s reactivity and sensitivity and credits Bunny for teaching her a lot about being human.

What is your favorite word?

Tohubohu

What do you suppose is your dog’s favorite word?

Verifiably; poop, and ugh.

What are some everyday things that “kill you with delight”?

Guacamole and sleeping or smiling dogs

What is your motto? Or a favorite quote?

“Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself. I am large. I contain multitudes” -Whitman

Alexis and her husband stand on a dirt hillside with their three dogs and the mountains in the background

Alexis and her husband recently bought a cabin in the mountains that sits on 50 acres of land. While she enjoys the peace and quiet of the mountain air, she says that one of the driving factors for the cabin was wanting to find a space where her dogs, especially Bunny, could relax.

If money were no object, how would you like to spend your days? 

Exploring remote spaces with my dogs……. and more dogs

What’s a hard lesson your dog has taught or is teaching you?

(Tenrec) Don't leave panties out unless you're in the market for crotchless panties

What’s a “quality” your dog “embodies” that you really admire?

Resilience

What’s a “side of you” that your dog brings out that you are grateful to experience?

Tenacity

What’s your biggest fear?

That there isn't enough time to learn all I want to learn and experience all I want to experience

What does community mean to you and what are some ways you think we can cultivate it today?

Like minded individuals coming together to uplift and support one another and create something bigger than anyone could manage.

What’s the last thing your dog did that made you belly laugh?

Bunny called Tenrec a cat.

What’s a memorable mistake you’ve made?

I’ve forgotten most of them because i was drunk

What helps you feel connected to this world?

Certainly my dogs. They help me to slow down.

Alexis poses in a mint pant and sweater outfit on a dark blue couch with a burnt orange pillow. She holds her little brown and white dog with a white sweater on it

Alexis is a lover of vintage fashion and art, and loves a good artistic photo shoot. Photos like the one above are spread throughout the incredible book she recently published entitled I Am Bunny*.

What sound do you love?

Bass vocals

What makes you feel hopeful?!

Community

What does it mean to you to be a “dog person”?

Centering behavioral diversity and agency.

How would your dog describe you to other dogs?

“She’s kind of a train wreck emotionally, but she does the best she can.”

What’s one question we should ask the next person we talk to?

“Do you wipe standing up or sitting down?”

*[Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning TOC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.]

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Guide: How Should a Harness Fit on a Dog and More

Otis the sheepadoodle runs forward wearing a neon orange y shaped harness in a mint circle under the words TOC Harness Guide

Keep reading for tips for selecting a properly fitting harness and cooperatively putting it on your dog (plus, our favorite harnesses!).

A harness is a great way to keep your dog safely and comfortably tethered to you with a leash. An ergonomic harness can help prevent injuries and should be comfortable for your dog when they have it on. A well-fitting harness will allow for free shoulder movement and minimize breathing constraint.

This guide is focused on general use dog harnesses rather than harnesses for specific sports like bikejoring. [Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning TOC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.]

How To Find a Good Harness for Your Dog

Yellow lab wearing an olive green harness. Text on image says: The basics of a good harness fit. SHOULDERS: Free to move! Neck straps don't impede shoulders even when the dog pulls/lunges. GIRTH: Around rib cage. CHEST: Connection point of chest &

When looking for the correct fit of your Y-shaped harness on your dog, look for the meeting point of the chest & neck straps to land on your dog’s chest bone to keep the trachea safe and the shoulders unimpeded, the armpits to have enough space, the girth strap to be around their rib cage, and the chest strap to be narrow enough to avoid rubbing their front legs.

  1. Look for a Y-shaped harness 

    We call them Y-shaped harnesses because if your dog is standing and facing you, the harness strap coming up from their belly, over their chest bone, and around their neck should look like a Y rather than a T. When well fitted, the Y shape gives your dog’s shoulder blades free range of motion - that’s really what we’re after here. 

  2. Look for the “Meeting Point” of the chest and neck straps to be on the chest bone

    Where the chest strap (the one that comes from under the belly and up the chest) meets the neck strap (the one that goes around their neck area) should land on the chest bone (this is the prominent bone you can feel on their chest), not the soft tissue. This helps protect the trachea and ensures good pressure distribution of the dog pulls into the the harness.

  3. Make sure the shoulder blades are unimpeded

    Harnesses come up from your dog’s belly to their chest bone and then go around below their neck. Check to make sure the harness isn’t going over their shoulder blades. 

    If your dog is a big puller, you’ll want to ensure that you have a snug enough fit (without being too tight) in the neck strap to keep it from sliding down and restricting their shoulders when they pull. Generally look to be able to fit two of your fingers stacked vertically under the neck strap. 

    If your dog isn’t pulling much in the harness, it’s likely okay to have a bit more room here.

    TIP: Take a video of your dog walking without a harness on and then with the harness on. Their gait should look the same! 

  4. Look for space in the armpit 

    Rubbing under the armpit can be really uncomfortable and also restrict movement, so when you try a harness on your dog, make sure it isn’t resting right in their armpit. Alternatively, if there is too much space here, the harness slides around a lot more when the dog stops before the front legs stop it. You are looking for your dog’s arms to be able to move backwards freely and to avoid chafing in their armpit.

