Think crate training should be easy? Pop your dog in the crate at night and hope for the best? That’s the biggest mistake most pet parents make.

Crate training isn’t instant — it’s a step-by-step process that builds your dog’s trust and confidence over time. Rush it, and you’ll end up with whining, accidents, or full-blown crate panic.

In this episode, I’m joined by Ruth Hegarty, multi-certified trainer and behavior expert, to walk you through exactly how to crate train the right way — calm, consistent, and stress-free. You’ll learn when to move forward, when to slow down, and how to make the crate your dog’s favorite spot in the house.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The #1 rookie mistake that makes crate training fail fast
• How to use treats, toys, and routines to build positive associations
• A simple progression to increase crate time without stress or setbacks

Crate training done right isn’t about control — it’s about creating a predictable, peaceful space where your dog feels safe and you finally get to exhale.

CONNECT WITH RUTH HEGARTY
Website | Creature Good Dog Training

PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Furbo Pet Camera
• DogTV
• Wagnific

CRATES WE RECOMMEND: Impact Dog Crates (we get a small commission on every sale that helps keep this show advertising free!)

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Love the show? Please share it with a pet parent living with chaos, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review so more people can get the pet parent advice they need.

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Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real pet parenting struggles with practical pet advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice and pet saving hacks for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easy, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households in balance. We share pet advice on pet budgeting, cat care, dog training tips, dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and home cleaning with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Confused about which crate is right for your dog? With so many sizes, styles, and price points, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The right crate isn’t just about convenience for you — it’s about safety, comfort, and creating a space your dog will actually enjoy.

In this episode, we’re taking the guesswork out of crate shopping. You’ll learn how to confidently choose the right crate for your dog’s size, age, and needs, without wasting money on the wrong setup.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• The simple sizing rule to make sure your crate actually fits your dog
• The pros and cons of wire, plastic, and furniture-style crates
• Money-saving tips for finding the right crate without overspending

Finding the right crate is the first step toward calmer days and more restful nights for you and your dog. Tune in to learn how to make the best choice the first time.

CONTACT RUTH: https://www.creaturegooddogtraining.com/

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Some of the links below may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps keep the show AD FREE.

Impact Dog Crates: 25% off when you use this link

Budget friendly and great quality bed/pad options:

Majestic Pet Products

Support the show

Love the show? Please share it with a pet parent living with chaos, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review so more people can get the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free Vet Bill Survival Kit

Please support the show!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real pet parenting struggles with practical pet advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice and pet saving hacks for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easy, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households in balance. We share pet advice on pet budgeting, cat care, dog training tips, dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and home cleaning with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Think your litter box setup is fine, yet your cat is still peeing on the bath mat? In this episode, Amy shares expert pet advice and reveals the six “everybody knows” rules cat parents accidentally bend, and how tiny fixes in cat care can stop outside-the-box accidents for good.

You’ll learn why health issues come first, what “clean” really means to a cat, how box size and placement impact success, and when the litter itself is the problem. These real pet parenting insights are designed to help you manage pet behavior, reduce pet parenting struggles, and find simple pet saving hacks that keep your cat happy without breaking the budget.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
• The health-first rule and why you should always investigate medical causes first
• The exact cleaning, size, and placement tweaks most cat parents miss
• How to choose litter your cat will actually use, and when to add boxes

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Get your FREE guide, 25 Litter Box Tips to Keep Your Cat Happily Using Their Litter Box This tip sheet also includes bonus tips for keeping cats going in their litter boxes and not on your bed (or rugs, or laundry...).

Support the show

Love the show? Please share it with a pet parent living with chaos, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review so more people can get the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free Vet Bill Survival Kit

Please support the show!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real pet parenting struggles with practical pet advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice and pet saving hacks for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easy, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households in balance. We share pet advice on pet budgeting, cat care, dog training tips, dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and home cleaning with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Thinking about getting a puppy or kitten for your preschooler? It might look adorable on social media, but in real life it’s often a recipe for stress, safety risks, and heartbreak.

