When Leo got attacked by another dog, all I could do was scream hysterically 🤪

I’m not proud of it but it’s the truth.

I was entirely unprepared.

Just a few months as a dog mom.

Still trying to figure out how to give that sweet pup the home he deserved after roaming the streets on his own.

So when we went out that night - a late-night wee-walk before going to bed - the last thing I expected was a big dog, out on his own.

And all I remember is Leo screeching, and me joining in …

A full blown fight or flight moment .. I guess, it was my (pathetic) way of fighting .. because I didn’t flee at least, and I didn’t fawn.

I managed to pull Leo out of the shuffle by his harness (thank goodness for harnesses .. a collar would have hurt him more than the other dog) and carried the whimpering puppy home.

He wasn’t badly hurt. Just a small wound in the shoulder area.

The vet laughed.

“He’s ready for Hollywood! What an actor! If that dog had really wanted to hurt him, he wouldn’t be here today.”

I was relieved, of course, but even though the wound was insignificant by the vet’s standards, the incident was not.

Leo loved his “cone of shame”. As if it gave him some protection.

But he was never the same around other male dogs in confined spaces after that experience. Can’t blame him.

I felt horrible, like I’d failed him.

The worst part?

I often think he lost trust in me that day, and with good reason.

But there is a gift in all of this.

It sent me on a mission to do better, to learn, and to stand up for my dogs. And I’ve not stopped.

Yes, starting Soul Touched by Dogs is part of that mission too, as a way to expand beyond my own dogs. And so is Planet Calm, the new project I’ve been busy working on behind the scenes, together with . I’ll share more very soon.

Leo did get a lot better with other dogs over time, especially after moving to a quieter place with a lot more space.

And with my big girls now, I see myself as their body guard you better don’t mess with 😛

And before you’re wondering if I lost the plot … I’m not talking about other dogs simply out for a walk with their person.

I’m talking about when an off-leash dog comes charging towards us, usually right outside their own door trying to defend what’s theirs - yep, it does happen - I step out in front of the dogs and tell the other dog to go home (nope, usually not in polite words :-).

So far, my “don’t you dare come closer” mama-bear energy has made every dog retreat 😛 …

No more getting caught by surprise. No more “let them greet and see.”

And I’ll continue to learn all I can to be the person my dogs deserve. Interviewing pawsome humans and hosting expert classes is my favorite way to learn, and to pass the learning on …

If you missed last week’s Live Masterclass … you can still sign up to watch the recording:

“Your Dog’s Health - What Matters Beyond What’s in the Bowl” with Dr. Alexia Mellor

Save Your Free Seat

We spend so much time asking “What’s the best food for my dog?” But nutrition is only one piece of the wellbeing puzzle.

It was a fascinating conversation with live Q&A at the end. Here is a 40-second clip to give you a taste:

The recording is still up. Click the button below for instant access.

Save Your Free Seat

This Week's Pawsome Human:

Dobermans as Family Dogs: What Nobody Tells You Before You Get One with John Walter

Before I met John Walter, all I knew about Dobermans was from the 1980ies TV series Magnum P.I. (haha, giving my age away here :-)

After 39 minutes with John, I was in love.

We talked about what it really takes to live with a breed this smart, this intense, and this emotionally tuned in. John doesn’t sugarcoat it. For his Youtube channel, he films the mistakes. He shares the homework he gives clients - for free, in every video description. He follows one Doberman puppy through an entire year of training, raw and unfiltered, so people can see the real process.

“You can’t walk through your life being stressed out, always anxious,” he says. “Your dog’s gonna mirror that.”

You can watch our conversation here:

Or listen here:

About John Walter

John Walter is the creator of Doberman Planet, one of the most trusted resources for Doberman owners worldwide. A former police officer turned full-time dog educator, John helps families raise confident, well-adjusted Dobermans through his videos, articles, and original breed studies.

He's been featured in The New York Times as a Doberman expert, and his Dobie Masters series on YouTube follows real puppies through their first year of life - no filters, just honest training. You can find him on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

To find out about Soul Touched by Dogs episodes the moment they drop, subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SoulTouchedbyDogs 🙏

If you prefer to listen ...Subscribe to the PODCAST

It’s on Apple podcasts and everywhere else, so you can access it from your favourite podcast app.

If you enjoy listening, please consider leaving a rating and review so other dog lovers can find the show and join the doggie fun.

If you’re not using Apple podcasts, GoodPods is a great app that makes that easy.

If you’re on Instagram, have a look and give us a follow 🙏

https://www.instagram.com/soultouchedbydogs/

Calm Your Anxious Dog

If you’re looking for an all-natural way to take the edge off for your dog, to handle stressful situations with more calm and less anxiety, check out Fetch Happy Store’s Completely Calm calming treats

Shop Now

Found at https://www.facebook.com/dogsdisclosed

Are you a canine professional?

A trainer, coach, behaviorist, nutritionist, holistic vet, or other canine expert with a holistic, kindness-first approach?

Would you like to be a guest on the podcast? Do you know someone you think would make a great guest?

Are you looking for ways to get your work in front of more people online?

Go (or send them) to https://soultouchedbydogs.com/pros

And as always ..

If you know another Soul Touched by Dogs, please send them to

https://soultouchedbydogs.com

🙏🙏🐾🐾

Until next week,

Doberman owners often wonder why their high-energy, intelligent dog seems harder to train than other breeds—or why four hours of daily walks still leave them with a restless, sometimes destructive companion. John Walter, founder of Doberman Planet, shares what makes this breed different, how they think in patterns and multi-step sequences, and why mental stimulation matters just as much as physical exercise when raising a loyal, balanced family Doberman.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why Dobermans are called emotional mirrors and what that means for daily life with them

• How their pattern recognition can actually work against traditional training methods (and what to do instead)

• The surprising differences between male and female Dobermans in bonding, maturity and temperament

• Why over-exercising a Doberman can backfire and what they need mentally to truly settle

• What makes this breed both incredibly loyal and sometimes misunderstood

• How to know if a Doberman is the right fit for your family and lifestyle

• The importance of routine, consistency and full integration into family life for this breed

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"Dobermans think in patterns. They don't learn 'I got in position, I got the treat.' They learn 'I pulled, I went in position, then I got the treat.'" — John

ABOUT JOHN WALTER

John Walter is the founder of Doberman Planet, a leading online educational platform devoted exclusively to the Doberman Pinscher. Through hundreds of videos, in-depth articles, original breed studies and hands-on work with Dobermans and their families, John helps owners better understand this intelligent, sensitive and often misunderstood breed. With nearly 300,000 subscribers on YouTube and a combined audience of more than 700,000 across all platforms, his work focuses on practical training, behaviour, health and strengthening the bond between Dobermans and the people who love them.

CONNECT WITH JOHN WALTER

Website: dobermanplanet.com

YouTube: youtube.com/dobermanplanet

Dobie Masters Season 2 Playlist: Watch here

Facebook: facebook.com/DobermanPlanet

TikTok: tiktok.com/@thedobermanplanet

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com.

And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

“Dont’ feed him ANYTHING else!”

The vet’s advice was clear.

I’d taken Leo in for a check-up the day I after I’d found him in the streets of Granada - to see if he was healthy and to find out if he already belonged to someone (the bit I was dreading most).

All clear on both fronts. Phew …

When I asked what kind of food a puppy needed, she walked across the room, opened the glass door of the display cabinet and grabbed a bag of kibble for puppies.

“Give him that, and nothing else. No cheap supermarket kibble, no wet dog food, and certainly no human food.”

Leo was my first dog and, to be honest, I was grateful for the clear guideline that didn’t leave room for guesswork.

But Leo, who’d been living on scraps from rubbish bins, didn’t do well with the new food.

Within days, he developed skin issues, I’ll spare you the smelly details of his 5 poops per day and deadly farts.

I almost had to bribe him to eat at all. Not surprising, I guess, that he didn’t want food that made him feel bad.

So I started researching.

A wee ebook taught me one crucial lesson: Read the labels, not the marketing message on the front of the package.

I dropped the kibble instantly and tried different ways to feed him, home cooked, freeze-dried, frozen, and anything in between, until I found what worked for him.

And what a difference it made.

