Join us as we look back on the conversations, lessons, and moments that made this season so special. From our favourite episodes and biggest takeaways, to behind-the-scenes reflections and what surprised us along the way, we're sharing it all.

We're also talking about what we've learned as trainers, creators, and dog people, and giving you a little glimpse into what's next for Ruffly Speaking.

Whether you've been with us since episode one or just recently joined the pack, thank you for listening, supporting, and being part of this community. We couldn't have done it without you!

So grab your coffee, leash up the dog, and come hang out with us for one last chat before we officially close out the season.

Thanks for listening — we'll see you next season. 🐾

Takeaways

• Collaboration and support are essential in navigating the challenges of podcast production.
• The journey of creating a podcast involves technical learning, emotional growth, and the realization of audience impact. Gratitude for the impact of the podcast on listeners' lives
• Desire to challenge perspectives and explore new topics in the next season
• Emphasis on the importance of trust and relationships in conversations
• Highlighting the need for more empathy in the dog world
• Reflection on vulnerable moments during recording
• Sharing humorous behind-the-scenes experiences Finding their flow and evolving over the course of the season
• Gratitude for the supportive community of listeners and guests

Chapters

• 00:00 The Beginning of the Journey
• 07:21 Challenges and Learning Experiences
• 15:34 The Joy of Collaboration
• 31:05 Realization of Audience Impact
• 40:16 Emphasis on Trust and Relationships
• 52:02 Vulnerability and Behind-the-Scenes
• 01:02:05 Navigating Technical Challenges
• 01:26:21 Gratitude and Looking Ahead

We also delve into the influence of marketing on consumer behaviour, the impact of lifestyle marketing, and the capitalization on time commitment in dog ownership.

At the end of the episode, we'll answer the question of "is it worth it?" and ultimately what you should consider before getting a dog.

Takeaways

• Dog ownership costs and finances
• Initial setup expenses
• Understanding the full scope of dog ownership
• Marketing influences
• Dog ownership is about connection and experience

Toby shares his experience working with overseas rescue dogs, shelter dogs, and free-roaming dogs in Thailand. We talk about the multilayered reality of rescue work, what can happen when dogs move from one environment into a completely different one, and why expectations matter so much when adopting or working with rescue dogs.

We also get into the ethics of rescue, the difference between helping and “saving,” and why some street dogs may be better supported in their own communities rather than being moved into a home environment that doesn’t make sense for them.

Topics we cover:
✨ Why street dogs often seem emotionally “different” from selectively bred dogs
✨ Why setting expectations low can actually help both dogs and humans succeed
✨ The role of freedom, agency, and environmental choice
✨ How trainers can rethink their services to accommodate more sensitive dogs
✨ The emotional burnout that can come with dog training and social media
✨ Why empathy and humour matter so much in this work

If you’ve ever struggled with a rescue dog or simply wanted a more honest conversation about behaviour and the complexities of helping street dogs, we think you’ll really love this one.

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding Street Dogs and Free-Roaming Dogs
• 34:10 Challenges of Working with Rescue Dogs
• 49:22 Managing Expectations When Adopting a Dog
• 01:01:22 Balancing Mental and Physical Enrichment for Dogs and Owners
• 01:24:05 Connecting with Like-Minded Individuals
• 01:34:21 Podcast Reflection and Future Plans

We dive into what it really means to support both dogs and their humans—covering everything from navigating life transitions and prioritizing wellness, to the powerful connection between psychology and dog training. We also unpack the realities of living with a reactive dog, including how it can deepen self-awareness, empathy, and understanding.

This conversation highlights the importance of seeing dogs for who they are: animals with instincts, drives, and breed-specific needs. Bianca emphasizes a holistic approach to training, where rest, routine, and resilience play just as important a role as skill-building—especially for high-drive dogs.

If you’re looking for a grounded, compassionate take on dog behaviour, this episode is packed with thoughtful insights you won’t want to miss.

Takeaways

• Exploring cultural differences in dog ownership and training
• The journey of discovering passion and purpose in your work
• Why high-drive dogs need a holistic, whole-dog approach
• The essential role of rest and routine in managing high-drive dogs

Connect with Laura and Olivia here:
Laura — Curious Snoots Dog Walking & Training
Website: www.curioussnoots.com
Instagram: @curioussnoots

Olivia — Olive Bark Dog Training
Website: www.olivebark.ca
Instagram: @oliviatrainsdogs

We also share our personal experiences helping our dogs lose weight, including the habits that were contributing more than we realized, the small changes we started making, and what that process has looked like in real life.

