Backyard Pet Talk with Shannon Riley

In this episode of Backyard Pet Talk, host Shannon Riley welcomes veterinarian, author, and animal welfare advocate Dr. Nancy Kay. Dr. Kay shares her lifelong passion for animals, her more than 40-year career in veterinary medicine, and her path into writing and animal welfare advocacy. The conversation explores her influential books, Speaking for Spot and her newest release, A Dog Named 647, along with her early blogging days. Shannon and Dr. Kay discuss the importance of giving animals a voice, the evolution of veterinary care, and Dr. Kay’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare and client education.

In this episode of Backyard Pet Talk, host Shannon Riley welcomes back canine behaviorist, dog trainer, and author Karen London to discuss her newest book, My Dog’s Mystery Adventures and Other Stories From a Canine Behaviorist and Dog Trainer. Karen shares insights into her background in training, behavior, and science, and explains how the book reflects all sides of her work—from canine body language and play to shelter dogs, real-life problem solving, and everyday adventures with dogs. The two discuss how the deep emotional connections between people and dogs, focusing on how experiences like trauma, infertility, and abus...

When compassion meets action, lives truly change — for both people and their pets. In this powerful episode, we welcome back Diane, founder of KARE (Kitsap Animal Rescue and Education), to share her incredible journey from corporate trainer to passionate dog behaviorist, rescuer, and advocate for families in crisis.

Diane takes us behind the scenes of HOPE, a groundbreaking co-sheltering program in Washington State that allows individuals and families experiencing homelessness or escaping domestic violence to stay safely with their beloved animals. For so many, pets are family — a source of comfort, safety, and unconditional love — yet traditional shelte...

Cats may seem mysterious, but just like dogs, they’re constantly communicating. In this episode, Shannon sits down with author and illustrator Lily to talk about her book Kitty Language—a fascinating guide to feline body language, scent communication, and the subtle ways cats share their feelings.

From the importance of recognizing fearful versus confident signals to surprising lessons about how scent can completely change the way cats interact, this conversation highlights how much our feline friends are saying if we only know how to listen. Lily also shares personal stories about her own cats, the c...

In this episode of Backyard Pet Talk, Shannon Riley sits down with renowned animal behaviorist and author Kathy Sdao to explore one of the most fundamental—and often misunderstood—concepts in training: cues. From dolphins to dogs, Kathy shares her journey and explains how cues are more than commands—they’re invitations for communication. Whether you're a pet parent or professional trainer, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Stay curious! Connect with Kathy Sdao: https://www.kathysdao.com/ You can find Kathy Sdao’s book, “Plenty in Life is Free – Reflection on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace, here: https://www.do...

How one woman turned her passion into a life-changing mission for animals and people

In this episode of Backyard Pet Talk, Shannon Riley chats with multi-talented author and paddleboarding enthusiast Scott Graham. Scott shares how he got into standup paddleboarding (SUP), why he started training his dogs to join him, and the unique steps he took to teach them safely and confidently. You'll hear about his inspiring background, his approach to dog training on the water, and his latest book all about SUP with dogs. Plus, Scott offers practical tips for anyone ready to try paddleboarding with their pup! You can find Scott’s book and follow his work on Instagram https://gscottgraham.com/bo...

In this episode of Backyard Pet Talk, host Shannon Riley sits down with Fernando Sandoval from State Farm to answer one of the most common questions pet owners have: Do I really need pet insurance?

As veterinary costs continue to rise, more people are looking into how to protect their pets—and their wallets. Fernando breaks down how State Farm partners with Trupanion, what their pet insurance covers, and how easy it is to get started (hint: you don’t even need to be a State Farm customer!).

✅ Why pet in...

This week on the podcast, we’re thrilled to share a conversation that’s as heartwarming as a kitten curled up in a sunbeam. We sat down with Kat, the visionary behind a brand-new cat café that’s more than just a cute concept—it’s a bold entrepreneurial leap powered by passion, purpose, and plenty of purrs.

Starting a business is never easy, and as a woman navigating the world of small business ownership, Kat brings honesty, creativity, and courage to the journey. From building a welcoming space where people can relax with adoptable cats, to launching u...

In this podcast episode of Backyard Pet Talk, host Shannon Riley welcomes Deassa Benstock, the founder of the Ripple Effect Animal Project, a dog rescue in Napa, California. 

