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Welcome to the Pets Add Life Podcast dedicated to pet parents and enthusiasts looking to learn more about the world of pets and pet ownership! Each week, your hosts, Certified Cat Dad Chris Bonifati and Pet Living Expert Kristen Levine, explore the many ways Pets Add Life – diving into the latest trends in pet care, sharing heartwarming stories of animal companionship, and more – with special guests that include pet industry experts and passionate pet owners. Each episode features two pet stories, two special guests, two product recommendations and two questions from the audience. Tune in to the Pets Add Life Podcast on Tuesdays for new episodes! Presented by: American Pet Products Association & DOGTV
Episodes
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
This week on Pets Add Life, Kristen and Chris welcome two groundbreaking experts in the world of pet care!
First up, Dr. Ian Dunbar, the legendary veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and dog trainer who revolutionized puppy training with his SIRIUS Puppy Training method. A pioneer in reward-based training, Dr. Dunbar has shaped how we understand and train dogs. He’ll share insights on early socialization, positive reinforcement, and why dog training is going backward instead of forward—plus, what we can do to fix it!
Then, we dive into the fascinating world of pet microbiomes with Dr. Holly Ganz, Chief Science Officer and co-founder of AnimalBiome. Dr. Ganz will explain why gut health is the key to your pet’s well-being, how microbiome testing can identify digestive issues, and how restoring gut balance can improve digestion, immunity, and even behavior.
And as always, we’ll wrap things up with two exciting new pet products and answer listener questions about dog behavior, car anxiety, and even horse ownership!
Pet Product Recommendations:
Little Gulp Ultimate Doggy Water Bottle – A filtered, travel-friendly water bottle for dogs, designed to keep water fresh and prevent backwash contamination.
Shop Here: https://www.littlechunkpets.com/products/little-gulp-dog-water-bottle
Katie’s Bumpers Fireballs – A super durable, floating dog toy made from recycled firehose material, designed for tugging, chewing, and enrichment.
Shop Here: https://katiesbumpers.com/collections/firehose-dog-toys/products/fireball
Audience Q&A:
Lisa from Boulder, CO: "My dog is very friendly but gets overly excited and jumps on guests when they come over. I’ve tried telling him ‘off’ and rewarding him when he sits, but he still gets too excited and forgets his manners. What’s the best way to train him to calmly greet people?"
Daniel from Seattle, WA: "My dog gets really anxious in the car—he whines, pants, and sometimes even refuses to get in. I want to take him on more road trips and make the experience enjoyable for him. What are some ways I can help him feel more comfortable and relaxed during car rides?"
Related Links & Resources:
Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Books & Training Resources
Learn More: https://www.dunbaracademy.com
AnimalBiome – Gut Health Testing for Pets
Visit Here: https://www.animalbiome.com
SIRIUS Puppy Training – Off-Leash Socialization & Training
Sign Up: https://www.siriuspup.com
Dunbar Academy – Dog Training Videos & Online Courses
Explore Here: https://www.dunbaracademy.com
Follow Pets Add Life & Our Guests:
Follow Dr. Ian Dunbar & Dunbar Academy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dunbaracademy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DunbarAcademy
Website: https://www.dunbaracademy.com
Follow Dr. Holly Ganz & AnimalBiome
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalbiome
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalBiome
Website: https://www.animalbiome.com
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PetsAddLife
Subscribe & Listen to New Episodes Every Tuesday!
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Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV