Podcast · Kids & Family

Raising Happy Dogs with Sarah Hodgson

by Sarah Hodgson · English · Kids & Family

Join author, dog trainer, and behavior expert Sarah Hodgson as she provides training advice, talks to other experts, and demystifies dog behavior one podcast at a time! raisinghappydogs.substack.com

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 29 min
Latest: 5 Dec 2025
Language: English

Latest episode

5 Dec 2025 · 18 min

Winter Struggles: Helping Dogs Cope with Snow, Salt, and Sensory Overload

In this episode, I explore how winter reshapes a dog’s sensory world and why cold weather can disrupt routines that usually feel easy. I answer listener questions about dogs refusing to potty in the snow, lifting their paws on icy sidewalks, struggling with excess energy, and eating snow nonstop. These aren’t training issues—they’re sensory challenges. I share simple strategies to help your dog feel warmer, safer, and more confident all season long. Book a Session with Me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/ Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogs Check Out My…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

25 Nov 2025 · 23 min
The Holiday Behavior Spiral: Why Pets Struggle This Time of Year
Every year around November, many pets start to unravel—pacing, barking, stealing food, or having accidents seemingly out of nowhere. In this episode, I break down why the holidays are so hard on our animals and how small, thoughtful adjustments can prevent overwhelm. You’ll learn how visitors, noise, routines, and tempting smells trigger stress—and what you can do to create calm, supportive spaces before things spiral. With a little planning and empathy, your dog can enjoy the season as much as you do. Book a Session with Me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/ Follow Me on Instagram:…
21 Nov 2025 · 42 min
Rethinking the Muzzle with Clara Hewson of The Muzzle Movement
In this episode, I sit down with Clara Hewson to discuss the evolution of dog ownership, the importance of muzzles in modern society. How can they give dogs more freedom and safety? Clara shares her experience in founding the Muzzle Movement, stressing the need for muzzles that are comfortable and welfare-friendly. They examine different uses for muzzles, including preventing scavenging, managing behavior around children, and making veterinary visits easier. The conversation emphasizes the importance of muzzle training as a skill for all dogs and the need to shift public perceptions about…
14 Nov 2025 · 16 min
Setting the Stage for a Calm, Confident Puppy
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a big moment—equal parts excitement and adjustment. In this episode, I share how thoughtful preparation can make those first days smoother for both of you. You’ll learn what essentials to have on hand, how to set up your home for calm and safety, and why small routines and consistent cues help your puppy settle in with confidence. With the right start, you’ll build a bond rooted in trust and understanding. Book a Session with Me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/ Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogs Check Out My Recommended…
7 Nov 2025 · 29 min
Understanding Your Puppy
Bringing a new puppy home is both exciting and unpredictable. In this episode, I explain how a puppy’s temperament, instincts, and environment shape who they become. I share what early temperament tests really reveal, why nipping and chasing are part of normal development, and how to use calm structure to build confidence and trust. With patience, guidance, and clear routines, you can help your puppy feel safe, connected, and ready to grow into their best self. Book a Session with Me: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/ Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogs Check Out…
31 Oct 2025 · 41 min
The Healing Power of Joy: A Conversation with Dr. Jeff Feinman
In this episode of Raising Happy Dogs , I sit down once again with holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Feinman , author of Path to Pet Wellness: The Holistic Vet’s Guide to Thriving Pets and Empowered Pet Parents . Together, we explore a new way of thinking about healing, seeing symptoms not as problems to fix, but as messages from the body and spirit. Dr. Feinman shares insights on BEAM (Behavior, Energy, Appetite, and Mood) and the Animal-Centered Treatments movement, which brings compassion and consciousness back to pet care. We also discuss Maya’s story , a fearful shelter puppy who found…
24 Oct 2025 · 36 min
Helping Your Dog Feel Safe When You’re Gone: Listener Questions + Roger’s Story
In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most common struggles dog parents face: separation anxiety. You sent in thoughtful, heartfelt questions, and I’m answering them all: when to consider medication, why some dogs panic only when one person leaves, whether getting another dog can help, and what kinds of pre-departure exercises truly make a difference. I’ll share practical ways to help your dog feel calm and safe when you walk out the door, as well as how to shift from control to connection when anxiety takes over. Then, at the end of the episode, I sit down with Roger’s mom (the dog…
