Soul Touched by Dogs

Andy Honda - Beyond the Holidays: A Therapy Dog’s Love Letter to New York City

Yes… this episode should have gone out before Christmas.And yet, there’s something quietly perfect about sharing it now, at the very beginning of January.Because this conversation isn’t really about Christmas.It’s about connection.About slowing down enough to notice the magic that’s already there.And about the kind of presence dogs offer us - especially when the world feels loud, fast, or overwhelming.In this episode, Andy Honda invites us into life in New York City through the eyes (and paws) of her therapy dog, Koa, and into the heart behind her children’s book series Koa’s Ruff Life.It’s gentle.It’s grounding.And it’s exactly the kind of story many of us need as we step into a new year.🐾 What we explore in this episodeHow a big, soulful Rhodesian Ridgeback became a certified therapy dogWhat therapy dog visits actually look like - in children’s hospitals and schools for kids with special needsWhy Koa’s calm presence has such a powerful effect on childrenHow everyday walks through New York City turned into stories that educate, comfort, and delightThe surprising thread connecting Andy’s work as a medical executive with her storytelling for childrenWhy paying attention is one of the greatest gifts dogs give usKey takeawaysThe truth behind therapy dogs: It’s not about tricks or obedience - it’s about temperament, attunement, and emotional safetyWhy small, ordinary moments matter: A walk, a pause, a shared smile ... this is where connection livesHow dogs help us regulate: Koa doesn’t “do” much, and that’s exactly why he helps so muchWhy stories are such powerful teachers: Especially for children, learning lands best when it’s wrapped in warmth and curiosity💬 Favorite quote from the episode“There’s something about Koa. He has this calming presence - and an uncanny ability to sense emotion.”About Andy & KoaAndy Honda is a NYC-based medical executive, speaker, and lifelong animal lover. Originally from Hawaii, she brings a spirit of warmth, curiosity, and aloha into everything she creates.Her children’s book series, Koa’s Ruff Life, is inspired by real-life adventures with her therapy dog, Koa - from Central Park mornings to holiday traditions in New York City. Together, Andy and Koa volunteer weekly with children with special needs, offering comfort, companionship, and connection.Her latest release, Koa’s Ruff Life: Christmas Time in New York City, captures the wonder of the season, but as you’ll hear in this episode, its heart goes far beyond Christmas.🔗 Connect with Andy🌐 Website: https://koasrufflife.com🌐 Author site: https://andyhondamd.com📚 Signed books & the full series available via her websiteJanuary often arrives with pressure: new goals, new habits, new energy.This episode offers something different.This is an invitation to begin the year gently.To remember that presence matters more than momentum.And to let dogs - as always - lead us back to what’s real.As always, to find out all about Soul Touched by Dogs, go to👉 https://soultouchedbydogs.com

Stephanie Rombough - How to Stop the Chase (Kindly)

If your “sweet-as-sugar-until-a-squirrel-appears” dog can’t resist the thrill of the chase, this one’s for you. Force-free trainer Stephanie Rombough (Happy Hounds Dog Training, Alberta, Canada) joins me to share the reward-based process behind her new book inspired by her own high-drive herder, Nera. We dig into why chasing is so reinforcing, how to prevent dangerous rehearsals, and exactly how to teach voluntary disengagement—from “laser-eyes on bunny” to “I see it… and I choose you.”You’ll hear how Stephanie moved from a compulsion-based upbringing in dog training to a compassionate, science-grounded approach that works for terriers, sighthounds, herders—and the humans who love them.Key takeaways🐾 The one mistake even experienced guardians make: starting where the dog can’t succeed. Begin well below threshold so you can reward success and build from there.🐾 Management is non-negotiable. While you train, prevent rehearsals: leashes instead of off-leash parks, doors closed, baby gates up. Each “got it!” chase self-rewards like a biochemical jackpot.🐾 Use functional rewards. Sometimes a dry cookie can’t compete with a river, a breeze, or a squeaky critter. Reward with what your dog actually wants in that moment (e.g., a release to sniff/splash or a fur tug to bite).🐾 Three-phase training path:Prompted leave-it (you cue disengagement).Supported watching (dog looks, you cue when needed).Voluntary disengagement (dog chooses you without prompting—keep rewarding this every time).🐾 Replace, don’t just remove. Offer daily “legal” predation outlets—tug, chase games, scent work—so that the “prey-drive battery” drains in healthy ways.🐾 Safety first. Keep dogs on leash during the program to prevent a full predatory sequence (chase → grab → …). Finishing that sequence makes the habit much harder to change.🐾 How long does it take? It varies by dog and setup. Expect meaningful progress in a few weeks; solid reliability often builds over 2–3 months—and sometimes faster once the dog “gets it.”🐾 Why “force-free won’t work with tough cases” is a myth. With the right setup, criteria, and rewards, even high-octane chasers can learn to leave wildlife (and cats!) alone.🐾 Exactly how and what to reward: mark the moment your dog chooses you—even when you didn’t see the squirrel first. That’s the behavior you want on repeat.Favorite quote“Let your dog be a little wolf for 10–20 minutes a day, and they’ll be so much happier.”About Stephanie RomboughStephanie Rombough is a force-free dog trainer and the owner of Happy Hounds Dog Training in Alberta, Canada. She’s best known for clear, practical tutorials and client case studies on YouTube, helping guardians turn everyday struggles into calm, connected wins. Her new book distills a decade of hands-on work into a step-by-step, reward-based system to stop chasing—without pain or fear.Connect with StephanieWebsite: https://happyhoundsdogtraining.ca/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@happyhoundsdogtrainingFree guide: Leash Training Made Easier — https://happyhounds.myflodesk.com/leashtrainingBook: Stop the Chase — now available in print on Amazon (rolling out internationally)As always, to find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, go to https://soultouchedbydogs.com

