 |
The Bitey End of the DogAuthor: Michael Shikashio CDBC
A podcast dedicated to helping dogs with aggression issues. Michael Shikashio CDBC chats with experts from around the world on the topic of aggression in dogs! Language: en-us Genres: Education, Kids & Family, Pets & Animals Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
Dog Welfare: Are We Giving Dogs the Lives They Actually Want?
Episode 14
Monday, 21 September, 2026
Your dog can be loved, well-fed, and perfectly “trained” and still be living a life that doesn’t feel good to them. That’s the uncomfortable heart of animal welfare, and it’s why I sat down with Kim Brophey and veterinary behaviorist Dr. Carlo Siracusa for a wide-ranging, nuanced conversation about what quality of life really means for dogs.For the season finale of The Bitey End of the Dog, we dig into a definition of animal welfare that’s easy to say but hard to live by: the dog’s quality of life as perceived by the dog. From there, we explore positive welfare, the Five Domains, and why measuring welfare can’t rely on one snapshot moment. We talk about behavioral diversity as a concrete way to notice when a dog is thriving versus when their world is getting smaller, and we discuss agency and choice as the missing ingredient in many “perfect on paper” dog lives.Then we take on aggression through a welfare lens. When is aggressive behavior normal communication that deserves to be heard, and when is it a sign of deeper dysregulation or compromised welfare? We also get specific about the relationship of physical health and behavior, including pain, resilience, and the role of behavior medication. Dr. Siracusa explains why meds can support welfare when used thoughtfully, and why the bigger risk is often unregulated, low-quality behavior modification.If you care about dog behavior, dog training ethics, enrichment, and humane aggression work, this one will challenge your assumptions in the best way. Learn more about Kim:https://www.familydogmediation.com/Learn more about Dr. Siracusa:https://www.vet.upenn.edu/directory/carlosiracusa/Learn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:AggressiveDog.comLearn more about the CANIS Conference here:CANIS ConferenceSubscribe to the bonus episodes available here:The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus EpisodesCheck out all of our webinars, courses, and educational content here:Webinars, courses, and more!
