Join Kari Solberg, a dedicated dog trainer with over 12 years of experience and a deep passion for the life lessons our dogs can teach us. Each episode dives in...
On Trusting Your Gut : Knowing When to Listen and When to Lead
Have you ever ignored that nagging feeling in your gut, only to realize later that you should have listened? I’ve been there—especially in my work with dogs.In this episode, I’m sharing a pivotal moment when I handed over the leash, trusting a professional’s expertise over my own instincts. I stood there, watching my dog struggle, feeling deep down that something wasn’t right. And when I finally stepped in, I realized something big: trusting yourself isn’t just important—it’s necessary.We’re diving into the moments that challenge our confidence, the times we let outside voices override what we know to be true, and how learning to trust ourselves—whether with dogs, relationships, or big life decisions—can change everything.Because sometimes, the best guide you have… is you.🔹 Why ignoring your intuition comes at a cost🔹 How trusting your gut can lead to better decisions🔹 What dogs teach us about making choices with confidenceIf you’ve ever struggled with second-guessing yourself, this episode is for you. Tune in and let’s talk about the power of listening to that quiet, internal voice that already knows the way.🐾 Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Life Lessons from Dog. Your support helps more dog lovers find the podcast.🎧 Listen & Follow: pod.link/1792032288📲 Join the conversation on BlueSky and Tiktok: @lifelessonsfromdog
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11:32
Beyond Goodbye: What Grief Teaches Us About Love and Letting Go
Grief is one of life's hardest teachers, but if we allow it, it can be one of the most profound. In this episode, Kari reflects on the loss of her mother and the many things she has said goodbye to throughout her life and career. From personal pets to behavioral euthanasia cases, she shares how each loss has shaped her understanding of grief, love, and the difficult choices we sometimes have to make. Through the story of CeeBee--a dog whose struggles could not be overcome despite months of training--Kari explores the painful yet necessary reality of knowing when to let go. She unpacks how the lessons learned through grieving dogs have given her perspective on loss in all its forms, from the passing of a loved one to the loss of relationships, jobs, and life chapters. If you've ever struggled to process loss or wondered how to navigate grief in a way that fosters healing, this episode is for you. Join Kari as she explores how love and loss are intertwined--and how, in the end, grief is simply the cost of having loved deeply.
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14:21
Facing the Fight: How Dogs Handle Conflict (and Why We Should Too)
Conflict is uncomfortable--but avoiding it doesn't make it go away. In fact, it often makes things worse. As a recovering people pleaser, Kari knows this struggle firsthand. But through her work with dogs, she's learned that conflict isn't something to fear--its something to navigate with clarity, just like our dogs do. In this episode, Kari breaks down how dogs handle conflict naturally--whether its a quick correction, a boundary-setting moment, or a disagreement that leads to separation. She explores what happens when conflict is left unresolved and how avoiding it only escalates tension, both in our relationships with dogs and in our lives. If you've ever struggled with confrontation, held back from saying what needed to be said, or found yourself avoiding difficult conversations, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how facing conflict head-on can actually bring more peace, not less--just like it does in the canine world.
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16:26
Overcoming the Overflow : Learning to Manage Energy
In this episode, Kari takes you back to the Training Cesar's Way workshop in Santa Clarita, California where she and her dog Buddy faced one of their greatest challenges yet. Grappling with her newfound sensitivity to energy, Kari shares the powerful lessons she learned about anxiety, and the art of energy management--both in herself and in her dogs. Through a vivid recount of her experience with Buddy, Kari reflects on how the energy we carry can shape our actions, our relationships, and our ability to lead. Discover how moments of discomfort and resistance can open the door do transformation, and how the lessons our dogs teach us can ripple in to every area of our lives.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the energy around you--or struggled to guide your dog through their own challenges--this episode is for you. Tune in to explore how to create balance, move through fear, and lead with calm and confidence. This episode touches on mental health challenges. If you are struggling, here are some resources to reach out to for support. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.)📞 Call or Text 988 | 988lifeline.org A 24/7, free, and confidential support service for anyone in distress, with crisis counselors available nationwide. Crisis Text Line📱 Text HOME to 741741 | www.crisistextline.org A free, 24/7 text-based mental health support service connecting people with trained crisis counselors. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Helpline📞 Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) | www.nami.org/help Offers free support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. SAMHSA’s National Helpline (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration)📞 Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) | www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline A confidential, free, 24/7 helpline providing treatment referrals and information for mental health and substance use disorders.
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14:46
On Boundaries: Protecting Your Space, Finding Your Strength
Boundaries can be one of the hardest lessons to learn, but they're also one of the most transformative. In this episode, Kari shares how her dog Crosby became a subtle, persistent teacher in the art of boundary setting. From navigating his pushy behavior to redefining their relationship, Kari reflects on how the lessons she learned with Crosby helped her build healthier, more fulfilling connections with the people in her life. If you've ever struggled to advocate for yourself, maintain healthy relationships, or recognize where your boundaries are being tested this episode is for you. Discover how the lessons we learn from our dogs can unlock the strength to hold space for ourselves and the people we love. Listen in to explore how boundaries aren't about control--they're about creating balance, protecting your energy, and finding the courage to live authentically.
Join Kari Solberg, a dedicated dog trainer with over 12 years of experience and a deep passion for the life lessons our dogs can teach us. Each episode dives into Kari's journey--from fostering rescue dogs to owning a boarding, training, and daycare facility--and explores the profound connections between the lessons we learn from our dogs and the way we navigate our lives.
Through heartfelt stories, practical insights, and transformative moments, Kari invites you to reflect on patience, trust, resilience, and the courage to step into the unknown.