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Dog Days

Woof Academy

Hosted by the trainers of Woof Academy, Dog Days helps dog owners decode baffling behaviors so they can understand what their dog is really trying to say. Each episode unpacks real-life stories from the field to reveal the mindset behind common challenges like reactivity, disobedience, or sudden aggression — and offers insight into the relationship dynamics that drive them. You won’t find one-size-fits-all training tips here. Instead, you’ll hear from compassionate, often humorous experts who help you build clarity, confidence, and connection with your dog by shifting how you show up. Whether your pup pulls the sheets off the bed or pins other dogs at the park, you’re in good company — and you’re not alone.

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21 episodes
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Avg 58 min
English

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#34
September 9 · 52 min
Episode 34 - Scent Work: The Native Language of Your Dog
Your dog’s nose is doing something extraordinary every single moment of every single day. In this episode, we dig into the fascinating science behind the canine olfactory system — and the numbers are genuinely mind-blowing. We talk about the world of scent-based service dogs: how they’re trained, what they can detect, and the ways a dog’s nose is helping humans manage everything from medical conditions to search and rescue. And then we bring it home — practical ways to tap into your own dog’s na
#33
August 26 · 1 hr 7 min
Episode 33 — Ask the Trainer: What 20 Years Really Teaches You About Dogs and People
We turned the tables. This time, Rachael and Noel put Pam in the hot seat — and asked the questions they’ve always wanted to ask someone with 20 years of real-world dog training experience. What changes after two decades in this work? What’s the hardest part that nobody talks about? What does spending 20 years training dogs teach you about the people on the other end of the leash? No single topic, no technique deep-dive. Just honest conversation, real stories, and the kind of perspective that on
#32
August 12 · 1 hr 4 min
Episode 32 - Doggie Day Care: What to Look For, What to Expect & Questions to Ask
Ever wonder what really goes on at doggie day care? We go behind the scenes — the good, the surprising, and the things most owners never think to ask about. We cover what to look for when choosing a day care, the questions you should be asking before your dog goes in, and what to realistically expect once they’re there. And of course the stories, because our own experiences have been full of moments that taught us more than any handbook could. Doggie day care done right can be an incredible fo
#31
July 29 · 1 hr 5 min
Episode 31 - Real Talk From Dog Trainers: Surprises, Worries & Tips You Need
This one's a little different. No single topic, no deep dive — just the stories, moments, and hard-won lessons that remind us why we love working with dogs every single day. And why we're still here. Pam introduces the idea of “edutainment” — education with an entertainment spin — and honestly, that’s exactly what this episode is. We get into the moments that surprised us, the dogs that taught us more than we taught them, and a handful of real, practical tips woven in along the way. If you’ve ev
#30
July 15 · 52 min
Episode 30 - Household & Environmental Hazards: Hidden Dangers for Dogs
Another installment in our safety series, “Hey, Let’s Be Careful Out There,” our ongoing safety series — and this one stays close to home, literally. We’re covering the household and environmental hazards that put dogs at risk: plants, chemicals, and food items that are toxic, some of which genuinely surprised us when we started looking into this episode. We walk through what to watch for in your house and yard, the everyday foods that are riskier than most owners realize, and what to actually d
#29
July 1 · 50 min
Episode 29 - Dog Reactivity and Aggression: How to Stay Safe On and Off Leash
Part 2 of “Hey, Let's Be Careful Out There,” our ongoing safety series — and this one covers a situation almost every dog owner will face at some point: a dog reacting aggressively, whether it's yours or one you run into on a walk. We talk through what's actually happening in those moments, the early warning signs most people miss, and exactly what to do to keep yourself and your dog safe — both on leash and off. This isn't about scaring you. It's about giving you a clear plan so you're not caug
#28
June 17 · 1 hr 22 min
Episode 28 - Snake Safety for Dogs: What to Do If Your Dog Meets a Rattlesnake
Summer is calling — and so is something that would very much prefer to hit "Ignore." Whether your backyard is a year-round playground or a seasonal escape, warm weather means sharing the great outdoors with one of its oldest residents. This week on the Dog Days Safety Series, we're getting up close (but not too close) with one of nature's most misunderstood neighbors: the rattlesnake. We sit down with Bruce Ireland — the Snake Wrangler of North County — whose calm expertise might just change the
#27
June 3 · 41 min
Episode 27 - Dog Breeds: Release the Hounds!
Whether they're tracking by sight or by scent, one thing unites every hound: the ability to cover serious ground and make serious decisions — entirely on their own. This episode dives into the AKC Hound Group, exploring the split between sight hounds and scent hounds, what makes them gloriously (and occasionally maddeningly) independent, and how to channel that superpower without losing your mind — or your dog.
#26
May 20 · 55 min
Episode 26 - Love the Dog You Have: Instinct, Learned Behavior, and Working With Both
Why does your dog sprint to the back door the moment you put on your shoes? Hint: they didn't read the manual — they wrote it themselves. Your dog has been studying you a lot longer than you've been studying them, and they're very, very good at it. In this episode, we dig into the difference between hard-wired instinctual behaviors (the ones your dog can't help) and learned behaviors (the ones someone taught them — and that someone is often your dog). We'll talk about how to manage the instincts
#25
May 6 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode 25 - Dog Separation Anxiety: Signs, Causes & What Actually Helps
