Shy Dog Diaries

🎥 This episode is also available in video format on Spotify if you want to see some of Nessie’s recent progress.What if the biggest breakthrough with your sensitive dog isn’t fixing them—but finally understanding them?In this episode of Shy Dog Diaries, I’m sharing a deeply personal reflection on what changed when I stopped trying to turn Nessie into the dog I imagined… and started loving the dog right in front of me.I walk through some recent wins—from a surprisingly smooth vet visit to a bath-time recovery using “touch,” to our very first treat-free walk during the day—and how these moments helped me see progress differently.Then we dive into something many of us quietly carry: the gap between the dog we expected and the dog we actually have.I talk about:Why that expectation gap creates stress (and even grief)What it really means to “lower expectations” in a healthy wayHow to work with your dog’s nervous system instead of against itWhy progress with sensitive dogs often looks microscopic—but matters deeplyThis episode is about shifting perspective, finding peace in the process, and recognizing the quiet, meaningful ways our dogs grow—and trust us.Connect with Shy Dog DiariesInstagram: @shydogdiariesEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kelly Lee, founder of Dogkind Training, to talk about what it truly means to support fearful, anxious, and traumatized dogs.Dr. Lee holds degrees in Zoology, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, and she’s an honors graduate of the Academy for Dog Trainers (CTC). But what makes this conversation so powerful isn’t just her credentials — it’s her lived experience with her own deeply fearful dog, Pancake.We talk about:What to do when your dog simply refuses to go on walksWhy “just push them through it” can backfireThe power of agency and safe spacesHow to know if you’re stretching your dog… or overwhelming themWhy participation isn’t enough (and what to watch for instead)How enrichment games build real confidenceThe role of medication — and why it shouldn’t be a last resortHow to recognize and celebrate tiny victories that are actually hugeIf you’re raising a sensitive dog who isn’t a “café dog” — if you’ve questioned yourself, felt overwhelmed, or wondered whether you’re doing it right — this episode will meet you exactly where you are.Because progress with fearful dogs isn’t flashy.  It’s slow. It’s subtle. And it’s worth celebrating.Connect with our guest, Dr Kelly LeeWebsite: https://www.dogkindtraining.com/ Instagram: @dogkind_training Facebook: Dogkind LLC YouTube: @DogkindConnect with Shy Dog DiariesInstagram: @shydogdiariesEmail: [email protected]

What if your dog isn’t “difficult” or “stubborn” — but anxious, overwhelmed, and trying their best?In this episode of Shy Dog Diaries, I sit down with board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda to talk about what’s really going on behind fear-based behaviors in dogs — and how we can truly help them thrive.Dr. Sueda explains what a veterinary behaviorist does, how anxiety can show up as fear, reactivity, or shutdown, and techniques for helping fearful dogs improve. Together, we explore desensitization and counter-conditioning, trigger stacking, rest days, latent learning, and the often-misunderstood role of behavior medications.Using my dog Nessie as a real-life example, this conversation offers hope for guardians of fearful and anxious dogs — especially rescue dogs who missed early socialization windows. We talk about why guilt is common but misplaced, why medication is not a failure, and how helping an anxious dog can change both ends of the leash.If you’ve ever felt alone, judged, or overwhelmed while loving an anxious dog, this episode is for you.Connect with our guest, Dr Karen SuedaWebsite: https://ksvetbehavior.comConnect with Shy Dog DiariesInstagram: @shydogdiariesEmail: [email protected]

In this episode, I’m joined by certified dog trainer and behavior consultant Genie Tuttle of Dog Genie to talk about helping shy and anxious dogs build confidence.Together, we revisit Nessie’s early training days and explore how choice and agency play a powerful role in behavior work. We also talk about how nose work and scent-based enrichment can transform fear into curiosity, giving sensitive dogs a way to engage with the world on their own terms.This is a warm, hopeful conversation for anyone navigating life with a “big-feelings” dog — and for those looking for compassionate, practical ways to help their dogs feel safer and more confident.Connect with our guest, Genie TuttleWebsite: https://doggenie.comInstagram: @doggenieConnect with Shy Dog DiariesInstagram: @shydogdiariesEmail: [email protected]

In this very first episode, I introduce you to Shy Dog Diaries — a podcast about living with, training, and celebrating dogs who see the world a little differently.You’ll hear the story of my rescue dog Nessie, how she inspired this project, and what you can expect from future episodes:Real stories about anxious and sensitive dogsExpert interviews and lived experiencesTraining insights and positive reinforcement tipsFunny hacks and heartwarming momentsThis podcast is for anyone who has ever loved a dog with big feelings — and wondered how to support them while also celebrating the joy they bring. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I can’t wait to share more with you!Connect with Shy Dog DiariesInstagram: @shydogdiariesEmail: [email protected]