    As a general guide: look for two to three finger width’s distance from the armpit crease and from the chest strap for medium dogs and three to four for larger dogs. It’s tough to give a general rule here because dogs and human fingers are shaped so differently, so looking at where the straps are actually hitting is key.

  5. Check the fit around their abdomen 

    The girth strap should lie over your dog’s ribs, not behind them on their soft belly tissue.*

    While the harness should be secure enough not to slide around a ton, you want to at least be able to comfortably slide your hand (or two fingers stacked vertically) under the harness once it’s all buckled up. 

    *Note: If you’re getting a harness with a third belt (often called a waist or safety belt), some of the third straps still sit on the ribcage while others sit right beyond the last rib on the waist (which can be useful if you’re really worried about your dog slipping out of the harness since that is the narrowest part of their abdomen). If the third strap sits beyond the ribs, check that the leash attachment point is on the main girth strap that goes over their rips (and make sure that third strap isn’t too tight).

  6. Consider chest strap width

    Some harnesses have thicker chest straps. If your dog is a bit narrower between the front legs and you have a wide chest strap, the harness may rub when your dog moves, creating discomfort and potentially changing how they walk to avoid the feeling (which can lead to abnormal pressure on their joints). This is another example of where video is your friend!

  7. Consider adjustability 

    This can be a great option if your dog’s proportions don’t fit a lot of standard harnesses.

    Plus, just because a harness fits right now doesn’t mean it’s going to fit in a month for any number of reasons. It’s important to continue to check that a harness is still a good fit for your dog - especially if you notice their body has changed. 

    If you have a fast growing puppy, a harness that has more adjustable straps may give you a bit more wear than one that does not. 

    But … just because a harness doesn’t have adjustable straps everywhere doesn’t mean it couldn’t be a great fit for your dog.

  8. Check for “twisting” when you add a leash

    This is a big reason why I like some harnesses more than others. There are plenty of harnesses that fit great when you don’t have the leash attached but then start to twist to the side when the weight of the leash is added. This can fundamentally change where the straps are landing on your dog. In general, I recommend testing most harness with a leash on (and perhaps even with a little tension) to make sure the general fit is still good.

    The type of leash you use may play a factor here too. For example, I like biothane leashes (typically longer ones), and I sometimes let them drag, which can add some weight. I’ve used harness before that always wound up lopsided towards whichever side the leash was on. Some of this is a fit thing, but I’ve also found that some harnesses are just better at staying in the center on dogs’ backs than others. You can read reviews to see if people mention this and can try the harness on with a leash before you tear off the sales tags. 

  9. Consider material & general design 

    This one comes down to you and your dog’s preferences and needs. Here are some things to consider:

    • Wide vs. Thin Straps

    • Padded vs. Not Padded

    • Heavy/Hefty vs. Light/Minimal

    Straps can be made from all sorts of materials too. Some materials may make more sense if your dog, for example, often gets wet on walks. 

    You may also want to consider whether or not you need bright colors or reflective design components. This can be helpful if you hike in the woods where hunting is allowed or if you walk at night. 

  10. Consider safety / security

    Escape Artists: If your dog is at risk for slipping out of their harness, consider a harness that has a third strap around the belly that makes it much more secure. 

    Pullers and Lungers: If you’ve got a big strong dog who has a tendency to lunge or pull, look for harnesses with multiple attachment points. While we don’t recommend using a front clip to teach loose leash walking, having both a front and back clip option may be helpful for some people. You can attach to the front clip if you feel like you need a bit more leverage when they pull or lunge in order to feel safe walking them. In addition, having a front and back clip allows you to attach a double clip leash or emergency handle. Having a handle on top to hold onto may also give you an extra sense of security.

    Mobility Support: Harnesses with handles on top can also be helpful if your dog has mobility issues or if you sometimes want to hold onto the handle for more security in certain situations.

  11. Overhead vs. Buckle Neck straps

    Some dogs really don’t like harnesses coming over their heads. If your dog falls in this category, know that there are some harnesses out there that allow you to buckle the straps around their necks instead of pulling them over their head. 

Introducing a Harness to Your Dog 

When introducing a harness, the key is to take baby steps and allow your dog to opt in and discover all the good things that happen when they approach a harness. 

A white dog sits and looks to the center/right. It's sitting on a tree stump and wearing an ill fitting harness with words that point to it and how it goes over the shoulder blade and impedes range of motion

Try to avoid harnesses like the one above that look like a T shape in the front. The straps on this harness go over the dog’s shoulder blades and restrict the dog’s range of motion, which can be uncomfortable and create physical health problems down the line.

Perhaps begin by simply having the harness out on the floor and allowing your dog to investigate. Give them some treats or a fun toy after they’ve come over to check the harness out. 

If they seem comfortable with the harness on the floor, you can pick it up. This is where I like to use a bit of a cooperative care framework to allow them to control the harness coming towards them. 

You can use something like Chirag Patel’s Bucket Game or do something as simple as using orientation to you as a start button behavior. When your dog approaches you and looks at you/generally orients to you, lift the harness and give them a treat. When they look at you again, lift the harness and move it an inch towards them. Take baby steps. When you first make contact, try just touching their shoulders with the harness rather than going over their head with it.