Shannon and Deassa have known each other for a long time, having worked together as vet techs. Deassa shares her journey into animal rescue, which started in college when she rescued a fearful dog with many issues. This experience led her to connect with Bad Rap, an organization in Oakland, and sparked her passion for rescue work. 

They discuss how people ca...

In today's special episode, we talk with Zazie Todd, PHD, about some scientific studies; some dogs are harder to train than others, adolescent dogs have more issues than puppies, the puppy blues thing!

If you would like to donate to Ripple Animal Effect Project, please use this link:

https://www.clover.com/pay-widgets/45e53cea-3d70-4757-a404-fabcaf9b33ed

Zazie Todd, PhD, is an animal behavior expert and the award-winning author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, Purr: The Science of Making...

In today's special episode, we talk with Zazie Todd, PHD, about some scientific studies; some dogs are harder to train than others, adolescent dogs have more issues than puppies, the puppy blues thing!

If you would like to donate to Ripple Animal Effect Project, please use this link:

https://www.clover.com/pay-widgets/45e53cea-3d70-4757-a404-fabcaf9b33ed

Zazie Todd, PhD, is an animal behavior expert and the award-winning author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, Purr: The Science of Making...

In this podcast episode of Backyard Pet Talk, host Shannon Riley welcomes Deassa Benstock, the founder of the Ripple Effect Animal Project, a dog rescue in Napa, California. 

Shannon and Deassa have known each other for a long time, having worked together as vet techs. Deassa shares her journey into animal rescue, which started in college when she rescued a fearful dog with many issues. This experience led her to connect with Bad Rap, an organization in Oakland, and sparked her passion for rescue work. 

They discuss how people ca...

In today's paw-some episode, we’re chatting with Affordable Pet Labs about their tail-wagging journey—how they got started, why they’re on a mission to make pet wellness easier, and what every pet parent really needs to know to keep those furry friends healthy and happy!

About Affordable Pet Labs:

Affordable Pet Labs was founded by two passionate veterinarians with a shared vision: to revolutionize access to pet diagnostics and wellness. Frustrated by the barriers pet parents faced in obtaining quality care, they set out to create a solution that brought lab wo...

In today's episode, we talk with Misti Soo Hoo, RVT, instructor at Ojai School of Canine Massage about how she got started with canine massage, the benefits, fun tips on how pet owners can help their pets by doing massage at home! 

You can find Misti Soo Hoo here: 

https://ojaischoolofmassage.com/

Dr. Rachel Malamed, DVM, DACVB, CABC, tells us about how she become a Veterinary Behaviorist, what types of behavior problems she commonly sees with cats, behavior modification + medication, and cat training tips!

Check out book, 

Decoding Your Cat

https://www.amazon.com/Decoding-Your-Cat-Ultimate-Behaviors/dp/0358566045

Get Cat Body Language Poster: https://trulyforcefree.com/product/understanding-body-language-poster-cat-8-5x11/

Feliway Calming Spray: 

https://prf.hn/l/8jmdz20

Kristina Spaulding, PHD, CAAB, tells us how stress impacts your dog's brain, behavior and welfare! When you understand and recognize stress in your dog, you will help be able to prevent and deal with problematic behavior!

Check out her newly released book, "THE STRESS FACTOR IN DOGS UNLOCKING RESILIENCY AND ENHANCING WELL-BEING"

Meghan Herron, DVM, DACVB tells us about how she became a veterinary behaviorist, how she got started working with GiGi's and how she has helped the shelter dogs cope! (https://gigis.org/) She also provides recommendations for shelters and those who are looking to adopt from shelters. Check out her newly released book, "Introduction to Animal Behavior and Veterinary Behavioral Medicine" recommended for beginning veterinarian students! https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Introduction+to+Animal+Behavior+and+Veterinary+Behavioral+Medicine-p-9781119824480

In todays episode, we talk with Clarissa Black, founder of Pets For Vets (https://www.petsforvets.com/), about her background and WHY + HOW she started Pets For Vets. 

She also tells us where you can FIND these trainers and HOW you can GET INVOLVED! 

At Pets For Vets they help develop the relationships between animals and veterans based on mutual trust and respect helping veterans find pets that fit their lifestyle so both can feel seen, heard and to build the superbond between pets and people where all needs ar...