Skin and digestion issues went away. The picky eater turned into a gobble monster 😂 (which created a whole different issue but that’s a story for another day :-)

And Leo went on to be my trusted sidekick, travel companion and office buddy for 16.5 years (yesterday marked 5 years of him crossing the bridge .. 🌈 .. sometimes it feels as if it was yesterday).

Food matters, is one of the many lessons he taught me.

It’s why I so often invite experts on canine nutrition - both on the podcast and as guest experts for live masterclasses.

The one concern I hear most often when someone recommends any kind of diet is,
“… but [insert the recommended diet here] doesn’t work for my dog.”

And that’s exactly what Dr. Alexia Mellor addressed in this week’s podcast episode (see below) AND it’s what we’ll live into much deeper during the upcoming live masterclass.

Because one food doesn’t fit all dogs AND there is more to nourishment than what’s in the bowl.

If you’re still looking to find the best way to nourish your dog, or you’re simply “one of us”, i.e. you just love learning about how to be the best dog mom (or pop :-) you can be, you’ll want to join us:

Coming up … Live Masterclass:

“Your Dog’s Health - What Matters Beyond What’s in the Bowl” with Dr. Alexia Mellor

27th August, 8pm Europe (7pm UK, 2pm ET, 11am PT. HERE is what time that is for you)

Save Your Free Seat

We spend so much time asking “What’s the best food for my dog?” But nutrition is only one piece of the wellbeing puzzle.

In this conversation, we’ll explore why two dogs can eat exactly the same diet and have completely different outcomes, and why there is no single “perfect” way to feed every dog.

Drawing on modern canine nutrition alongside Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we’ll look at how food, nervous system health, environment, lifestyle, relationships and your dog’s unique energetic constitution all interact to influence wellbeing

Whether your dog is thriving, struggling with chronic issues, or you’re simply curious about taking a more holistic approach, you’ll leave with a broader understanding of what true nourishment really means.

Save Your Free Seat

This Week's Pawsome Humans:

Yep, it’s a double whammy with Dr. Alexia Mellor this week :-) To be clear, the masterclass won’t just be the same as the podcast. We’ll go much deeper into the topic than the podcast format allows for. If you enjoy the podcast, you’ll love the live class. And if you only have time for one, come to the live class (or register to get the recording).

Holistic Dog Nutrition and Healing: Trust Your Dog’s Wisdom with Dr. Alexia Mellor

What if the bowl isn’t the problem?

We spend so much time trying to fix what’s in front of us - the behavior, the symptom, the thing we can see. But what if the real shift happens when we stop trying to fix anything at all?

That’s the question at the heart of my conversation with Dr. Alexia Mellor, founder of Mystic Dog Mama and a holistic canine nutrition consultant who believes nourishment goes far deeper than what’s in the bowl.

You can watch our conversation here:

Or listen here:

About Dr. Alexia Mellor

Dr. Alexia Mellor is a holistic canine nutrition consultant and the founder of Mystic Dog Mama, where she helps dog guardians nourish their dogs - and themselves - mind, body, and soul. She's also the host of the Mystic Dog Mama podcast and offers her free Nourishment Starter Kit at mysticdogmama.com.

To find out about Soul Touched by Dogs episodes the moment they drop, subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SoulTouchedbyDogs 🙏

Your Dog Heals You: Heart Synchronization to Transform Your Health with Michael

We all know our dogs make us feel better. But what if that instinct could be measured, amplified, and turned into something deeply intentional?

That’s the question Michael Priv has been asking for years. A wellness innovator and former energy healer, he’s spent decades exploring how the bond between humans and dogs can become a genuine pathway to better health. Not just emotional comfort, but real, physiological change.

This conversation goes beneath the surface of companionship and into something surprising: the idea that dogs don’t just keep us company - they recalibrate us.

You can watch our conversation here:

Or listen here:

About Michael Priv

Michael Priv is a wellness innovator, writer, and the creator of HoundHeart, a human-dog synchronization platform designed to help people unlock the health benefits of their bond with their dog.

A former energy healer with decades of experience, Michael combines ancient wisdom with modern technology to show how intentional connection with dogs can lead to measurable improvements in stress, mood, sleep, and overall wellbeing.

You can explore his work at michaelpriv.com and learn more about HoundHeart at houndheartwellness.com.

If you prefer to listen ...Subscribe to the PODCAST

It’s on Apple podcasts and everywhere else, so you can access it from your favourite podcast app.

If you enjoy listening, please consider leaving a rating and review so other dog lovers can find the show and join the doggie fun.

If you’re not using Apple podcasts, GoodPods is a great app that makes that easy.

If you’re on Instagram, have a look and give us a follow 🙏

https://www.instagram.com/soultouchedbydogs/

Calm Your Anxious Dog

If you’re looking for an all-natural way to take the edge off for your dog, to handle stressful situations with more calm and less anxiety, check out Fetch Happy Store’s Completely Calm calming treats

Shop Now

Found at https://www.facebook.com/dogsdisclosed

Are you a canine professional?

A trainer, coach, behaviorist, nutritionist, holistic vet, or other canine expert with a holistic, kindness-first approach?

Would you like to be a guest on the podcast? Do you know someone you think would make a great guest?

Are you looking for ways to get your work in front of more people online?

Go (or send them) to https://soultouchedbydogs.com/pros

And as always ..

If you know another Soul Touched by Dogs, please send them to

https://soultouchedbydogs.com

🙏🙏🐾🐾

Until next week,

Canine nutrition goes far beyond what sits in the bowl. When your dog won't eat, struggles with chronic health issues, or shows puzzling behavioral patterns, the answer might lie in how we understand nourishment itself. Dr. Alexia Mellor shares how her own dog's health crisis led her to question everything she thought she knew about feeding dogs—and ultimately transformed how she understands the bond between dogs and their people.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why "balanced and complete" is a marketing term, and what bioavailability actually means for your dog's ability to absorb nutrients

• How to start improving your dog's diet without overwhelm, beginning with simple fresh toppers that address what's missing from kibble

• The FETCH methodology for observing your dog holistically—from tracking behaviors at specific times of day to understanding what environmental factors might be affecting their wellbeing

• Why restlessness at 11 PM, nibbling at certain times, or seasonal changes in appetite might be telling you something about your dog's internal health

• How Chinese medicine principles and energetics can unlock puzzling health or behavior patterns that conventional approaches haven't solved

• What it means to work in partnership with your dog rather than treating them as an optimization project

• How curiosity about what your dog is showing you can become an entry point for deeper understanding—and why there's rarely just one root cause

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"They are gateways to our own spiritual evolution." — Alexia

ABOUT DR. ALEXIA MELLOR

Dr. Alexia Mellor is a holistic canine nutrition consultant on a mission to transform how we nourish our dogs, ourselves, and the world we share. Through Mystic Dog Mama, she explores what it truly means to be nourished—using dogs as both teacher and guide. Her work brings together canine nutrition, holistic health, systems thinking, and the wisdom of the human-animal bond. With a background in participatory art, design, and climate research, Alexia approaches dog health with curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for the partnership between dogs and their people.

CONNECT WITH DR. ALEXIA MELLOR

Website: mysticdogmama.com

Podcast: Search for "Mystic Dog Mama" wherever you listen to podcasts

Free Resource: Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit at mysticdogmama.com

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

Your dog heals you in ways you may not fully realize. The simple act of having a dog in your life already offers measurable health benefits, but there's a whole world of untapped potential in that relationship. This conversation explores how the human-dog bond can become a deliberate pathway to better physical health, emotional balance, and everyday wellbeing.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How synchronizing with your dog creates what Michael calls a "cocoon"—an energy system that amplifies wellbeing for both human and dog

• The measurable health benefits dogs offer, from increased oxytocin and serotonin to reduced cortisol, lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and even potential cancer prevention

• Why walking your dog while staring at your phone means you're missing the most healing part of the walk

• How simple rituals like placing your hand on your dog while visualizing love can calm an anxious or traumatized rescue dog

• The concept of "sniff walks" and why letting your dog lead the pace and choose what to investigate is actually mindfulness practice for you

• How dogs act as mirrors, reflecting back our own mental and emotional states in ways that can reveal what we need to address in ourselves

• Why setting too many boundaries with your dog—no couch, no bed, no jumping—might mean you're missing out on the deeper healing potential of the relationship

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"Dogs are uniquely attuned to us all the time. We look at our dog, and we see our own mental state as a reflection." — Michael

ABOUT MICHAEL PRIV

Michael Priv is a wellness innovator, writer, and former energy healer who has spent decades exploring how the human-dog bond can become a powerful pathway to better health and emotional balance. He is the creator of HoundHeart, a human-dog synchronization app that uses paired wearable devices and AI-supported insights to help people unlock the wellness benefits of the relationship they already have with their dog. Michael believes those benefits can be strengthened, measured, and made more intentional through technology and simple daily rituals.