If you’ve got a head shy dog, consider separating out the motion of moving your hands towards their head from holding the harness. 

You might even consider first practicing bringing a large t-shirt or a big belt or looped leash over their head before you move into the harness. 

Pay attention to your dog’s body language. If they tense up, tuck their tail, pull their ears back, or look away, pause and give them some space. If they leave, let them walk away - heck, perhaps even give them a treat for calmly walking away (that’s a great skill in life!). Having the ability to easily say no can actually make it more likely for them to say yes. 

When they do come back, take a step back from whatever you were working on to make it easier! And keep those reinforcers flowing. 

If you go nice and slow, you’ll likely be able to fade the treats from the picture (if you want), and approaching the harness and having it put on will be reinforced by access to the good things that come with a walk. 

Troubleshooting When Your Dog Seems to Hate Their Harness 

If your dog runs away when you pull the harness out, you aren’t alone. While harnesses often predict lots of awesome things (outdoors), it’s clear that they can also predict some things the dogs don’t seem to love - hence those escape behaviors. 

One of the first things to check is the fit and design of your harness - see above. If it’s not a well-fitted Y-shaped harness, it may be uncomfortable for your dog. (Note: your dog may have some preferences in terms of materials and general design, so you could also experiment with this even if your current harness fits well.) 

Another thing to investigate upfront is underlying pain. Sometimes dogs have something going on with their ears or teeth that can make putting the strap over the head really uncomfortable. There could be underlying pain elsewhere too. If you’re seeing other signs of potential pain, it’s worth checking with your vet. 

If you’ve got a well fit Y-shaped harness and have ruled out pain, we can move onto training. Here are some ideas to consider when thinking about how to get started:

  1. Change the context 

    If your current “put the harness on routine” is cueing your dog’s escape behaviors, it will be much harder if you try to train approach behaviors with the exact same environmental conditions. 

    You can change things like the location you work in, how you stand/sit, what object you hold, what’s out in the room you’ve been in (for example, sometimes having drawers open might be enough of a difference), etc. 

    This post highlights how hard it can be if we work in an environment that is already cueing some other behavior (we end up fighting extinction). 

    The good news is that you can eventually bring the new approach behavior into the old problematic conditions (just go slowly). 

    This post talks about how “ … what is selected is always an environment-behavior relation, never a response alone.” Donahoe & Palmer (1994). LCB, p.68 (via Dr. Jesus Rosales-Ruiz’s talk “Learning in Context: Expedited Learning Through Environmental Design”)

  2. Break it way down (split criteria) 

    Think about all of the actions you perform when putting a harness on your dog and work on them one at a time. For example, if you’re standing up when you put your dog’s harness on, you’ll have to bend over them. You could work on that without holding a harness first. Another example could be touching their shoulder with the harness before you work on getting it over their head. 

    This post shows how I split criteria to ultimately get a cone on my dog, Otis. The same basic principles can apply to putting a harness on. I had to go to this extreme due to how aversive the cone was, so you may not need to do all of this for a harness - just depends. Hopefully this helps you think about how to approach splitting criteria though.

  3. Work with an object other than their harness 

    Use a looped leash or a belt and make a BIG loop to start. Gradually make the loop smaller. You can throw on some reps where the loop is bigger too to take some pressure off. 

    Here is an example of training using a looped leash leading to a dog eventually voluntarily sticking their head through a harness loop. 

  4. Have clear ways for your dog to opt in or out 

    Regardless of your approach and how you break it down, having ways for your dog to control what you do can increase the likelihood that they opt in. Yep, your dog being able to say no matters for a lot of reasons! 

    To do this, you want clear contingencies. Check out this post for some general information about how to create an opt in behavior and fade IN the object or action. 

    This post highlights how big of a difference subtle shifts can make on behavior and emphasizes the importance of giving your dog control (avoid chasing them if possible). 

    Here is another post on getting started with start button behaviors. I like having people play around with the concept in a low stakes setting (let your dog control when you move your hand or when you hold up a coffee cup) before trying to use it in real life. 

  5. Protect your training 

    While you’re working on building those new, wonderful approach behaviors with the harness, what do you do for walks?! It depends. 

    If a collar is a safe, comfortable option, you can walk your dog on a collar while you work on the harness. 

    If you absolutely need a harness on your dog, make sure your routine walk-prep context looks quite distinct from your training context. This might mean using two different harnesses (one for those no-choice moments and one for the choice-filled training moments) or it could mean making sure the environment looks different (i.e. where you put harness on for walks vs training location or that you have glasses on in one situation and not the other). Over time, the goal will be to bring the behaviors from the training context into the routine walk-prep context, but that should be done intentionally. In the meantime, having the two situations look different will help protect the progress you are making in your training. 

Note: Trainers can be a big help here! Don’t be afraid to reach out if you need some extra help. So many wonderful people providing excellent support out there.

