What if your dog isn’t “difficult” or “stubborn” — but anxious, overwhelmed, and trying their best?

In this episode of Shy Dog Diaries, I sit down with board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda to talk about what’s really going on behind fear-based behaviors in dogs — and how we can truly help them thrive.

Dr. Sueda explains what a veterinary behaviorist does, how anxiety can show up as fear, reactivity, or shutdown, and techniques for helping fearful dogs improve. Together, we explore desensitization and counter-conditioning, trigger stacking, rest days, latent learning, and the often-misunderstood role of behavior medications.

Using my dog Nessie as a real-life example, this conversation offers hope for guardians of fearful and anxious dogs — especially rescue dogs who missed early socialization windows. We talk about why guilt is common but misplaced, why medication is not a failure, and how helping an anxious dog can change both ends of the leash.

If you’ve ever felt alone, judged, or overwhelmed while loving an anxious dog, this episode is for you.

Connect with our guest, Dr Karen Sueda

Website: https://ksvetbehavior.com

Connect with Shy Dog Diaries

Instagram: @shydogdiaries

Email: pod@shydogdiaries.com

In this episode, I’m joined by certified dog trainer and behavior consultant Genie Tuttle of Dog Genie to talk about helping shy and anxious dogs build confidence.

Together, we revisit Nessie’s early training days and explore how choice and agency play a powerful role in behavior work. We also talk about how nose work and scent-based enrichment can transform fear into curiosity, giving sensitive dogs a way to engage with the world on their own terms.

This is a warm, hopeful conversation for anyone navigating life with a “big-feelings” dog — and for those looking for compassionate, practical ways to help their dogs feel safer and more confident.

Connect with our guest, Genie Tuttle

Website: https://doggenie.com

Instagram: @doggenie

Connect with Shy Dog Diaries

Instagram: @shydogdiaries

Email: pod@shydogdiaries.com

In this very first episode, I introduce you to Shy Dog Diaries — a podcast about living with, training, and celebrating dogs who see the world a little differently.

You’ll hear the story of my rescue dog Nessie, how she inspired this project, and what you can expect from future episodes:

• Real stories about anxious and sensitive dogs
• Expert interviews and lived experiences
• Training insights and positive reinforcement tips
• Funny hacks and heartwarming moments

This podcast is for anyone who has ever loved a dog with big feelings — and wondered how to support them while also celebrating the joy they bring.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I can’t wait to share more with you!

Connect with Shy Dog Diaries

Instagram: @shydogdiaries

Email: pod@shydogdiaries.com