17 Oct 2025 · 31 min
Separation Anxiety vs Early Separation Stress: How to Reassure Your Puppy
When a young puppy cries out as you walk away, it’s not disobedience; it’s biology. Before its anxiety, it’s longing. In this episode, I explore what puppies really experience when left alone, how early stress differs from clinical separation anxiety, and simple ways to nurture confidence without over-comforting. Because when dogs feel safe in solitude, they don’t just stop crying, they start growing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com
10 Oct 2025 · 27 min
Why Is My Dog So Reactive? Part III: Car Reactivity, Nighttime Barking, and More Listener Questions
If your dog barks in the car, growls at visitors, or goes wild on walks, you’re not alone. In this listener Q&A, I address five real-world questions about reactivity, ranging from car meltdowns and nighttime barking to leash explosions and unexpected bites. You’ll learn how to recognize the emotions beneath the behavior, create safety through small daily shifts, and turn stressful moments into chances for trust and calm. Because when we stop reacting to our dogs and start listening with them, everything begins to change. Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinghappydogs Book…
8 Oct 2025 · 45 min
Why Is My Dog So Reactive? Part II: Turning Barking and Lunging Into Trust and Play
Sarah Hodgson continues her deep dive into reactivity with the remarkable story of Hannah and her boxer, Ranger. Once on the verge of being rehomed, Ranger barked, lunged, and snapped his way through daily life—until a few simple shifts changed everything. Sarah shares how reframing his behavior from “bad” to “burdened” unlocked a new path forward. Through structure, safety, and play, Ranger learned to relax, trust, and reconnect with his family. You’ll hear how setting boundaries, creating calm routines, and letting go of constant correction turned tension into teamwork. Whether your dog…
6 Oct 2025 · 37 min
Why Is My Dog So Reactive? Part I: Barking, Lunging, and Territorial Behavior Explained
Sarah Hodgson unpacks the roots of reactivity, explaining why so many dogs bark out of windows, lunge on leash, or guard the front door as if it’s their job. Far from being stubborn or mean, these dogs are overwhelmed, carrying the heavy burden of keeping everyone safe. This episode examines how territorial behavior develops at home, why it often intensifies when on leash, and what approaches are ineffective when trying to correct it. Instead, she offers a framework built on clarity, distance, and trust, giving your dog permission to step back while reassuring them you’re in charge of…
1 Oct 2025 · 14 min
The Calm Puppy Blueprint: Setting Your Dog Up for Success from Day One
Sarah Hodgson explores the foundation of raising a calm, confident dog, creating a safe and secure puppyhood. She shares why puppies struggle when left to sleep alone, how their central nervous system drives behavior, and why sleep is the cornerstone of emotional balance. With simple adjustments like where your puppy rests, what comforts they have nearby, and how you support their early routines, Sarah shows how small changes can prevent anxiety, hyperactivity, and sleepless nights. Whether you’re bringing home a new puppy or looking to reset old habits, this episode will help you create the…
12 Sep 2025 · 54 min
Leash Training 101: Your Stress Free Guide to Walking
Sarah Hodgson reimagines the leash from a dog’s perspective, where every walk is less about destination and more about discovery. She explores why pulling occurs, how to balance sniffing with structure, and simple ways to turn leash time into a shared experience rather than a power struggle. Also included are listener questions tackling real-life challenges, from excited jumping to bolting at the door, with tips on harnesses, threshold training, and calm walking cues. Whether you’re managing a playful puppy or a strong puller, you’ll find practical strategies to make walks safer, smoother,…
22 Aug 2025 · 25 min
Why Dogs Bark and What to Do About It
Sarah Hodgson unpacks one of the most common canine quirks, barking! From dogs who sound the alarm at every passerby to pups who greet guests like rockstars, Sarah shares why barking happens and how to respond without losing your cool. You’ll learn why rest cycles matter, how environment shapes behavior, and simple strategies like leash control, redirection, and the “party in the kitchen” game. Whether your dog barks for attention, excitement, or frustration, you’ll discover practical ways to restore calm and keep communication positive! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss…
15 Aug 2025 · 14 min
Teaching ‘Wait’: The Cue That Builds Patience in Dogs
Sarah Hodgson shines a spotlight on one of the most overlooked yet powerful cues in dog training: Wait . Unlike stay , which asks for stillness, wait teaches your dog to pause, a moment of mindfulness before action. Sarah breaks down why wait is essential for impulse control, leash manners, and everyday harmony. You’ll learn when and how to use it, why it helps dogs develop frustration tolerance, and simple steps to teach it at home. From mealtime to doorways to sidewalk pauses, discover how this small cue can create big changes in your dog’s behavior and your bond. Book a Session:…