Our Harness Product Recommendations

The harness that’s best for your dog is the one that works best for THEM. What works for one dog may not be the best for another. Leveraging the list above can help you determine what harness might be best for your dog. The good news is that there are a lot of really wonderful harnesses out there. Here are some of the ones that we love or the dogs and people in our TOC Family love.

a brown dog sits in profile looking to the right on a grassy field with his blue harness on and a muzzle

Ruffwear Flagline

“One of the best fitting harnesses I've found for Boobert. Most harnesses tend to twist or rub or just don't quite fit right in one area, the flagline is very adjustable and fits great everywhere, especially lots of room around the armpits. Also has lots of great features like multiple leash attachment points, built in handle, loop to clip light to, and the straps behind the ribs make it extra secure.” - @boobert_the_bully

[Boobert is a bully breed mix wearing a size medium]

Haqihana Harness - Multicolor

“It leaves the shoulder very open. Adjustable around the neck and chest, and the under belly piece as well. Well made (though has plastic clips, not metal). Doesn't have extra adjustment straps hanging all over. Cleans easily.” - Alex O.

[Ruby is a pit mix wearing a size small long. Ruby is 50 pounds, 26" chest, 16" neck, 21" at the withers, muscled with some looser skin on the neck.]

a black and white dog stands in a stream with a purple harness on

Non-Stop Dogwear Line Harness

“It is lightweight (so lightweight!!), durable, brilliant for dogs that get muddy, super padded, and has 3 options for leash attachments. Plus the colours are cute. For us it was one of the only harnesses in 10 years that we found fit her chest right/didn’t ride in front legs.”

[Lexi is a Springer Spaniel wearing a purple line harness in size 5.] USE CODE TOCFAMILY for 20% off from the 17th - 24th of April 2024.

corgi in the car wearing orange perfect fit harness

Perfect Fit

“Padded, colorful, neck and chest clips. Highly customizable and adjustable for odd body shapes. Also front and back D-rings.” - @dogtormordinsolus

[Mordin is a corgi and his three pieces are medium girth, medium back, and small front and has reflective stitching]

lab in the dirt wearing brow hurtta harness

Hurtta Casual Padded Dog Y-Harness

“It goes over the head like a collar, clips on the back, reflective, has lasted 6 years so far, very little that can rust, plastic clips clip on the back of the dog not the sides more comfortable, very soft, machine washable, plastic sliders adjust easily and stay in place.”

[Bailey is a large, deep chested Labrador wearing a size 32”-35”]

brown dog on pavement looking at camera wearing yellow hurtta wkd warrior harness

Hurtta Weekend Warrior

“The padding is really nice, especially on the front chest. My boy's chest bone protrudes and I feel the ones with just a strap there probably are uncomfortable and/or hurt him, plus they really shift to one side of it and he is a PULLER. While this harness does shift a bit if he pulls to the side, the front padding is still distributing that pressure I feel. The padding is nice and thick, and soft material. Since he pulls so much, other harnesses have rubbed him raw instantly near his arm area and under, and he does also have thin fur on his underside - this one only rubs a bit when he has his REALLY crazy pulling moments. My boy is very strong (Frank the Tank) but this harness is up to the job!”

[Franklin is a 40 pound muscular dog with a long body and short legs and wears a 60-80/24-32"]

black dog sitting on sidewalk near grass wearing purple harness and red leash

Chai's Choice Double H Trail Harness

“As a very small dog with a large chest, it can be hard to find harnesses that fit well, are unrestrictive to her movement, and don't let her escape by backing out of the harness. We tried a number of options before this one and they all were too restrictive and put pressure on her shoulders as well as were not secure no matter how tight the harness fit. This harness is amazing for us because it's super easy to put on as it goes over the head and then buckles on, is super unrestrictive since it only has a few straps instead of large fabric areas, and is super secure thanks to the third strap that buckles behind her chest.”

[Ellerbie is a 10 pound Yorkie and wears a size XS]

light blonde dog looking to the left wearing blue harness and green and white check collar on brown and white carpetted stairs

Hurtta Razzle-Dazzle Y-Harness

“We love this harness because nearly every part is adjustable so we were able to get a pretty good fit and her movement doesn't seem to be impacted or restricted at all while she's wearing it. The straps are pretty narrow and have a little bit of padding to them, so it's a good balance of being lightweight while still being comfortable. Phoebe is able to run, jump, play, train, and nap as usual in this harness and doesn't seem to be bothered by it, even when she's wearing it for extended periods. The handle on the back isn't something I usually look for in a harness, but the handleless version Hurtta makes is less adjustable and just didn't work as well for us and the handle is actually quite convenient for grabbing her quickly if needed.”

[Phoebe is a small 11 pound mix (Terrier? Chihuahua?) wearing the 14-18 inch size]

brown dog lying on rocks looking left wearing green harness

Dog Copenhagen, Comfort Walk Air

“The straps are thin and the harness is not bulky in the front, great for narrow dogs, but still it remains stable. The harness has high visibility stripes that work very well. Exists in many bright colors. There is an additional clip on the shoulder, so that you can avoid going over the head for gear shy dogs. And bonus, the back clips are really silent when you close them.”