Does your dog lose it every time you grab your keys — or have they just figured out that a well-timed meltdown keeps you glued to their side? In this episode, we dig into one of the most misunderstood behaviors in the dog world: separation anxiety. We break down how to tell the difference between a dog who is genuinely distressed when left alone and one who has simply learned that the drama works. For the truly anxious pup, we walk through practical, compassionate strategies to help them build c
#24
April 22 · 50 min
Episode 24 - Dog Breeds: The Sporting Group - Born to Hunt, Wired to Love
If your dog has ever outrun you, outwitted you, and then magically appeared by your side to work together — congratulations, you might own a Sporting breed. In Episode 5 of our AKC Dog Group series, we're sprinting headfirst into the world of the Sporting Group. The largest of the AKC groups, these 30+ breeds are purpose-built to partner with human hunters. Hard-wired to lure, flush, and retrieve feathered game with laser-like precision, these dogs are elite performers who just happen to need a
#23
April 8 · 50 min
Episode 23 - Truth and Consequences: Beyond the Treat Bag
We all love positive reinforcement — and for good reason. Rewards are powerful, intuitive, and kind. But any balanced trainer will tell you: sometimes the reward just doesn't cut it. So what then? This episode digs into the full toolkit of dog training theory, exploring the alternatives to positive reinforcement that actually work — and more importantly, why and when to use them. Because the most effective training isn't about having only the right reward — it's about having a genuine conversati
#22
March 25 · 58 min
Episode 22 - Fangs & Feathers: How to Keep Everyone Safe
We may be dog people — but really, we're animal people. And that means making room for all of them, even the ones with teeth and talons. In this episode, we dive into one of the most important (and occasionally heart-stopping) realities of life in today’s increasingly crowded world: predators are part of the deal. We focus on two of the most fascinating ones — coyotes and owls — and what it actually looks like to share space with them. Along the way, we introduce you to Jonny Quest, the teenage
#21
March 11 · 1 hr
Episode 21 - The Art of the Approach: Reading the Room (and the Tail)
In this episode, we dive into the art of the introduction—and why you being fully present can make or break your dog’s first impressions. We break down what really happens when your dog meets new people or new dogs, and how subtle shifts in body language (theirs and yours) can be the difference between “aww, new besties” and “okay, this is… tense.” Whether your dog is meeting a new roommate, a new dog-park buddy, or your entire extended family at once (sorry, buddy), this episode gives you the t
#20
February 25 · 1 hr
Episode 20 - Teaching an “Old” Dog New Tricks (Psst: They’re Faster Than You Think)
In our 20th episode, we’re busting the myth that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks - and showing you why adult dogs often learn faster. We dig into what’s really behind sudden behavior changes (hint: it’s usually life changes like a new baby, a new dog, a move, or even a loss). Along the way, we share real-life stories of dogs navigating big life transitions - and what their humans did to help them not just cope, but thrive. Learn how to build trust with a dog who, let’s be honest, has been
#19
February 11 · 58 min
Episode 19 - Tools of the (Dog) Trade: Collars, Leashes, and Other Clever Contraptions
In this episode, we wander off the beaten path (and onto the sidewalk, and maybe into a muddy field) to look closely at the tools of dog training. Collars, leashes, interrupters, and shiny new gadgets all claim to “fix” your dog—but we’re here to figure out which ones actually help your dog think clearly and choose well. This isn’t a quick shopping list; it’s a smart, slightly nerdy tour of what works, what doesn’t, and why your dog deserves more than a one-and-done solution. Good tools don’t co
#18
January 28 · 53 min
Episode 18 - Dog Breeds: The Non-Sporting Group - Athletes, Armchair Quarterbacks & Everything In Between
In this episode of our Dog Breed series, we’re shining a spotlight on the wonderfully wild Non-Sporting Group. Don’t let the name fool you—these dogs still need exercise… even if some of them would rather supervise from the couch (we’re looking at you, Bulldogs). We break down why this group has become the “miscellaneous drawer” of the dog world, where breeds that don’t quite fit anywhere else end up. From tiny charmers to larger-than-life characters, we explore their wildly different sizes, per
#17
January 14 · 53 min
Episode 17 - Dog Breeds: The Herders...Out-Thinking the Thinkers
In this episode, we’re hanging out with the brainiacs of the dog world: the herders. These are the overachievers who don’t just need a walk around the block—they need a job, a puzzle, and maybe a performance review. We share real-life stories about meeting the needs of these furry physical and mental athletes—so they’re not just tired, but satisfied. Along the way, we might have to level up our own game, too. Join us as we try to out-think the thinkers… or at least keep up with them.
#16
Dec 31, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
Episode 16 - Talking with Brian Daugherty of the San Diego Humane Society: Our Shelters and Animal Welfare
In this episode, we sit down with Brian Daugherty, Executive Vice President of San Diego Humane Society, for a candid conversation about dogs and modern animal welfare. We explore the challenges facing shelters today, why dog welfare is often misunderstood, and the complex decisions organizations must navigate to keep animals safe and healthy. Brian shares real stories of both hardship and hope, highlighting the incredible resilience of dogs, the people who care for them, and the community effor
#15
Dec 17, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Episode 15 - Socialization: The Pack Mentality On and Off Leash
Welcome back to the second episode of our Socialization series! This time, we’re diving into the pack mentality. We’ll explore how to spot those all-important cues that tell you when your furry friend is ready to mingle (or when they’d rather not). Plus, we’ve got tips on keeping the party vibes going, whether you're on-leash or off. Tune in to discover how to let your pup’s personality shine like the star they are, no matter the social setting.

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