This is a very honest conversation about something a lot of dog owners go through, but don’t always talk about openly.

In this episode, we talk about:

• our own experience not noticing the weight gain right away
• why denial can be such a big part of this
• how treats, training, chews, and little extras can add up fast
• the changes we made to help our dogs lose weight
• what we learned through the process

Note: This is not medical or nutrition advice. We’re simply sharing our personal experience and the process we took with our own dogs. If you’re concerned about your dog’s weight or health, please consult a qualified professional.

Connect with Laura and Olivia here:
Laura — Curious Snoots Dog Walking & Training
Website: www.curioussnoots.com
Instagram: @curioussnoots

Olivia — Olive Bark Dog Training
Website: www.olivebark.ca
Instagram: @oliviatrainsdogs

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Ruffly Speaking Podcast
• 06:10 Realizing the Issue of Dog Weight
• 12:09 Understanding Dog Breeds and Weight
• 18:04 Cultural Influence on Dog Weight
• 23:55 Dietary Changes for Dog Weight Management
• 29:45 Moderating Dog Treats and Enrichment
• 36:33 The Snackle Box Method and Treat Size
• 46:00 Lifestyle, Exercise, and Weight Management
• 54:56 Unexpected Behavioral Changes

We talk about why listening to your dog matters, how to adapt to their preferences, and how sports like agility and rally obedience can be more approachable than you might think. We also dive into why tricks can be a powerful gateway into dog sports, the difference between obedience and rally, and common misconceptions like the “high-drive dog” myth.

Throughout the episode, we come back to connection—how building a strong relationship, adjusting expectations, and embracing challenges can transform your experience. It’s a conversation about having fun, growing together, and truly learning to “run as one.”

Find Julia - Run As One Dog Training

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runasone_dogtraining

Website: https://runasonedogtraining.com/

Key Topics

• Adaptability in dog sports
• Understanding the dog's preferences
• Exploring different dog sports
• Tricks as a gateway to dog sports
• The importance of connection and relationship in dog sports
• Building a strong connection with your dog is essential for success in dog sports.
• Adjusting expectations and goals is important for a fulfilling experience in dog sports.

Keywords

dog sports

dog sports training

beginner dog sports

dog agility training

rally obedience for dogs

dog obedience vs rally obedience

canine sports for beginners

how to get started in dog sports

best dog sport for my dog

choosing the right dog sport

dog training for engagement

building connection with your dog

relationship-based dog training

how to motivate your dog

dog training tips for real life

We break down what freeze-drying actually is, why it preserves so many nutrients, and the downside people don’t always think about. Then we get into the heart of it: what it really looks like to live your values as a brand.

Sally and Weber share the tough calls they’ve made to protect their standards and choosing slow, sustainable growth over shortcuts.

We also talk honestly about founder life: burnout, work obsession, rebuilding boundaries, and the unique intensity of running a business with your spouse (when your co-founder is also the person you’re trying to have date night with).

If you care about what’s in your dog’s treat bag and you love hearing how values-driven businesses are actually built, you’ll love this one.

Find Wiggly Babies
Instagram: @wigglybabies.pet
Website: https://wigglybabies.com (store locator + online shop)

Key Topics

• The science behind freeze-dried dog treats
• Human-grade ingredients + transparent sourcing
• Pet treat industry realities in Canada (regulation + standards like AAFCO)
• Ethical sourcing + supply chain challenges
• Values-first business decisions (saying no to shortcuts and “easy” growth)
• Scaling a product business the hard way
• Founder mental health: burnout, obsession, boundaries, sustainability
• Running a business with your spouse: roles, communication, work-life balance

Keywords

Wiggly Babies, freeze-dried dog treats, freeze-dried raw, dog treat science, human-grade dog treats, single-ingredient dog treats, ethical sourcing, transparent sourcing, food safety, Canadian pet treats, product business, values-driven brand, values-first business, couple-owned business, founder burnout, entrepreneur mental health, work-life balance, 

We discuss balancing full-time work while growing our businesses, along with the marketing and branding strategies that have helped us connect with our community. We also talk about investing in visuals, paid ads, platform selection, and the role of Instagram and influencer marketing in client acquisition.

Join us as we explore vulnerability, authenticity, and navigating personal and professional boundaries online. From early mistakes and legal considerations to hiring and team growth, we reflect on what we’ve learned — emphasizing genuine engagement, embracing discomfort, and learning as we grow.

