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Tails and Tones

Tails and Tones

Written by: Mariska Nell
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Helpful tips, heart-warming tales, and honest reviews for the busy dog parent, with our first product launching in Q1 2026! (Elevated food and water station) Be First to See Our First Product, an elevated bowl - Join the wait list here https://tailsandtoneselevated.carrd.co/ After struggling to find sustainable, well-designed options for her own pup, and digging deep into the pet industry during her Master’s in Sustainable Design, Mariska realized she was searching for products that simply didn’t exist. She realized that if these products didn’t exist yet, maybe it was her turn to help bring them to life. That mission sparked both the upcoming product line and the creation of Tails & Tones. Being a dog mom is the best, but let’s be real, it can also be confusing, messy, and a little lonely sometimes. That’s why the podcast was born: a warm, practical corner of the internet for intentional, busy dog parents. Every second Friday, host Mariska (fellow dog parent, dog-obsessed human, and sustainability-driven designer) delivers short, soulful episodes filled with dog-care tips, honest product reviews, inspiring stories, and real-life advice you can actually use. And now the next chapter begins: Our very first Tails & Tones product launches May 2026! Thoughtfully designed, sustainability-led, and made for modern dog parents like you. Alongside the elevated food & water station, we currently have three additional products in R&D, all created with the same intentional, sustainable approach. Be the first to know when our first product go live, join the waitlist here https://tailsandtoneselevated.carrd.co/ Listen on your favorite podcast app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or anywhere you tune in. You can also subscribe directly at https://tailsandtones.com/listen If something in the show speaks to you, or you know a fellow dog parent who’d love it, please share it and leave a review on https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/tails-and-tones-6086657 Got questions or just want to say hi? I’m always around on Instagram @tailsandtones Where every tail tells a story, and every tone speaks from the heart. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tailsandtones/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tailsandtones Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TailsandTones Website: https://www.TailsandTones.comCopyright 2026 Mariska Nell
Episodes
  • 35: Understanding Dog Behavior, The Hidden Link Between Pain, Emotions & Reactivity with Dr Julie Ashton

    35: Understanding Dog Behavior, The Hidden Link Between Pain, Emotions & Reactivity with Dr Julie Ashton
    May 1 2026
    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Julie Ashton, an ABTC-certified veterinary behaviorist, to unpack what’s really going on behind common dog behavior challenges, from reactivity and anxiety to sudden changes like house accidents or obsessive ball play. We explore the powerful connection between physical health, emotional wellbeing, and behavior, and why many issues are often misunderstood as “bad behavior” rather than signs of stress, fear, or even pain. This conversation is packed with practical, science-backed insights to help dog parents better understand their pets, avoid common mistakes, and build a calmer, more supportive environment for their dogs.Guest Bio:Our guest today is Dr. Julie Ashton, an ABTC-certified Veterinary Behaviourist who helps dogs and cats with complex behavioural challenges. Julie discovered her passion for behaviour while studying at Bristol Vet School, where she graduated in 2009 as both a veterinarian and with a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. After working in London and later Sydney, she now runs her behaviour practice from rural Essex, supporting pet owners through referral behaviour consultations both online and in person.Takeaways:Behavior problems are often rooted in pain, fear, or emotional distress, not disobedienceAlways rule out medical issues first when behavior changes suddenlyReactivity is a symptom, not a diagnosis, understanding the cause is keyOverexposure to fears (like forcing socialization) can make anxiety worseProper play should include balance, breaks, and mutual engagementHigh-arousal activities (like excessive ball play) can increase stress and physical strainDogs need rest, structure, and safe environments to regulate behaviorEarly puppy socialization (done correctly) is critical for long-term behaviorMany “bad behaviors” are actually dogs struggling, not misbehavingRelevant links mentioned in the episode:Life on four legs vet: Instagram / Facebook / WebsiteReview the podcast on PodchaserSign up to our Tails and Tones newsletter hereSign up to our Tails and Tones waiting list for our first product, Élevé (Elevated Food System) hereFind Tails and Tones on our socials: Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / LinkedIn / WebsiteTimestamps to relevant points within the episode:[00:00]-Intro[04:08] The biggest misconception about dog behavior[07:26] What “reactivity” actually means[09:54] Why sudden behavior changes = check health first[14:30] The #1 mistake dog owners make with anxious dogs[18:12] Why play can turn into aggression[23:59] Obsession with ball play explained[28:39] Why dogs suddenly pee inside the house[35:26] Why behavior changes should always be checked by a vet[41:07] How to prevent behavior problems in puppies[46:24] “They’re not giving you a hard time…” mindset shift
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    52 mins
  • 34: If I Got a Puppy Tomorrow, I’d Do THIS Differently

    34: If I Got a Puppy Tomorrow, I’d Do THIS Differently
    Apr 17 2026

    Our French Bulldog, Piper is almost six. And looking back, there's a list of things Mariska would do differently from day one. In this solo episode, she shares everything, the daily routines, the health habits, the equipment, and the medical prep, that she wishes someone had told her before Piper came home.