CONNECT WITH MICHAEL PRIV

• Website: michaelpriv.com

• HoundHeart: houndheartwellness.com

• Facebook: facebook.com/michaelprivauthor

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelpriv

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com.

And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at planetcalm.co — the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

“What the $%&! are you doing?” I yelled at the little boy.

He might have been 4 or 5 years old, running towards us, hands stretched out to pet Cai.

Cai was maybe 2 and definitely nervous. I was sure he wouldn’t bite the kid but he’d likely growl and scare him. I wasn’t going to let that happen.

I looked for his parents …

… and saw them some 50m ahead, chatting, entirely oblivious to the situation their son was running into.

From the boy’s reaction, it was clear that they hadn’t taught him how to approach a dog. And that’s dangerous - for him AND for the dog who’d no doubt get the blame if something happened.

“You can’t just pounce on a dog like that. How would you like it if I just ran up to you and touched your hair?” I said as I rushed towards him, reaching forward to touch him (so he’d get a sense for what it’s like to be charged at like that .. a bit mean, I admit 😛 but necessary, I felt).

“You have to ask the person for permission.”

He looked at me with big eyes and then … asked whether he could pet Cai.

I explained how. He did pet Cai gently, and ran off.

Good Boy Cai. I was so relieved he didn’t react at all. Didn’t dare to think about what could have happened if he did. Those parents who didn’t give a damn about their kid or my dog would have been right there insisting my dog be put down.

And that’s not going to happen on my watch.

I’ll never be friendly to kids running up to my dogs, but I’m always there to teach them what to do.

This Week's Pawsome Humans:

Fear-Based Training Creates Shutdowns: What You’re Really Seeing with

Well-Behaved or Shut Down?

A dog lying still, eyes turned away, body tense. On the surface, that might look like good behavior. To someone who knows dog body language, it looks like fear.

Annie Grossman spent over a decade running a dog training school in New York City’s East Village. Before that, she was a journalist who thought dog training was “just dog training” - one simple thing, like taking your shoes to be fixed.

Then she discovered there was a science to behavior, and everything changed. Her book, How to Train Your Dog With Love + Science, and her Substack, Don’t Be a Dick to Your Dog, are both grounded in a simple belief: we owe it to our dogs to understand what we’re actually teaching them.

You can watch our conversation here:

Or listen here:

About Annie Grossman

Annie Grossman is a dog trainer, author, and former journalist based in New York City. She founded School for the Dogs, ran it for over a decade, and is now the author of How to Train Your Dog With Love + Science. She writes about dogs, behavior, and life on her Substack, Don't Be a Dick to Your Dog. You can find her at anniegrossman.com, on Instagram @anniegrossman, and on Substack at dogtraining.substack.com.

To find out about Soul Touched by Dogs episodes the moment they drop, subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SoulTouchedbyDogs 🙏

Dog-Friendly Offices Boost Productivity and Retention with Emily Birch

The Case for Bringing Your Dog to Work

For decades, I told myself I couldn’t get a dog because I worked in an office. The equation seemed simple: office job equals dog left home alone all day. Not an option.

It never occurred to me that the office itself could change.

Emily Birch has spent over a decade helping companies become dog-friendly workplaces. Not as a perk or a Friday treat, but as a structured, strategic approach to how people work.

We talked about what it actually looks like to have 18 dogs in one office (spoiler: surprisingly quiet), how to manage the concerns around allergies and phobias, and why this isn’t just good for morale. It’s good for the bottom line.

You can watch our conversation here:

Or listen here:

About Emily Birch

Emily Birch is the founder of The Office Dog, where she helps organizations introduce dogs into the workplace in a way that is structured, safe, and genuinely beneficial. Her approach is grounded in research, policy, and a deep understanding of canine behavior. She's based in Stroud, UK, and also runs a canine behavior consultancy. You can find her at theofficedog.org or on LinkedIn.

If you prefer to listen ...Subscribe to the PODCAST

It’s on Apple podcasts and everywhere else, so you can access it from your favourite podcast app.

If you enjoy listening, please consider leaving a rating and review so other dog lovers can find the show and join the doggie fun.

If you’re not using Apple podcasts, GoodPods is a great app that makes that easy.

If you’re on Instagram, have a look and give us a follow 🙏

https://www.instagram.com/soultouchedbydogs/

Coming up … Live Masterclass:

“Your Dog’s Health - What Matters Beyond What’s in the Bowl” with Dr. Alexia Mellor

27th August, 8pm Europe (7pm UK, 2pm ET, 11am PT. HERE is what time that is for you)

Save Your Free Seat

We spend so much time asking “What’s the best food for my dog?” But nutrition is only one piece of the wellbeing puzzle.

In this conversation, we’ll explore why two dogs can eat exactly the same diet and have completely different outcomes, and why there is no single “perfect” way to feed every dog.

Drawing on modern canine nutrition alongside Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we’ll look at how food, nervous system health, environment, lifestyle, relationships and your dog’s unique energetic constitution all interact to influence wellbeing

Whether your dog is thriving, struggling with chronic issues, or you’re simply curious about taking a more holistic approach, you’ll leave with a broader understanding of what true nourishment really means.

Save Your Free Seat

Calm Your Anxious Dog

If you’re looking for an all-natural way to take the edge off for your dog, to handle stressful situations with more calm and less anxiety, check out Fetch Happy Store’s Completely Calm calming treats

Shop Now

Found at https://www.facebook.com/dogsdisclosed

Are you a canine professional?

A trainer, coach, behaviorist, nutritionist, holistic vet, or other canine expert with a holistic, kindness-first approach?

Would you like to be a guest on the podcast? Do you know someone you think would make a great guest?

Are you looking for ways to get your work in front of more people online?

Go (or send them) to https://soultouchedbydogs.com/pros

And as always ..

If you know another Soul Touched by Dogs, please send them to

https://soultouchedbydogs.com

🙏🙏🐾🐾

Until next week,

Save Your Free Seat

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How dog-friendly offices actually increase productivity and employee retention, backed by peer-reviewed research

• Why predictability matters more than enthusiasm when it comes to managing dogs (and people) in shared workspaces

• The traffic light system that helps dogs settle and prevents over-excitement without feeling restrictive

• What makes a dog suitable for office life, and the one non-negotiable that rules a dog out entirely

• How to address common concerns like allergies, phobias, and the myth that offices will turn into chaotic doggy daycares

• Why some dogs need a "red light" approach even when they're friendly, and how that sets them up to succeed

• What happens when new management takes over, and how to make the case for keeping dogs in the office

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"I counted and I was like, 'We've got 18 dogs in here,' and yet you wouldn't know. Every dog was just fast asleep under the table." — Emily

ABOUT EMILY BIRCH

Emily Birch is the Owner and Director of The Office Dog, where she helps organisations introduce dogs into the workplace in a structured, safe, and genuinely beneficial way. She also runs a canine consultancy focused on behaviour work. Based in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Emily has been pioneering dog-friendly office environments since 2014, working with businesses at every stage - from policy creation and training through to implementation and probation sign-off.

CONNECT WITH EMILY BIRCH

Website: theofficedog.org

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why a dog who looks calm and well-behaved might actually be scared and shut down — and how to tell the difference

• What classical conditioning really means, and why it matters more than you think when it comes to how your dog experiences the world

• How punishment (yes, even "just a correction") can create hidden fallout you won't see in a 30-second Instagram video

• Why dog body language is so misunderstood — and what that little tongue flick actually means

• How focusing on what you want your dog to do instead of what you want them to stop changes everything

• Why there's no such thing as "just dog training" — it's all rooted in the science of behaviour, whether people know it or not

• What questions to ask before choosing a trainer, a method, or even a viral training hack

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"A shut down dog can look like a well-behaved dog." — Annie

ABOUT ANNIE GROSSMAN

Annie Grossman is a dog trainer, journalist, and the author of How to Train Your Dog With Love + Science. A lifelong New Yorker, she spent over a decade running School For The Dogs, a storefront training centre in the East Village where she worked with thousands of dogs and their people. Before diving into dog training, Annie worked as a journalist and producer, writing for outlets like The New York Times and The Boston Globe. She's a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy and a passionate advocate for positive reinforcement rooted in behavioural science. These days, she writes Don't Be a Dick to Your Dog on Substack and speaks at conferences about making dog training less jargon-heavy and more human.