[Thalia is a 30 pound mix breed dog who is narrow between the feet but has a deep chest and wears a size M]

bulldog sitting on grass with black harness

Pop and Ted

“Beautiful! Washable. Adaptable sizing. Matching products. Quality. Attention to detail. Y Shaped.” - The Pet Behaviourist, Vanessa Ward

[Bear is a bulldog wearing a size large]

brown dog sniffing in grass with blue harness and collar on

Wilderdog Harness

“I got this harness because a lot of the reviews talked about how it was gave longer bodied dogs more armpit space and it does! I really love the freedom of movement this harness offers. It’s fairly lightweight but still has padding in the chest and back. Plus, I love all the colors!”

[Jester is longer than she is tall, but shorter than a corgi. She’s deep chested, being 26” at the widest, and about 40 pounds. She’s wearing size M in pacific blue.]

lab sititng on grass and looking to the left with red harness on chest

Ruffwear Front Range

“I love that it’s easy to put on and take off. The buckles and leash connections feel sturdy and have stood up to some tough use. I use these harnesses with long lines through the woods and have never had one break.” (Note: This is a bulkier harness, so may not be as comfortable on smaller breeds.) - Leslie Taylor

[Tor is a 62 pound Labrador Retriever with a big chest and short body wearing a size Medium but can fit into a Large.]

golden doodle sitting on pet seat looking backwards with black harness on and leash

Ruffwear Webmaster

“We love that it has a second strap that buckles lower on her abdomen that keeps her secure. Maple gets scared of loud noises and tries to run. It also has a handle.” - @doodles.maple.sadie

[Maple is a 45 pound Goldendoodle wearing a size Medium]

shiba inu sitting on snow with grey harness and collar

PetSafe 3-in-1 Harness

“My dog Milo can be a bit gear-shy and harnesses with more material/padding tend not to fit him well (especially along the chest). The PetSafe 3-in-1 harness has been excellent as an alternative: no extra fabric (just webbing and thin neoprene padding), 5 points of adjustment, front and back D-rings, two girth buckles and a buckle for the shoulder strap (*very* helpful for gear-shy dogs). I think it's one of the best accessible Y-front harnesses that allows my dog to have full range of motion while staying comfortable. Minimal yet adjustable harness design. It is not bulky, does not retain heat due to extra fabric and does not have to go over my dog's head when I'm putting it on him. He can freely run, sleep, walk and swim with this harness on. Front and back attachment points are great. PetSafe also sells a double-attachment-point leash for dogs who use this type of system. Angle of shoulder straps and chest strap is not fixed (straps move around an o-ring), unlike some other harnesses. This makes it fit better on my dog, clearing more space for his freedom of movement. This is an extremely affordable and accessible non-restrictive harness option. The harness is usually $30, sometimes on sale, and available in major pet stores as well as online. If you are on a budget, the PetSafe Sure-Fit Harness has a similar shape but no shoulder buckle or padding (~$18).” - @whats.the.pupdate / Milo

[Milo is a 35 pound Shiba Inu mix wearing a size Small (most straps on largest setting).]

a white dog wears a blue harness standing in profile in front of a wood fence on cement

Blue-9 Balance Harness

“It’s recommended by [a vet]. It allows for full range of motion in the shoulder. It sits on the sternum and not on the neck. There are places in the front and back to clip the leash. For some reason my 10-lb pulling machine doesn’t pull in this harness and I clip to the back. It has a buckle at the neck so it’s easier to get on and allows for a better fit at the neck for my big/headed girl. It has length adjusters in every strap.”

[Cricket is a 10 pound Shih Tzu mix wearing a size XS.]

Spark Paws Comfort Control

“I like that they are VERY sturdy. They’re designed for stronger bodied dogs, but the fit is just *chefs kiss* plus I love the colours they come in. It has a front clip and two back clips.” - @stonecity.spaniels

[Gamora, brown, is 40 pounds and wearing a size small; Elphaba, black, is 48 pounds and wearing a medium]

Houndstown Safety Banner Harness

“These are great three point attachment harnesses for dogs who are narrower or who may be at risk of slipping a harness. They also make me feel a bit more secure walking my reactive dog.”

A big thank you to our TOC Family for helping us come up with the products in our list. If you have a harness you think should be added, please email us at hello@tailsofconnection.com.

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Community Corner: Meet Photographer Anne Geier

This week we were delighted to chat with esteemed dog photographer, Anne Geier, who lives in Austria. We sat down with her to talk about her dream job for this week’s community corner. 

Photo Credit: Anne Geier

We came across your account on Instagram (@anne.geier.fotografie) and fell in love with your ethereal style. In fact, in one recent post you wrote, “What I mean when I say I take photos of dogs out of a fairytale.” Can you tell us more about how you developed your vision for capturing dogs in such a dreamy way?

As a dog photographer, I have a mission: to create memories that last a lifetime. For me, photos are the return ticket to a very special moment, to a loyal gaze, a wagging tail, a shared adventure in breathtaking landscapes. It quickly became clear to me that I wanted to capture dogs and landscapes together and show their personalities. Our four-legged friends are such unique beings, and I wanted to add a bit more magic to the images. I want to tell the story of the dog in stunning photos. Whether playful, majestic, or full of joy, I try to capture the dog's character. To infuse my photos with this magic, it's important to  connect with the dog, to see what it naturally offers. I work only in the best possible lighting  conditions - that already adds much more dreaminess to the photo. Additionally, I always try to take advantage of specific weather situations, such as fog or unique lighting conditions, to enhance the enchantment. My goal is to create the photo as optimally as possible during the shoot, but of course, post-processing still plays a significant role for me. This is where I achieve the finishing touches and give the dogs that sparkle back in their eyes.