🐾 Free Resource for Small Business Owners
We put together a list of tools, platforms, and resources that have genuinely supported us behind the scenes of Curious Snoots. From website builders and scheduling tools to finance education and local BC resources.
If you’re building something of your own (especially in the pet care world), I think you’ll find some really helpful gems in here ✨

Business Resources PDF

Takeaways

• Passion drives business success
• Consistency in branding is key to effective marketing
• Investing in branding is valuable
• Balancing personal authenticity with professional image is crucial for client relationships
• Learning from mistakes and iterating on business strategies is essential for growth
• Engagement is more valuable than follower count
• Hiring the right team members is crucial for business growth
• Embracing discomfort leads to growth and learning

Keywords

small business

business growth

pet professional

dog trainer

dog walker

marketing strategies

branding

hiring and scaling

authenticity and vulnerability

Camille shares stories of feeding and walking pumas on leash, living deep in the jungle, and learning to read body language across species. We talk about how those early experiences shaped the way she understands dogs today, especially those with big feelings.

This conversation is about more than wild adventures. It’s about the thread that connects all animals: trust, safety, and the power of consistent relationships. Camille reflects on the dogs who shaped her, the lessons learned from different species, and how every dog is a new opportunity to learn.

If you’ve ever wondered how someone goes from walking big cats in the jungle to walking dogs in their community, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Trust is the foundation of every relationship with animals, no matter the species.
• Exposure and real-world experiences can build confidence more than just obedience training alone.
• Body language awareness is a universal skill when working with animals.
• Consistency and relationship-building help sensitive dogs feel safe and grow.
• Every dog is different, and every day offers a chance to learn something new.
• Our early experiences with animals often shape the way we work with them later in life.

Keywords

dog behaviour
dog walking
big feelings dogs
reactive dogs
animal body language
trust-based training
working with wild animals
pumas on leash
big cat sanctuary
tree planting life
adventure with dogs
human-animal bond
exposure vs socialization

In this episode, we’re joined by Alysha Carusi from Tails & Tales, and we talk about what happens when you stop trying to imitate what’s “working” online—and start building a business that actually feels like you. Alysha shares her journey from media + marketing into pet care, how storytelling became the foundation of her brand, and why personal growth is basically part of the job description when you work with dogs.

We also dive into her nature-based “forest school” daycare concept (aka the Fur Farm 🐾) - a safer, contained outdoor space designed for decompression, joy, and real friendships, especially for dogs with big feelings.

You’ll hear us chat about:
✨ how to weave your personal story into your brand
✨ why collaboration beats competition (every time)
✨ what dogs teach us about nervous system regulation + mindset
✨ creating services that support the whole dog—not just “better behaviour”

If you’re a dog pro, a pet care entrepreneur, or someone who loves the intersection of dogs, nature, and human growth—this one’s for you.

Key Topics

• Alysha’s background in media and its influence on her pet business
• The evolution from pet sitting to creating a forest-based daycare
• The significance of storytelling and authenticity in branding
• Collaboration over competition in the pet industry
• The importance of intention and energetics in pet care work
• Building community and creating a sanctuary for dogs
• Practical advice for entrepreneurs entering the pet industry
• The role of vulnerability and shared human experiences

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Alysha and her unique journey from media to pet care
01:17 – How Alysha’s media background informs her storytelling approach
03:08 – Collaboration in the pet industry and its benefits
05:12 – The holistic and organic journey Alysha took into this field
08:15 – The importance of community, connection, and trust in business growth
11:07 – How Tucker, Alysha’s dog, influenced her business values and vision
13:05 – Creating a safe, natural environment through acreage and outdoor space
16:29 – Aligning vet clinics and pet care through storytelling
18:46 – The emotional and transformational power of working with dogs
24:54 – Nature as healing and the vision of an animal sanctuary
30:35 – Demonstrating what’s possible through responsible, collaborative dog work
33:21 – The significance of joy, authenticity, and presence in pet care
37:19 – Mental health, self-awareness, and energetics in this industry
41:34 – The therapeutic role of storytelling + vulnerability in building trust
44:58 – Sharing real struggles alongside successes for authentic connection
52:19 – Embracing imperfections and human moments in pet care
58:16 – Community support and collaborative growth
67:03 – Fun question: What breed would Alysha be? (Answer: Poodle)
73:01 – Final thoughts + encouragement for aspiring pet industry entrepreneurs

Resources & Links:

• Tales and Tales Website
• Instagram: @tailsandtailscanada

Takeaways

• Many street dogs in Mexico are well-fed and have developed successful strategies to find food and safety.
• The relationship between street dogs and humans in Mexico is symbiotic, with dogs providing security and humans providing shelter and resources. Cultural differences impact dog ownership
• Nonjudgmental approach to dog training
• Understanding the unique circumstances of dog owners Nuance in decision-making
• Respect for the cognitive abilities of dogs

Chapters

00:00 Intro to Ruffly Speaking Podcast

02:46 New Solo Episodes Format

05:55 Observations of Street Dogs in Mexico

09:06 The Symbiotic Relationship Between Dogs and Humans

11:55 Cultural Differences in Dog Perception

14:54 The Behaviour of Street Dogs

18:02 The Role of Dogs in Urban Environments

20:59 The Complexity of Dog Relationships

24:07 Conclusion and Reflections on Dog Life in Mexico

37:48 The Spectrum of Dog Ownership in Mexico

40:35 Cultural Perspectives on Dog Training

43:48 Observations of Street Dogs and Their Adaptability

46:35 The Complexity of Dog Behaviour and Training

50:28 The Role of Tools in Dog Training

01:00:06 Agency and Quality of Life for Dogs

01:10:10 Rescue Dogs: A Nuanced Perspective

01:17:04 The Importance of Nuance in Dog Rescue Discussions

01:20:11 Research Gaps in the Dog Industry

01:22:53 Understanding the Complexity of Dog Ownership

01:27:01 Shifting from Judgment to Curiosity

01:30:30 Navigating Emotional Triggers in Conversations

01:32:56 Living in the Grey: Embracing Complexity

01:35:40 Respecting Dogs as Sentient Beings

01:40:44 Creating a Safe Space for Conversations

Takeaways

• Dog parenting challenges
• Starting a business from personal experience
• Building a community of small businesses
• Philanthropy and community support
• Female friendships and support in business
• Understanding and empathy for dog parents
• Appreciation for unique dog personalities

Chapters

• 00:00 The Pups: Ollie and Winnie
• 08:12 Career Transition to Entrepreneurship
• 16:21 Branding and Values
• 22:00 Financial Decisions and Business Growth
• 27:45 Building a Community of Small Businesses
• 38:48 Female Friendships and Support in Business
• 51:29 Prioritizing Dog Care
• 57:08 Appreciating Dog Personalities
• 01:03:05 Reflection on Personal Growth

Keywords

podcast, dog care, reactivity, small business, dog enrichment, branding, marketing, philanthropy

In this episode, Laura and Olivia welcome Marina Yamada, a pet care professional with a multicultural background, to discuss her experiences with dogs in Japan and Canada. They explore the cultural differences in dog ownership, the role of pet care professionals, and the importance of understanding dog behaviour. Marina shares her aspirations to integrate psychology with dog training and the challenges she faces in educating dog owners in Japan. The episode concludes with a fun segment where they guess each other's dog breeds, highlighting the unique personalities of each guest.

Key Takeaways

• Marina has a unique multicultural background growing p in a Brazilian cultural bubble in Japan.
• Her childhood experiences with animals shaped her passion for dog care.
• Transitioning from Japan to Canada provided Marina with new insights into dog behaviour.
• Cultural differences significantly influence how dogs are treated and perceived in different countries.
• Pet care professionals in Japan face different challenges compared to those in Canada.
• The concept of pet sitting is still developing in Japan, with many relying on friends or family.
• Marina aims to introduce the benefits of enriched dog care to Japanese dog owners.
• Marina's future aspirations include integrating psychology with dog training.
• The podcast features a fun segment where guests guess each other's dog breeds.

Keywords

podcast, dog care, multicultural, pet sitting, dog behaviour, cultural differences, psychology, animal care, Japan, Canada

Chapters

00:00 Episode Highlights

00:19 Introducing Our Guest: Marina Yamada

02:30 Episode Starts

04:12 Marina's Early Years: Growing Up In A Cross-Cultural Community

07:28 How Laura Met Marina

12:52 How did Marina Decide to Focus on Dogs

18:34 Pet Care Cultural Shocks

23:51 Dog Culture in Japan

30:47 Dog Reactivity in Japan

33:13 Doggie Daycares And The Evolution of Pet Care

47:38 What's Coming For Marina

48:31 Pet Care Advertising in Japan

In this episode of Ruffly Speaking, Laura shares her journey from a marketing career to the world of dog care, detailing her experiences at a doggy daycare and the challenges of dog training. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and the evolution of her business, Curious Snoots. Laura discusses her aspirations for the future, including creating an apprenticeship program for aspiring dog trainers, and the significance of finding one's passion in the pet care industry.