CONNECT WITH ANNIE GROSSMAN

Website: anniegrossman.com
Instagram: @anniegrossman
Facebook: @annie4thedogs
Substack: dogtraining.substack.com

Get the Free guide on How Not To Be A Dick To Your Dog (😛)

Don't Be a Dick to Your Dog

⭐ How Not To Be A Dick To Your Dog

Welcome…

Read more

a month ago · 10 likes · Annie Grossman

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com
And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

One of the things that drove me nuts when Leo and I found each other was feeling torn between all the conflicting advice.

Do this, do that. Feed him this, feed him that.

Everyone had the ONE answer. And it didn’t always make sense for my dogs.

It’s one of the reasons I started Soul Touched by Dogs - to share the work of experts who don’t just do “what we’ve always done”, who are willing to research, question established norms, and find holistic solutions that address the real root of an issue.

And today, I have two gems for you:

This Week's Pawsome Human: Pet Health Coaches and Vets Working Together for Your Dog with Dr. Ruth Roberts

When your dog gets a serious diagnosis, the vet has about fifteen minutes to explain everything, and then you’re on your own. You leave with a printout, maybe a referral, and a tidal wave of questions you didn’t even know to ask.

That’s the gap Dr. Ruth Roberts saw in her thirty years as a veterinarian. And it’s why she now trains holistic pet health coaches - not to replace vets, but to walk alongside pet guardians through the overwhelming, confusing terrain of chronic illness, treatment decisions, and day-to-day care.

This episode explores what it means to have someone in your corner when your dog is facing kidney disease, cancer, or a cascade of symptoms no one seems able to untangle. Dr. Ruth shares how health coaching fills the space between diagnosis and daily life, offering education, support, and a sounding board when you’re trying to make sense of conflicting advice or figure out your next step.

She also talks about the pressure veterinarians are under, why they often can’t offer what they wish they could, and how collaboration, not competition, makes better outcomes possible. As she puts it: “If you’ve got somebody in your corner backing you up, helping you understand what to do if plan A didn’t work and you need to pivot slightly. That’s where health coaching has been so incredibly successful.”

What stayed with me most was Dr. Ruth’s story about Janet and Rosie, a fifteen-year-old Westie with kidney disease. After two years of working together, a specialist told Janet it was time to consider euthanasia. The creatinine value had gone up by 0.1 - an insignificant change. Janet found another internist with Dr. Ruth’s guidance, and Rosie lived another year.

The lesson: You don’t have to navigate your dog’s health alone. And having a knowledgeable guide who has time to listen, explain, and help you prepare can mean the difference between giving up too soon and finding a path forward you didn’t know existed.

Listen Now

Dr. Ruth Roberts: Bridging the gap between pet parents and vets

You can watch the full conversation here:

About Dr. Ruth Roberts

Dr. Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian with over thirty years of experience and the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet.

She founded Holistic Pet Health Coach, an educational institution that trains and certifies professionals to support pet guardians through chronic illness and complex health decisions.

You can find her at drruthroberts.com and on Instagram @dr.ruthroberts.

She also offers a free guide on when not to go to the ER vet, available here.

To find out about Soul Touched by Dogs episodes the moment they drop, subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SoulTouchedbyDogs 🙏

If you prefer to listen ...Subscribe to the PODCAST

It’s on Apple podcasts and everywhere else, so you can access it from your favourite podcast app.

If you enjoy listening, please consider leaving a rating and review so other dog lovers can find the show and join the doggie fun.

If you’re not using Apple podcasts, GoodPods is a great app that makes that easy.

If you’re on Instagram, have a look and give us a follow 🙏

https://www.instagram.com/soultouchedbydogs/

Upcoming Live Masterclass:

“Your Dog’s Health - What Matters Beyond What’s in the Bowl” with Dr. Alexia Mellor

27th August, 8pm Europe (7pm UK, 2pm ET, 11am PT. HERE is what time that is for you)

We spend so much time asking “What’s the best food for my dog?” But nutrition is only one piece of the wellbeing puzzle.

In this conversation, we’ll explore why two dogs can eat exactly the same diet and have completely different outcomes, and why there is no single “perfect” way to feed every dog.

Drawing on modern canine nutrition alongside Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we’ll look at how food, nervous system health, environment, lifestyle, relationships and your dog’s unique energetic constitution all interact to influence wellbeing.

Rather than offering another set of feeding rules, this session is about helping you become a more confident observer of your own dog - learning to recognise what your individual dog is asking for and making informed decisions that support them as a whole being.

Whether your dog is thriving, struggling with chronic issues, or you’re simply curious about taking a more holistic approach, you’ll leave with a broader understanding of what true nourishment really means.

Click here to secure your free spot: https://soultouchedbydogs.com/masterclass

Calm Your Anxious Dog

If you’re looking for an all-natural way to take the edge off for your dog, to handle stressful situations with more calm and less anxiety, check out Fetch Happy Store’s Completely Calm calming treats:

Shop Now

Found at https://www.facebook.com/dogsdisclosed

Are you a canine professional?

A trainer, coach, behaviorist, nutritionist, holistic vet, or other canine expert with a holistic, kindness-first approach?

Would you like to be a guest on the podcast? Do you know someone you think would make a great guest?

Are you looking for ways to get your work in front of more people online?

Go (or send them) to https://soultouchedbydogs.com/pros

And as always ..

If you know another Soul Touched by Dogs, please send them to

https://soultouchedbydogs.com

🙏🙏🐾🐾

Until next week,

WHAT YOU''LL LEARN

• Why veterinarians often don't have time to answer all your questions, and how pet health coaches fill that critical gap without replacing veterinary care

• What actually happens during a pet health coaching session—from reviewing your dog's medical history to creating a personalized plan you can realistically follow

• How to know when your dog needs emergency veterinary attention versus when you can manage a health concern with lifestyle changes and support

• The questions you should be asking your vet to make appointments more efficient and effective for everyone involved

• Why lifestyle medicine matters for chronic conditions like kidney disease, allergies, and cancer—and where conventional treatments still play an essential role

• How to approach your veterinarian with information about integrative care without creating conflict or defensiveness

• What credentials to look for when choosing a pet health coach, and why real-world experience matters as much as education

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"If Janet had not had me, Rosie would've been dead a year too early." — Ruth

ABOUT DR. RUTH ROBERTS

Dr. Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian with over 30 years of experience and the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. After retiring from clinical practice, she founded Holistic Pet Health Coach, an educational institution that trains and certifies professionals to become trusted guides for pet guardians navigating chronic illness and complex health decisions. Her work emerged from witnessing too many pets lose precious time because their guardians had nowhere to turn for reliable, personalized support beyond the exam room.

CONNECT WITH DR. RUTH ROBERTS

Website: drruthroberts.com

Instagram: @dr.ruthroberts

Facebook: @Crockpetdiet

YouTube: @DrRuthRoberts

Free guide: When Not to Go to the ER Vet

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

Are you one of us?

One look into a dog’s eyes touches your soul. No words needed.

You see your dog(s) as soulful beings, finely tuned into your emotions. And you love to take care of and learn from them.

To you, a dog is not just a pet, not a fashion accessory, not a toy for the kids, not a tool.

Your dog is your companion, your wisest teacher.

Most traditional dog training methods don’t make sense to you. You’re not looking to control your dogs.

You want to cultivate the trust and connection that allows a dog to relax and be easy to live with.

You’re always on the lookout for holistic approaches to nutrition and health for your dog(s).

You’re the person who goes home early from a party, to not leave the dog(s) alone for too long. 😛

You might find that friends and family don’t really understand what dogs mean to you.

I created Soul Touched by Dogs because I want you to feel understood, to nourish your dog-loving soul with inspiring stories about the beauty and wisdom of dogs, helpful tips, resources and recommendations.