8 Aug 2025 · 36 min
Rethinking Recall: Turning “Come” Into a Joyful Invitation
Sarah Hodgson unpacks one of the most important (and misunderstood!) cues in dog training: Come . Over time, many dogs start to associate recall with the end of fun, confinement, or frustration, making them hesitate when it matters most. Through real-life stories and simple, joy-based training techniques, Sarah shows you how to rebuild Come as a word your dog loves to hear. From anchoring it in positive moments to turning it into a game, you’ll learn how to make recall a celebration, not a command. By the end, you’ll have tools to create a faster, happier response—one rooted in trust,…
1 Aug 2025 · 26 min
When the World Gets Loud: Helping Anxious Dogs Find Their Calm
Sarah Hodgson takes you inside two urban dog cases she has encountered, first we have Henry the reactive beagle and Cassie the overwhelmed dog who just moved into the city. Through these real-life stories, she breaks down how stress, fear, and sensory overload shape behavior, and what you can do to help. Tune in to learn how the “canine arrow,” red-yellow-green zones, and simple games can turn reactivity into resilience. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com
25 Jul 2025 · 36 min
Barks, Boundaries, and the Protective Instinct
Sarah Hodgson explores what barking and guarding behaviors are really about—from post-trauma triggers to resource guarding and mealtime meltdowns. Through listener questions and real-life stories, she reframes barking not as defiance, but as a dog’s attempt to feel safe and understood. Sarah dives into the difference between behavior and belief, unpacking why our dogs may act out when they feel overwhelmed or overly responsible. With practical advice and thoughtful reflection, this episode will help you respond with empathy, not just correction—and turn chaos into connection. This is a…
18 Jul 2025 · 21 min
House Training Basics: Routine, Rhythm and Real Life Fixes
Sarah Hodgson unpacks one of the most misunderstood parts of dog parenting: housebreaking. Sharing a story about a dog who refused to pee on walks (and the frantic client who spent three hours waiting), Sarah highlights why housebreaking isn’t just about stopping accidents, it’s about teaching clear, consistent habits. From understanding your dog’s natural rhythms to defining safe spaces and managing anxiety when you’re away, Sarah offers practical steps to transform potty struggles into a smooth, stress-free routine. You’ll also hear why dogs (and even people!) don’t just “know better”…
11 Jul 2025 · 40 min
Bringing Home Puppies: Balance, Routines, and Emotional Grounding
Sarah Hodgson reveals the unexpected secret to raising a confident, well-adjusted puppy: sleep. Drawing from her years of imprinting young pups in her own home, she explains why a solid sleep schedule is the foundation for calmness, confidence, and easier training. Sarah also answers your top questions about setting up your home, introducing puppies to kids, preventing separation anxiety, and more. Whether you’re preparing for a new puppy or looking to build a smoother routine, this episode will help you start strong and stay balanced. Learn More and Book a Session Here:…
27 Jun 2025 · 26 min
The Secret to Understanding Your Dog
Sarah Hodgson shares a story we can all relate to, a well-meaning dog parent struggling with nonstop whining and a pup that “just doesn’t get it.” But it’s not that the dog didn’t understand it’s that the human wasn’t listening in the right way. From the overlooked moments of quiet communication to the Five Key Talking Points of every dog. Sarah unpacks how dogs use posture, stillness, and subtle cues far more than sound to express their needs. You'll learn how to tune in, respond without reinforcing unwanted behavior, and communicate in a way your dog truly understands. If you’ve ever felt…
13 Jun 2025 · 29 min
Changing the Conversation on Animal Welfare: Advocacy, Empathy, and Action
Sarah Hodgson sits down with Laurie Hood, founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge, to talk about the power of compassion and the urgent need for change in animal welfare. Laurie shares her journey from animal lover to legislative advocate, the challenges of rescuing at scale, and why empathy is key to lasting reform. From puppy mills to policy-making, you'll learn how real progress starts with education, community, and a willingness to speak up. If you’ve ever wondered how to help, this episode will leave you feeling informed, inspired, and ready to act. Donate to Alaqua Animal Refuge:…
6 Jun 2025 · 21 min
What Type of Training is Right for You?
Sarah Hodgson breaks down the pros and cons of today’s most popular dog training options, from private sessions to group classes to board-and-train programs. Whether you’re looking for personalized support, opportunities to socialize your pup, or a structured head start on routine-building, you’ll get clarity on what makes the most sense for you and your dog. Sarah also answers a listener question about helping dogs transition from rural life to city streets—so don’t miss this packed, practical episode to help guide your training journey! This is a public episode. If you would like to…
30 May 2025 · 22 min
Ask Sarah: Pulling, Barking, Happy Pee, and Other Real-Life Dog Dilemmas
Sarah Hodgson tackles your most relatable dog training questions—from puppies who pee with excitement to dogs who bark at the TV (or rollerbladers!). Whether you're dealing with leash pulling, introductions, or sudden nighttime growling, Sarah offers compassionate, practical solutions to everyday behavior struggles. If you’ve ever wondered “Is it just my dog?”—this episode will reassure and empower you with the tools to raise a happier, more balanced pup. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit…
23 May 2025 · 43 min
Healing from the Inside Out: Holistic Health and Animals
Sarah Hodgson sits down with holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Feinman, founder of Holistic Actions. Together, they explore how true healing begins with energy, balance, and love. Dr. Jeff shares his personal health journey that led him to challenge conventional medicine and embrace a holistic approach—one that prioritizes behavior, energy, appetite, and mood (BEAM). From practical tools to deeper insights on how stress, environment, and nutrition affect well-being, this episode offers an eye-opening perspective on supporting your pet’s health naturally and compassionately. Find Jeff Here:…
16 May 2025 · 21 min
Getting the Right Dog at the Right Time
In this episode of Raising Happy Dogs , Sarah Hodgson explores the emotional and practical journey of bringing a new dog into your life with her client Sara K. She walks you through the highs and hesitations of wanting a dog, how to evaluate online rescue profiles, and why having a trusted sounding board is key to making the right decision. From out-of-state adoptions and transport tips to the first days at home, Sarah shares how to match the right dog to your lifestyle—not just your heart. If you're thinking about adopting, this episode will help you prepare with clarity, compassion, and…
2 May 2025 · 22 min
Ask Sarah: Barking, Bolting, Poop-Eating, and Other Puppy Problems
Sarah Hodgson answers your most pressing puppy questions—from barking and bolting to crate woes and cat-chasing chaos. Whether you're dealing with a dog who wants to greet every pup on the street or a one-year-old who still snacks on poop, Sarah shares practical, kind, and effective training tips to bring more peace to your pup’s routine. If you're a first-time dog owner or just trying to curb some crazy behaviors, this Q&A episode is packed with the advice you’ve been waiting for! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus…
25 Apr 2025 · 31 min
Rescue Roulette: Reactive Elders, Surprise Puppies, and the Wild West of Adoption
Sarah Hodgson is joined by Marique Schimmel for a jaw-dropping rescue tale—cross country travel from death row, unexpected puppies, and a crash course in canine behavior. From managing a reactive dog at the door with simple calm techniques to setting up a multi-dog home, Sarah walks you through the chaos and heart of a real-life rescue mission. You'll hear how one planned adoption turned into two—and then four!—and get tips on safe transport, puppy care, and the importance of knowing what you're bringing home. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers…
18 Apr 2025 · 20 min
They Don't Know Until We Teach Them
Sarah Hodgson reflects on a powerful moment with her daughter Lindsay and their puppy that uncovered a universal truth: we often expect understanding without offering guidance. Through real-life stories and gentle insights, Sarah explores how tiny adjustments can lead to big shifts—in our homes, our relationships, and with our dogs. If you’ve ever caught yourself assuming someone “should know better,” this episode is a reminder that teaching is one of the purest forms of connection. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus…
12 Apr 2025 · 40 min
Ask Sarah #12: Puppy Playtime, Fearful Dogs, and Crate Calming
Sarah Hodgson takes on a brand new round of listener questions, covering everything from picky eaters to overexcited pups. She unpacks the challenges of traveling with dogs who have separation anxiety, and breaks down how much playtime puppies really need. You’ll also hear advice on curbing crate whining, stopping dogs from chasing cats, and what to do if your pup is eating dirt—or waking you up too early! Whether you're managing big emotions in a small puppy or just trying to make mornings a little easier, Sarah’s insights will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and supported. This is a…

About Raising Happy Dogs with Sarah Hodgson

Join author, dog trainer, and behavior expert Sarah Hodgson as she provides training advice, talks to other experts, and demystifies dog behavior one podcast at a time! raisinghappydogs.substack.com

Raising Happy Dogs with Sarah Hodgson is a English kids & family podcast from Sarah Hodgson. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Sarah Hodgson
Language: English
Category: Kids & Family
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 29 min
Latest episode: 5 Dec 2025
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1685982637
Rights: Sarah Hodgson

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