Season 2 is officially here — and we’re kicking it off by looking back, looking ahead, and having a little fun along the way.

After a big 2025 (new podcast, biggest year ever at Dog Training Camp, and plenty of lessons learned), we’re starting 2026 with our dog training Ins & Outs list — the trends, habits, and choices we’re loving… and the ones we’re absolutely leaving behind.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why feeding schedules are in (for health, behavior, and sanity)

• The importance of researching your dog’s breed and purpose

• Why DNA testing your dog can be a game-changer

• Getting one puppy instead of two (trust us on this one)

• Hot girl walks, slow walking, and actually connecting with your dog

• Why transparency matters when choosing a dog training company

• Clear leash communication vs. just “watching your dog do stuff”

• Why retractable leashes, littermates, backyard-only exercise, and “it’s okay, he’s friendly” are officially out

We also manage to cover birding updates, staff competitions, Northern Flickers, Sandhill Cranes, and yes… why chicken salad is apparently in for 2026.

If you’re a dog owner trying to do better, a trainer navigating trends, or just here for the laughs and real talk — welcome to Season 2 of Love ’Em & Lead ’Em. We’re glad you’re back with us.

We open with a quick bird-nerd update (hi, northern flicker 👋), then dive into a viral NYC foster moment that shook the rescue world: a severely underweight, sweet-as-pie pup who suddenly redirected on a passing dog during a city walk. No villains here—just real life with real animals.

In this episode we unpack: • Why an emaciated dog can seem angelic…until health returns and true preferences show up • Dog-to-dog communication you never see (scent, posture, micro-signals) • The 3-3-3 Rule for rescue transitions—and why “the dog you bring home” isn’t the dog you’ll know in 3 months • Leash proximity and handling that reduce surprise moments in busy environments • Balancing heart and head in rescue work, with human safety as priority #1 • Shout-outs to ethical rescues with trainers on staff (like our local partners) and why thoughtful matchmaking matters

Not anti-rescue, not anti-breeder—just pro-education and pro-grace. Listen in for practical takeaways you can use on your very next walk.

Picking up where Episode 14 left off, we get real about what service dogs can do—and what they shouldn’t be asked to do. We talk through the big sticking point for families: who’s the handler (and why your second-grader probably can’t bring a service dog to school). Then we open the curtain on our hybrid approach: the first month of foundations and task starts with us, followed by lots of real-world lessons—workplaces, airports, classrooms—so the human feels as trained as the dog.

You’ll hear how we design tasks around actual lives: pairing early “tells” like foot-tapping with scent changes, teaching intentional “disobedience” when safety demands it, and even shaping a persistent wake-up for a client with narcolepsy. We share a guide-style assist case for a blind adult, why not every dog (or breed) fits every task, what happens when life/meds change, and how advocacy with schools and housing often comes with the territory.

It’s honest, hopeful, and practical—light on myths, heavy on outcomes. Also: a quick yacht-rock detour, because of course.

Follow our podcast IG for extras and clips: @lovethemleadempodcast.