Photo credit: Anne Geier

Did you go to school for photography? How did you learn the craft? 

Not really. After completing my high school diploma, I actually didn't know where my path should lead. Since I was a child, I always had a wonderful connection with animals, and ideally, I wanted my future profession to involve them in some way. However, all the professions I knew that had to do with animals were not suitable for me. I am very connected to nature, which probably led me to choose my geography studies at that time. During my studies, I started with photography because of my first dog, Cindy. First I just wanted to capture moments of her but soon a real passion developed. So I spent all my free time to improve my photography and post processing skills. I took photos of so many  dogs to get better and better.  

Photo credit: Anne Geier

Do you travel a lot for work? Tell us about some of the most interesting places you’ve been to capture dogs. 

Yes, I travel a lot for photography. In recent years, I have embarked on photo journeys with my two dogs Finn and Yuri to capture specific motifs. Since some countries were not accessible with my own dogs, such as Iceland, I traveled there and found dogs to photograph. Since some years I provide customer shoots and workshops outside of  Austria, taking me to unique locations. The world is full of fascinating places, whether in  Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Norway, or Iceland; with enough exploration you can discover  incredible spots that seem otherworldly everywhere. Even in my home region, the  Salzkammergut, there are many wonderful places. However, I believe Norway will always  be my personal highlight for photographing dogs, as it holds unforgettable memories with my own dogs. 

Photo Credit: Anne Geier

We read that your dogs, Yuri and Finn, are street dogs from Romania. Tell us about your life with them. Do they come with you on shoots?  

Yes, exactly. I have two dogs from a Romanian animal shelter. Both were about three years old when I adopted them. Finn has been with us since 2014, and Yuri joined us in  2017. These two dogs are simply wonderful and my biggest inspiration for creating photo motifs. Especially Finn loves to model - he is the loveliest dog on earth. Friendly to everybody and the epitome of calmness. And Yuri is or little wild bird who always makes us laugh. I've traveled a lot with both of them in our T4 van. We even went to Norway together and visited many other countries in Europe. I was able to realize a variety of my desired motifs with them. This often meant hiking in the middle of the night to be at the photo spot by sunrise - but Finn and Yuri were always ready and always did their best. The two of them are my everything, I could not imagine a life without them and without them, my photography wouldn't be the same. I am so thankful that these two dogs enrich my life day by day. Since Finn is already a bit older we didn’t travel that much. We enjoy the time in our home region which is also really beautiful. When I have a photo session with a client they are at home. It’s better for me because I can work more focused, Yuri and Finn can relax at home‚ and also it is more relaxing for the client’s dog. Because stranger dogs could  be a distraction. 

Photo credit: Anne Geier

What’s your advice for members of our community who want to improve their dog photo  skills? Are there any podcasts to listen to or books they should read? My tips for dog photography:  

1. Build trust and become an attentive observer. Before you start photographing take time for the dog, let him accept your presence so that he can relax in front of the camera and work patiently. The most beautiful and, above all, lively photos emerge when the dog feels comfortable and doesn't have to pose like a statue. Capture different moments and natural expressions. Dogs are often in motion, so try to  capture their energy. Photograph them while playing, running, or jumping to get dynamic images. 

2. Photograph in the best light to create a positive atmosphere in the image. Soft light minimizes harsh shadows and contrasts. Ideally, use the time just after sunrise or before sunset. 

3. Work with shorter focal lengths to capture vibrant images and convey the feeling that you can almost touch the dog. Did you know that the 50mm lens shows our beloved four-legged friends as we perceive them in reality? The perspective of the 50mm approximates what we see with our own eyes.

4. Focus on the Eyes: The eyes are key to expressive animal portraits. Ensure the dog's eyes are sharp and clear to create an emotional connection in the photo.

5. Choose Creative Perspectives: Experiment with different angles and perspectives to create unique and interesting photos. Especially if you want to combine dogs with fascinating landscapes it’s necessary to use different perspectives to show the landscape as well as the dog in a nice way. For classical close up portraits of dogs, choose the eye level of the dog as your perspective. 

6. Mind Technical Aspects: Pay attention to depth of field, focus, and exposure. Experiment with your camera settings to make the most of each light and situation. Take care that you don’t use a too long exposure to avoid camera shake - a dog is  always moving a bit. To create a great depth of field try to include a foreground to create three layers: the foreground, the main layer with the dog and the background. This will make your photo much more captivating.

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Community Corner: Meet Professor and New Mom, Jessi Rick

One of the first members of our TOC Family is Jessi Rick (along with her two dogs Huck and Hazel). Check them out on IG: @cowboyhuck. In the last few years their family had lots of exciting changes, including an international move and welcoming a new human member to their pack. We sat down with Jessi for the latest. 

In the last couple of years, you and your partner and dogs relocated from Wyoming to Germany. Tell us about that experience living overseas as a pet parent. 

