54. Mastering Dog Training & Unlocking Gut Health for Pets

This week on Pets Add Life, Kristen and Chris welcome two groundbreaking experts in the world of pet care!

First up, Dr. Ian Dunbar, the legendary veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and dog trainer who revolutionized puppy training with his SIRIUS Puppy Training method. A pioneer in reward-based training, Dr. Dunbar has shaped how we understand and train dogs. He’ll share insights on early socialization, positive reinforcement, and why dog training is going backward instead of forward—plus, what we can do to fix it!

Then, we dive into the fascinating world of pet microbiomes with Dr. Holly Ganz, Chief Science Officer and co-founder of AnimalBiome. Dr. Ganz will explain why gut health is the key to your pet’s well-being, how microbiome testing can identify digestive issues, and how restoring gut balance can improve digestion, immunity, and even behavior.

And as always, we’ll wrap things up with two exciting new pet products and answer listener questions about dog behavior, car anxiety, and even horse ownership!

Pet Product Recommendations:

Little Gulp Ultimate Doggy Water Bottle – A filtered, travel-friendly water bottle for dogs, designed to keep water fresh and prevent backwash contamination. Shop Here: https://www.littlechunkpets.com/products/little-gulp-dog-water-bottle

Katie’s Bumpers Fireballs – A super durable, floating dog toy made from recycled firehose material, designed for tugging, chewing, and enrichment. Shop Here: https://katiesbumpers.com/collections/firehose-dog-toys/products/fireball

Audience Q&A:

Lisa from Boulder, CO: "My dog is very friendly but gets overly excited and jumps on guests when they come over. I’ve tried telling him ‘off’ and rewarding him when he sits, but he still gets too excited and forgets his manners. What’s the best way to train him to calmly greet people?"

Daniel from Seattle, WA: "My dog gets really anxious in the car—he whines, pants, and sometimes even refuses to get in. I want to take him on more road trips and make the experience enjoyable for him. What are some ways I can help him feel more comfortable and relaxed during car rides?"

Related Links & Resources:

Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Books & Training Resources Learn More: https://www.dunbaracademy.com

AnimalBiome – Gut Health Testing for Pets Visit Here: https://www.animalbiome.com

SIRIUS Puppy Training – Off-Leash Socialization & Training Sign Up: https://www.siriuspup.com

Dunbar Academy – Dog Training Videos & Online Courses Explore Here: https://www.dunbaracademy.com

Follow Pets Add Life & Our Guests:

Follow Dr. Ian Dunbar & Dunbar Academy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dunbaracademy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DunbarAcademy Website: https://www.dunbaracademy.com

Follow Dr. Holly Ganz & AnimalBiome Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalbiome Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalBiome Website: https://www.animalbiome.com

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Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV