Poodle People

Lisa Miksis, SVP Business Dev at Paw Prosper and President at Respond Systems, joined me to discuss National Canine Fitness Month, which runs through the end of April. We discussed Paw Prosper's growing umbrella of canine businesses that seek to improve the lives of dogs through rehabilitation, fitness, and enrichment. Savings bundles are mentioned at the end!

Certified canine fitness trainer Sarah Keller, owner of sitstaysquat.ca, joins to discuss the benefits of canine fitness training and the online and in-person training programs she has developed. The string of certifications following her name (Sarah Keller CPCFT, CCFT, CCBW, NASM-CES, CPDT-KA) gives a preview of her dedication to dogs. With a library of over 150 training videos, multiple online courses, as well as outdoor challenges, Sitstaysquat has something for everyone, even those who want to work out with their dog (check out Doga [dog yoga] and Workout with your Dog)!

This week's guest is certified veterinary technician and entrepreneur, Brian Goleman. Brian is the founder of Brian's Bandages, a company dedicated to educating veterinary staff to achieve better patient outcomes using bandaging techniques he has mastered. He offers trainings, lunch and learns, and has all digital platforms covered, so it's easy to improve bandaging skills. He also uses and sells bandage art to lessen the stress in difficult situations. Last but not least, his children's book, The Boy Who Bandages, is available on Amazon.

On the Road to Westminster: Preparing A Show Dog Through Intentional Conditioning for the Ring   To start off 2025, Heather Blakeman, CPDT-KA, FFCP, joins the podcast to talk about MBOSS GCH CH Foxmor’s GameDay Makers Over Ice CCA, call name “Makers,” a Golden Retriever who she has been working with since he was 10 weeks old. At just three years old, Makers will compete at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held in Manhattan and widely considered to be one of the world’s most prestigious and competitive dog shows. It will be Heather’s first time showing at Westminster, and of course, Makers’ first time at the show. Heather has been involved in Maker’s months of preparation and conditioning to prepare this special dog for the big competition, and she shares the behind-the-scenes physical and mental conditioning that allow Makers to have fun—and win—in the ring.

I'm ending the year by sharing my favorite Instagram accounts.

Our guest today is Dr. Kelly Diehl from the Morris Animal Foundation. A small animal veterinarian by trade, she joins us to talk about her background and her work communicating science for the Morris Animal Foundation, a non-profit organization that funds research for canine, feline, equine, and other animals. About Dr. Diehl: Kelly Diehl received her DVM from the University of Tennessee and started her practice career in a bustling emergency clinic in New Jersey. After one year in emergency practice, Dr. Diehl completed an internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. Following her internship, Dr. Diehl moved west, completing a residency in small animal medicine at Colorado State University. After finishing a 3-year NIH postdoctoral fellowship at National Jewish Health, Dr. Diehl joined the staff of the Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado as the co-owner of the internal medicine section.  After 14 years, Dr. Diehl left private practice to pursue a career in science communication and joined Morris Animal Foundation in 2013. Dr. Diehl is a board-certified small animal internal medicine specialist with an interest in gastroenterology and immunology. She lives in Colorado with her husband, two children, two cats, too many fish to count and one very lovable Labrador retriever.

Lea Mellerup-Lund and her apricot/fawn Standard Poodle, Lui, join us from their home in Denmark to talk about their active lifestyle, competing in multiple dog sports and representing Denmark.

Abby Hodder holds a unique position at Penn State as the assistant clinical professor of canine behavior welfare. Her position stems from the needs seen by a non-profit partner, which approached the university to see if a they could help address professional breeders' understanding of animal behavior and welfare. Hodder will be rolling out workshops, webinars, and educational materials for all dog breeder audiences in the coming months.

Jaime F. Modiano, VMD, PhD, is the Perlman Professor of Oncology and Comparative Medicine, Director, Animal Cancer Care and Research Program and College of Veterinary Medicine and Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. He talks to us today for a wide-ranging and philosophical conversation about advances in understanding and treatment for cancer in humans and dogs. He is widely known for his research on hemangiosarcoma. Additional resources: Donate to Dr. Modiano’s Lab WGN Radio Steve Dale’s Pet World 1/31/2021 | Dr. Jaime F. Modiano on an all too common cancer in dogs Early Detection and Strategic Prevention of Canine Hemangiosarcoma: An Update on the Shine On Project FuzzyButtts & Friends S3:E13: Dr Jaime Modiano OtterTalk #25 - Hemangiosarcoma with Dr Jaime Modiano

Allison Alexander is a leading dog show handler, grooming expert, and mentor. She has won 750+ Best in Shows and has handled numerous dogs to Top Dog All-Breeds, and she shares her passion for dog showing through her educational platform, Leading Edge Dog Show Academy. Whether it's how to trim nails correctly, perfect a free bait, or manage a poodle in full show coat, she explains concepts clearly and thoroughly, allowing her audience to learn whatever their level or dog breed. The community she has built is truly exceptional.

