Épisodes

  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 43 - Adventures Errands and Everyday Life - Socializing the Modern Dog

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 43 - Adventures Errands and Everyday Life - Socializing the Modern Dog
    Nov 17 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob dive deep into the true meaning of pet — and especially dog — socialization, breaking apart the common myths and misunderstandings that so many pet parents unknowingly rely on. While many believe socialization simply means taking your dog to the dog park, sending them to daycare, or making sure they can tolerate the vet, the reality is far more layered and vital. Today’s pets live incredibly dynamic lives. They join us for coffee runs, shopping trips, family gatherings, vacations, and outdoor adventures. Because our dogs are spending more time than ever in human-centered environments, proper socialization becomes one of the most powerful tools we have to help them feel confident, safe, and calm during everyday experiences. Lorin and Rob discuss how socialization isn’t about demanding perfect behavior from your dog — it’s about understanding how they are likely to react, what their body language is telling you, and how they interpret new environments, sounds, surfaces, and social encounters. It’s also about understanding how other animals and people feel in those shared spaces. When you know what your dog needs and what they’re communicating, you can guide them instead of correcting them, support them instead of overwhelming them, and ultimately create better experiences for everyone involved. The episode also dives into the emotional and humorous side of human–animal interactions. Rob shares that his dog absolutely loves getting ear rubs — and he humorously admits he enjoys them too — while Lorin asks listeners to imagine greeting humans the same way many greet dogs: with high-pitched enthusiasm, animated hands, and boundary-free energy. Their playful banter sheds light on how our intentions don’t always match what a pet is comfortable receiving, and why respectful, thoughtful social interaction matters. From helping your dog navigate crowded spaces to understanding triggers and stress signals, from supporting shy or nervous dogs to helping confident dogs behave appropriately, Lorin and Rob unpack the many ways socialization ties directly to health, safety, behavior, and overall wellness. Whether you’re raising a puppy, rehabilitating a rescue, or simply trying to help your social butterfly become even more polite in public, this episode offers practical insights, relatable stories, and real-world examples to guide you. Join us for this thoughtful, fun, and eye-opening exploration of socialization and so much more on this episode of Practical Pet Chat.
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    25 min
  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 35 - Discounts, Incentives, Knowing Your Worth and More...

    Practical Pet Business - Episode 35 - Discounts, Incentives, Knowing Your Worth and More...
    Nov 13 2025
    On this edition of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob take a deep dive into one of the most common — and complicated — topics for pet business owners: discounts, incentives, expectations, and frustrations. Pet parents love a good deal, and in today’s competitive market, it can feel like you have to offer discounts just to stay in the game. But when every sale, service, or product comes with a markdown, what message does that send about your business? Lorin and Rob break down how constant discounting can shift customer expectations, devalue your expertise, and even train your audience to wait for the next sale rather than buy at full price. They also discuss how to identify when discounts make strategic sense — like rewarding loyalty, clearing seasonal stock, or promoting a new service — versus when they simply erode profits. Most importantly, they remind listeners that knowing your worth and communicating your value is far more powerful than competing on price alone. From understanding perceived value to crafting smarter incentives that build trust and long-term relationships, this episode offers practical, real-world advice to help you position your business for sustainable success. All of this and more on this insightful episode of Practical Pet Business.
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    21 min
  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 42- The Importance and Impact of Moderation in Most Things Pet