    Takeaways:
    • Why a consistent daily rhythm matters more than any individual training technique
    • The feeding setup most owners miss, and why how your dog eats matters as much as what they eat
    • Teeth cleaning alternatives when brushing just isn't happening (drops, foam, enzymes)
    • How to get your dog comfortable taking medicine, the cheese ball method and the decoy trick
    • Why you should introduce shoes, ramps, and strollers before you ever need them
    • The midday rest most dog parents skip, and why it changes everything
    • The non-negotiables Mariska would never go without

    Relevant links mentioned in the episode:
    • Enzyme tooth gel, dental drops, dental foam that we use or ask your vet or local pet store
    • Frenchie vs Everybody dental toppers
    • Episode 32: Why Your Dog Reacts with Mena Lopes
    • Episode 33: The Hidden Cause of Dog Allergies with Amanda Smith
    • Sign up to our Tails and Tones waiting list for our first product (Piper's Founders Pack, Elevated Food System) here
    • Sign up to our Tails and Tones newsletter here
    • Review the podcast on Podchaser
    • Find Tails and Tones on our socials: Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / LinkedIn / Website

    Timestamps to relevant points within the episode:

    [00:00] Intro + product update

    [02:18] Why routine is the foundation (and what causes anxiety in dogs)

    [03:20] The morning routine that sets your dog up for success

    [06:05] The feeding setup, how Piper’s physio changed everything

    [09:35] Dental health, the parent fail and what actually works

    [18:45] Getting your dog ready for medicine (before you actually need it)

    [25:10] Equipment habituation: shoes, ramps, harnesses, strollers

    [30:05] Midday rest, - why your dog might be overtired (not under-stimulated)

    [31:55] The afternoon sniff walk (“sniffari”) and why it matters

    [34:05] Evening routine and wind-down

    [35:50] What I’d never skip (the non-negotiables)

    [39:05] Outro
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    35 mins
  • 33: The Hidden Cause of Dog Allergies Most Owners Miss with Amanda Smith

    33: The Hidden Cause of Dog Allergies Most Owners Miss with Amanda Smith
    Apr 3 2026
    In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked root causes of common dog health issues: gut health. From itchy skin to ear infections and low energy, we explore how what goes into your dog’s bowl directly impacts their wellbeing. Joined by functional canine nutritionist Amanda Smith, we unpack simple, realistic ways to start improving your dog’s health without overwhelm.Guest Bio:Amanda Smith is a functional canine nutritionist with over 20 years of experience in the veterinary field. After working across multiple roles in clinical practice, she shifted her focus to nutrition and gut health. Today, she helps dog parents identify the root causes of health issues and guides them in transitioning from processed diets to more balanced, whole food approaches.Takeaways:The inside-out connection: most issues like itching, behavior changes, and immunity start in the gutIt’s not just “allergies”, signs like licking, stress, and even poop changes can point to gut imbalanceYou don’t need to overhaul everything, start by adding simple foods like sardines, eggs, and blueberriesRotation matters more than perfection when it comes to nutritionOverfeeding and lack of variety are some of the biggest mistakes dog parents makeTesting can give direction, but your dog’s behavior and stool already tell you a lotThere’s no one-size-fits-all, everything from food ratios to bowl setup should suit your dogRelevant links mentioned in the episode:Canine Gut Solutions: Instagram / Facebook / WebsiteAnimal Biome (gut health testing kit)Glacier Peak (pet intolerance test)Dr. Karen Becker & Rodney HabibReview the podcast on PodchaserSign up to our Tails and Tones newsletter hereSign up to our Tails and Tones waiting list for our first product (Elevated Food System) hereFind Tails and Tones on our socials: Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / LinkedIn / WebsiteTimestamps to relevant points within the episode:[00:00] - Intro and product update[02:28] - Meet Amanda Smith[03:14] - Amanda’s journey from vet tech to nutritionist[05:37] - Why dogs need whole, fresh foods[07:13] - Where to start without feeling overwhelmed[09:45] - Why gut health is the root of many issues[11:04] - Gut testing and how it works[13:44] - Signs your dog has gut imbalance[15:13] - The “poop police” discussion[16:15] - Common feeding mistakes[19:22] - Easy ways to upgrade your dog’s bowl[22:32] - Keeping it simple and realistic[25:50] - Bowl height and posture[30:52] - Preparing for allergy season[32:51] - What improvements look like[35:42] - First steps to take today
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    44 mins
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