This week my dog show friend Tiina Koskinen lends international flair to the show, as we talk about dog showing in the U.S., Finland, Estonia, Portugal, and other countries. Her standard poodles Dino and Daisy, who are experienced world travelers, are champions in both AKC and the FCI. She also owns OMGOSH Petware, a hair-saving biothane dog accessory brand.

Angie Cooke joins the show today to talk about her life in dogs. Lucky enough to grow up near Jody Paquette, she has been immersed in professional dog grooming and handling for years. She specializes in toys and drop-coated breeds, and her positive attitude is infectious!

Interested in understanding your dog's nutrition? We'll get you started in this episode, first talking about dehydrating treats at home with Drea from Loose Leash Heeler. Then, Karin suggests resources from Leading Edge Dog Show Academy, Hidden Hills' Raw Food Diet ebook, and The Forever Dog Live (Amazon).

Dr. Steve Friedenberg from the University of Minnesota joins us to talk about his rescue dog Hugo, his education, and his important research unraveling canine Addison’s disease.

Karin announces a Poodle Walk scheduled for November in Lexington, Ky. Then, Travis Worra talks to us about how Trupanion is on a mission to insure more dogs to help dog parents and vets make decisions that allow dogs to live their best lives.

Today we are joined by Master Groomer and Artero Pet Care operations manager Lulu Rodriguez, who tells us about her journey through the pet care industry.

Jessie Jaggers from Sharp Edges talks about his sharpening business and gives tips to maintain clippers, clippers blades, and other grooming equipment. Plus, Karin talks about two products she uses all the time.

Corey Benedict is Nestle Purina PetCare’s Area Manager, Breeder/Enthusiast Group in the Southeast, and a founding member of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America. A longtime breeder, he is an AKC Breeder of Merit. Also, Karin recommends her favorite slicker brushes.

Nichole Proctor is an AKC Breeder of Merit of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. She has just over 13 years in the breed (showing/breeding) and she is a Raw Feeding Mentor.

As we bring Season 1 to a close, Elise and I reflect on my idea to start a podcast, and then chat with our guest Heather Blakeman, CPDT-KA. Heather received her Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed accreditation from the independent certification council, CCPDT, in 2017, is a Fear Free Certified Professional, a Professional Member of the APDT, and is a Certified AKC CGC Evaluator.

This week we’re talking to licensed vet tech Brittany Magill about emergency preparedness. If you live in Arizona and would like to utilize Brittany’s concierge vet tech services, check out jbmagillvettech.com for more information!

This week Karin and Elise catch up with owner and head trainer, Chris Miara from Rosetree Dog Training in Lexington, KY. Later, Karin talks about a new grooming purchase.

We talk with Angel Carmona and Sydney Abel about how they are starting to train their poodle puppies to become service dogs.

Elise and Karin talk about how helpful it is to join a dog community that meets and furthers your needs, whether you are new to poodles or new to the show / sports world.

We get a 10-week pupdate as more pups head to their permanent homes, and we talk to Dr. Micah Halpern about GenSol Diagnostics, including how his own dog’s condition led to the start of GenSol and how his company makes genetic testing easier for breeders and veterinarians.

This week we talk about Karin’s litter going to their new homes and Volhard Temperament Testing

Karin gives a pupdate as the pups grow up, and Elise and Karin talk about they handle grooming at home, offering perspective and suggestions for home groomers at different levels and with different budgets.

This week we start off with a pupdate (crate training, potty training and other good stuff), and talk to Elise about her travels. Our guest is Lori Menninger, an amateur owner handler who shows Greater Swiss Mountain dogs, and makes beautiful dog-themed pottery.

Episode 3: Karin gives a Week 6 pupdate on the puppies’ first grooming session, Elise talks about Winnie’s achievements with dock diving. We also talk to Amelia Radanovich of the Rad Poodles about her cross country move, dog breeding, and the life changes that prompted her to pause her breeding program.

This week Elise talks about her decision making process for picking out her first dog, Winnie. Karin gives a 5 week pupdate on her current litter. Elise and Karin answer their first listener question about poodle temperament and sizes.

Hear all about Karin’s experience with her current standard poodle litter.