In this episode of Tails and Tones, Mariska Nell sits down with science writer and longtime National Geographic contributor Jennifer S. Holland to explore what it really means to be “dog smart.” Jennifer shares stories and insights from her latest book, Dog Smart: Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence, including why an estimated 85% of the world’s dogs aren’t pets, how street dogs adapt and thrive, and what search-and-rescue and cancer-detection dogs reveal about canine superpowers. They dive into everyday intelligence—like the quiet genius of a dog waiting at the window—why so-called “bad dogs” are often just misunderstood or under-exercised, how ear cropping and tail docking can impact communication, and why letting dogs sniff, move, and “be dogs” is one of the most loving things we can do. The conversation blends science, personal stories (including Mariska’s Frenchie Piper and Jennifer’s dog Monk), and practical takeaways for modern pet parents who want to better understand and support their dogs’ emotional and cognitive lives.

Jennifer S. Holland is a science and nature writer with a long career as a staff writer at National Geographic. Her work focuses on animals, conservation, and the natural world, and she is the bestselling author of the Unlikely Friendships book series, which shares true stories of surprising bonds between animals. Her latest book, Dog Smart: Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence, examines what it means to be smart in the world of the dog, weaving together cutting-edge research, field reporting, and stories from trainers, working dogs, and beloved pets. Jennifer lives with her dog Monk and continues to write, speak, and share about the rich inner lives of animals.

• Dogs are communicators first. Body language, subtle signals, and redundancy matter—cropped ears/tails can limit canine “tools,” so supervise thoughtfully.
• 85% of the world’s dogs aren’t pets. Street/roaming dogs occupy a valid ecological niche—adaptability is a form of intelligence.
• Genius comes in many forms. From cancer detection to waiting at the window, “smart” includes problem-solving, emotional attunement, and connection.
• Training ≠ obedience only. Many “bad behaviors” are unmet needs or misdirected intelligence. Compassionate, consistent training (and the right trainer) changes outcomes.
• Exercise is non-negotiable. Physical AND cognitive work reduce frustration and destructive behaviors.
• Let dogs be dogs. Sniffing is learning; exploration builds optimism. Partnership > possession.
• Talking buttons are a fun extra. Useful for enrichment and cause-effect learning—while we keep prioritizing dog-forward communication.
• Humility helps. Understanding dogs well can make us better, more observant humans.

Jennifer’s website

Dog Smart the book

Jennifer's Unlikely series books

Jennifer on social: Instagram/TikTok / Facebook

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In this episode of Tails & Tones, Mariska brings her art world and pet-parent journey together to explore DIY art projects you can create with your dog. From safe, non-toxic pawprint masterpieces to hilarious lick-art abstracts, she shares practical tips, safety considerations, and creative ideas for turning your dog’s paws and personality into meaningful keepsakes and functional art. Along the way, she opens up about the R&D journey behind Tails & Tones’ first product elevated food and water station.

• Why making art with your dog is powerful enrichment and a bonding experience.
• The importance of using pet-safe, non-toxic materials (and why most studio art supplies aren’t dog-safe).
• Two main ways to create pawprints safely: No-mess baby handprint/footprint kits for clean, crisp prints and Mideer Super Washable Finger Paint for colorful, washable paw art.
• Classic pawprint masterpieces
• Lick Art using canvas, cling film, and peanut butter or yogurt.
• How to turn your dog’s art into functional pieces like mugs, coasters, bowls, and holiday gifts.
• Behind-the-scenes look at Tails & Tones’ sustainable product journey, especially the upcoming elevated bowl for flat-faced and mobility-sensitive dog

• Tails & Tones on Instagram: @tailsandtones
• Where Tails meet hearts: Monty, Lola and Amy @amyqzak (Monty's video that was shared on The Dodo)
• Paw-lebrity of the Week: Pharaby & Jen @pharaby_fable, Pharaby's Art, YouTube
• Review the podcast on Podchaser
• The Dodo (featured Monty’s video): The Dodo
• FluentPet talking buttons: FluentPet
• Tails & Tones Elevated Bowl Waitlist

[00:00]-Intro

[01:10] – Big news: Tails & Tones product update

[06:30] – Why make art with your dog?