Well-meaning parents often believe getting a pet will teach their child responsibility or help them “grow up together and bond better,” but in rescue we’ve seen those myths lead to injured pets, injured kids, heartbreaking surrenders, and even euthanasia. The truth is, kids under 5 face the highest dog bite risk, pets are easily hurt by rough handling, and family pet safety is at stake when the timing isn’t right. That’s why many rescues, including mine, don’t adopt out to families with very young children. Today I’m sharing the five big reasons why waiting is the better choice and why the "best age to get a pet for kids" is a bigger decision than most parents think.

This episode dives into real pet parenting challenges, and gives you expert pet advice you won’t find in social media myths. From understanding managing pet behavior with young kids, to the long-term pet parenting struggles families face when timing is off, I’ll help you see the bigger picture. You’ll also hear pet advice on safer, positive ways to nurture your child’s love of animals until the time is right.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
• Why kids under 5 simply can’t manage the responsibility of pet care, no matter how “responsible” they seem
• How young children unintentionally put themselves and pets at risk, and what every parent should know about dog bite risk
• The developmental mismatch that makes “growing up together” with a puppy or kitten a dangerous myth
• How one negative early experience can shape a child or pet for life
• Safer, positive ways to nurture your child’s love of animals until the time is right—and how to decide the best age to get a pet for kids

If you’ve ever thought about getting a pet for your young child, or know someone who is, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss. It’s all about real pet parenting solutions—the kind of expert pet advice that keeps families and pets safe.

Support the show

Love the show? Please share it with a pet parent living with chaos, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review so more people can get the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free Vet Bill Survival Kit

Please support the show!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real pet parenting struggles with practical pet advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice and pet saving hacks for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easy, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households in balance. We share pet advice on pet budgeting, cat care, dog training tips, dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and home cleaning with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Is crating your dog cruel, or could it actually be one of the kindest things you do for them? Many pet parents picture their pup feeling trapped or lonely, so they avoid crates altogether. But when used the right way, a crate can become your dog’s safe space — and one of the most useful tools in your pet parenting toolbox.

In this episode, I break down 5 major benefits of crating your dog. You’ll hear why it’s about more than house training, and how the right approach can bring calm, comfort, and safety to both you and your pup.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why crates give dogs a sense of safety and calm
• How they make travel and emergencies easier to manage
• The surprising ways crating benefits both you and your dog’s daily life

Crating your dog should never be about punishment. When introduced responsibly, it creates comfort, structure, and peace of mind for your dog — and makes life easier for you.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT CRATE?
I didn’t mention brands in the episode because I wanted to stay focused on the why behind crating, but one of my personal go-to recommendations is Impact Dog Crates. They’re definitely an investment, but they’re built to last and designed with safety and security in mind. The model I use is the folding/portable version, and I’ve found it works especially well for dogs who are fearful and need a quiet retreat, as well as for dogs that have managed to injure themselves in other types of crates. (And full disclosure, if you decide to purchase through my link, I do receive a small commission.)

Support the show

Love the show? Please share it with a pet parent living with chaos, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review so more people can get the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free Vet Bill Survival Kit

Please support the show!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real pet parenting struggles with practical pet advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice and pet saving hacks for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easy, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households in balance. We share pet advice on pet budgeting, cat care, dog training tips, dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and home cleaning with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Are you at the end of your rope with your dog’s behavior, but not sure if it’s time to hire a professional dog trainer, or worried about picking the wrong one?

You’re not alone. The dog training world can feel like the Wild West. With no regulations, conflicting advice, and plenty of flashy websites, it’s hard to know who’s truly qualified to help. Choosing the wrong dog trainer can waste your money, make your dog’s behavior worse, and damage the trust between you and your pet.