And Soul Touched by Dogs is a place to openly share your love, excitement or worry relating to your dogs. You’ll hear about how when you subscribe 😉

What you can expect

Each weekend, I’ll share an article with the latest Soul Touched by Dogs podcast episode, where I interview “pawsome humans” doing great work with dogs and their people.

Plus …

… there’ll be personal stories, wee (mostly friendly :-) rants, the occasional invitations to free live masterclasses, funny memes to make you love, recommendations and fun facts - all with the intention to warm your dog-loving heart, and to help you be the confident advocate your dog deserves.

… and I frequently post notes about my dogs, the precious moments that turned into a memory, and the lessons they’ve taught me.

Subscribe now

Hi, I’m Anke

The human behind Soul Touched by Dogs.

I’ve loved dogs for as long as I can remember.

According to my grandma, my dad’s dog Bodo “helped raise me” throughout the first couple of years of my life. Maybe that’s where the love comes from.

But as a child, and later working in corporate jobs, I couldn’t have a dog if I didn’t want him to be at home alone all day (in the days before doggie daycare)

So it wasn’t until I moved to Spain and started my own business that I could work from home and finally have my own dog.

Leo and I found each other on a hot day in May 2005, in the cobble-stoned streets of Granada.

4 months old, scared of male voices, cars, broomsticks. Obsessed with shoes, socks and (the contents of) rubbish bins.

“Oh, he’s so lucky you found him,” people said.

“I’m the lucky one,” I’d reply.

Turns out that this dog, and the three that came after him, taught me more than I ever imagined.

I created Soul Touched by Dogs to share some of those lessons with other dog lovers, AND to give YOU a space to share yours.

Here are the 4 dogs that have been teaching me for over 2 decades:

If you’ve not heard of it, it’s worth googling. It’s a traditional Indian drink made from any milk you like, turmeric and a few other ingredients, said to have many health benefits. You can find out more, including my favorite recipe, here.

It’s my go-to remedy when I’m not feeling well and there is nothing in it I knew to be bad for dogs. So I made some of the turmeric paste and mixed it with some plain Greek yoghurt.

Leo gobbled it up.

I gave it to him daily and slowly, he gained the strength in his legs back and lived another 6.5 years.

Of course, I was curious when I heard about MaryBeth Powers and her Turmeric Tamer.

Turns out, it all started with her dog Teddy’s diagnosis …

This Week's Pawsome Human: Turmeric for Dogs: From Cancer Diagnosis to Three Extra Years with MaryBeth Powers

When her beloved Newfie mix, Teddy, was diagnosed with aggressive cancer and given two to four weeks to live, MaryBeth decided to trust her instincts and refused to accept “there’s nothing more we can do.”

What she did next, and what happened to Teddy against all odds, became the foundation for a business now helping hundreds of dogs live healthier, more comfortable lives.

MaryBeth didn’t set out to become a pet wellness entrepreneur. She was an event planner trying to save her dog. But through her research into herbs, spices, and anti-inflammatory ingredients, she created something that not only gave Teddy three more years, it’s now supporting dogs dealing with cancer, arthritis, allergies, incontinence, and more.

We talk about the ingredients that make up Teddy’s Turmeric Tamer, why she chose each one, and how she went from mixing batches in her kitchen to running a small, mission-driven business. MaryBeth is candid about what worked, what surprised her, and why she believes in trying natural options first. As she puts it: “Why not try natural? There’s no side effects. If it doesn’t work, then you can reassess.”

We also get into the practical side: how to introduce it to picky dogs, why cats hate it, and what she’s learned from customers who’ve taken their dogs off pharmaceuticals and seen real results. This is a conversation about options, agency, and believing there’s more than one way to support the dogs we love.

Of course, the best time to support your dog’s health isn’t when something goes wrong, it’s before it does. Prevention through natural, anti-inflammatory support can mean fewer vet visits, less discomfort, and more good years together. And when challenges do arise, having tools that work with the body instead of against it can make all the difference.

Listen Now

MaryBeth Powers: When Love Leads to Healing

You can watch the full conversation here:

About MaryBeth Powers

MaryBeth Powers is the founder of Teddy’s Turmeric Tamer, a Virginia-based pet wellness company born from her determination to help her dog, Teddy, beat the odds after a devastating cancer diagnosis.

Today, she handcrafts all-natural products designed to support dogs’ health through ingredients like turmeric, ginger, flaxseed, and cancer-fighting mushrooms.

A portion of every sale goes back to dogs in need.

You can find her at teddysturmerictamer.com and on Instagram @teddysturmerictamer. Use the code SOUL for 10% off any product.

To find out about Soul Touched by Dogs episodes the moment they drop, subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SoulTouchedbyDogs 🙏

If you prefer to listen ...Subscribe to the PODCAST

It’s on Apple podcasts and everywhere else, so you can access it from your favourite podcast app.

If you enjoy listening, please consider leaving a rating and review so other dog lovers can find the show and join the doggie fun.

If you’re not using Apple podcasts, GoodPods is a great app that makes that easy.

If you’re on Instagram, have a look and give us a follow 🙏

https://www.instagram.com/soultouchedbydogs/

I don’t know what’s worse … a wee rant

I went out for lunch with a friend today. As we were reaching the steps from the oasis of the quiet restaurant terrace back out onto the street, we saw our waitress talking to a girl, maybe 12 years old, holding the leash of a miniature Dachshund.

The wee pup (one year old as we found out) pulled towards us and couldn’t get enough fuss and pets.

“Do you want to keep her?” the waitress asked.

😳

???

My friend thought she was joking. I was worried she might not be (I lost count of how often people here in the south of Spain have offered their dogs to me after watching me fuss over them).

She wasn’t joking.

“Does she really need a new home?” my friend asked.

“No, not really. We love her a lot,” the girl said.

Then the waitress made it make sense.

Apparently, the girl’s mother got the dog - probably for the kids. Now she realized that she’s travelling a lot and can’t really have a dog.

So the pup is facing an uncertain future, and the girl’s heart is about to be broken.

That’s all I know and I’m really trying to rein in a sense of judgment.

But I can’t help but feel it’s cruel to get a dog, let the puppy bond with the girl, and then give the dog away.

Who knows, the girl might have begged her mother for a dog. She sure would have been sad not getting one (I always wanted a dog and my parents always said no) but getting one and have it taken away …

The only good part of the story is that my friend remembered that someone we both know, who already has two Dachshunds, is looking to get another one .. so that new home for the pup might be closer than anyone expected earlier today.

But still ..

Calm Your Anxious Dog

If you’re looking for an all-natural way to take the edge off for your dog, to handle stressful situations with more calm and less anxiety, check out Fetch Happy Store’s Completely Calm calming treats:

Shop Now

Found at https://www.facebook.com/dogsdisclosed

Are you a canine professional?

A trainer, coach, behaviorist, nutritionist, holistic vet, or other canine expert with a holistic, kindness-first approach?

Would you like to be a guest on the podcast? Do you know someone you think would make a great guest?

Are you looking for ways to get your work in front of more people online?

Go (or send them) to https://soultouchedbydogs.com/pros

And as always ..

If you know another Soul Touched by Dogs, please send them to

https://soultouchedbydogs.com

🙏🙏🐾🐾

Until next week,

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How MaryBeth developed a turmeric-based blend when her dog Teddy was given only weeks to live, and what happened when his aggressive sarcoma disappeared after four months on the formula

• Why ingredients like turmeric, ginger, flaxseed and medicinal mushrooms work synergistically to support healing, reduce inflammation and boost overall wellness in dogs

• What signs to watch for when introducing natural remedies, including how dogs sometimes signal what their bodies need through their appetite and interest in certain ingredients

• How to start incorporating anti-inflammatory support into your dog's routine, whether they're dealing with a health crisis or you want to support them preventatively

• Why natural flea and tick repellents made with essential oils can be an alternative to chemical-based collars and treatments

• What pet owners report back after trying turmeric blends, from improved mobility and energy to relief from chronic allergies and skin conditions

• How to navigate the conversation between holistic approaches and traditional veterinary care, and when pharmaceuticals may still be necessary

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"He didn't even want to walk, so we decided we didn't want him to die like that. Within two or three days he started walking." — MaryBeth

ABOUT MARYBETH POWERS

MaryBeth Powers is the founder of Teddy's Turmeric Tamer, a Virginia-based pet wellness company born from her determination to save her beloved Newfie mix, Teddy, after he was diagnosed with an aggressive sarcoma. What started as a desperate search for natural ways to help one dog has grown into a business that supports hundreds of dogs facing cancer, arthritis, inflammation and allergies. After a 30-year career in event planning, MaryBeth now dedicates herself to creating all-natural, human-grade wellness products and educating pet owners about the power of whole-food ingredients. A portion of every sale goes back to dogs in need through rescues and shelters.