Living overseas with our dogs was definitely an adventure! There were some things that were certainly more challenging (including living in an apartment on the fifth floor of our building without an elevator...), but there were other things we were pleasantly surprised by. One of the most fun and novel things to us was being able to take our pups on public transportation. We didn’t have a car while we lived abroad, so it was awesome to be able to hop on the bus or tram or train to go on adventures with our dogs, or just to take them across town via the tram for a walk. Having our dogs with us also forced us to learn German much quicker than we otherwise would have-- there were very few people in the town where we lived who spoke English, so we ended up having many small conversations in German with neighbors when we were out walking the dogs. People would stop us and comment that our dogs were “so süß und hübsch”or ask us “welche Hunderasse” they were, and we had to quickly learn how to respond that our dogs are a “Rauhaariger Vorstehhund” and an “Englischer setter”-- both breeds that seem to be much less common in Germany than where we had previously been living in Wyoming.

 
Dogs Huck and Hazel stand in the snow on the sidewalk in Germany.

Huck and Hazel, seen above, have had a crazy few years moving from Wyoming to Germany, and then back to the United States by way of Arizona.

 

What’s your advice to our community if they’re considering relocating to Europe with their dog?

It’s definitely different and more of a hassle to move somewhere with your dog (and especially overseas), but we were so happy to have ours along with us. Europe generally has a different dog culture than the US, and dogs are welcome more places in public in most European countries. We also found that this means that people were more willing to ignore our dogs and leave them alone, which was nice for training our dogs to be more neutral to people and other dogs. Finding dog-friendly rental housing in Germany was actually easier than finding dog-friendly rental housing in the US, at least for where we were living in far eastern Germany. Getting the export paperwork taken care of for legally moving our dogs was something that was more of a hassle than we expected, and it tends to be difficult to figure out exactly what paperwork is needed for each country. But that being said, as long as our dogs had their rabies vaccinations, we didn’t need to quarantine the dogs upon arrival, which was a nice surprise. If you’re considering moving abroad, I’d say that the most helpful thing is to chat with someone who has done it before, and also try to find someone in the city that you’re moving to that can help you to figure out how to navigate the things that you need to do upon arrival! And know that your dog will likely be totally fine and adaptable as long as you’re there on the other end– I was very happily surprised with how our dogs did with the plane flight and the move in general.

Now you’re back in Arizona and you have a baby!! How have the dogs been adjusting to all of the changes?

Yes, we had lots of big changes in the last year! We moved to Arizona from Germany, had a baby in October, and also both went back to full time work away from home for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. All of that has been a huge adjustment for the dogs, but they've been really good about adapting to all of it. Overall the dogs have been great with the baby, and are usually happy to just ignore him (which is our whole goal). We have spent a lot of time managing dog-baby interactions, which has taken a lot of effort but definitely has made a difference in how our dogs view and deal with our baby. I was lucky to have a relatively quick recovery from giving birth and spent a lot of my maternity leave going on (short) hikes during the week, which was a great way to keep all of us happy. Now that I'm working full time again, we try to get out on one dog-centered hike per weekend, to make sure that we're meeting their needs to explore and sniff and sprint around (because they’re both hunting dogs that thrive off of doing those things). We're still learning all of the best spots for off-leash hikes, but luckily there is a lot of public land around Tucson to explore and we've been able to find a handful of places that are perfect for letting the dogs romp.

 
Hazel and Huck stand in the dessert with cacti behind them.

The weather in Arizona has been much hotter for the dogs, with days above 100 degrees from May to October.

 

How are you feeling?

Most days, I'm feeling like I'm just along for the ride and doing what I can to keep everything and everyone together, which is all I really can hope for at this point. I don't think I'll ever not feel guilty about how much less attention and stimulation the dogs get these days, and we're all still in the process of figuring out how to make it all work-- and dealing with 100+ degree days from May to October hasn't been making it any easier, but we're doing the best that we can. Now that Hank is getting older and the days are getting cooler, I'm really hoping to get back into running more with Hazel, which is something that we both thoroughly enjoy.

You and your partner both have PhDs. Are you still involved in academia? What are you up to these days?

Yes! My husband and I both have PhDs in Ecology and Evolution, and we actually moved to Arizona because we started positions as Assistant Professors at the University of Arizona. We are both teaching and doing research in the wildlife conservation and management program, and it's been fun to get to know the areas around southern Arizona through our research in addition to exploring it with our dogs.

 
Huck and Hazel sit in the grass.

According to his Instagram bio, Huck, who’s full name is Huckleberry, is a “big, goofy, handsome Griff[on] and Hazel is a “little, wild English Setter.”

 

You hike a lot with the dogs. Now that you have a baby, what’s your favorite baby gear that makes hiking safe and fun for yall? 

