The Dog Who Asked for More: Understanding Life With Your Dog Beyond Dog Training and Behavior · Episode 145 · January 26, 2026 · 8 min
Why Your Dog Gets Harder to Live With During the Winter | Dog Behavior
Walks get shorter. Sidewalks get icy. Your dog looks at the front door like absolutely not. And suddenly they're pacing, barking, spinning, or bouncing off the walls, and you're left wondering if you're doing something wrong. In this episode, Em talks about what's actually happening when dogs get more wound up in the winter months, using her own experience with Fitz spiraling into barking fits and torn-up couch cushions before she understood what he really needed. It wasn't more walks. It was enrichment: mental stimulation that gives a dog somewhere to put all that built-up energy when the weather won't cooperate. You'll hear: Why walks aren't the only thing that meets a dog's needs in winter Simple sniff-based and chewing activities that help dogs regulate indoors How to recognize when pacing or whining is communication, not misbehavior Press play if winter has felt heavier than it should for you and your dog, and you're ready for a different way through it. 🐾 Help Us Hit the Road We're raising money to take this podcast on the road — an RV, a microphone, and 20 years of experience coming to you. 👉 https://tinyurl.com/fuelthepodcast Shop What Em Uses with Fitz & Toby Enrichment tools, nutrition support, and daily essentials — all in one place. 👉 thedogwhoaskedformore.myshopdot.com Free Enrichment Guide Simple, low-pressure enrichment ideas to help your dog feel calmer and more fulfilled. 👉 https://tinyurl.com/livingwiththedoginfrontofyou Free 15-Minute Clarity Call Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? Book a short call, and we'll talk through what's going on. 👉 https://thedogwhoaskedformore.hbportal.co/schedule/668856198dc476001953809b Questions 📧 [email protected] This podcast explores life with dogs, dog behavior, dog behavior problems, dog obedience, dog anxiety, reactive dogs, dog reactivity, and dog training. It's for the dog community navigating overwhelm, guilt, burnout, and self-doubt while struggling to keep up with a dog who asks for more. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog food, dog enrichment, dog body language, dog communication, emotional healing, self-trust, personal growth, and finding real relief in the connection you have with your dog. Whether you're raising a reactive dog, feeling discouraged, or simply trying to better understand your dog and yourself, this podcast helps you create a calmer life together and strengthen the bond that changes both of you. We're now building to take this conversation on the road, bringing honest support directly to dog parents around the world. Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to purchase, it helps support the podcast and the RV tour.