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 42- The Importance and Impact of Moderation in Most Things Pet
    Nov 9 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob explore the essential role of moderation in your pet’s daily life—and why “more” is not always better. From nutrition and supplements to exercise, enrichment, training, and even affection, they break down how thoughtful balance can support long-term health and prevent many common issues before they begin. They discuss how easy it is, with the best of intentions, to overdo it: adding too many supplements, feeding too many treats, pushing too hard during exercise, or overstimulating with constant activities. Lorin and Rob highlight how these small habits can accumulate and influence your pet’s behavior, digestion, joint health, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life. You’ll learn: Why moderation is a core principle of lasting wellness—not a restriction Signs that your pet may be getting too much of a good thing How to recognize when to pause, slow down, or adjust routines The impact of inconsistency and “all-or-nothing” approaches How balanced habits can support calmer behavior and healthier bodies Practical steps to reset routines without guilt or overwhelm Most importantly, Lorin and Rob share how practicing moderation leads to more intentional care, clearer communication, healthier expectations, and a deeper, more stable bond with your pet. Whether you’re a new pet parent, a seasoned multi-pet household, or a pet professional guiding others, this conversation reminds us that sometimes the most supportive thing we can do is simply to find the healthy middle ground. Tune in for insight, real-life examples, and small actionable adjustments that can make a big difference in your pet’s wellbeing.
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    20 min
  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 34 - Dealing with Moody Customers Issues and Solutions

    Practical Pet Business - Episode 34 - Dealing with Moody Customers Issues and Solutions
    Nov 6 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob tackle an all-too-common challenge in the pet industry: handling moody, frustrated, or emotionally overwhelmed customers. In pet care, emotions run high—people deeply love their animals, and that love can show up as anxiety, fear, guilt, or stress. Sometimes, the tension has nothing to do with your business at all. A customer may already be carrying frustration from their day, their family situation, their pet’s health concerns, or simply the uncertainty of not knowing what to expect from your service. Lorin and Rob discuss how these emotional undercurrents can turn interactions on a dime—escalating quickly if not recognized early. More importantly, they break down how business owners and staff can shift from taking it personally to responding strategically. You’ll learn: How to identify early signs of rising tension and emotional overload. Why tone, positioning, and pacing in your communication matter more than the words themselves. Tools to stay grounded, even when someone is projecting their stress onto you or your team. Ways to redirect conversations toward solutions rather than blame or conflict. How to set clear boundaries that protect your staff, time, and mental well-being. Scripts and phrases that work when emotions are already heated. When to coach, when to negotiate, and when to walk away. They also explore how to prepare your team ahead of time so difficult moments don’t feel personal or overwhelming. The goal isn’t to “win” the conversation—it’s to preserve relationships, maintain trust, and ensure everyone leaves with dignity intact. This episode is especially valuable for grooming salons, training businesses, pet retail, daycare/boarding facilities, veterinary practices, and mobile services—anywhere emotions and expectations meet real-world limitations. If you’ve ever left an interaction feeling drained, misunderstood, or unsure how it escalated so quickly—this conversation will help you reset your approach, protect your energy, and respond with clarity and confidence. Tune in to learn how compassionate communication isn’t just customer service—it’s a core business skill that shapes your brand, your culture, and your long-term success.
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    18 min
  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 41 - Pet Grooming Visits - Preparing for a successful grooming experience

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 41 - Pet Grooming Visits - Preparing for a successful grooming experience
    Nov 3 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob explore what it really takes to set you, your pet, and your groomer up for a smooth, successful, and stress-free grooming experience. Grooming isn’t just about a great haircut — it’s about communication, trust, and teamwork between pet parent, pet, and professional. They discuss how being your pet’s voice starts long before you arrive at the grooming salon — from knowing what kind of cut or care your pet needs, to understanding what your pet can (and can’t) tolerate. You’ll learn why simply saying “groom my dog or cat” isn’t enough, and how providing clear guidance helps your groomer do their best work while keeping your pet comfortable and safe. Lorin and Rob also share insights on how to ask the right questions, set realistic expectations, and build a respectful partnership with your groomer that lasts. Whether you have a pup who loves pampering or a kitty who’s not so sure about the clippers, this conversation will help you become a more confident, informed, and compassionate pet parent. Tune in for real-world examples, communication tips, and a few behind-the-scenes stories from the grooming world — all aimed at helping you and your pet get the most out of every grooming experience, only on Practical Pet Chat.
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    22 min
  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 33 - Provide education and insights that inspire, not bore or berate your customers

    Practical Pet Business - Episode 33 - Provide education and insights that inspire, not bore or berate your customers
    Oct 30 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob dive into one of the biggest challenges in the pet industry today—educating pet parents and customers in a way that informs, engages, and empowers without overwhelming or sounding like a lecture. With so much information (and misinformation) available online, today’s pet parents often come to the table with strong opinions, half-truths, or preconceived “facts” that may not always serve their pets’ best interests. Lorin and Rob unpack how pet professionals can rise above the noise by becoming better listeners, building trust through empathy, and creating genuine connections that lead to better understanding and cooperation. They’ll discuss how to adapt your communication style to different learning types, when to teach versus when to simply guide, and how storytelling and real-world examples can make complex information more relatable and memorable. Whether you’re a groomer, retailer, trainer, or veterinary professional, this episode offers practical strategies for turning everyday interactions into opportunities for education, inspiration, and loyalty. Because when we share knowledge the right way, we don’t just make better customers—we help create more confident, informed, and compassionate pet parents.
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    16 min
  • Practical Pet Chat- Episode 40 - Pet parent communication responsibilities and outcome influences

    Practical Pet Chat- Episode 40 - Pet parent communication responsibilities and outcome influences
    Oct 27 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob explore one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of great pet care — communication. As a pet parent, you are your pet’s voice, their translator, and their advocate. Whether you’re talking with your veterinarian, groomer, trainer, or pet sitter, how you communicate on your pet’s behalf can make a huge difference in their overall health and happiness. Lorin and Rob discuss why it’s so important to be clear, specific, and goal-oriented when communicating with the professionals who care for your pet. From describing changes in behavior or appetite to explaining grooming sensitivities or medical concerns, your insights can guide experts toward the right care and outcomes. They also talk about common pitfalls pet parents fall into — assuming a professional already knows what’s going on, not giving enough context, or waiting until things become a problem. By learning how to prepare for appointments, articulate your concerns, and ask the right questions, you can become the most effective advocate your pet could have. Your pet can’t speak for themselves, but with a little thought and preparation, you can make sure their needs and well-being are fully understood and prioritized. All of this and more on this insightful episode of Practical Pet Chat — because being a great communicator means being a great pet parent.
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    28 min
  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 32 - Selling live animals, fish, insects and more

    Practical Pet Business - Episode 32 - Selling live animals, fish, insects and more
    Oct 23 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob take on one of the most important — and often controversial — topics in the pet industry: should you sell live animals, insects, fish, or other living beings in your store? What may seem like a natural way to enhance your store’s appeal or diversify your offerings can actually open a complex web of ethical, operational, financial, and emotional considerations. Selling live beings isn’t like adding another product line — it’s a commitment to care, knowledge, and responsibility that extends far beyond the cash register. Lorin and Rob unpack the real-world realities behind this decision: Do you and your team have the expertise to ensure the health and welfare of living creatures in your care? Can your facility provide an environment that supports their physical and emotional well-being — not just short-term display conditions? Are there specialized stores or competitors nearby who have a deeper focus, infrastructure, or following in this area? And even if you can do it — is it truly the right fit for your customers, your brand, and your long-term goals? Beyond the ethical questions, they dig into the business side — the costs of proper care, potential liability concerns, employee training, supply chain oversight, and how consumer perception of live animal sales has evolved in recent years. In today’s market, pet parents are more informed and opinionated than ever. A decision like this can shape not only your bottom line but also your reputation and community relationships. Lorin and Rob explore how to think through these choices with transparency, compassion, and foresight — because when live beings are part of the equation, every choice carries weight. Whether you’re a retailer considering adding fish tanks, feeder insects, or small animals, or you’re rethinking your current model, this conversation will help you see all sides clearly — from ethics to economics, compassion to competition. In the end, the question isn’t just “Can I?” — it’s “Should I?” — and how to make that decision responsibly for your business, your customers, and most importantly, the animals themselves.
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    25 min