The Dog Who Asked for More: Helping You Bond, Enrich, and Build a Calmer Life with Your Dog

Is your dog trying to tell you something — and you’re just not hearing it yet?What if your dog could ask for food, say where it hurts, or tell you they had a dream? In this episode, Alexis Devine — the human behind Bunny the “talking” dog — shares how button training became the ultimate enrichment tool and transformed her understanding of dog behavior, training, and emotional expression.Whether your dog is a quiet observer or bursting with big feelings, this conversation will challenge how you think about communication, advocacy, and what it really means to listen.In this episode:Learn how button-based training supports behavior, emotional regulation, and enrichmentHear what happened when Bunny used buttons to report pain, ask for help, and describe dreamsDiscover the key mindset shifts that made communication possible (and what to avoid when starting)Tune in to explore how giving your dog a voice could shift your relationship, your training, and the way you understand their behavior — for good.The Dog Who Asked for More — Extras & SupportWant more support beyond the episode?Free Enrichment ResourceGet a free copy of Paws, Brains, and Fun — an enrichment guide to help your dog feel calmer, more fulfilled, and more connected.https://tinyurl.com/enrichmenttdwafmFree 15-Minute Call with EmNot sure what kind of support your dog needs? Book a free, no-pressure call.https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknowFree Community SupportEmail [email protected] to get in touch with Em or request access to the FREE Slack community for ongoing encouragement and support.https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmslackWant more behind-the-scenes support?Patreon members get bonus podcast content, deeper conversations, and extra resources not shared publicly.Join The Dog Who Asked for More on Patreonhttps://tinyurl.com/tdwafmpatreonNutrition Support We TrustLooking to boost your dog’s daily meals? Try PetMatRx supplements and save with code FITZ20. https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafmThis podcast explores life with dogs and life with pets, focusing on the dog–human bond and what it truly takes to understand and bond with your dog through dog body language, dog enrichment, behavior guidance, dog reactivity support, reactivity awareness, reactive dogs, reactive dog training, calming reactive dogs, dog training, dog training tips, training rescue dogs, pet training, dog obedience, dog behavior, dog behaviour, dog socialization, dog barking, dog habits, dog health, dog life, dog myths, and positive reinforcement for all dogs:  rescue dogs, velcro dogs, anxious dogs, reactive dogs, high-energy dogs, big-feeling dogs, and family pets, hosted by a canine nutritionist, nutrition coach, dog coach, dog coaching specialist, and retired vet tech, with episodes covering dog food, canine enrichment, dog training, dog nutrition, canine nutrition, dog gut health, dog grief, dog products, and science-backed routines that help dogs feel safer, healthier, calmer, and more understood while offering practical steps, enrichment ideas, behavior strategies, body language insights, and daily habits to support any dog and create a more confident, connected life with dogs.

Trying to raise the “perfect” dog? That pressure might be the very thing holding you both back.This episode of The Dog Who Asked for More dives into the quiet harm of perfectionism in dog training—and how chasing the “ideal dog” can disconnect you from the real one right in front of you.In this episode:Why perfection pressure creates burnout for both you and your dogA mindset shift to help you connect without comparisonHow enrichment and rest—not more exposure—can support real behavior changeListen now to shift from pressure to partnership—and start training the dog you actually have, not the one you imagined.The Dog Who Asked for More — Extras & SupportLooking for more support beyond today’s episode?Free Mini Bowl BlueprintGet a free copy of the Mini Bowl Blueprint — a simple guide to adding supportive, low-stress nutrition to your dog’s meals without overwhelm.https://tinyurl.com/minibowltdwafmFree 15-Minute Call with EmNot sure what your dog actually needs right now? Book a free, no-pressure call to talk it through.https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknowFree Community SupportEmail [email protected] to get in touch with Em or request access to the FREE Slack community for ongoing encouragement and support.https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmslackWant deeper, behind-the-scenes support?Join The Dog Who Asked for More on Patreon for bonus podcast content, extended nutrition conversations, and extra resources not shared publicly.Support the show and get access to the Extras on Patreonhttps://tinyurl.com/tdwafmpatreonNutrition Support We TrustLooking to support your dog’s daily meals? Try PetMatRx supplements and save with code FITZ20.https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafmThis podcast explores life with dogs and life with pets, focusing on the dog–human bond and what it truly takes to understand and bond with your dog through dog body language, dog enrichment, behavior guidance, dog reactivity support, reactivity awareness, reactive dogs, reactive dog training, calming reactive dogs, dog training, dog training tips, training rescue dogs, pet training, dog obedience, dog behavior, dog behaviour, dog socialization, dog barking, dog habits, dog health, dog life, dog myths, and positive reinforcement for all dogs:  rescue dogs, velcro dogs, anxious dogs, reactive dogs, high-energy dogs, big-feeling dogs, and family pets, hosted by a canine nutritionist, nutrition coach, dog coach, dog coaching specialist, and retired vet tech, with episodes covering dog food, canine enrichment, dog training, dog nutrition, canine nutrition, dog gut health, dog grief, dog products, and science-backed routines that help dogs feel safer, healthier, calmer, and more understood while offering practical steps, enrichment ideas, behavior strategies, body language insights, and daily habits to support any dog and create a more confident, connected life with dogs.

