139. Understanding Pet Behavior, Better Dog Training & Why Choice Matters

In this episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore what our pets’ behavior is really telling us—and how understanding the reasons behind that behavior can transform the way we live and communicate with them. From the science of animal behavior and the importance of giving pets choice to building confidence through training and canine sports, this episode is packed with practical insights for creating happier, stronger relationships with our animals. Story Time features: Kristen celebrates Adopt a Dog Month with the remarkable story of Canyon, a former Mississippi shelter dog who became an elite search-and-rescue canine. After being recognized for his intelligence and drive by Category 5 K9, Canyon earned certifications in human remains detection and wilderness operations and went on to serve during major disasters including the Maui wildfires, Hurricane Helene and the 2025 Texas floods. His extraordinary journey from stray to search-and-rescue hero earned him the ASPCA’s 2026 Dog of the Year award. Chris explores the fascinating—and controversial—world of pet cloning through the story of Tom Brady and Junie, a genetic clone of his late dog Lua. The story raises an intriguing question for pet parents: If you could genetically replicate a beloved pet, would you? Special Guests: Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Utah State University & Founder of Behavior Works Susan Friedman joins the show to explain why understanding animal behavior starts with looking beyond labels like “stubborn,” “bad” or even “guilty.” Instead, she encourages pet parents to look at what an animal is actually doing and the conditions surrounding that behavior. She discusses how behavior is influenced by what happens before and after it, why choice and control are important to animal welfare, and what decades of working with species ranging from companion animals to zoo animals have taught her about learning. Susan also returns during the Q&A to explain how pet parents can begin helping a dog who becomes reactive around other dogs on walks. Jack McCauley, Professional Dog Trainer, BFF Pet Services Jack McCauley shares how training can become much more than teaching obedience—it can build communication, confidence and a stronger bond between dogs and their people. He offers practical advice for loose-leash walking, explains how confidence can be developed gradually through achievable challenges, and introduces listeners to canine sports including disc dog, tracking, agility and Treibball. Jack also discusses why the right activity should be matched to each dog’s age, physical condition and individual abilities, and returns during the Q&A to explain why a dog who performs commands perfectly at home may appear to “forget” everything once distractions are added outside. Pet Product Recommendations: StitchLeash Clip & Go Starter Set – https://stitchleash.com/products/clip-and-go Go Cat Da Bird Original Feather Teaser Wand – https://www.dabird.com/da-bird Q&A Topics: My dog is perfectly sweet at home, but the second he sees another dog on a walk, he barks, lunges and completely loses it. People assume he’s aggressive, but I’m not sure that’s what’s happening. Why do dogs become reactive like this, and what should I be doing in that moment? (Submitted by Melissa from Philadelphia, PA) My two-year-old dog knows commands like come, stay, sit and leave it really well at home. But outside, it’s like he’s never heard them before. Is he choosing not to listen to me, or is there something about the environment that’s making it harder for him? (Submitted by Brian from Chicago, IL) Related Links: Behavior Works – https://www.behaviorworks.org How Behavior Works: Living & Learning With Animals – https://www.behaviorworks.org/htm/lla\info\links.html BFF Pet Services – https://www.mybffpetservices.com BFF Pet Services – Meet the Trainers – https://www.mybffpetservices.com/about-us StitchLeash – https://stitchleash.com Go Cat / Da Bird – https://www.dabird.com ASPCA 2026 Humane Awards – https://www.aspca.org/about-us/press-releases/aspca-unveils-2026-humane-awards-recipients Category 5 K9 – https://www.cat5k9.org American Pet Products Association (APPA) – https://www.americanpetproducts.org DOGTV – https://www.dogtv.com Pets Add Life – https://www.petsaddlife.org Social Channels: Behavior Works (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/behaviorworks BFF Pet Services (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/BFFPetServices BFF Pet Services (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/bffpetservices StitchLeash (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/stitch.leash DOGTV (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/dogtv Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube