Best Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser Podcasts (2025)

1
Anxious Owner, Anxious Dog? 49:06

Play Pause

8M ago49:06

49:06

If you have a dog with fear, anxiety, or aggression issues, you’ve likely wondered—or, more likely, worried—whether your own personality traits are to blame for their unwanted behaviors. Understandably so. For years, dog owners have been fed messages like, “it’s all how you raise them” and “there are no bad dogs, only bad owners.” Even experienced …

1
Raising a Dog with Behavior Issues w/ client Mikaela Roca 54:38

2y ago54:38

54:38

Living with a dog who displays fear, anxiety, or aggression is challenging, no matter what. Seeing these behaviors present in your new puppy can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming as you try to jump in and work on the issues (in addition to “normal” puppy behaviors) while also imagining what life will be like for you AND your puppy as they gr…

1
Is it Okay to say 'No' to Your Dog? (Summer Mini-Episode) 47:24

2y ago47:24

47:24

Today we are going to delve into the question of whether telling your dog 'no' can have a place within a positive training approach. We think it's a pretty fair question and it's one we actually get asked a lot by new clients who come to see us. It's understandable because there's a lot of emphasis in positive training (as there should be) on tryin…

1
The Puppy Blues with Client Hannah Craig (Summer Mini-Episode) 47:44

2y ago47:44

47:44

For most of us, bringing home a new puppy conjures many warm, fuzzy images and feelings. We think about puppy snuggles and kisses, introducing the puppy to family and friends, taking them for walks, and including them in our favorite activities. And while puppies are amazing and can bring a lot of joy, they’re also a TON of work, and the reality of…

1
Finding the Right Trainer for Your Dog, and Becoming Your Dog’s Advocate w/Client KateTighe (Summer Mini-Episode) 58:51

2y ago58:51

58:51

If you are the guardian of a dog with a more complex behavior profile, finding the right care team to work with them (and you) - the right trainer, the right veterinarian, the right pet sitter or boarding kennel - can be a real challenge. When speaking about the training/behavior field, this is made more challenging by the fact that dog training is…

1
How to Not Pet a Dog (Summer Mini-Episode) 23:36

2y ago23:36

23:36

While waiting for Season 4 to start in October, we will drop summer mini-episodes in August and September! Episodes will drop each Monday. Also, a reminder that we do have video versions of the podcast in our recording studio, which can be viewed on our YouTube Channel In this episode, Brian and Sarah give an update on their international move and …

1
Over Threshold: Urban Dog Handling 1:09:16

2+ y ago1:09:16

1:09:16

This week we are talking about dogs in urban environments. We discuss some of the most common challenges facing urban dogs, and also some of our favorite hacks for navigating city life to protect and enhance your city dog's welfare; because let's face it, living in an urban environment can be pretty stressful for dogs AND humans. During the convers…

1
Exploring our Breed Stereotypes 1:13:38

2+ y ago1:13:38

1:13:38

Most of us have breed preferences; whether it's how they look and/or the collection of traits we assume the breed to have. Today we explore if these breed stereotypes are really valid because the existing research on breed and behavior is largely mixed; while breed can influence some behavior, there's a wide range of variability, even within breeds…

1
Don't Worry, She's Friendly 1:07:02

2+ y ago1:07:02

1:07:02

Leash reactivity (lunging and barking at dogs and people) is one of the most common issues people come to us for help with, and so many of our clients experience a ton of judgment and disparaging comments from other dog owners when out on walks. People ASSUME things about them and about their dog, based on that reactivity; "What's Wrong with that d…

1
Does Your Dog Need a Leader? 54:24

2+ y ago54:24

54:24

For the past several decades, dog owners have been inundated with messages that we need to be a "pack leader" or "alpha" with our dogs. Those specific terms imply that we need to take a power position by actively asserting dominance over our dogs in our daily lives. So is all of this really necessary? Do dogs need leadership from us? And if so, wha…

1
Glorified Cattle? 52:58

2+ y ago52:58

52:58

We often state that dogs are family, but are they? We navigate a frank, sometimes uncomfortable discussion about the strange dual role of pet dogs, simultaneously cast as family members and captive animals. We discuss: - Do you consider your own dogs to be family members? - Do dogs have family responsibilities? - What are the benefits to dogs of vi…

1
Separation Anxiety Demystified with Malena DeMartini and VB's Dr. Chris Pachel and Dr. Emily Levine 1:39:28

2+ y ago1:39:28

1:39:28

Today's episode is all about separation anxiety in dogs. This is absolutely one of the most common reasons that folks might reach out to a dog behavior professional for help. It's also one of the issues that can be truly one of the most stressful (and sometimes feel debilitating) and can have a big negative impact on welfare on both ends of the lea…

1
I Don't Like My Dog 59:42

2+ y ago59:42

59:42

When we get a dog, we generally expect to fall madly in love and experience this instant, one-of-a-kind connection with them. But what happens when you and your dog just don’t mesh? How do you form a positive relationship with a dog who you - truthfully - just don’t like very much? In today's episode, we tackle this semi-taboo topic to explore the …

1
Behavior Therapy: Behind the Curtain Part 2 (The Behavior Consultants) 1:15:24

2+ y ago1:15:24

1:15:24

This is Part 2 of "Behavior Therapy: Behind the Curtain". In Part 1, we had clients discuss what the behavior journey is like from their side. Today we flip the script and talk to some of our most experienced behavior consultants across INSTINCT to better understand what they do, and what can set you and your dog up for success. We discuss - What a…

1
Behavior Therapy: Behind the Curtain Part 1 (The Client Journey) 1:23:32

2+ y ago1:23:32

1:23:32

This may be our most important Dogs Unknown episode to date. We are joined by INSTINCT clients Stephanie Chen and Jessica Arnold, who have worked through (and continue to work through) complex behavior challenges with their dogs Nimbus and Nova in Manhattan, NYC. We discuss - What they were feeling prior to reaching out for help, and what prompted …

1
The Struggle Bus 36:35

2+ y ago36:35

36:35

Have you found yourself on The Struggle Bus with your dog? Or are you currently on it? Whether it's normal (but sometimes challenging) puppy stuff, behavior challenges, a newly adopted dog, or an older dog that has changed recently, it's easy to find ourselves on The Struggle Bus, and it can be difficult to find a way to get off. Today we discuss w…

1
Dog Parks: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly 1:15:52

2+ y ago1:15:52

1:15:52

Today we’re talking about Dog Parks: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (cue the scary music). Among dog training professionals, opinions on dog parks vary greatly. And for many owners, using a dog park can often feel like a necessity, and/or it can sometimes feel scary to use. So today we discuss the risks with dog parks, when it's appropriate to use the…

1
MISMATCH: Conflict Resolution Styles 1:11:51

2+ y ago1:11:51

1:11:51

Today we’re covering a topic that applies to EVERYONE who shares their home with a dog - whether it’s a brand new puppy, a totally happy-go-lucky, loves-everyone-and-everything dog, or a dog with fear, anxiety, or aggression issues. We’re talking about CONFLICT that arises in your relationship with your dog - and more specifically, we’re talking ab…

1
Does Breed Matter? Reaction to Dog Breed and Behavior Study 32:22

3+ y ago32:22

32:22

Brian and Sarah react to the recent study on dog breed and behavior which has caused some controversy in the dog world. Brian and Sarah both have graduate degrees in Animal Behavior and bring a neutral, nuanced take on the results. Both were also listed in the acknowledgments section of the paper as they were on the original brainstorming team for …

1
Canine Life Stages: Common Nurture Mistakes 1:19:56

3+ y ago1:19:56

1:19:56

Today we have Sarah Fraser back to talk about the common pitfalls and things overlooked during the different phases of your dog’s life; we cover puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, and the golden senior years. If you have a young dog, you’ll want to listen to the entire episode. If you have an older dog, you can see the timestamps for the various st…

1
Nature-Driven Nurture with Sarah Fraser 1:02:15

3+ y ago1:02:15

1:02:15

First, thank you to the tens of thousands of listeners who tuned into season 1. We had a lot of fun, and with your support, we won the Dog Writers Association of America's best podcast of 2020. Something we are really proud of and wouldn’t be possible without all of you! Based on feedback, the theme for season two is “the role of dogs as family mem…