In todays episode, we talk with Dr. Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB, (https://drlisaradosta.com/) about how she became a behaviorist and why she loves her career! 

We also talk about the common behavior change trends since COVID-19 in 2020, seeing medication use increase for specific behaviors + why medication is important when working with a fearful dog. 

In todays episode, we talk with Judy Moore from Canine Behavior Counseling, LLC (https://caninebehaviorcounseling.com/) about arousal in dogs and how it can be genetic. She provides tips on what you can do when your dog is overly aroused, how resilience affects the ability to change or modify arousal, the differences between the different types of arousal and a dogs ability to process information as well as skills owners should teach their puppy to prevent arousal!

In todays episode, Shannon Riley talks with Erika Austin From Dogwise (https://www.dogwise.com/) about how this small family run business got started and how you can find the most trusted and up to date source of information for dog training. 

These books are easy to understand and to apply to your everyday life. If you really want to learn about dog training, visit dogwise here: https://www.dogwise.com

In todays episode, we discuss what appropriate play looks like, what signs to look for when resource guarding and what really motives your puppy!

In todays episode, we talk with Sarah Owings about how she got started working with and training cows! We also discuss what she learned when training cows about herself and animals.

About Sarah Owings:

Sarah Owings is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. She specializes in the practical application of behavioral principles to help transform the lives of fearful, shut down, and over-the-top dogs. As the owner of Bridges Dog Training, an international speaker, and a regular contributor to online training forums, she is known for her innovative approaches to tough...

In todays episode, we talk with Amy Pike, DVM, Veterinary Behaviorist,

Owner of Animal Behavior Wellness Center about how behaviorist, general veterinarians, vet techs and animal trainers can work together to help anxious pets!

Amy explains what a veterinary behaviorist is and how she got started in the veterinary behaviorist field. Her team approach can help animals who suffer from the following;

In todays episode, Shannon Riley and, Guest, Niki Tudge, discuss The Pet Professional Guild (PPG)!

Niki Tudge tells us about her background, why she created PPG, the importance of PPG, new things offered, and what she recommends for new dog trainers! 

Check out The Pet Professional Guild: 

https://petprofessionalguild.com/

Dognostics: 

https://dognosticseducation.com/

Doggone Safe: 

https://doggonesafe.com/

The Pet Professional Accreditation Board: https://www.credentialingboard.com/

In todays episode, we discuss the fear period as well as how to introduce your puppy to new dogs, people and places!

In todays episode Karen B. London tells us about her book Cows, Ants, Termites, and Me: Revealing the World of Animals One Newspaper Column at a Time! Shannon and Karen share some of their favorite stories from the book.

Author Karen B. London, PhD combines her scientific training, natural wit, and storytelling skills to create Cows, Ants, Termites, and Me—an engaging compilation of 145 newspaper columns that have appeared in the Arizona Daily Sun beginning in 2008. Her twice-monthly animal column covers tales of the weird and wonderful from well-known animals such as giraffes and honey...

In todays episode, we discuss Book: Canine and Feline Behavior for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses with author Debbie Martin! 

She tells us her background, why she wrote the book, how it can help you as a pet professional and her success stories!

Find her book here: 

https://www.amazon.com/Canine-Feline-Behavior-Veterinary-Technicians/dp/1119765404/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=1337006703780358&hvadid=83562990042649&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=44172&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83563265218154%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=15052_10495091&keywords=debbie+martin&qid=1691092048&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d6...

In todays episode we discuss, what and how to stop counter surfing, what and how to stop resource guarding, what your puppies love languages are and how you can bond with your puppy!

Check out Temple Grandin's NEW BOOK "Visual Thinking" here: https://www.amazon.com/Visual-Thinking-Pictures-Patterns-Abstractions-ebook/dp/B09Q89CG86/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1687283551&sr=8-1

In todays episode, we discuss rewarding good behavior vs causing an unwanted chain of behaviors, how to lure your puppy to the kennel, how you can tell if your puppy is confused and why you should leave treats around your home.

Pet Professional Guild Assistance Animal Division Chairman, Tasha Atwood, is also the founder of Miyagis Dog Training and Behaviourist Services. We discuss the "Shock Free Coalition" through Pet Professional Guild and how you can use their services to find a pet pro in your area! We also dive into the differences between a Service Dog, Therapy Dog and Emotional Support Animal.

