If your dog shakes through fireworks or hides during thunderstorms, you are not alone. In this ProblemSolvHer holiday special, Chloe and Dagmar bring back master dog trainer Jeff Nelson of Palm Beach Dog Academy to talk about dogs, holidays, fireworks, and how to keep everyone calmer – including you. You’ll hear simple, practical ways to prepare your dog before the chaos hits, what to do when you’re caught off guard, and how your energy as a dog mom shapes your dog’s behavior. Think of it as nervous-system regulation… for both species. Topics We Cover: Dogs and holiday stress: what’s really happening How to prepare your dog for fireworks in advance Using sound (and YouTube) to desensitize your dog A simple “metal bowl” test for noise sensitivity What your dog’s “guilty look” actually means Why consistency beats “hoping for the best” Crate training and house training during the holidays Thunderstorms, leashes, and keeping control Guest etiquette: how people should greet your dog Dangerous holiday foods and what to avoid In this episode, you’ll hear: The difference between proactive and reactive dog parenting How your stress level directly affects your dog’s behavior Why rewarding fear makes anxiety worse (and what to do instead) Jeff’s favorite “leave it” and “place” commands for busy homes Why calm, steady communication builds canine confidence Timestamps & Chapter: 00:00 Intro & holiday check-in 01:25 How holidays and fireworks impact pets 03:40 Preparing your dog for fireworks with sound training 08:10 The metal-bowl test: is your dog noise-sensitive? 11:20 Desensitizing fearful dogs with obedience + noise 13:40 Thunderstorms, leashes, and staying calm yourself 17:30 Giving yourself grace as a pet parent 24:20 “Guilty” dogs, house accidents, and timing 28:50 Crate training and house training in two weeks 33:10 Phones, leashes, and safety on walks 36:10 Calm breeds, herding breeds, and anxiety 40:10 Dog-proofing your home for the holidays 42:30 Holiday food safety: chocolate, grapes, and more 44:20 Final tips: rewarding calm & bringing calm energy Podcast Guest: Jeff Nelson is a master dog trainer and founder of Palm Beach Dog Academy. You can find Jeff on Instagram at @muttsandjeff and on TikTok at @DogTrainingMastery. 🔎 Resources ✨ Create meaning & monetize your purpose . 🌸 Reinvent yourself & own your voice . 🌺 The Reinvention Blueprint “How did I get here — and what’s next?” this ProblemSolvHer mini-guide was made for you. Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It reflects personal experiences and opinions, and is not intended as medical, mental health, legal, or financial advice. Please consult a licensed professional for advice specific to your circumstances. 💫 Connect with us: 📲 DM us on Instagram: @problemsolvher 👉 Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@problemsolvher 👉 Visit our website: problemsolvher.com 👉 Email us:
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