Are you rushing your service dog’s training — or worse, forcing them into a role they’re not ready for?In this eye-opening episode, we explore how true dog training success—especially with service dogs—starts with science-backed methods rooted in species-specific communication, scent-based enrichment, and mutual trust. If you're frustrated by slow progress or overwhelmed by conflicting advice, this episode offers clarity and compassion in equal measure.In this episode:Learn how to build service dog foundations without pressure, force, or e-collars.Discover the powerful role of sniffing and scent enrichment in building confidence and public access reliability.Understand why ethical dog training must consider your dog’s individual temperament, not just your personal timeline.Listen now to learn how to ethically train your service dog using relationship-based strategies that build trust, not trauma.The Dog Who Asked for More — Extras & SupportWant more support beyond the episode?Free Enrichment ResourceGet a free copy of Paws, Brains, and Fun — an enrichment guide to help your dog feel calmer, more fulfilled, and more connected.⁠https://tinyurl.com/enrichmenttdwafm⁠Free 15-Minute Call with EmNot sure what kind of support your dog needs? Book a free, no-pressure call.⁠https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow⁠Free Community SupportEmail [email protected] to get in touch with Em or request access to the FREE Slack community for ongoing encouragement and support.⁠https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmslack⁠Want more behind-the-scenes support? Patreon members get bonus podcast content, deeper conversations, and extra resources not shared publicly.Join The Dog Who Asked for More on Patreon⁠https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmpatreon⁠Nutrition Support We TrustLooking to boost your dog’s daily meals? Try PetMatRx supplements and save with code FITZ20.⁠ https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm⁠This podcast explores life with dogs and life with pets, focusing on the dog–human bond and what it truly takes to understand and bond with your dog through dog body language, dog enrichment, behavior guidance, dog reactivity support, reactivity awareness, reactive dogs, reactive dog training, calming reactive dogs, dog training, dog training tips, training rescue dogs, pet training, dog obedience, dog behavior, dog behaviour, dog socialization, dog barking, dog habits, dog health, dog life, dog myths, and positive reinforcement for all dogs: rescue dogs, velcro dogs, anxious dogs, reactive dogs, high-energy dogs, big-feeling dogs, and family pets, hosted by a canine nutritionist, nutrition coach, dog coach, dog coaching specialist, and retired vet tech, with episodes covering dog food, canine enrichment, dog training, dog nutrition, canine nutrition, dog gut health, dog grief, dog products, and science-backed routines that help dogs feel safer, healthier, calmer, and more understood while offering practical steps, enrichment ideas, behavior strategies, body language insights, and daily habits to support any dog and create a more confident, connected life with dog.