CONNECT WITH MARYBETH POWERS

Website: teddysturmerictamer.com

Instagram: @teddysturmerictamer

Facebook: Teddy's Turmeric Tamer

LinkedIn: Teddy's Turmeric Tamer

TikTok: Teddy's Turmeric Tamer

Use code SOUL for 10% off your order

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs and the people who love them.

Did you do it?

Well, I had the thought for each of my dogs and I’ve not (yet) created a social media account for them.

But this week’s guest, Jonathan Graziano, did when he first adopted a senior pug, Noodle.

He didn’t think much about it, just thought Noodle’s quirks might give people a laugh, the way they brightened up his days and those of his colleagues in the office Noodle was allowed to accompany him to.

It took off. It inspired children’s books.

And then, Noodle crossed the bridge …

After spending some time fostering dogs, he brought home Milton who’ll have his own book coming out in a matter of days ..

This Week's Pawsome Human: Milton Makes a Move - Teaching Kids Bravery Through Adorable Pugs with Jonathan Graziano

There’s something about a dog who knows exactly who they are.

Jonathan Graziano’s pug Noodle was that kind of dog. At 13 years old, during Covid, Noodle became a phenomenon …

… because he showed millions of people that it was okay to have a “no bones day.” To rest, to choose comfort. To let the world bend around you instead of the other way around.

This week’s conversation is about what happens when a dog becomes part of the culture. It’s also about grief, fostering, starting again, and finding ways to honor a bond that doesn’t end when a life does.

Jonathan talks about losing Noodle, meeting Milton, and how he’s used children’s books to give both dogs a story that outlasts social media.

There’s a tenderness here that you’ll recognize if you’ve ever loved an older dog. And a reminder that sometimes the smallest, grumpiest souls leave the biggest mark.

Jonathan didn’t set out to make Noodle famous. He just saw something in this 7.5-year-old dog, so unapologetically himself, that he couldn’t help but share. He started posting and people connected. And then the Bones or No Bones videos took off. They weren’t flash or polished, just real life: Noodle either had the energy to stand up in the morning, or he didn’t. That was it.

But people ran with it. Nurses taped pictures of Noodle to their stations. Teachers started class by checking in on what kind of day it was. The language traveled beyond the internet and into real life. As Jonathan puts it: “People were using it in actual language, not just in captions.”

When Noodle passed, Jonathan had to tell millions of strangers. It was surreal, and it was heartbreaking. And somehow, it was also exactly right. Because Noodle had always been larger than life, even when all he wanted was to nap on the back of the couch.

A few months later, Jonathan started fostering. Not to replace Noodle - you don’t replace a dog like that - but because the part of him that wanted to care for something hadn’t gone away. Milton was his fifth foster. A pug from Korea. Anxious at first, he settled in after a while. Different from Noodle in almost every way, except for the part where he fit perfectly.

Now there are three children’s books. The first two about Noodle. The third, Milton Makes a Move, about the bravery it takes to start over - for both the dog and the person welcoming him in.

Jonathan writes these books not as nostalgia, but as something kids who’ve never heard of Noodle can still love. Something that teaches without lecturing. Something that lets both dogs live on in a way that matters.

The best way to honor a dog isn’t to freeze them in time. It’s to let them teach you something, and then pass it on.

Listen Now

Jonathan Graziano: Viral Pugs, Children's Books, and Life After Noodle

You can watch the full conversation here:

About Jon Graziano

Jonathan Graziano is a #1 New York Times bestselling children's book author and the human behind some of the internet's most beloved pugs. His first dog, Noodle, became a cultural phenomenon during lockdown with the Bones or No Bones series. Now Jonathan lives in Rochester, New York, with his adopted pug Milton and continues to write books that help kids navigate big feelings with warmth and humor. His latest, Milton Makes a Move, comes out August 4th and is available for preorder:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Milton-Makes-a-Move/Jonathan-Graziano/Noodle-and-Jonathan/9798347108947

To find out about Soul Touched by Dogs episodes the moment they drop, subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SoulTouchedbyDogs 🙏

If you prefer to listen ...Subscribe to the PODCAST

It’s on Apple podcasts and everywhere else, so you can access it from your favourite podcast app.

If you enjoy listening, please consider leaving a rating and review so other dog lovers can find the show and join the doggie fun.

If you’re not using Apple podcasts, GoodPods is a great app that makes that easy.

If you’re on Instagram, have a look and give us a follow 🙏

https://www.instagram.com/soultouchedbydogs/

Calm Your Anxious Dog

If you’re looking for an all-natural way to take the edge off for your dog, to handle stressful situations with more calm and less anxiety, check out Fetch Happy Store’s Completely Calm calming treats:

Shop Now

Found at https://www.facebook.com/dogsdisclosed

Are you a canine professional?

A trainer, coach, behaviorist, nutritionist, holistic vet, or other canine expert with a holistic, kindness-first approach?

Would you like to be a guest on the podcast? Do you know someone you think would make a great guest?

Are you looking for ways to get your work in front of more people online?

Go (or send them) to https://soultouchedbydogs.com/pros

And as always ..

If you know another Soul Touched by Dogs, please send them to

https://soultouchedbydogs.com

🙏🙏🐾🐾

Until next week,

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why adopting a senior dog can be one of the most rewarding decisions you'll ever make, even if you never expected to become a pug person

• How Noodle's simple "Bones or No Bones" routine became a global phenomenon during lockdown, and what made it resonate so deeply with people who needed hope

• What it's really like to navigate grief when your dog was beloved by millions, and how fostering became a healing path forward

• How Jonathan used his platform to raise awareness for dog rescue while keeping the focus on what mattered most: his dogs' comfort and wellbeing

• Why Milton, his fifth foster pug, turned out to be the perfect fit—not because he replaced Noodle, but because he brought his own quiet, uncompromising personality to the family

• How Jonathan turned viral moments into children's books that teach kids about asking for help, taking care of themselves, and being brave in the face of change

• What it means to keep your day job while your dog becomes internet-famous, and why that boundary mattered so much

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"Being brave can be hard, but everything is a little easier with a friend by your side." — Jonathan

ABOUT JONATHAN GRAZIANO

Jonathan Graziano is a number one New York Times bestselling author and the devoted caretaker of some of the internet's most beloved pugs. His late dog, Noodle, captured hearts worldwide with the "Bones or No Bones" series during lockdown, teaching millions that it's okay to take a day for yourself. Jonathan has since fostered and adopted Milton, another pug with his own distinct personality, and continues Noodle's legacy through children's books that celebrate kindness, bravery, and the importance of rescuing senior pets. He works in communications and social media marketing and is based in Rochester, New York.

CONNECT WITH JONATHAN GRAZIANO

Website: jonathangraziano.com

Instagram: @jongraz

TikTok: @jongraz

Preorder Milton Makes a Move (out August 4): Simon & Schuster

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

“Dogs are our wisest teachers ... if we care to pay attention to them.”

“You can’t trick a dog ... they see right through you.”

“My dogs have made me a better person.”

Phrases I say so often I should print them on t-shirts 😛

It’s why I was excited when I got introduced to this week’s guest.

He’s made learning from dogs the foundation of his work with his coaching clients.

This Week's Pawsome Human: Dog Coaching for Leadership and Personal Growth with Frank van Nimwegen

There’s just something about being seen for who you truly are. Not the version of yourself you present in meetings, or the title on your business card, or even the story you tell yourself about who you should be. Just you, as you are, right now.

Dogs don’t care about your résumé. They respond to your energy, your presence, the space between what you say and what you mean.

And if you’re pretending, even just a little bit - they’ll call you on it. Not with judgment, but with honest, immediate feedback that’s impossible to ignore.

Frank van Nimwegen has spent decades working with dogs in competitive agility. And he’s taken what he’s learned far beyond the training ring. Through his work as a coach, Frank uses dogs to help people experience showing up as themselves. Not the leader you think you’re supposed to be, not the version of you that keeps everyone comfortable … the version that’s real.