Dr. Holly Tett - Looking Beyond "Good Dog / Bad Dog" - Healing Both Ends of the Lead

A psychologist walks into a dog park… and realises half her clients have tails.That’s pretty much how Dr. Holly Tett discovered her calling — blending trauma-informed psychology with force-free dog training to heal both ends of the lead.In this lively, heartfelt conversation, we talk about why obedience can’t fix overwhelm, how to spot the difference between shut down and calm, and what happens when we finally look at our dogs — and ourselves — through a lens of compassion instead of correction.Plus, you’ll hear the story behind Holly’s now-famous “Cheeky Chicken” elevator game — proof that a bit of silliness can soothe two nervous systems at once.Key takeaways🐾 The one mistake even experienced guardians make: trying to “train away” big feelings with obedience cues. Skills have their place—but distress needs safety, co-regulation, and time.🐾 How to tell the difference between shutdown and calm: a still body isn’t always a settled nervous system. Look at the whole dog, not just one body part.🐾 Why our own stress backfires on walks: when our fight-or-flight kicks in, memory and technique vanish. Regulate you first so you can help your dog regulate.🐾 A simple pre-walk ritual that changes everything: make connection the goal, not control. (Holly’s “Cheeky Chicken” game is a perfect example.)🐾 How to dodge the public-opinion trap: other people’s looks aren’t data. Notice when old shame or criticism stories resurface, name them — “my mind’s doing that thing again” — then return to your dog.🐾 When life gets busy: compassion fatigue is real. Simplify environments, shorten exposures, and celebrate micro-wins.Favorite quote“Dogs don’t hide who they are — unless they don’t feel safe. Our job is to make safety the baseline so connection can do the teaching.”About Dr. Holly TettDr. Holly Tett is a force-free behaviourist, clinical psychologist, and dog-business coach who helps guardians and professionals strengthen their bond with dogs through a trauma-informed, attachment-based approach.She offers online courses, memberships, and mentorships — including Canine Connection (for guardians) and The Trauma-Informed Dog Practitioner Programme (for pros).Holly also hosts two podcasts: Letters From Your Dog and Training Dogs, Training People and Keeping Our Sh*t Together.She shares life with four beloved teachers — Riggs, Aya, Squid and Strudel — each with their own lessons to offer.Join Holly’s live workshopAre You as Triggered as Your Dog?This popular free session runs regularly (replay available). It’s for anyone who loves their dog but feels the emotional weight of living with a sensitive pup — and wants simple, kind strategies to make life easier for both ends of the lead.➡️ Register: https://www.pawsupdogs.com/triggered/Connect with HollyWebsite: https://www.pawsupdogs.comPodcast (guardians): Letters From Your DogPodcast (pros): Training Dogs, Training People and Keeping Our Sh*t TogetherFacebook Page: Kindness Is Essential, Not OptionalFacebook Group: Kindness Is Essential, Not Optional — Dog Training SupportInstagram (dog parents): @pawsupdogstrainingInstagram (dog pros): @forcefreedogprobusinesssupportAs always, to find out all about Soul Touched by Dogs, go to https://soultouchedbydogs.com