In todays episode, we discuss common puppy questions such as; 

In todays episode, we talk you through the teething process and answer questions such as...

- When do teeth come in? 

- How do teeth come in? 

- What does it feel like for your puppy? 

- When does teething stop?

- Teething VS Biting

- When is it OK to chew? 

- Being careful with strangers and kids?

- Biting my pants! How to avoid and redirect 

- He always has acceptable chews. Do dogs get used to chews? ...

In todays episode, we discuss common puppy problems such as setting a schedule for your puppy, what to do if your puppy is whining in the crate, appropriate play, humping, preventing your puppy from eating plants, the #1 mistake we see when training a puppy and why the socialization period is so important!

In todays episode, we discuss what food is right for my puppy and what to avoid, how to transition your puppy to new food, why food toys are so important and what treats are okay to chew on!

In todays episode, we discuss why creating a daily routine for your puppy is important to build structure! We dive into the differences between a wire crate versus a plastic crate, why crate training is important for confinement, supervision, potty training and for sleep to prevent biting.

In todays episode, we discuss what you should do before you get a puppy. Finding a puppy that is right for you and your personality is important to a successful relationship between you and your pup! 

We also discuss genetics, finding the right breeder, putting down a deposit, breeder contracts, puppy kits you should get before picking up puppy, and the difference between flying and driving to pick up puppy. 

In todays episode, we discuss "The Bucket Filler Blueprint" that comes in handy when training your pet! 

While using a simple metaphor of a bucket and a dipper, author Carol McCloud illustrates that when we choose to be kind, we not only fill the buckets of those around us, but also fill our OWN bucket! Conversely, when we choose to say or do mean things, we are dipping into buckets. All day long, we are either filling up or dipping into each other's buckets by what we say and what we do. When you're a...

Liz Murdoch, Animal Communicator, Owner of Talking With The Dogs, discusses her specialty particularly talking with dogs through animal communication and what you can do to become an animal communicator yourself! "Understanding & being connected is essential to maintaining a happy, healthy relationship with your dog... and makes a difference with humans too!" Liz Murdoch Do you want to know what your pet is trying to tell you? Schedule your Animal Talk Service here: https://talkingwiththedogs.com/

They’re hiding in plain sight. People who are really good at influencing the behavior of those around them walk among us.

The people in question are dog trainers, and they know how to get others to do what they want them to do and how to get them to stop doing things that bother them. Most importantly, they know how to do it in a kind, loving way that can improve the relationships they have with those other individuals.

What dog trainers do is based on principles, ideas, and...

Dog and cat lovers will tell you, pet anxiety is a real thing. Fortunately, pet stress is a subject that has been getting more attention in recent years. Now Brandi Music, offered by Easy On Hold, has received Fear Free® certification for its streaming music channel designed to reduce anxiety. With the development of the Brandi Music Pet Care channel, pet care professionals now have a source of legal, licensed background music designed to ease pet anxiety. Check them out here: https://easyonhold.com/blog/calming-music-for-pets/

Service Dog Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer, Kasey Nash, discusses the differences between a service dog, therapy dog, and emotional support animal as well as what really goes into service dog training. If you are considering getting a service dog that is already trained or training a service dog yourself, this podcast is for you! Bergin University: https://www.berginu.edu/ Joyful Paws Service Dogs: https://joyfulpawsservicedogs.com/ Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA): https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/

Service Dog Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer, Kasey Nash, discusses the differences between a service dog, therapy dog, and emotional support animal as well as what really goes into service dog training. If you are considering getting a service dog that is already trained or training a service dog yourself, this podcast is for you!

Bergin University: https://www.berginu.edu/

Joyful Paws Service Dogs: https://joyfulpawsservicedogs.com/

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA): https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/

In todays episode, we talk with Julie Hill from Dog Cast Radio! She has been podcasting since 1995 and tells us about some of her fun guests. 

DogCast Radio is a podcast all about dogs. We’ve been going since 2005, and have covered a lot of dog related subjects. We publish an episode every month, and have 264 episodes available online, all free to download. It all came about because of Julie and Jenny’s love of dogs, and habit of falling into conversation with countless other dog owners, coupled with Anthony’s technical knowledge and compute...