Oooh good question. The biggest things that make hiking with a baby doable is having a good baby carrier-- when Hank was younger, we would use our Ergo Omni carrier* all the time for having him strapped to our fronts. Once he was around six months old, we started using our Osprey Poco LT backpack carrier*, which we all love. Because it's been hot this summer, the backpack carrier has been amazing for not having Hank against our bodies (so he can stay cooler), and it has its own shade canopy to keep him covered from the sun. It also has a water bladder compartment, cargo space for bringing extra things (extra diapers and wipes are always necessary, in addition to dog treats), and has adjustable shoulder straps and hip belts to make it comfortable no matter your size. We also have a lightweight water repellant picnic blanket, which we carry along and set down when we stop to take a break, so that we can give Hank a break from the carrier as well (and it also works great for mid-hike diaper changes). We also have a Coolibar sunsuit* (like a sunshirt, but a whole onesie) for Hank that we love, which he wears on most of our hikes to keep his skin protected from the sun. It has a hood and foldover cuffs to protect his hands and feet. Another thing that has been awesome for taking a baby + dogs out hiking is dog treat tubes, which make it easy to give the dogs high value treats while keeping my hands clean for dealing with the baby. While we were in Germany, we found some really great commercially-made treat tubes, but we've had a harder time finding them for a reasonable price in the US. These days, we often buy the Kong stuffing* or just Easy Cheese, which both work well. Prior to having a baby, I would make high-value treat tubes, but I just don't have the capacity for that at this point

What’s your favorite dog hiking gear? 

Oh, I have a long list of gear that I love for hiking with the pups! As I mentioned above, having easy high value treats is definitely at the top of the list. With hiking in Arizona, we also always bring a comb with us (for removing cacti stuck to the dogs) and a mini dog first aid kit, which includes vet wrap and two booties for each of the dogs in case they hurt their paws. For water, I usually just bring a water bladder for myself that I share with the dogs-- I've taught both of them how to drink from the hose so that I don't have to carry separate water for them. The dogs usually hike in their Ruffwear Flagline harnesses* with a biothane traffic handle attached. I like those harnesses because they have handles that we can use to lift the dogs if they find themselves in a tricky spot, and then I keep the traffic handles attached so that we can grab those if we run into any people or cars while out hiking. For longer hikes, we also have the Ruffwear Switchbak harnesses, which have pockets where we can have the dogs carry their own poop bags, treats, first aid kit, and some water.

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Community Corner: Featuring Native Plants!

A couple of weeks ago when Christie shared her intro post on Instagram, we got so many great responses from y’all. We wanted to highlight one response from Laura_clevername who wrote, “Landscape designer & arborist in DC. 👋 This plant lady is always down to talk trees and plants. Especially natives! Been gradually turning our backyard into a bird haven so also an avid bird stalker 😂 best part is our dog loves to sit and watch the birds too.” We sat down with Laura to ask her some questions about native plants and birds, two things near and dear to Christie’s heart.

How did you become a landscape designer and arborist? #dreamjob

I was always interested in science and ecology but also loved architecture and graphic design. It took me a little while to discover landscape architecture but it really is the perfect blend of my interests. I currently work in the non profit sector in community driven design. I am really interested in the intersection of environment and people and love to learn from everyone’s unique experiences with nature and the built environment. Equitable access to quality green space is so important and I feel really privileged to be able to help make that a reality.

What are your favorite native plants and why?

This is so hard not to list a hundred plants but here are a few:

Bushy Asters (Symphyotrichum dumosum) - not a lot of perennials bloom in fall so this is a great one to add fall blooms and keep the pollinators happy!

Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) - A stunningly pink low maintenance fluffy grass that is good for birds and ladybugs!

Dwarf Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii) - this is a really fun shrub with fluffy fragrant flowers and interesting leaves. I love plants that offer multiple tactile textures. Great for pollinators and gorgeous fall color!

River birch (Betula nigra) - I love a deciduous tree that still has interest all season - lovely fall color and such interesting bark!

What are the benefits of planting native plants?

They’re better suited to the climate and environmental conditions of your area (aka less maintenance once established and better survivability). And the main thing is they serve way more insects and animals in terms of food and habitat so they’re creating far more opportunity for biodiversity and ecosystem services. This means more birds, butterflies, and other fun critters for our dogs (and selves) to get curious about! But at the end of the day, it’s unrealistic to say we can ONLY plant native species - don’t go ripping everything out! Just gradually replace over time and try to have a majority of native species and avoid monocultures. As long as they aren’t invasive, most non-natives still provide plenty of beauty and ecosystem services!

Any advice for planting native plants that will thrive in yards with dogs?

Hmmm. Well dogs are generally hard on plants because they dig, run, pull, etc. make sure there are spaces for the rough play and hopefully they’ll leave your other plants alone. If you’ve got a small yard space remember to leave some unplanted mulched or grassy zones for bathroom spots 🙃.

Tell us about your favorite bird.

We’re in the middle of the city so we don’t get too many rare ones so I did love having a common yellowthroat hang out for a week. Also I’m a sucker for cardinals - I know they’re so common but man they’re so cute and because they hang out all year it’s fun to watch a pair grow their little family over the seasons and care for each other.

What advice would you give someone who just moved into a house with a yard?

Take it slow if you’re installing and maintaining it yourself - do it in phases so you can get the hang of it! Pick drought tolerant plants if you’re not going to water them regularly in hot months. Don’t plant from seeds because it’s hard to tell the difference between weeds and the seedlings if you’re not experienced. Plant your woody plants (shrubs and trees) in November to January - this gives the roots time to get established before having to put energy into new leaves and survive the hot summer. And please for the love of dog don’t mulch your trees like volcanoes - it’s bad for the trees!!

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