That’s why in this episode, I’m joined by Bradley Phifer, professional dog trainer, behavior consultant, and Executive Director of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. With 17 years of experience, Bradley breaks down what really matters when hiring a dog trainer, how to know when it’s time to get help when you've run out of dog training tips of your own, and red flags that should send you running.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why waiting until there’s a “big problem” is the wrong time to call a trainer
• The surprising ways a trainer can help you before you even bring a dog home
• How to tell if a trainer is actually qualified and what credentials mean (and don’t mean)
• The red flags that signal outdated or harmful dog training methods
• How to get the most out of your relationship with a dog trainer for the life of your dog

Know someone who just got a new dog or is even thinking about it? Share this episode with them so they can avoid the stress, frustration, and wasted money that comes from hiring the wrong dog trainer.

CONNECT WITH BRADLEY PHIFER: www.bradleyphifer.com

OTHER RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:

https://www.fetchtheanswer.com

https://www.ccpdt.org

Support the show

Love the show? Please share it with a pet parent living with chaos, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review so more people can get the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free Vet Bill Survival Kit

Please support the show!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real pet parenting struggles with practical pet advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice and pet saving hacks for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easy, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households in balance. We share pet advice on pet budgeting, cat care, dog training tips, dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and home cleaning with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

That friendly, purring shelter cat you fell in love with can sometimes turn into a ghost or even a hissy ball of nerves the moment you get them home. It’s not rejection. It’s survival mode. And how you handle those first few days sets the tone for your entire relationship. Even if you don't have a cat, many aspects of these steps toward acclimating a new pet to your home would apply to dogs, birds, and other species of pets to reduce stress and make their transition easier on them.

In this episode, I share my CATS Method, a four-step approach for new cat care you can put in place before your new cat ever walks through the door. These steps create safety, reduce stress, and lay the foundation for a bond built on trust.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to set up a safe zone that makes your cat feel secure
• Simple adjustments to your cat care routine that help your home feel familiar, not frightening
• Why trusting your cat’s timeline builds stronger, lasting trust
• The best way to support your cat without overwhelming them
• Give your new cat the right start, and you’ll gain not just a pet, but a confident, affectionate companion who feels at home with you for years to come.

GET THE CATS METHOD DOWNLOAD AND HAVE A STRESS-FREE TRANSITION WHEN BRINGING YOUR NEW CAT HOME: petparenthotline.com/bringinghomekitty

Support the show

Love the show? Please share it with a pet parent living with chaos, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review so more people can get the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free Vet Bill Survival Kit

Please support the show!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real pet parenting struggles with practical pet advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice and pet saving hacks for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easy, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households in balance. We share pet advice on pet budgeting, cat care, dog training tips, dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and home cleaning with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Do you feel like no matter how much you clean, your home still smells like pets and looks like a fur factory? You’re not alone!

In this episode, I’m joined by Tracy Fosterling, pet foster mom and social media favorite, to break down simple, realistic cleaning habits that actually work when you live with pets. Forget the overwhelming deep-clean weekends and the guilt over what your home “should” look like—we’re getting practical.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How to stop pet odors before they start (without masking them)
• The key daily habits that keep fur and mess from taking over
• Smart product swaps that save time, money, and your sanity

If you’ve been drowning in pet mess and wondering if you’ll ever get ahead of it, this episode is your permission slip to finally create a clean, calm home you and your pets can enjoy.

FOLLOW TRACY OR REACH OUT:

On Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tfo300/

On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tracyfosterling

Get your two FREE Guides mentioned in the episode: The Pet Parent Cleaning Schedule & 101 Cleaning Hacks: petparenthotline.com/cleanup

Products mentioned in this show: Germ Guardian Air Purifier, KOE- Kennel Odor Eliminator, Black and Decker Dustbuster.

Support the show

Love the show? Please share it with a pet parent living with chaos, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review so more people can get the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free Vet Bill Survival Kit

Please support the show!

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real pet parenting struggles with practical pet advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice and pet saving hacks for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easy, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households in balance. We share pet advice on pet budgeting, cat care, dog training tips, dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and home cleaning with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro