Raising Happy Dogs with Sarah Hodgson

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 d

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

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

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

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 sh

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 Thri

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 the

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 exper

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, ran

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

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 bei

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, ho

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

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

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 pa

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, confi

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 cit

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 questi

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

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 expla