Pet Harmony

Episode #175 - Get Your Dog to Relax

Meditating in a Concert is Expecting Too Much

July 13, 2026

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TLDL (Too Long, Didn’t Listen):

1️⃣ Environment is the classroom – Predictability, safe space, and routine are what make relaxation possible in the first place. 

2️⃣ Your dog’s body is part of their environment – Pain, allergies, and temperature sensitivity all affect their capacity to relax. 

3️⃣ One thing at a time – Don’t overhaul everything at once.

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Episode Overview:

If you’ve been struggling to help your dog rest or relax, despite following protocols and trying your dangest, it’s time to zoom out and look at the environment. 

This week, Emily and Veronica dig into the three common ways the environment gets in the way, and why the classroom we’re teaching in matters just as much as what we’re teaching.

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Meet the Hosts

Allie pic with Oso

Allie Bender, CDBC, CPDT-KA, SBA

Allie Bender is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed, and a Shelter Behavior Affiliate. She has been in the animal welfare industry since 2006 and professionally training since 2012. She is the founder and co-owner of Pet Harmony, co-author of Canine Enrichment for the Real World, and a national speaker.

While in the animal sheltering industry, Allie realized that her passion lied in helping pets with maladaptive behaviors. Today she spends most of her time teaching other trainers and behavior professionals the skills they need to have their most fulfilling, sustainable careers.

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EMIly strong

Emily Strong has been in the animal welfare industry since 1990 and has been a behavior consultant since 2008. She is the co-owner of Pet Harmony, co-author of Canine Enrichment for the Real World, and a national speaker. 

Emily started working with animals at a young age and struggled with the notion that you have to hurt, scare, or intimidate animals to help them. Emily loves helping current and prospective behavior professionals and working with pet parents through our in-depth services. She enjoys working with all species.

Team Members in the Episode

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Veronica Garcia, CVT, KPA-CTP, FFCP-V

Veronica is a trainer and behavior consultant with Pet Harmony. Bringing expertise in both veterinary medicine and behavior, she loves working with clients to help their dog be their best dog self.

She found veterinary medicine in 2008 after moving to northern California. After spending much of her veterinary career in emergency and critical care, she transitioned to veterinary behavior in 2021. 

Check out more from Veronica on the blog!

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