In our conversation, we explored how dogs teach us to set boundaries without apology, to lead without control, and to understand that confidence doesn’t come from playing a role. Frank shared the story of a simple exercise he uses with teams - a bowl of treats the dog isn’t allowed to touch. The lesson isn’t about the dog. It’s about what happens when people finally protect what matters to them, and then give it away anyway.

“The dog will react to who you really truly are,” Frank told me. “Not who you pretend to be or who your business card says you are.”

We also talked about what it looks like to work with dogs when you’re nervous, how agility can start in your backyard with a broomstick, and why the fastest way to lose a dog’s respect is to pretend you’re not afraid when you are. Frank’s approach combines decades of competition experience with coaching methodologies like NLP and mBIT, but the real wisdom comes from the dogs themselves.

The most powerful leadership tool you have isn’t authority. It’s authenticity. And dogs will show you the difference between the two faster than any workshop ever could.

Listen Now

You can watch the full conversation here:

About Frank van Nimwegen

Frank van Nimwegen is a Dutch agility handler, coach, and instructor who has competed at World Championships and served as team manager for the Dutch agility team. Today, through his company Qynnect, he combines his deep experience in dog sports with coaching methodologies to help teams and individuals develop leadership, communication, and confidence - with dogs as the teachers.

You can find him at www.qynnect.nl or connect with him on LinkedIn.

To find out about episodes the moment they drop, subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SoulTouchedbyDogs 🙏

If you prefer to listen ...Subscribe to the PODCAST

It’s on Apple podcasts and everywhere else, so you can access it from your favourite podcast app.

If you enjoy listening, please consider leaving a rating and review so other dog lovers can find the show and join the doggie fun.

If you’re not using Apple podcasts, GoodPods is a great app that makes that easy.

If you’re on Instagram, have a look and give us a follow 🙏

https://www.instagram.com/soultouchedbydogs/

Coming up … PAC’s AUGUST Let’s Get Real: What It Means to Truly Nourish Our Dogs - Beyond What’s in the Bowl

With Dr. Alexia Mellor (Mystic Dog Mama)

“At its heart, this conversation is an invitation to remember that nourishment is both science and soul. That caring for dogs is not just about managing symptoms or meeting physical needs, but about supporting the whole living being in front of us. Together, we’ll explore what becomes possible when we begin to nourish our dogs - and ourselves - with greater awareness, curiosity, and connection.”

Find out more and register here: https://givebutter.com/pacs-lets-get-real-the-link-between-nutrition-and-behavior-what-it-means-to-truly-nourish-our-dogs-rqbk6c?gba_donor_ref=YQw1CBgxU121v4mj

You’ll be invited to make a donation to PAC, the Phenix Advocacy Center, a non-profit to offer peer mental health support for fear-free dog trainers.

But thanks to their new sponsor, Sniffspot, you’re no longer required to donate in order to attend. So it’s up to you - make a donation to support the non-profit or join for free.

Calm Your Anxious Dog

If you’re looking for an all-natural way to take the edge off for your dog, to handle stressful situations with more calm and less anxiety, check out Fetch Happy Store’s Completely Calm calming treats:

Shop Now

Found at https://www.facebook.com/dogsdisclosed

Are you a canine professional?

A trainer, coach, behaviorist, nutritionist, holistic vet, or other canine expert with a holistic, kindness-first approach?

Would you like to be a guest on the podcast? Do you know someone you think would make a great guest?

Are you looking for ways to get your work in front of more people online?

Go (or send them) to https://soultouchedbydogs.com/pros

And as always ..

If you know another Soul Touched by Dogs, please send them to

https://soultouchedbydogs.com

🙏🙏🐾🐾

Until next week,

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How dogs reveal the gap between who we pretend to be and who we actually are, and why that matters for leadership and personal growth

• Why people-pleasing patterns show up instantly when working with dogs, and what a simple bowl of treats can teach you about setting boundaries

• How mental state affects performance in dog sports, and what that means for managing your own reactions under pressure

• The difference between demonstrating dominance and offering genuine leadership, as dogs will always choose the highway over an inflexible handler

• Why starting with the basics matters, whether you're learning agility for fun or aiming for competition level

• What happens when corporate teams work through exercises with dogs instead of staring at PowerPoint slides

• How fear and discomfort can shift when someone gets to approach dogs at their own pace, without pressure or pretence

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"There's only one nervous creature allowed in the ring, and the dog has already chosen." — Frank

ABOUT FRANK VAN NIMWEGEN

Frank van Nimwegen is a Dutch agility handler, instructor, and coach who has competed internationally with Belgian Shepherds and served as team manager of the Dutch agility team. After decades in dog sports, he became increasingly interested in how dogs can help people develop confidence, communication, and leadership. Today, he combines his competition experience with coaching methodologies like NLP and mBIT to offer dog-assisted coaching for agility handlers, corporate teams, and professionals seeking greater performance and personal growth.

CONNECT WITH FRANK VAN NIMWEGEN

Website: www.qynnect.nl

LinkedIn: Frank van Nimwegen

Additional: www.caniquest.com

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who's also building a business - or just want a calmer, happier dog - come find us at Happy Pupcakes. Happy dogs, thriving businesses, and a community that gets both.

“Don’t feed him anything other than kibble for puppies,” I was told during my first vet visit ever.

I’d found 4-months-old Leo in the streets of Granada and taken him to the vet - to see if he belonged to someone, if he was healthy, and to ask how to go about feeding him.

Fortunately - in hindsight - Leo did not do well on kibble … rashes, gas 🤪 and very little appetite.

That all changed when I started researching and changed his diet.

“Don’t read the front of the package, read the label on the back,” was the first big insight I got from a wee ebook I’d found.

A first glimpse into the nasty world of dog food production. Kibble and commercial treats became a rare exception for my dogs after that.

Neighbors often laughed at me when they heard how much I’d spend on food for Leo - nothing crazy, really, but yes, a lot more than a bag of kibble.

“What I spend more on good food I save on vet costs,” has been my motto ever since. And it has worked well for us - it’s kept my vet bills low and my dogs healty into ripe old age.

It’s why I love bringing people on the show who have made it their mission to help us help our dogs thrive, starting with what we put in their bowl.

This Week's Pawsome Human: Dog Diet Changes Everything: Medical Rescue and Whole Foods with Wendy

Wendy Brown has spent 25 years in medical and behavioral dog rescue, and she’s seen firsthand what happens when dogs eat nothing but highly processed food for years. She’s also seen what happens when their diet changes. The difference, she says, is like night and day.

In this episode, we talk about why kibble falls short, what histamine levels have to do with your dog’s skin issues, and how feeding whole, gently cooked foods can transform a dog’s health.

Wendy shares her own approach to feeding four dogs real, rotated proteins without spending all day in the kitchen. She also tackles the biggest fears people have about transitioning away from kibble: “It’s intimidating because if anything goes wrong, you feel it’s your fault.”

This conversation isn’t about perfection. It’s about curiosity, agency, and trusting that you can feed your dog in a way that makes sense for both of you.

The lesson here: Your dog doesn’t need the same protein every single day any more than you do. Real food doesn’t have to be complicated, it just has to be real.

Listen Now

You can watch the full conversation here:

About Wendy Brown

Wendy Brown is a canine nutrition enthusiast and longtime dog rescuer with over 25 years of experience in medical and behavioral rescue. She's the author of a dog food cookbook and a children's book series inspired by her work.

You can find her at wendychowbrown.com, on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

If you prefer to listen ...Subscribe to the PODCAST

It’s on Apple podcasts and everywhere else, so you can access it from your favourite podcast app.

If you enjoy listening, please consider leaving a rating and review so other dog lovers can find the show and join the doggie fun.

If you’re not using Apple podcasts, GoodPods is a great app that makes that easy.

If you’re on Instagram, have a look and give us a follow 🙏

https://www.instagram.com/soultouchedbydogs/

PAC’s AUGUST Let’s Get Real: The Link Between Nutrition and Behavior What It Means to Truly Nourish Our Dogs

With Dr. Alexia Mellor (Mystic Dog Mama)

If today’s topic speaks to you, you’ll also love this live event.

I recently interviewed Dr. Alexia for the podcast (episode out soon), and what I most loved about her work is that she talks about nourishment in a holistic way, with nutrition being an important but not the only element.