[09:00] – Safety first: pet-safe art supplies

[13:30] – Pawprint Masterpiece (No-mess & paint versions)

[20:30] – Lick Art abstract painting

[25:30] – Turning pet art into functional gifts

[27:30] – Where Tails Meet Hearts

[30:00] – Paw-lebrity of the Week

In this episode of Tails and Tones, Mariska Nell and Tori Mistick discuss the journey of turning a passion for dogs into a thriving business. Tori shares her experiences in building her brand, Wear Wag Repeat, and offers insights on monetizing pet accounts, the importance of authenticity, and the evolving landscape of pet influencing. They emphasize the significance of community, effective branding, and the resurgence of long-form content in engaging audiences. Tori also highlights the necessity of starting an email list and building genuine relationships within the pet industry.

Tori Mistick is a dog mom, blogger, podcast host, and the founder of Wear Wag Repeat. With over a decade of experience creating content for pet lovers, Tori helps pet parents enrich their dogs’ lives and supports “petpreneurs” in growing their businesses online. She’s also a Certified Canine Enrichment Technician and recently launched her limited-series podcast Dog Enrichment with Tori Mistick, which dives deep into the science and joy of helping dogs live their best lives.

• Believing in your passion is the first step to success.
• Collaboration is key in building relationships in the pet industry.
• Monetization can be slow; passion is essential for longevity.
• Follower count does not equate to revenue in pet influencing.
• Authenticity in content creation builds trust with your audience.
• Long-form content is making a comeback in the digital space.
• Building an email list is crucial for long-term engagement.
• Branding should evoke feelings and connect with your audience.
• Networking and genuine outreach can foster community growth.
• Diversifying income streams is important for pet influencers.

Tori's Website Wear Wag Repeat, Wear Wag Repeat Podcast

Dog Enrichment with Tori Mistick Podcast

Mental Enrichment Activity Pack ($19)

Instagram: @wearwagrepeat @tmistick

[00:00]-Intro

[02:30] – Tori’s Origin Story

[03:44] – Hobby vs. Business Moment

[05:11] – First Paid Campaign

[07:16] – Passion vs. Profit (Early Challenges)

[09:05] – Where to Start Monetizing

[10:46] – Reality Check on Earnings

[14:57] – Diversify

[16:04] – Mindset Shift to “Brand”

[18:25] – Safety & Responsibility

[20:01] – Be Authentically Where You Are

[22:05] – Funding & Founder Transparency

[23:36] – What Branding Really Means in Pets

[26:08] – Content Quality & “Post the Bad Stuff”

[28:10] – Consistency System

[29:54] – Platforms, AI & Owning Your Audience

[32:01] – Community That Lasts

[36:19] – Long-Form Comeback

[39:31] – One Thing to Do Today

[39:38] – Where to Find Tori

[40:52] – Tori’s Enrichment Podcast

In this episode of Tails and Tones, host Mariska dives into the world of French Bulldogs, exploring their rising popularity, the joys and challenges of owning one, and the significant health issues associated with the breed. Through personal anecdotes and expert insights, she emphasizes the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for awareness about the breed's health concerns. The episode also features heartwarming stories from the dog-loving community, showcasing the unique bond between Frenchies and their owners.

• French Bulldogs are incredibly popular but come with significant health issues.
• Owning a French Bulldog can cost around $15,000 a year.
• They are affectionate, loyal, and great companions for apartment living.
• Frenchies are prone to overheating and breathing difficulties due to their brachycephalic nature.
• Many French Bulldogs do not live long lives due to health complications.
• Responsible breeding practices are crucial for the health of the breed.
• Adopting a French Bulldog is often better than buying from breeders.
• Regular vet check-ups and health insurance are essential for Frenchie owners.
• French Bulldogs require special care, including monitoring during hot weather.
• Despite their challenges, French Bulldogs bring immense joy and love to their owners.