Does your dog shut down, act out, or just seem "off" during holiday gatherings — while everyone else thinks it’s no big deal?If you've ever felt torn between family expectations and your dog’s emotional well-being, you're not alone. The holidays bring overstimulation, unpredictable environments, and pressure to “just go with it” — all of which can throw your dog’s behavior and emotional regulation out of balance. This episode dives into what your dog is really experiencing and why your response matters more than you think.In this episode:How to recognize early signs of stress or overstimulation before they escalateWhy honoring your dog’s emotional needs is a critical part of effective trainingHow to confidently set boundaries with friends and family — without guiltPress play to learn why protecting your dog’s peace during the holidays is one of the most powerful training decisions you can make.The Dog Who Asked for More — Extras & SupportWant more support beyond the episode?Free Enrichment ResourceGet a free copy of Paws, Brains, and Fun — an enrichment guide to help your dog feel calmer, more fulfilled, and more connected.https://tinyurl.com/enrichmenttdwafmFree 15-Minute Call with EmNot sure what kind of support your dog needs? Book a free, no-pressure call.https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknowFree Community SupportEmail [email protected] to get in touch with Em or request access to the FREE Slack community for ongoing encouragement and support.https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmslackWant more behind-the-scenes support? Patreon members get bonus podcast content, deeper conversations, and extra resources not shared publicly.Join The Dog Who Asked for More on Patreonhttps://tinyurl.com/tdwafmpatreonNutrition Support We TrustLooking to boost your dog’s daily meals? Try PetMatRx supplements and save with code FITZ20. https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafmThis podcast explores life with dogs and life with pets, focusing on the dog–human bond and what it truly takes to understand and bond with your dog through dog body language, dog enrichment, behavior guidance, dog reactivity support, reactivity awareness, reactive dogs, reactive dog training, calming reactive dogs, dog training, dog training tips, training rescue dogs, pet training, dog obedience, dog behavior, dog behaviour, dog socialization, dog barking, dog habits, dog health, dog life, dog myths, and positive reinforcement for all dogs: rescue dogs, velcro dogs, anxious dogs, reactive dogs, high-energy dogs, big-feeling dogs, and family pets, hosted by a canine nutritionist, nutrition coach, dog coach, dog coaching specialist, and retired vet tech, with episodes covering dog food, canine enrichment, dog training, dog nutrition, canine nutrition, dog gut health, dog grief, dog products, and science-backed routines that help dogs feel safer, healthier, calmer, and more understood while offering practical steps, enrichment ideas, behavior strategies, body language insights, and daily habits to support any dog and create a more confident, connected life with dog.

Is your car a furry disaster zone after every walk or road trip? If your dog’s claws, fur, or anxiety have ever caused chaos in the car, this episode is for you.In today’s episode of The Dog Who Asked for More, I sit down with Jim Umlauf, co-founder of 4Knines — the company behind some of the most durable and thoughtfully engineered dog car gear on the market. We talk about how his two Dobermans turned a car into a disaster zone… and sparked a product line now trusted by dog owners (and even auto companies!) across the country.In this episode:​Learn the difference between just “keeping your car clean” vs. preventing real damage​Hear how customer feedback shaped every part of 4Knines’ product development​Find out why good gear supports enrichment, safety, and calmer rides for your dogPress play to find out how strong gear leads to smoother car rides — and how a product built with care can help you focus less on cleaning… and more on connection.The Dog Who Asked for More Extras:Get a free copy of The Messy Middle: Getting Unstuck with your Big Feeling Doghttps://tinyurl.com/messymiddletdwafmBook a FREE 15-minute call with Emhttps://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknowEmail [email protected] to get in touch with EmJoin the Communityhttps://join.slack.com/t/thedogwhoaskedformore/shared_invite/zt-305kdyab7-y6eTWjbAeSwHItNmloLQUAThis podcast explores life with dogs and life with pets, focusing on the dog–human bond and what it truly takes to bond with your dog through dog enrichment, behavior guidance, dog reactivity support, reactivity awareness, reactive dogs, reactive dog training, calming reactive dogs, dog training, dog training tips, training rescue dogs, pet training, dog obedience, dog behavior, dog behaviour, dog socialization, dog barking, dog habits, dog health, dog life, dog myths, and positive reinforcement for all dogs — rescue dogs, velcro dogs, anxious dogs, reactive dogs, high-energy dogs, big-feeling dogs, and family pets. Hosted by a canine nutritionist, nutrition coach, dog coach, dog coaching specialist, and retired vet tech, each episode covers dog food, canine enrichment, dog training, dog nutrition, canine nutrition, dog gut health, dog grief, dog products, and science-backed routines that help dogs feel safer, healthier, calmer, and more understood. You’ll discover practical steps, enrichment ideas, behavior strategies, and daily habits to support any dog and create a more confident, connected life with dogs.