Spanish Mastiff Lea weighs over 100 pounds.

When she stands up on her hind legs, she reaches well above my shoulders.

And she loves to snuggle into me.

I don’t ever send her away when she’s leaning in for a cuddle like that.

I remember the early days with my first dog Leo - before I knew how to stand up for him (and myself) …

“You can’t just cuddle him every time he wants it. He’ll become spoilt and dominant.”

I’ve lost count of the times I got that kind of advice.

It never made sense to me. And no, Leo didn’t end up ruling the household, and Lea is the gentlest of giants.

What I find most refreshing is that - thanks to the Pawsome Humans I speak to for the Soul Touched by Dogs podcast - I get to see that more and more canine experts have moved away from an approach that creates more distance than connection.

Last week’s Pawsome Human, Annie Phenix, just released her 30-Day Trauma Reset program where she teaches dog guardians her Phenix Healing Protocol to help their dogs calm their nervous systems.

One of the ground rules: “You have full permission to just love your dog! They don’t have to work for every little bit of affection.”

Especially if you have a new puppy or rescue dog, a dog shaken from a scary experience (whether that happened yesterday or years ago), or you simply want to be prepared for when your dog needs you, you’ll love The 30-Day Trauma Reset.

Or you can start with her free guide 7 Steps for Quick Healing: https://choosetotrainhumane.com/7-steps 

This week’s Pawsome Human: Lisa Waggoner - The Gift Every Dog Wants From Their Human

My guest this week literally continues that conversation:

“Your dog is not conspiring to take over the world,“ is perhaps my favorite quote from our conversation.

So refreshing to hear.

In this fun and inspiring episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lisa Waggoner, co-founder of Cold Nose College (isn’t that the most adorable business name ?!), about her journey in dog training and the importance of positive reinforcement.

We discussed everything from her rural North Carolina base to the impactful work she and her husband Brad do through the Victoria Stilwell Academy.

Lisa shared how important it is to make dogs feel physically and emotionally safe, the value of mental enrichment, and the gift every dog wants from their human ...

No, it’s not a new toy, or another treat, or a long walk in a new park.

What every dog wants is even simpler than that (yet not always easy to give) …

Grab a cuppa and join us to find out what it is (and yes, please like and subscribe to help the baby YouTube channel grow 🙏)

To find out more and connect with Lisa:

Website: https://www.coldnosecollege.com

Bio: Lisa Lyle Waggoner is a passionate advocate for humane, science-based, force-free dog training. She’s the author of The Original Rocket Recall™: Teach Your Dog to Come. She’s a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, a Pat Miller Certified Trainer-Level 2, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, and faculty member of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior, and an Ordained Interspecies Animal Chaplain.

Lisa is the founder of Cold Nose College, a labor of love that blossomed into a world-renowned center of education for both dog owners and professional trainers. She’s well-known for her clear, compassionate, and engaging teaching skills and is dedicated to helping dogs and their owners form a strong bond and enjoy their lives together.

She lives in western North Carolina in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and shares her life with her best friend, husband, and business partner, Brad, and their Australian Shepherd, Keaton.

FREE Gift: https://www.coldnosecollege.com/12-rules-of-rocket-recall

Are you tired of calling your dog’s name into thin air only to be met with indifference? Say goodbye to frustration and hello to harmony with our exclusive free resource: The 12 Rules of Rocket Recall Quick Reference Guide.

The Special Valentine's offer: 60% savings on both offerings found on the website (both coupon codes are the same) and both valid February 9 through February 16.   

- Rocket Recall Instructor’s Handout Kit, Coupon Code LOVE2024 
- The Rocket Recall Self-Paced Online Program LOVE2024

Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/coldnosecollege https://www.instagram.com/coldnosecollege/

The book: The Original Rocket Recall: Teach Your Dog to Come

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.

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

Have you ever seen a dog doing maths?

I knew from previous podcast guest Pilley Bianchi that dogs have much more advanced cognitive skills than we tend to give them credit for.

But Mellie the Math Dog is taking things to quite a level.

I’m looking forward to having Mark Bello on the show once he’s recovered from his broken ankle.

This week’s product pick:

“Powered by Coffee & Dog Cuddles“

If your perfect day starts with a hot cup of coffee and a snuggle (is there a theme today? 😛) session with your furry best friend, this hoodie was made for you! Designed for caffeine-fueled, dog-loving souls, it’s the ultimate blend of cozy comfort and undeniable truth.

Whether you're heading out for a brisk morning walk, sipping your favorite brew, or curling up for quality time with your pup, this hoodie has you covered, literally.

Soft, warm, and effortlessly stylish, it’s the perfect choice for anyone who runs on caffeine and canine cuddles. Bonus: it pairs perfectly with your favorite mug and a tail-wagging companion!

Grab yours here (different colors available)

FREE worldwide shipping for ALL products.

15% off your first order (enter coupon code STBD15 during checkout) as an exclusive thank you for being a Soul Touched by Dogs subscriber.

Since we’re an international bunch with me in Spain and you most likely in the US, UK or somewhere else, I chose a supplier that produces in different places around the world so you won’t have to wait weeks to receive your order.

And yes, 25% of the profits will be donated to a Pawsome human or non-profit (details to be announced).

What do you think? I’d still like to hear your thoughts

Do you buy a lot of books but only read a fraction of them?

Me too 😛

So I’ve been thinking about hosting a Pawsome Book Club to not just read the books I’m buying but to discuss insights and learning with others, and meet the author if possible.

Thinking of starting with Annie’s book Positive Training for Reactive and Aggressive Dogs (and yes, I’ve asked her and she’d be happy to join a live author Q&A call)

Is that something you’d be interested in? And if so, what would make it a no-brainer to join?

Please let me know here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepFl842Xn7ox4XQqkpHR-uyKa35MvBhQEBEHfBWc4U2xl2KQ/viewform?usp=header

It’s anonymous and takes literally 30 seconds.

So far, there is a lot of agreement among the people who responded .. still time to add your two cents worth to the conversation.

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?

Is your business ready for an additional revenue stream that makes 1:1 or in-person consults optional?

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,

Anke