Breed-to-Breathe Campaign — British Veterinary Association

Where Tails meet hearts: Freddie & Bruno (Freddie line up toys, Bruno Freddie's #1 fan)

Paw-lebrity of the Week Griffin & Haru (Pixar Animation Studios adventures, Tiffani Thiessen Colab, )

Cooling Tips with Dr Sarah — Episode 15

[00:00] - Intro

[02:15] - Popularity + rescues trend:

[03:10] – The $15k rule (cost reality)

[04:05] – Origins: Toy bulldogs → France: Lace workers, toy bulldogs, refined in France.

[05:15] – Why they became trendy: Apartment-friendly size, bat ears, baby-face expression.

[06:05] – Celebs & AKC popularity: Lady Gaga, The Rock, Tom Hardy; AKC chart topper.

[06:44] – Fun fact: Most Frenchies can’t swim: Piper’s ocean scare + water safety.

[07:35] – Gas & other “truths”: The “wherever your gas be free” motto.

[08:05] – AKC colors vs. rare colors: 9 official colors vs. ~30+ combos (lilac, blue, merle).

[08:58] – “Pocket rockets” weight & density: Piper at ~12 kg / 26 lb; why they sink.

[09:40] – Lifespan (healthy, well-bred): 10–12 years with big variance.

[10:10] – PROS: Personality & daily life: Clown dogs; affection, loyalty, shadow tendencies.

[11:30] – PROS: Grooming & care routine: Shedding, ear/fold cleaning, paw/nose balm.

[12:35] – CONS: Brachycephalic basics: Short skull anatomy → breathing challenges.

[13:40] – BOAS surgery (Piper’s story): What it is, results, costs, ethics of comfort.

[15:05] – Overheating: what to do/avoid: Cool feet/belly, A/C; don’t cover with cold towel.

[16:10] – Price tag, breeding, C-sections: Why overbreeding happens; risks and...

In this episode of Tails & Tones, host Mariska Nell and Tori Mistick of Wear Wag Repeat explore how daily enrichment transforms your dog’s emotional health and confidence. Learn simple, practical ways to enrich your dog’s day, strengthen your bond, and bring more joy to both of your lives.

Tori Mistick is a dog mom, blogger, podcast host, and the founder of Wear Wag Repeat. With over a decade of experience creating content for pet lovers, Tori helps pet parents enrich their dogs’ lives and supports “petpreneurs” in growing their businesses online. She’s also a Certified Canine Enrichment Technician and recently launched her limited-series podcast Dog Enrichment with Tori Mistick, which dives deep into the science and joy of helping dogs live their best lives.

• Enrichment is connection, not distraction. It’s about understanding your dog’s emotions, not just keeping them busy.
• Small choices build confidence. Let your dog pick between treats, directions on a walk, or how they’d like to spend time with you.
• Balance is key. Mix active enrichment (sniff walks, games) with calm bonding (gentle petting, sound baths).
• DIY can be powerful. Muffin tins, towel burritos, and busy boxes make enrichment easy and low-cost.
• Presence matters most. True enrichment starts when we slow down and meet our dogs where they are.

Tori's Website Wear Wag Repeat, Wear Wag Repeat Podcast

Dog Enrichment with Tori Mistick Podcast

Mental Enrichment Activity Pack ($19)

Instagram: @wearwagrepeat @tmistick

[00:00]-Intro: What true enrichment means

[01:44] - Meet Tori Mistick & her canine journey

[05:03] - Redefining enrichment beyond puzzles

[08:13] - Building your dog’s confidence through small choices

[10:30] - Trick training as a confidence booster

[13:59] - Enrichment for puppies, adults & seniors

[17:15] - Burt’s story: From anxiety to confidence

[21:14] - Enrichment as therapy for anxious dogs

[23:44] - Using music and calm environments for recovery

[25:06] - Meeting emotional needs & avoiding overstimulation

[27:47] - Enrichment for busy pet parents

[31:37] - 3 Low-cost DIY enrichment ideas

[34:01] - The one toy worth splurging on

[35:07] - Tori’s biggest enrichment advice for pet parents

[36:29] - One small action to help your dog feel seen

[37:23] - The Mental Enrichment Activity Pack

[38:22] - Where to find Tori?