In todays episode, we talk with Trick McMillan from The Shelter Behavior Hub! She shares with us how she got started working for shelters, the changes she has seen in the shelters throughout her career and struggles they commonly deal with. 

Keep listening to learn more on how you can help! 

In todays episode, we talk with pet parent, Karen Sullivan, about Carlie, her adopted reactive dog who suffered from fear and anxiety. 

In todays episode, we talk with Companion Animal Psychologist, Zazie Todd! She started Companion Animal Psychology in 2012 to explore the ways in which science can help us to have happier cats and dogs. 

Check out her books Below!

Purr The Science of Making Your Cat Happy: https://www.amazon.com/Purr-Science-Making-Your-Happy/dp/1778400795/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1689962157&sr=8-4

Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy

https://www.amazon.com/Wag-Science-Making-Your-Happy/dp/177164379X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&q...

In todays episode, we talk with Co-Author Jan Jeremias about her book "SpOil Your Pet: A Practical Guild to Using Essential Oils in Dogs and Cats" and how using the right essential oils can help your pet! 

Check out her book here: https://www.amazon.com/SpOil-Your-Pet-Practical-Essential/dp/1951044231

In todays episode, we talk with Jason Zackowski, The Science Pawdcast Host! 

The Science Pawdcast breaks down the latest science happening in the human world AND the pet world. Each episode will also bring you a guest to enthral you with their area of knowledge. You'll learn, be captivated, and laugh along with host Jason Zackowski. Pets and Science, it's the pawfect mix. You'll also get episodes of SciChat and PetChat which are the live shows from social audio. SciChat has an interview and Q+A with a scientist, while PetChat is a live c...

In todays episode, we discuss rattle snake avoidance using positive reinforcement dog training and how Eileen Koval ,CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, MSc, got started, how it works and how her method differs from others! 

For more information for positive rattle snake avoidance training visit https://www.confidentcaninesdogtraining.com/rattlesnake-training

In todays episode, we discuss the scientific data of how your dogs collar is damaging your dogs neck and an alternative to prevent future injury. 

In todays episode, we discuss Fetchadate with founder Sheryl Matthys. From the moment Sheryl got her 1st Greyhound, and people on the streets of NYC started talking to her – she knew the secret to dating, friendships, and love!

Whether you keep attracting the wrong person, need to move on from someone, desire to meet someone

new or simply figure out who you are truly looking for – The Dog Lovers Matchmaker walks along side you in your quest!

The secret sauce is a fellow pet love...

In todays episode, we discuss why canine physical therapy is important and how your dogs collar may be affecting your dogs neck and causing injury! 

In todays episode, we discuss what it is like managing a reactive dog. 

In todays episode, we discuss what it like having a dog with severe separation anxiety. Robin adopted Roger and had never dealt with such a severe case of anxiety with any of her dogs. Listen now, to see how her adoption process went and what she has done to help Roger be the best dog he can be! 

Certified Professional Dog Trainer 

using Positive Reinforcement Training Methods, 

Registered Veterinary Technician,

Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner

Best Selling Author of The Evolution of Dog Training

International Speaker

Who is Shannon Riley, BA, RVT, CPDT KA, KPA-CTP? 

I am an internationally sought after speaker and bestselling author of The Evolution of Dog Training, and have been a pet lover all of my life and a dog trainer for over 30 years. I started teaching puppy classes in 1999 at Frontier Pet Clinic in Napa...

Shannon Riley-Coyner is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Registered Veterinary Technician, Wellness Coach, and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. Shannon has been a pet lover all her life and a dog trainer for over 20 years. She has spent her life observing, caring for and training animals of all kinds. She has worked in the Bird Department at Marine World Africa USA, and worked as a handler and trainer for an African Serval Cat at Safari West, a private zoo in Santa Rosa, California. She has participated in behavior studies including observations of bald eagles and addax antelope through the San F...

Shannon Riley-Coyner is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Registered Veterinary Technician, Wellness Coach, and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. Shannon has been a pet lover all her life and a dog trainer for over 20 years. She has spent her life observing, caring for and training animals of all kinds. She has worked in the Bird Department at Marine World Africa USA, and worked as a handler and trainer for an African Serval Cat at Safari West, a private zoo in Santa Rosa, California. She has participated in behavior studies including observations of bald eagles and addax antelope through the San F...