Raising Happy Dogs with Sarah Hodgson

Sarah Hodgson is joined by therapist, parenting expert, author, and dog lover Stefani M. Cohen, LCSW, to explore a growing concern—children’s fear of dogs. Stefani shares her personal journey of helping her own daughter overcome dog anxiety, the power of education, and how her books provide kids with practical tools to feel more comfortable around dogs. Together, they discuss why modern dogs can seem overwhelming, how to read canine body language, and ways to create positive experiences for fearful children. Whether you're a parent, educator, or dog owner, this episode is packed with valuable insights on fostering safe and happy interactions between kids and dogs!

Find Stefani Here:

Website: Overcomefearofdogs.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/overcomefearofdogs/

Books: Overcoming Your Child's Fear of Dogs, How to Face My Fear of Dogs: An Activity Book for Kids to Feel Safe with Dogs

Sarah Hodgson discusses the change in podcast name from Life Unleashed to Raising Happy Dogs and answers listener questions on some of the most common dog training struggles. From calming an antsy pup and navigating puppy adolescence to tackling potty training in bad weather, managing multi-dog households, and much more. Sarah shares expert insights to help you create a happy, well-adjusted dog. Whether you're bringing home a new puppy or refining your dog's manners, this episode is packed with practical tips to make life with your furry friend easier and more enjoyable!

Sarah sits down with Kim Katzovitz, proud mom to a spirited five-month-old Standard Poodle, River! Together, they reminisce about the journey from an eight-week-old bundle of energy to a well-mannered pup. Discover the transformative power of positive reinforcement, the importance of schedules, and the joys (and challenges!) of raising a social, adaptable dog. Whether you’re navigating puppyhood or curious about training techniques, you’ll find heartwarming stories and practical tips to enrich your own dog training adventure!

Sarah answers listener questions covering some of the most common puppy training challenges. From navigating puppy adolescence and recall struggles to how to prepare for a new puppy, separation anxiety, and multi-dog household dynamics, Sarah shares expert advice to help you build trust and confidence with your dog. Whether you're raising a brand-new puppy or fine-tuning training with an older dog, this episode is packed with actionable tips to make life with your pup smoother and more enjoyable!

In this episode of Life Unleashed, Sarah Hodgson chats with Margie, a real estate agent from New Hampshire, who recently brought home her tiny Havanese puppy, Atticus, on a snowy winter day. Margie shares her whirlwind experience of being completely unprepared, overwhelmed, and learning the ropes of modern puppy care. Sarah dives into the essentials—creating a rhythm, meeting a puppy’s five basic needs, and the importance of sleep—while helping Margie find balance and confidence. 

In this episode of Life Unleashed, Sarah Hodgson answers your questions about common puppy challenges. Learn how to desensitize your dog to squirrels, curb nipping and leash biting, and stop demand barking—all while creating a stronger bond with your puppy. 

In this episode of Life Unleashed, Sarah Hodgson dives into the whirlwind of raising two puppies at once. Joined by her client Dan, she discusses crate training strategies, why schedules matter, and how to foster independence while building trust. Whether you're juggling one puppy or two, you'll find actionable advice and heartwarming stories to guide your training journey!

In this episode of Life Unleashed, Sarah Hodgson tackles listener questions about common puppy challenges. Discover tips for preventing barking when chatting with neighbors, helping your puppy feel secure when left alone, teaching your pup to stop biting toes, and MUCH more!

In this episode of Life Unleashed, Sarah Hodgson shares expert advice on making the holidays enjoyable for your dogs and guests alike. Learn how to prepare your dog for the hustle and bustle of festive gatherings with practical tips to reduce stress and encourage calm behavior. From creating cozy spaces to engaging activities, Sarah’s holiday hacks will help you and your dog celebrate the season in harmony.

In this episode of Life Unleashed, Sarah Hodgson returns from her book-writing hiatus to explore the intricate connections between anxiety, aggression, and hyperarousal in dogs. Sarah breaks down the science behind these behaviors and offers practical insights to help dogs achieve balance. Discover how modern living impacts our dogs and learn  tips for creating a more harmonious life together. Don’t miss this informative episode—and grab a copy of Sarah’s new book Dog Anxiety For Dummies!

Does your dog bark incessantly at the doorbell? Maybe they're chasing squirrels or lizards while you're trying to go on a relaxing walk. In this episode, Sarah answers viewer questions and explains how one simple game can help your dog desensitize to all sorts of distractions.

We're all feeling some strong emotion going into this week's holiday. This podcast invites you to look at this season's celebration from your dog's point a view. I offer tips to make the festivities joyous no matter how many paws you walk on!

In this episode of Life Unleashed, Sarah breaks down the differences between positive and negative reinforcement training, how negative reinforcement can damage your dog's psyche, and the ways positive reinforcement shapes your dog's future for the better.

Why won't my dog listen to my commands? How do I potty train my dog in a high rise building? Is it possible to get my dog to stop barking? These questions and many more get answered on this week's episode of Ask Sarah!

Unlock a Stress-Free Vet and Groomer Experience for Your Dog! Join Sarah in this episode as she reveals expert tips to ease your dog's anxiety and make vet and groomer visits a breeze.

Welcome to another episode of Ask Sarah! This week Sarah answers a wide range of dog behavioral questions including how to calm your dog down, how to read dog body language, and what to do if your puppy is biting your hands.

In this weeks episode, Sarah explains the various reasons dogs hump and mount pillows, other dogs, and even you. Not all humping is inherently sexual, and there are many things you can do to discourage humping if it interferes with your daily life. 

Welcome to our first Q&A podcast, where Sarah takes your questions collected from instagram and gives her insight into your dog training and behavioral inquiries. Be sure to follow Sarah on instagram to submit your questions for next week's episode!

On this episode, Sarah gives us her opinion on negative reinforcement training, the foundations of a dog's sense of wellbeing, and how punishment and dominance mindsets can create irreversible damage to your dog.

Are you planning on adopting a dog or puppy but need help figuring out where to start? Are you considering which breed is best for your lifestyle? Wondering what products you'll need to get started? In this episode, Sarah walks you through everything you need to know before bringing home your new dog or puppy.