[39:23] - Outro: Turning love into enrichment

In this episode of Tails and Tones, host Mariska Nell unpacks what you should really be looking for when choosing a dog — beyond just the cutest breed on Instagram. From energy levels and lifestyle fit to financial readiness and long-term commitment, Mariska shares practical tips (and personal lessons from life with her Frenchie, Piper 🐶) to help you find your perfect canine match.

She also explores dog breed tendencies using insights from Kim Brophey’s book Meet Your Dog, breaking down 10 canine categories to understand how instincts and personalities shape compatibility. Whether you’re adopting, shopping, or still dreaming about your future pup, this episode will help you choose with both your head and heart.

• Match first, breed second: A great fit reduces frustration, behavior issues, and rehoming risk.
• Know your energy + time: High-drive dogs need work, purpose, and movement. Low-key households should choose accordingly.
• Budget honestly: Some breeds can be costly; plan for vet care, training, nutrition, and insurance.
• Life changes matter: Think travel, kids, moves, retirement—pick a dog you can support through seasons.
• Tendencies ≠ destiny: Even within a breed, personalities vary. Respect the individual in front of you.
• Use categories as a compass: Brophey’s groupings (e.g., sighthounds, guardians, toys, herders, bulldogs, terriers, gundogs, scent hounds, “natural,” and “world dogs”) help you predict instincts and needs.

Meet your Dog Book by Kim Brophey

Episode 11: Adopt or Shop

Where Tails Meet Heart Stories

• What About Bunny
• 3 Snouts and their abouts
• Doug The Pug
• Crusoe The Dachshund
• Dino and Ruby
• Jason Heigl Foundation
• Father João
• Kelbie and Nixie
• Magie and Gus
• Meemaw - 1510 Foundation
• Elko The Travel Dog
• Litter Logie

Paw-Lebrities

• Haya_London
• Eroc Dog
• Cricket the gremlin

In this episode of Tails and Tones, host Mariska Nell discusses the importance of choosing the right dog walker for your furry friend. She emphasizes understanding your dog's unique needs, the qualities to look for in a dog walker, and the importance of building a relationship with them. The episode also includes a product review of a dog bed and heartwarming stories about dogs making a difference in their communities.

• Choosing the right dog walker is crucial for your dog's well-being.
• Understand your dog's needs before selecting a walker.
• Look for reliability, experience, and communication in a dog walker.
• Trial walks can help determine if a walker is a good fit.
• Trust your dog's instincts when meeting a new walker.
• Communication with your dog walker is essential for your dog's happiness.
• Be aware of red flags when vetting potential walkers.
• Your dog is part of your family; choose wisely.
• Building a relationship with your dog walker is important.
• A good dog walker can provide peace of mind for pet parents.

Fetch or Forget: Snooza Cotton Canvas Futon

Where Tails meet hearts - Litter Logie

Paw-lebrity of the Week -Winston and Cooper aka the Doods, Dood Winston

[00:00]-Intro

[02:14]- Choosing the Right Dog Walker

[04:57]- Qualities of a Good Dog Walker

[07:54]- Vetting Potential Dog Walkers

[10:29]- Trial Walks and Red Flags

[13:50]- Building a Relationship with Your Dog Walker

[16:40]- Fetch or Forget: Snooza Cotton Canvas Futon

[19:31]- Where Tails meet hearts - Litter Logie

[20:37]- Paw-lebrity of the Week -Winston and Cooper aka the Doods, Dood Winston

[22:36]- Final Thoughts