Jill Hedgecock - Fiction That Heals, Teaches & Celebrates Dogs

What happens when a lifelong animal lover and environmental scientist weaves her passions into stories where dogs see ghosts, save the day, and change lives?In this episode, award-winning author Jill Hedgecock joins us to talk about her Shadow series — suspenseful, heart-filled novels that entertain while quietly teaching readers about compassion, responsible dog stewardship, and the beauty of the human–animal bond.From champion agility runs and nose-work discoveries to celebrating a famous Doberman named Ruby who inspired an entire book series — Jill’s world is where storytelling, science, and canine love meet.💡 Key TakeawaysThe truth behind “owning” dogs — why Jill uses the word stewardship instead, and what it changes in the way we see our dogs.How stories can de-stigmatize misunderstood breeds — and the powerful legacy of Ruby the Doberman, social-media star turned literary heroine.The surprising reason agility and nose work are about the handler, not the dog — and what it reveals about trust and communication.How a simple story choice can spark awareness about serious issues like DCM in large breeds or the environmental impact of pesticides on bees.The one thing all great “dog books” really teach us: how to be better humans.🐕 Favorite Quote“Agility is the best because the dogs are off leash. They can do whatever they want—and they choose to try to please you.” — Jill Hedgecock00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:24 Meet Jill: A Lifelong Dog Lover00:41 Jill's Journey with Dogs and Agility02:21 Writing Books with Dogs as Main Characters02:52 The First Book: Between Shadows' Eyes06:11 The Second Book: From Shadow's Perspective08:18 The Third Book: Exploring Family and Loss09:15 Raising Awareness About DCM in Dogs11:29 Jill's Writing Journey and Inspirations14:19 The Magic of Storytelling14:55 Understanding the Audience15:39 Safari Books and Educating Through Stories16:31 Developing New Projects and Characters21:02 The Art of Dog Training and Agility23:11 Exploring Nose Work with Dogs30:00 Coincidental Encounters and Inspirations33:23 Conclusion and Where to Find Jill's Books📚 About Jill HedgecockJill Hedgecock is an award-winning and internationally published author whose stories celebrate the powerful connection between humans and animals. Her Shadow trilogy — Between Shadow’s Eyes, From Shadow’s Perspective, and In Shadow’s Reflection — follows a Doberman who can see ghosts and a young girl who learns to see through her dog’s eyes.A lifelong animal lover, Jill also writes a monthly pet column for The Diablo Gazette in the San Francisco Bay Area. When she’s not writing, she’s outdoors hiking with her two rescue dogs or training them in agility and nose work.Her upcoming novel, Queen of the Rhino, merges her environmental roots with her love of wildlife — proving that fiction can entertain, educate, and inspire change all at once.🌐 Connect with JillWebsite: https://www.jillhedgecock.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/jill.hedgecock.3Instagram: @hedgecockjillBluesky: @jillhedgecock.bsky.socialTikTok: @jillhedgecockYouTube: @jillhedgecock651👉 Free Gift: Get Lost Cause, the prequel to Jill’s Doberman series, when you join her newsletter via her website.As always, to find out all about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

Tricia Montgomery - Marching for More Memories: Early Detection and Hope for Dogs with Cancer

When Tricia Montgomery lost her beloved Moose to cancer, her world stopped.But out of heartbreak came a mission — to make sure no other pet parent wakes up one morning to find it’s too late.In this deeply moving conversation, Tricia shares how grief became fuel for purpose and how her non-profit, Moose’s March, is leading the charge for early detection of pet cancer so more dogs (and cats) can live longer, happier lives with the people who love them.She’s not just raising awareness — she’s sparking hope.In this episode, you’ll discover:🐾 The surprising everyday toxins hidden in toys and treats that could quietly harm your dog — and how to spot them before they do.🐾 Why so many pet parents miss the earliest signs of cancer (and how to recognize them before it’s too late).🐾 The truth about what’s driving the rise in cancer rates — and what you can do right now to protect your dog.🐾 A simple, affordable pre-cancer test your vet can add to a routine check-up that could save your dog’s life.🐾 How to turn grief into goodness — and find healing through helping others.Favorite Quote“I knew I needed to honor him in some way. I needed to turn my grief into goodness.” – Tricia Montgomery00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:24 Guest Introduction: Meet Tricia00:49 Tricia's Journey in Animal Welfare02:37 The Story of Moose05:44 Founding Moose's March07:04 Early Detection and Prevention of Pet Cancer10:30 Environmental Factors and Pet Health14:04 Current Efforts in Pet Cancer Research16:21 Signs and Symptoms of Pet Cancer27:52 Final Thoughts and ResourcesAbout Tricia MontgomeryTricia Montgomery is the visionary founder of Moose’s March, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making early detection of pet cancer accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, race, or income level.With over 25 years of leadership experience in the veterinary and pet industry — including her groundbreaking work with Canine Fit Club — Tricia combines deep industry expertise with heartfelt purpose. Her mission: to stop pet cancer before it starts and give every pet parent more time and more memories.Connect with Tricia🌐 Website: https://www.moosesmarch.com📸 Instagram: @moosesmarch📘 Facebook: Moose’s March - https://www.facebook.com/MoosesMarch💼 LinkedIn: Moose’s March Inc. - https://www.linkedin.com/company/moose-s-march-inc/As always, to find out all about Soul Touched by Dogs, go to https://soultouchedbydogs.com