“At its heart, this conversation is an invitation to remember that nourishment is both science and soul. That caring for dogs is not just about managing symptoms or meeting physical needs, but about supporting the whole living being in front of us. Together, we’ll explore what becomes possible when we begin to nourish our dogs - and ourselves - with greater awareness, curiosity, and connection.”

Find out more and register here: https://givebutter.com/pacs-lets-get-real-the-link-between-nutrition-and-behavior-what-it-means-to-truly-nourish-our-dogs-rqbk6c?gba_donor_ref=YQw1CBgxU121v4mj

You’ll be invited to make a donation to PAC, the Phenix Advocacy Center, a non-profit to offer peer mental health support for fear-free dog trainers.

But thanks to their new sponsor, Sniffspot, you’re no longer required to donate in order to attend. So it’s up to you - make a donation to support the non-profit or join for free.

Calm Your Anxious Dog

If you’re looking for an all-natural way to take the edge off for your dog, to handle stressful situations with more calm and less anxiety, check out Fetch Happy Store’s Completely Calm calming treats:

Shop Now

Found at https://www.facebook.com/dogsdisclosed

Are you a canine professional?

A trainer, coach, behaviorist, nutritionist, holistic vet, or other canine expert with a holistic, kindness-first approach?

Would you like to be a guest on the podcast? Do you know someone you think would make a great guest?

Are you looking for ways to get your work in front of more people online?

Go (or send them) to https://soultouchedbydogs.com/pros

And as always ..

If you know another Soul Touched by Dogs, please send them to

https://soultouchedbydogs.com

🙏🙏🐾🐾

Until next week,

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why kibble alone might be contributing to your dog's skin issues, digestive upset, and low energy, even if it's the expensive "vet-approved" brand

• How to transition your dog from kibble to whole foods without shocking their system or second-guessing every meal

• What "gently cooked" actually means and why it might be easier than you think to feed your dog real, nutrient-dense food

• The role histamine levels play in your dog's inflammatory response and why the way food is cooked matters more than you realised

• How to know if you're feeding too much or too little when you switch from kibble to whole foods

• Why rotating proteins matters and how to keep meals simple, affordable, and genuinely nourishing

• Where to find support and trustworthy guidance when you're ready to go against the grain and trust what your dog's body is telling you

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"Your dog's probably not allergic to chicken. It's highly unlikely." — Wendy

ABOUT WENDY BROWN

Wendy Brown has spent over 25 years in medical and behavioural dog rescue, including a decade as Vice President of a rescue organisation. Her work with dogs facing serious medical challenges sparked a deep interest in canine nutrition, and she now shares what she's learned through her dog food cookbook and her children's book series, Inspired by Lily. Wendy believes that simple, whole foods can transform a dog's health and that every dog deserves meals as nourishing as the love we have for them.

CONNECT WITH WENDY BROWN

Website: wendychowbrown.com

YouTube: youtube.com/@wendychowbrown

Instagram: @chowdownwithwendybrown

Facebook: facebook.com/wendychowbrown

TikTok: @kitten.atomic

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com

If you asked me to sum up the sleep situation in my house, I’d reply with a picture.

This picture:

… the only difference being that I have two large dogs, not just one 🤣

Admittedly, it’s a bit easier now that it’s super summer hot, even at night, and the dogs often escape to the cool tiled floor for a while.

I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I’m happy to stay in one position long past the moment my body asks for a change, as not to disturb the dogs’ sleep … call me crazy but that’s just how it’s always been. I love feeling the dogs close to me at night, so I don’t mind when they choose to take over my bed rather than sleeping undisturbed in their own.

If I’m honest, that’s as far as my contemplations of my dogs’ sleep quality had gone before I met this week’s Pawsome Human.

Turns out, not all dog beds are equal, and getting a good night’s sleep is as important for your dog as good nutrition and exercise.

This Week's Pawsome Human: Dog Sleep Health: Why Your Pup Needs Rest as Much as You Do - with Lauren Davis

We spend hours researching the right harness, the best food, the perfect training approach. But how often do we think about where our dogs actually sleep, and whether it’s helping or hurting them?

That’s the question Dr Lauren Davis, a vet and pet sleep expert, invited me to sit with. And it opened a door I didn’t even know was there.

Lauren runs VetRelieve, a company that makes orthopedic beds and treatment mats for dogs. But more than that, she’s asking us to see sleep as a cornerstone of wellbeing - not just for us, but for our dogs. She talks about sleep the way we talk about nutrition or exercise: as something that affects pain, learning, mood, resilience. As something we can get right or get wrong.

She shared how the beds we think look cozy - the fluffy, pillowy ones - can actually make movement harder for dogs with joint pain or cognitive changes. How height matters. How pressure mapping can reveal what our eyes can’t see. And why 80% of dogs will develop osteoarthritis in their lifetime, often long before we notice the signs.

As Lauren put it: “By the time they’re limping, they’re really struggling.”

This conversation isn’t just about buying a better bed. It’s about noticing the small shifts … the pause before a jump, the new way they take the stairs … and understanding that our dogs are carrying more than we realize. And that we have so much more power to help than we think.

Sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s medicine. And the earlier we pay attention, the longer we get to keep them comfortable, mobile, and with us.

Listen Now

You can watch the full conversation here:

About Lauren Davis

Dr Lauren Davis is a vet, pet sleep expert, and founder of VetRelieve, a company specializing in orthopedic beds and treatment mats for dogs. She lectures on sleep hygiene for pets and works to support dogs living with chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis.

You can find her on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Use code STBD20 for £20 off any purchase at www.vetrelieve.co.uk.

If you prefer to listen ...Subscribe to the PODCAST

It’s on Apple podcasts and everywhere else, so you can access it from your favourite podcast app.

If you enjoy listening, please consider leaving a rating and review so other dog lovers can find the show and join the doggie fun.

If you’re not using Apple podcasts, GoodPods is a great app that makes that easy.

If you’re on Instagram, have a look and give us a follow 🙏

https://www.instagram.com/soultouchedbydogs/

Have you ever wondered how service dogs become service dogs?

I’ve always admired the work of service dogs. It’s fascinating to see the kind of tasks they can take on, offering their humans a level of independence most couldn’t dream of without their trusted companion. You may remember a recent episode with Claudia Hendrix.

Now, as the daughter of engineers 😛, I’m as much, if not more interested in how those magnificent skills are developed.

How does an adorable puppy turn into a calm, capable and reliable service dog? At what age does training start? What does that process look like? What happens if a puppy gets scared or over-excited? How are dogs matched to clients with specific needs?

Well, if you’re asking yourself the same, you’ll love my conversation with Christina Reiser, Early Puppy Developer at ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities) who happily answered all those questions and a lot more.

Grab a coffee and find out:

Christina Reiser is the Early Puppy Developer at ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities), a nonprofit organization based in Winsted, Connecticut that has trained service dogs for people with disabilities for over 30 years. Christina manages all puppies from birth through eight months old, overseeing their early development, socialization, and foundational training. Her background in marine mammal training and positive reinforcement conditioning at the Long Island Aquarium brought valuable animal behavior expertise to her work developing puppies that will eventually become independence-changing service dogs for veterans, people with mobility issues, autism, Down syndrome, and other disabilities.

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA AND ECAD

Visit ecad1.org to apply for a service dog, volunteer, or donate to support the program.

Follow ECAD on Facebook for updates on the puppies and training center.

Watch ECAD live every Wednesday at 10:00 AM EST on explore.org: https://explore.org/livecams/ecad

Calm Your Anxious Dog

If you’re looking for an all-natural way to take the edge off for your dog, to handle stressful situations with more calm and less anxiety, check out Fetch Happy Store’s Completely Calm calming treats:

Shop Now

Found at https://www.facebook.com/dogsdisclosed

Are you a canine professional?

A trainer, coach, behaviorist, nutritionist, holistic vet, or other canine expert with a holistic, kindness-first approach?

Would you like to be a guest on the podcast? Do you know someone you think would make a great guest?

Are you looking for ways to get your work in front of more people online?

Go (or send them) to https://soultouchedbydogs.com/pros

And as always ..

If you know another Soul Touched by Dogs, please send them to

https://soultouchedbydogs.com

🙏🙏🐾🐾

Until next week,