Send us Fan Mail Millie is joined by Mirror Image K9 trainers Connor, Brandon, and Jill to discuss some of the most common phrases dog trainers hear from owners—and what those statements may reveal about a dog’s behavior and relationship with its family. The trainers break down the difference between a dog being well-behaved and truly well-trained, why obedience commands alone do not resolve reactivity, and why behaviors often described as “protective” may actually come from insecurity, stres...

Send us Fan Mail In this Think Like a Dog Podcast Q&A episode, Andreia and Millie answer listener questions about preparing for your first dog, choosing the right breed or rescue, and managing a dog while working a full-time schedule. They discuss why fostering can help first-time dog owners find the right personality and energy level, how to build trust with a fearful rescue dog, and why giving nervous dogs structure can help them feel more secure. Andreia and Millie also share practical...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog, Andreia and Millie talk about what it really means to be a great foster for a rescue dog. While fostering often starts with love and good intentions, this conversation explains why love alone is not enough to prepare a dog for a successful forever home. They break down the importance of decompression, structure, crate training, leash manners, place work, boundaries, and learning the dog’s personality. Andreia and Millie also explain why th...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog, Millie is joined by Mirror Image K9 trainers Jill, Brandon, and Connor to break down the most important questions every dog owner should ask before choosing a doggy daycare. They discuss dog-to-human ratios, pack size, vaccines, spay and neuter policies, staff training, structured breaks, toys and treats, dog integration, safety protocols, and the difference between a chaotic “play all day” environment and a structured daycare that support...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog, Millie is joined by Mirror Image K9 trainers Jill, Brandon, and Connor for an inside look at what it really means to run a structured dog daycare. They break down how Mirror Image K9’s day camp is different from a traditional doggy daycare, why not every dog is immediately eligible, and how structure, crate training, coping skills, owner involvement, and balanced pack dynamics all play a major role in keeping dogs safe and successful. The ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog, Andreia and Millie break down why so many dog-to-dog introductions go wrong and why humans often put too much pressure on dogs to “make friends.” They discuss why on-leash greetings can create tension, frustration, reactivity, and miscommunication, especially when dogs are pulling toward each other or being forced into an interaction. This conversation also explains why “dog friendly” is not always a clear or helpful label. Dogs have diffe...

Send us Fan Mail In this Q&A episode of Think Like a Dog, Andreia and Millie answer listener questions covering dog behavior issues from preparing dogs for major life changes like a new baby, to managing resource guarding, food hoarding behaviors, and high-energy puppy nipping, this episode breaks down practical, real-world solutions. They explain why structure, boundaries, and consistency are the foundation of behavior change, and how small daily habits can shape a dog’s mindset. You’ll ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog, Andreia and Millie break down one of their most complex rescue cases: Bug. Bug isn’t your typical “easy” dog. With a bite history, reactivity triggers, and a personality that requires structure, he represents a category of dogs that are often misunderstood, and too often given up on. This conversation goes beyond surface-level training advice and dives into what it really means to live with, manage, and advocate for a dog like him. Bug is ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog, Millie is joined by the Mirror Image K9 trainers, Jill, Easton, and Connor, to break down one of the most misunderstood parts of dog ownership: when and how to give your dog “wiggle room.” Many owners focus on rules and structure at the beginning, but what happens after that? When can you start relaxing boundaries, and how do you know your dog has actually earned it? This conversation covers: What a full “relationship reset” looks like in ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Think Like a Dog, Andreia and Millie break down some of the most common misconceptions surrounding dog behavior, body language, and training. From the meaning behind a wagging tail to the truth about growling and excitement, they explain what dogs are actually communicating and why so many owners misinterpret it. They also dive into controversial topics like socialization and training tools, including e-collars, clarifying how and when they should be used p...