In Episode 18, we start with Mel being back on her bullsht*—thanks to an orchid rescue that turned into a truly unhinged slap-bet situation (no worries… Cory refuses to slap “a baby,” so the punishment becomes verbal roasting and threatened hugs).

Then we get into the real heart of the episode: a diagnosis isn’t destiny—and you have to train the dog in front of you, not the one in the paperwork.

We share two current camp cases:

• Pippa, a chihuahua mix with a long list of behavior diagnoses that terrified her owner into five years of “bubble wrap” living

• Bean, a golden mix with a bite history and anxiety—who’s now learning confidence, structure, and real-world coping skills

We talk about the gap between clinical labels and everyday life, why “comforting” can accidentally reinforce fear, and the moment Cory told a cardiologist: “You’re your dog’s French fry.” 😅

Bottom line: your dog can make huge progress—with the right plan, the right support, and a whole lot of consistency.

Want help with a dog who’s anxious, reactive, or “too much”? Follow along on Instagram: @dogtrainingcampusalouisville

Season 2 is officially here — and we’re kicking it off by looking back, looking ahead, and having a little fun along the way.

After a big 2025 (new podcast, biggest year ever at Dog Training Camp, and plenty of lessons learned), we’re starting 2026 with our dog training Ins & Outs list — the trends, habits, and choices we’re loving… and the ones we’re absolutely leaving behind.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why feeding schedules are in (for health, behavior, and sanity)

• The importance of researching your dog’s breed and purpose

• Why DNA testing your dog can be a game-changer

• Getting one puppy instead of two (trust us on this one)

• Hot girl walks, slow walking, and actually connecting with your dog

• Why transparency matters when choosing a dog training company

• Clear leash communication vs. just “watching your dog do stuff”

• Why retractable leashes, littermates, backyard-only exercise, and “it’s okay, he’s friendly” are officially out

We also manage to cover birding updates, staff competitions, Northern Flickers, Sandhill Cranes, and yes… why chicken salad is apparently in for 2026.

If you’re a dog owner trying to do better, a trainer navigating trends, or just here for the laughs and real talk — welcome to Season 2 of Love ’Em & Lead ’Em. We’re glad you’re back with us.

We open with a quick bird-nerd update (hi, northern flicker 👋), then dive into a viral NYC foster moment that shook the rescue world: a severely underweight, sweet-as-pie pup who suddenly redirected on a passing dog during a city walk. No villains here—just real life with real animals.

In this episode we unpack: • Why an emaciated dog can seem angelic…until health returns and true preferences show up • Dog-to-dog communication you never see (scent, posture, micro-signals) • The 3-3-3 Rule for rescue transitions—and why “the dog you bring home” isn’t the dog you’ll know in 3 months • Leash proximity and handling that reduce surprise moments in busy environments • Balancing heart and head in rescue work, with human safety as priority #1 • Shout-outs to ethical rescues with trainers on staff (like our local partners) and why thoughtful matchmaking matters

Not anti-rescue, not anti-breeder—just pro-education and pro-grace. Listen in for practical takeaways you can use on your very next walk.

Picking up where Episode 14 left off, we get real about what service dogs can do—and what they shouldn’t be asked to do. We talk through the big sticking point for families: who’s the handler (and why your second-grader probably can’t bring a service dog to school). Then we open the curtain on our hybrid approach: the first month of foundations and task starts with us, followed by lots of real-world lessons—workplaces, airports, classrooms—so the human feels as trained as the dog.

You’ll hear how we design tasks around actual lives: pairing early “tells” like foot-tapping with scent changes, teaching intentional “disobedience” when safety demands it, and even shaping a persistent wake-up for a client with narcolepsy. We share a guide-style assist case for a blind adult, why not every dog (or breed) fits every task, what happens when life/meds change, and how advocacy with schools and housing often comes with the territory.

It’s honest, hopeful, and practical—light on myths, heavy on outcomes. Also: a quick yacht-rock detour, because of course.

Follow our podcast IG for extras and clips: @lovethemleadempodcast.

Service dogs change lives—but the path to one isn’t simple, quick, or cheap. In this episode, we break down what the ADA actually says (and doesn’t say), what task training really means, why public access skills matter, and how to tell if a dog–human team is a good fit. We share stories from our own case files—mobility tasks, psychiatric alerts, scent work, even siren alerts—plus the hard conversations we have when a well-meaning doctor says “get a service dog” and a family is left on their own to figure it out.

You’ll hear:

• The ADA definition of a service animal and why tasks must mitigate a disability

• The difference between agency-trained, self-trained, and our hybrid model

• Realistic timelines, costs (why $50–60k isn’t a scam), and waitlists

• Kid handlers, school realities, breed myths, and when we say no (for the dog’s sake and yours)

• How to start smart: evaluating the dog you already have vs. sourcing the right puppy

If you’re considering a service dog—or you work with clients who might—this is your friendly, no-nonsense guide before you make big decisions.

Resource guarding isn’t just about a food bowl — it can be toys, bones, couches, people, even whole corners of the house. In this episode, Cory and Melaney dive deep into why dogs guard, what it looks like in real life (hello, Benny the bernedoodle), and why the old “bait and switch” trick can actually make the problem worse.

You’ll hear stories from camp, including the cocker spaniel who guarded his person like treasure and the Labrador who couldn’t relax enough to eat. We’ll unpack common myths, explain why putting your hand in the food bowl won’t “fix” anything, and share safer, smarter ways to manage guarding before it turns dangerous.

If your dog guards food, toys, or even family members, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on — and how to set up the leadership, structure, and environment your dog needs to feel secure without going on the defensive.

A listener asked a great question about our “Zuko” episode: why did that dog like Cory but come after Melaney? Short answer: dogs read us—our body language, heart rate, even our scent—better than we read ourselves. In this conversation we unpack how your mental and physical state can flip a session from smooth to sketchy, why thresholds and territory matter, and how tiny life changes (a vet visit smell, moving a favorite chair, a new neighbor’s dogs) can ripple into “sudden” behavior shifts.

We also share practical tools: build a predictable routine, make a simple plan before you train, visualize success (shoutout Sheri Wolf Lucas), advocate for your dog with confident “no, you may not pet,” and know when to tap out for safety. Plus: cryptid tees, The Cranberries, and a post-college-drop-off birding field trip to get our heads right—because your vibe becomes your dog’s vibe.

Two puppies are always better than one… right? In this episode of Love ’Em & Lead ’Em, Cory and Melaney dig into the messy reality of littermate syndrome — the hidden challenges of raising two puppies from the same litter (or close in age). From sibling squabbles to tag-team chaos, they’ve seen it all.

You’ll hear stories of families who got more than they bargained for, what breeders and rescues don’t always tell you, and the real-life strategies that can make (or break) life with littermates. Plus, updates on past podcast favorites Nala the golden retriever and Guinness the miracle pup — spoiler: there’s some heartwarming progress to celebrate.

If you’ve ever thought about bringing home “just one more puppy,” this is the episode you don’t want to miss.