Free Daily Podcast Summary
Pick of the Litter Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Kathy Callahan & Mike Tomai
It can be really hard to know which dog training advice to trust. That why we hope you’ll join us – trainers Mike Tomai from Furry Face Dog Training, and Kathy Callahan from PupStart – as we discuss the best ideas out there. These are the tips and techniques that really make humans and their dogs happier together. Each episode will give listeners three things: something simple to try, a key concept to think about, and a big name to trust. So, if you get overwhelmed by all the conflicting voices on the internet, we think you’re going to like this conversation, because we’ve done the work for you: we’ve already found the pick of the litter
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Apr 6, 202655 min
Why Your Dog Needs Friends, with Kim Brophey
In this special episode, ethologist Kim Brophey joins us to talk about the science showing just how sadly isolated our pet dogs have become, and — on the upside — the beautiful impact that a small, stable group of canine peers can have on this innately social species. A new scientific paper, "Disconnected Lives: Social Networks and Emotional Regulation in Domestic Dogs," jumpstarted this fantastic conversation that's filled with small, doable ways you can start helping your dog to have some fellow travelers as they navigate life here on Planet Human. (We highly recommend reading the fascinating paper by Agnieszka Grynkiewicz — a fellow Family Dog Mediator! — Anna Reinholz, and Kamil Imber out of the University of Warsaw.)
- Feb 9, 202658 min
A Dog-Centered Mystery, with Dr. Patricia McConnell
In this very special episode, THE Patricia McConnell talks with us about her fantastic debut novel, Away To Me. What happens when the world's favorite canine behaviorist decides to write a murder mystery? Think Agatha Christie meets All Creatures Great and Small. We were lucky enough to read an advance copy of this absolute page-turner, and even luckier to get to spend time chatting about dogs with one of the people we admire most. We know you'll enjoy this conversation. (You can pre-order Away To Me wherever you like to buy your books!)
- Dec 30, 20251h 14m
Reactivity: Is Your Dog Barking and Lunging?
Is your dog barking and lunging on leash? That "reactivity" can certainly ruin your walks, but even more important, it's a sign that your dog is having a hard time with the wider world. Big feelings are prompting those big behaviors. In this episode, we talk about the fear and frustration that cause reactivity, the common mistakes people make as they try to "fix" it, and the approaches that work together to help your dog feel more comfortable and calm out in the world.
- Nov 6, 20251h 14m
Calming Signals: What Is Your Dog Saying?
Dogs have subtle signals that are designed to keep the peace, avoid conflict, and lower the temperature in any interaction. In this episode, we discuss Turid Rugaas's classic book "On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals." Once you learn to read these signals — like head turns, ground sniffs, lip licks, curved approaches — you'll develop a deeper understanding of your dog. That will make life calmer for you both, because responding to your dog's polite whispers can mean she doesn't have to escalate into the canine version of shouting.
- Sep 17, 202554 min
Mouthiness in Puppies & Adolescents
Are those sharp puppy teeth taking a bite out of the joy you feel about puppyhood? Are your kids scared to play with new new puppy because "he's biting me!" Is your mouthy adolescent dog hard to handle sometimes? Mouthiness is more complicated than you may think! (Nope, it's not necessarily "teething.") In this episode we talk about why young dogs tend to be mouthy, and what strategies you can employ to meet their canine needs while teaching our human ways.
- Jul 16, 202553 min
Caring for Your Older Dog -- and Adding a Puppy?
When your beloved dog starts to age, it's natural to think about getting a puppy. That can work beautifully to shape the puppy, and to soften the inevitable loss. But it can also be tremendously challenging to fully support an aging senior while trying to meet the needs of a puppy. In this episode, we have a special guest: Kathy's co-author Helen St. Pierre, of the senior sanctuary "Old Dogs Go To Helen." In their new book "OLD DOG, NEW DOG," they combine Kathy's expertise in puppies with Helen's expertise in oldies, to create a roadmap for this classic, poignant moment in every dog lover's life. Join us for an in-depth conversation about strategies to set yourself, and your dogs, up for success. (The book is available in paperback, audio and kindle versions, wherever you like to buy your books.)
- Jun 3, 20251h 2m
Cooperative Care: How to Get Your Dog's Buy-In for Handling
Do you dread clipping your dog's nails? How about giving ear medicine, or brushing out a mat? In this episode we talk about an approach called "cooperative care," which reduces stress by giving dogs more agency during each task: They can choose to participate for a reward, and communicate when they need a break. The expert in this subject is Dr. Deborah Jones—a dog trainer with a background as a psychology professor—who has a great little book called "Cooperative Care: Seven Steps to Stressfree Husbandry." It's a terrific way to deepen the trust between you and your dog.
- May 1, 202552 min
Doggie Language: Learn Signs of Stress, Fear, Happiness & Curiosity
In this episode, we explore Doggie Language by Lili Chin, a beautifully illustrated guide that helps dog owners understand canine body language and behavior. We discuss key signs of stress, happiness, and curiosity in dogs, and how better communication can strengthen the human-animal bond.
About Pick of the Litter Podcast
It can be really hard to know which dog training advice to trust. That why we hope you’ll join us – trainers Mike Tomai from Furry Face Dog Training, and Kathy Callahan from PupStart – as we discuss the best ideas out there. These are the tips and techniques that really make humans and their dogs happier together. Each episode will give listeners three things: something simple to try, a key concept to think about, and a big name to trust. So, if you get overwhelmed by all the conflicting voices on the internet, we think you’re going to like this conversation, because we’ve done the work for you: we’ve already found the pick of the litter
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Pick of the Litter Podcast in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Pick of the Litter Podcast daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Pick of the Litter Podcast as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Pick of the Litter Podcast podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Pick of the Litter Podcast product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Kathy Callahan & Mike Tomai.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Pick of the Litter Podcast release new episodes?
Pick of the Litter Podcast publishes occasional. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Pick of the Litter Podcast cover?
Pick of the Litter Podcast covers topics including Education, Kids & Family, Animals, Family, Pets & Animals. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Pick of the Litter Podcast summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.