Takeaways

• Ruffly Speaking focuses on honest conversations about life with dogs.
• Laura's passion for dogs began in childhood and evolved into a career.
• Transitioning from marketing to dog care was a significant life change for Laura.
• The importance of finding a career that aligns with personal happiness.
• Experiences at the doggy daycare shaped Laura's understanding of dog behaviour.
• Building a community is essential for growth in the pet care industry.
• Curious Snoots aims to provide a unique dog walking experience.
• The journey of becoming a dog trainer involves continuous learning.
• Creating a supportive environment for aspiring dog trainers is crucial.
• Personal growth and community support are key to success in the pet care industry.

Keywords

dog training, pet care, dog behaviour, marketing, entrepreneurship, community building, dog walking, personal growth, dog trainer

💬 Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear your story! Share your favourite dog moments, lessons, or challenges with us on Instagram:

Ruffly Speaking 👉 @rufflyspeakingpodcast
Olivia 👉 @oliviatrainsdogs
Laura 👉 @very.curious.lau

Curious Snoots 👉 @curioussnoots

💻 Learn more about us:
🌐 curioussnoots.com
🌐 olivebark.ca

Tag your posts with #RufflySpeakingPodcast to be featured in future episodes!

In this episode of Ruffly Speaking, Olivia shares her transformative journey from a corporate career to becoming a passionate dog trainer. The discussion delves into the challenges and rewards of owning a reactive dog, the importance of understanding dog behaviour, and the transition from a stable career to pursuing a passion in dog training. Listeners will gain insights into the significance of empathy, realistic expectations, and continuous learning in both dog ownership and training.

🐾 What You’ll Learn

• The process and challenges of transitioning from a corporate job to a career in dog training
• Insights into managing and understanding reactive dogs. 
•  The importance of empathy and realistic expectations in dog ownership.
• The value of continuous learning in the unregulated dog training industry.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Understanding dog behaviour is crucial for both owners and trainers.
• Empathy and realistic expectations are key in dog ownership.
• Dog ownership requires adapting to the dog's unique personality.

Keywords: dog training, reactive dogs, dog behavior, career transition, empathy, dog ownership, continuous learning, realistic expectations, dog trainers, dog training journey

💬 Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear your story! Share your favourite dog moments, lessons, or challenges with us on Instagram:

Ruffly Speaking 👉 @rufflyspeakingpodcast
Olivia 👉 @oliviatrainsdogs
Laura 👉 @very.curious.lau

Curious Snoots 👉 @curioussnoots

💻 Learn more about us:
🌐 curioussnoots.com
🌐 olivebark.ca

Tag your posts with #RufflySpeakingPodcast to be featured in future episodes!

In this first episode of Ruffly Speaking, hosts Laura and Olivia introduce themselves and share their unique journeys into the world of dog training. They discuss their backgrounds, the challenges they faced with their own dogs, and their shared philosophy on dog training and behavior. The episode emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and open conversations in the dog training community. Listeners are invited to engage with the hosts and share their own stories as the podcast aims to create a judgment-free space for dog lovers.

More than training tips, Ruffly Speaking is about empathy, understanding, and the real-life lessons our dogs teach us every day.

🐾 What You’ll Learn

• How Laura left marketing to follow her passion for behavior and connection
• How Olivia’s reactive dog, Darwin, changed her perspective on what dogs truly need
• Why empathy and emotional awareness matter more than perfection
• How collaboration (not competition) is reshaping the dog training world
• The podcast’s mission: a judgment-free space for open, honest dog conversations
  
  Keywords: dog training, dog behavior, podcast, Ruffly Speaking, dog stories, pet care, dog trainers, emotional regulation, dog relationships, dog lovers

✨ Key Takeaways

• Every dog — and every human — has a story worth understanding.
• Collaboration > Competition
• Together, we can make the dog world kinder, smarter, and more connected.
  

💬 Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear your story! Share your favorite dog moments, lessons, or challenges with us on Instagram:

Ruffly Speaking 👉 @rufflyspeakingpodcast
Olivia 👉 @oliviatrainsdogs
Laura 👉 @very.curious.lau

Curious Snoots 👉 @curioussnoots

💻 Learn more about us:
🌐 curioussnoots.com
🌐 olivebark.ca

Tag your posts with #RufflySpeakingPodcast to be featured in future episodes!