Shy Dog Diaries

by Samara Iodice

Shy Dog Diaries is a podcast about living with, training, and loving dogs who experience the world with a little extra sensitivity. Created for guardians of shy, anxious, fearful, or reactive dogs, the show blends personal stories, expert insights, and practical guidance rooted in compassion and positive reinforcement. Inspired by my dog Nessie, each episode explores what it’s really like to support a dog with anxiety — from separation challenges and difficult walks to building confidence, emotional safety, and trust over time. Along the way, I share conversations with trainers, behaviorists, and other dog guardians, plus honest reflections on the slower, gentler path this journey often requires. Whether your dog hides behind the couch, struggles with big feelings, or surprises you with brave leaps forward, Shy Dog Diaries is here to remind you that you’re not alone — and that every dog’s journey is worth honoring. Shy Dog Diaries is hosted by Samara Iodice, a guardian learning — imperfectly and patiently — alongside her anxious dog. Follow the journey on Instagram: @shydogdiaries For inquiries or guest suggestions: pod@shydogdiaries.com

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Latest episodes

Showing 10 · updated from the feed

Behavioral Euthanasia: Charlie’s Story of Love, Safety, and Letting Go with Sarah Endres

Boop our inbox! 🐾 🎥 This episode is also available in video format on Spotify. ****A note about this episode: This conversation reflects one guardian’s individual exper

Aug 24
1 h 13 min

Grief, Guilt & the Emotional Side of Loving Dogs with Jill Gray, LMFT

Boop our inbox! 🐾 🎥 This episode is also available in video format on Spotify. What happens when loving dogs also comes with guilt, grief, worry, and the constant feel

Aug 12
41 min

Helping Red Feel Safe: A Story of Sacrifice and Joy with Melissa Bell

Boop our inbox! 🐾 🎥 This episode is also available in video format on Spotify. What happens when the puppy you carefully prepared for enters the world already afraid?

Jul 19
1 h 11 min

Improving the Lives of Shelter Dogs with Laurie Lawless

Boop our inbox! 🐾 🎥 This episode is also available in video format on Spotify. When people meet a fearful dog, it's easy to focus on what they can't do. But

Jul 6
1 h 18 min

Using Nose Work to Build Confidence with Nancy Reyes

Boop our inbox! 🐾 🎥 This episode is also available in video format on Spotify. When I first introduced nose work to my anxious dog, Nessie, I thought it would simply b

Jun 7
1 h 01 min

Love the Dog in Front of You (A Shy Dog Diary Entry)

Boop our inbox! 🐾 🎥 This episode is also available in video format on Spotify if you want to see some of Nessie’s recent progress. What if the biggest breakthrough with

Apr 5
18 min

Helping Fearful Dogs Build Confidence with Dr. Kelly Lee

Boop our inbox! 🐾 In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kelly Lee, founder of Dogkind Training, to talk about what it truly means to support fearful, anxious, and traumat

Feb 18
1 h 09 min

Training with Dog Genie: From Fearful to Flourishing

Boop our inbox! 🐾 In this episode, I’m joined by certified dog trainer and behavior consultant Genie Tuttle of Dog Genie to talk about helping shy and anxious dogs build

Jan 6
34 min

Understanding Anxiety in Dogs with Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda

Boop our inbox! 🐾 What if your dog isn’t “difficult” or “stubborn” — but anxious, overwhelmed, and trying their best? In this episode of Shy Dog Diaries, I sit down wit

Jan 6
51 min

Intro to Shy Dog Diaries

Boop our inbox! 🐾 In this very first episode, I introduce you to Shy Dog Diaries — a podcast about living with, training, and celebrating dogs who see the world a little

Jan 5
10 min