Why dog owners mistake stress for happiness

Sarah, owner of The Somatic Hound in Oregon, had been following my Instagram reels and appreciated the ones about body language where I narrate what dogs are actually “saying” in everyday moments, but in a language most of us can’t hear. She said it made her realize how much owners miss—and she invited me on her podcast.

We talked about ear position. Eye tension. The way a "wagging tail" gets misinterpreted constantly. About why hugs aren't love to a dog and why anthropomorphism is one of the biggest barriers I see in my work.

She asked about how I train, why I don't start with treats, force, tools, and what I mean when I say dogs are sentient beings who need respect, not props.

I'm sharing the episode here because it's rare to get a conversation this honest from two trainers who've spent decades actually watching dogs.

If you've ever wondered why your dog seems conflicted even when they're "being good"—or if you want to understand what I mean by dog psychology vs. obedience tricks—check out the video below.