1
The Sticky Interaction between Medical Issues and Behavior with Dr. Chris Pachel 1:19:18

5y ago1:19:18

1:19:18

We have a special treat for you today; world-renowned veterinary behaviorist and lecturer, Dr. Chris Pachel has joined us to discuss a sometimes confusing topic; medical issues and how they can cause or contribute to behavior issues. The more experience one gets with behavior and training, the more and more it becomes evident that some behavior iss…

1
The "Teenage Phase"/Adolescent Dog with Dr. Naomi Harvey 1:11:11

5+ y ago1:11:11

1:11:11

The "Teenage" Phase (6 months - 2 years) with Dr. Naomi Harvey We have a special episode for you today, with a world-renowned researcher Dr. Naomi Harvey from Dogs Trust, who has been all over different media outlets recently to discuss her latest research on adolescent dogs. The findings are utterly fascinating and difficult to exaggerate; while a…

1
The Future of Detection Dogs with Dr. Lucia Lazarowski 58:11

5+ y ago58:11

58:11

Today we have Dr. Lucia Lazarowski to discuss the future of Detection Dogs, and how we can use that knowledge to improve the selection and development of our own pet dogs. In this episode, we discuss the history of detection dogs, the difference between passive and active indication, behavioral evaluation and selection, developing and socializing p…

1
Pet Grief with Dr. Katherine Compitus (Part 2 of 2) 36:12

5+ y ago36:12

36:12

Today's episode (part 2 of 2 with Dr. Katherine Compitus) is on a tough but important topic, pet grief. If you are struggling with this or will be in the future, we hope this episode helps you through the grieving process. Our Guest: Dr. Katherine Compitus, D.S.W., is a licensed clinical social worker in New York. Her research focuses primarily on …

1
Dr. Katherine Compitus Part 1 of 2 - Animal Assisted Therapy 47:36

5+ y ago47:36

47:36

Today we have Dr. Katherine Compitus here to discuss two important topics; Animal Assisted Therapy and Coping with Pet Grief. Due to the importance of both subjects, we have decided to break this into two parts, with this first episode exploring Animal Assisted Therapy and the next episode focusing on coping with losing a pet (which will be release…

1
The Evolution of Pet Parenting with Dr. Shelly Volsche 1:10:58

5+ y ago1:10:58

1:10:58

Today we are investigating human-canine coevolution, and specifically, the role pet dogs currently play in our families. I think for most of us long enough in the tooth, we have seen a dramatic shift in the roles dogs play in our families, and the expectations we place on them. While I live in NYC now, growing up in Nova Scotia I can rarely remembe…

1
Lost in Translation with Ruth Crisler and Sarah Fraser 1:33:10

5+ y ago1:33:10

1:33:10

In this episode, Sarah Fraser and Ruth Crisler are back by popular demand to discuss Lost in Translation; how dog body language or behavior can easily be misinterpreted. This nuanced discussion taps into the immense experience of our guests, and will certainly help you understand your canine family member better. Guests: Ruth Crisler Ruth Crisler h…

1
Dog and Kid Safety with Dr. Emily Levine and Helen St. Pierre 1:23:48

5+ y ago1:23:48

1:23:48

In today's episode, we discuss Dog and Kid Safety with veterinary behaviorist Dr. Emily Levine, and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Helen St. Pierre. We discuss Dr. Levine's soon-to-be-released children's book titled "Doggy Do's and Don'ts" (email [email protected] to be notified when this becomes available on Amazon in Ma…

1
Helping Dog Owners Navigate the COVID-19 Pandemic 1:33:53

5+ y ago1:33:53

1:33:53

Today we are focusing on practical advice that you can use for common behavior and training issues in this COVID-19 lockdown world. While the shutdown provides some unique challenges, it also provides some opportunities to make progress on behavior and training goals. We discuss enrichment (both mental and physical at 00:04:55), leash reactivity (0…

1
Genetics and Behavior with Dr. Jessica Hekman and Trish McMillan 1:09:06

5+ y ago1:09:06

1:09:06

We have two incredibly intelligent and talented guests today to talk about a complicated and sometimes controversial subject; genetics and behavior. I promise this is worth listening to, and our guests bring a unique mix of scientific and practical knowledge that makes this episode one you don't want to miss. Guests: Dr. Jessica Hekman is a postdoc…

1
Play Bows and Visual Perception with Dr. Sarah Byosiere 1:00:23

5+ y ago1:00:23

1:00:23

Today’s episode is “Play Bows and Visual Perception”, with Dr. Sarah Byosiere. This is a fun one, and the discussion will help you understand the function and evolution of your dog’s play bows, and how your dog visually sees the worlds. Guest Bio: Dr. Sarah Byosiere is the Director of the Thinking Dog Center at CUNY Hunter College where she focuses…

1
Making Sense of Smell with Jessica Schulte 1:42:59

5+ y ago1:42:59

1:42:59

Today’s episode is “Making Sense of Smell” with our guest, Jessica Schulte. It’s a fascinating conversation about how this superhuman ability informs the ways in which our dogs perceive, navigate, and understand the world around them. It also provides insight into the value of adding structured or competitive nosework into your dog’s routine. Our G…

Brian Burton And Sarah Fraser Podcasts

1
Dogs Unknown

Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser

1
Anxious Owner, Anxious Dog? 49:06

1
Raising a Dog with Behavior Issues w/ client Mikaela Roca 54:38

1
Is it Okay to say 'No' to Your Dog? (Summer Mini-Episode) 47:24

1
The Puppy Blues with Client Hannah Craig (Summer Mini-Episode) 47:44

1
Finding the Right Trainer for Your Dog, and Becoming Your Dog’s Advocate w/Client KateTighe (Summer Mini-Episode) 58:51

1
How to Not Pet a Dog (Summer Mini-Episode) 23:36

1
Over Threshold: Urban Dog Handling 1:09:16

1
Exploring our Breed Stereotypes 1:13:38

1
Don't Worry, She's Friendly 1:07:02

1
Does Your Dog Need a Leader? 54:24

1
Glorified Cattle? 52:58

1
Separation Anxiety Demystified with Malena DeMartini and VB's Dr. Chris Pachel and Dr. Emily Levine 1:39:28

1
I Don't Like My Dog 59:42

1
Behavior Therapy: Behind the Curtain Part 2 (The Behavior Consultants) 1:15:24

1
Behavior Therapy: Behind the Curtain Part 1 (The Client Journey) 1:23:32

1
The Struggle Bus 36:35

1
Dog Parks: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly 1:15:52

1
MISMATCH: Conflict Resolution Styles 1:11:51

1
Does Breed Matter? Reaction to Dog Breed and Behavior Study 32:22

1
Canine Life Stages: Common Nurture Mistakes 1:19:56

1
Nature-Driven Nurture with Sarah Fraser 1:02:15

1
The Sticky Interaction between Medical Issues and Behavior with Dr. Chris Pachel 1:19:18

1
The "Teenage Phase"/Adolescent Dog with Dr. Naomi Harvey 1:11:11

1
The Future of Detection Dogs with Dr. Lucia Lazarowski 58:11

1
Pet Grief with Dr. Katherine Compitus (Part 2 of 2) 36:12

1
Dr. Katherine Compitus Part 1 of 2 - Animal Assisted Therapy 47:36

1
The Evolution of Pet Parenting with Dr. Shelly Volsche 1:10:58

1
Lost in Translation with Ruth Crisler and Sarah Fraser 1:33:10

1
Dog and Kid Safety with Dr. Emily Levine and Helen St. Pierre 1:23:48

1
Helping Dog Owners Navigate the COVID-19 Pandemic 1:33:53

1
Genetics and Behavior with Dr. Jessica Hekman and Trish McMillan 1:09:06

1
Play Bows and Visual Perception with Dr. Sarah Byosiere 1:00:23

1
Making Sense of Smell with Jessica Schulte 1:42:59