When the World Gets Loud: Helping Anxious Dogs Find Their Calm
Sarah Hodgson takes you inside two urban dog cases she has encountered, first we have Henry the reactive beagle and Cassie the overwhelmed dog who just moved into the city. Through these real-life stories, she breaks down how stress, fear, and sensory overload shape behavior, and what you can do to help. Tune in to learn how the “canine arrow,” red-yellow-green zones, and simple games can turn reactivity into resilience. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com
--------
25:33
--------
25:33
Barks, Boundaries, and the Protective Instinct
Sarah Hodgson explores what barking and guarding behaviors are really about—from post-trauma triggers to resource guarding and mealtime meltdowns. Through listener questions and real-life stories, she reframes barking not as defiance, but as a dog’s attempt to feel safe and understood.Sarah dives into the difference between behavior and belief, unpacking why our dogs may act out when they feel overwhelmed or overly responsible. With practical advice and thoughtful reflection, this episode will help you respond with empathy, not just correction—and turn chaos into connection. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com
--------
35:34
--------
35:34
House Training Basics: Routine, Rhythm and Real Life Fixes
Sarah Hodgson unpacks one of the most misunderstood parts of dog parenting: housebreaking. Sharing a story about a dog who refused to pee on walks (and the frantic client who spent three hours waiting), Sarah highlights why housebreaking isn’t just about stopping accidents, it’s about teaching clear, consistent habits.From understanding your dog’s natural rhythms to defining safe spaces and managing anxiety when you’re away, Sarah offers practical steps to transform potty struggles into a smooth, stress-free routine. You’ll also hear why dogs (and even people!) don’t just “know better” without guidance. As well as how your leadership can set everyone up for success.Whether you’re raising a new puppy or working with a rescue, this episode will help you rethink what it really means to be housebroken—and how to get there with patience and clarity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com
--------
21:11
--------
21:11
Bringing Home Puppies: Balance, Routines, and Emotional Grounding
Sarah Hodgson reveals the unexpected secret to raising a confident, well-adjusted puppy: sleep. Drawing from her years of imprinting young pups in her own home, she explains why a solid sleep schedule is the foundation for calmness, confidence, and easier training.Sarah also answers your top questions about setting up your home, introducing puppies to kids, preventing separation anxiety, and more. Whether you’re preparing for a new puppy or looking to build a smoother routine, this episode will help you start strong and stay balanced.Learn More and Book a Session Here: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahsayspets/reels/?hl=enOrder my Leashes: https://sarahsaysstore.com/Buy the E-Books I Mention in this Podcast Here: https://sarahsaysstore.com/collections/ebooks This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com
--------
40:27
--------
40:27
The Secret to Understanding Your Dog
Sarah Hodgson shares a story we can all relate to, a well-meaning dog parent struggling with nonstop whining and a pup that “just doesn’t get it.” But it’s not that the dog didn’t understand it’s that the human wasn’t listening in the right way.From the overlooked moments of quiet communication to the Five Key Talking Points of every dog. Sarah unpacks how dogs use posture, stillness, and subtle cues far more than sound to express their needs. You'll learn how to tune in, respond without reinforcing unwanted behavior, and communicate in a way your dog truly understands.If you’ve ever felt confused or frustrated by your dog’s whining, this episode will help you shift your perspective and your connection, for good.Book Time, Join a Class, and Learn More About Sarah Here: https://www.sarahhodgson.com/Follow on Instagram to stay up to date: https://www.instagram.com/sarahsayspets/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raisinghappydogs.substack.com
Join author, dog trainer, and behavior expert Sarah Hodgson as she provides training advice, talks to other experts, and demystifies dog behavior one podcast at a time! raisinghappydogs.substack.com
Ireland