Podcast #1 April

The speaker introduces their podcast, "The Dog Enthusiast," and their guest, April Joyner. They discuss the number of dogs they have acquired and their foster dog. They joke about getting government help for their dogs. They talk about their favorite dogs and their unique characteristics. The speaker also discusses their work in dog training and behavior modification. They find joy in helping owners and dogs overcome behavioral issues and improve their lives. They emphasize the importance of understanding and working with a dog's behavior. They mention the impact dogs can have on daily life and the relief that comes from successfully training a dog. They highlight the importance of building confidence in both the dog and the owner. Alright, so this is our first episode of the Dog Enthusiast. Yes. Did you just create your own echo? I did. So my guest is April Joyner. Oh, we have to do the whole government name thing? Well, that's your name. Do you want a different name? Yes. Like what? How about just April? My first guest this evening is just April. Is that better? You're rude. Again. I'm standing by what I said. Alright, so this is about dogs. So we should talk about dogs. Do you want to start with our own dogs? So we have, how many dogs are we up to now here? We've acquired. I came here with one who has since passed away. Acquired how many other dogs? How many do we have total? With the foster? Nine? Gwen is our foster from Contra Valley Paws for anybody that doesn't know. Yeah, because we have Triumph, Allie, Tipton, Zion, Jocko, Teddy, Peter, Cerberus, and Gwen. That's nine. We have many at the sanctuary. Shouldn't we be getting some kind of government help? What about like, what is it, like EBT card for dogs? Right. Can we get one of those? A stipend for our foster? Not even just foster, it's just dogs that we've acquired that other people, for one reason or another, didn't want or couldn't keep. Couldn't handle, yeah. We have, it's like the land of Doggy Mist that's over here. It is? What is it, what is that, the land of the broken toys or whatever? Yeah, that's here. Do you have a favorite? You do have favorites? Well, yeah, I mean, of course. If they said that they didn't have a favorite child, they'd be lying. I think probably Peter and Cerberus and Triumph. I love Jocko though, but mainly because nobody else loves Jocko. Everybody loves Jocko. Everybody knows Jocko. Until they have to live with Jocko, and then they're like, getting back. For those who don't know our dogs, Jocko is a, he's about a three-year-old Benji-type dog. He's a scallywag. Scallywag. Camp from Lady and the Tramp. Peter is a Boston Terrier Frenchie mix. Frosty. Frosty. He's a little beefcake, that's what he is. He has no genitalia, and we adopted him from Cassie's place, and they had pre-named him Peterless because of his lack of genitalia. And then who did you say, Cerberus? Cerberus is our Belgian Malinois puppy. He's about six months old. Developmentally disabled. Yeah. He's got an Elvis lip. It's not really a cleft lip. He doesn't have an Elvis lip. Yeah, he's got like a permanent Elvis. He looks like he's coming out of the grave. Thank you very much. You're a lovely audience. Let me get one of them dog biscuits. More like a zombie, which is where he got his name. I love his personality, though. He has a lot of personality. He's also a rescue. He's from Alley Mutts. Most of our dogs. We've got Tipton. Tipton is from Contra Valley Paws. Our foster Gwen is from Contra Valley Paws. Zion. Zion is from Alley Mutts. Jocko is just a street dog. Yeah. Yeah. He's an Alley. An Alley. Alley is an Alley dog. His name is not an Alley cat. She's an Alley husky. Yeah. She's a husky-cattle dog mix, if you could picture the energy there. And the shedding. We listed all of them, right? Didn't we? Right. Pretty much. Tipton, Triumph, Alley. Triumph was a dead dog. Teddy. We didn't talk about Teddy. Triumph was a dead dog. Puppy, actually, right? He was about four months old when you found him on the side of the road. Well, he was literally walking down the middle of the road. Lake Road. Very busy. With his jaw locked. But, yeah. And Teddy. Teddy was... Teddy's the only... Well, Zion and Teddy are the only purebreds that we have. Possibly third birth. Yeah. We're going to embark him, which is a DNA test. It's one of the top-rated ones for accuracy. A lot of these DNA tests, you see people come back with, like, 50 different breeds of what their dog is. Right? It's like, why did you have to pay $100 for that? I could look at your dog and name off, like, 20 dogs that your dog could possibly be. I'd do it for 50. It's fine. I mean, that is... The Rhodesian Blue Cactus. That's what... Or, you know, if you're... Short hair. If you're from any of the, you know, rescue areas, always got a Pit Bull Terrier mix in there somewhere. So, let's talk about your love for dogs. Did you always love dogs, or was this something that was acquired? Like... Wasn't it acquired taste? Well, I mean, to this magnitude? Yeah. Now, I grew up with dogs. We always had dogs. I think the very first dog I ever had was a Benji dog. He literally was named Benji. And looked like Benji from, like, the show. Actually, I think the first... My mom had a dog, a Missy. Teeny tiny little Yorkshire Terrier, I think. But, yeah, we always grew up with dogs. Dogs and cats in their own... Did you ever think that you'd own as many dogs as you do, apparently? No. That's negative. Did you ever aspire to be a zoo caretaker? Actually, I've had a lot of different kinds of animals. A little menagerie, but I did not think that we would have a sanctuary or controlled chaos. With the dog training, do you like working with the dog community? Yeah, I do. Yeah, I do. I think seeing that moment of both the dog figuring it out and getting the communication and what, you know, like, that aha moment and the owner, that moment of I can do this or the... Maybe that's not the right word. The happiness, that bond where it starts building and it's easier for them and more enjoyable. It's really nice to see. But that aha moment for the dog is, I think, my favorite type of thing. And behavior, I think, is the most interesting part. And it's the most useful part. Obedient stuff, that's great. And it definitely has its, you know, place in even the behavior part. But the behavior itself, being able to change that, you know, changes the dog's life, changes the owner's life, keeps the dog from being put down, potentially. That, to me, is the most interesting part. So what would you say inspires you? What's inspiring about it? Right, like what's inspiring, what's motivating, what's... I think just the actual change. You go to a house and, obviously, the owner loves their animal, of course. They wouldn't be getting training or trying to get help for the issue if they didn't. But there's that level of stress and anxiety on both ends that is just, even though they love them, it's just not comfortable. It's very, a heightened atmosphere. And to see that go from, I love this dog but I'm going to have to get rid of it because X, Y, Z. Jumping on my kids or it's knocked down my elderly parent or I just can't deal with it ripping everything up. Whatever the issue is, you know, that they've reached that point where they're like, I love this animal and I don't want to get rid of him. But to see that change of them being so happy, we've had clients that have been so happy they're in tears and say that this is life-changing because you're able to give them coping mechanisms or workarounds or whatever it is that you want to say or completely change that dog's behavior. I think that's the most inspiring thing. You know, it's crazy because think of dogs as just dogs and you never really think about how much of an impact they have on your daily life, your daily routine. Lifespan, the average, is about 10 years. So that's a decade that you're dedicated to this animal and its behavioral issues if you don't know how to change them. And if they even are able to be changed, sometimes they're not. You know, when we're talking genetics, sometimes it's learning the limitations of that dog or how to work around them. Sometimes those limitations, they can have a big impact on you, your routine, and your family's routine. Being able to take that weight off some of these families, again, it's not every single dog that is, quote, you know, fixable. Right. Sometimes it's just a coping mechanism. Right. That's not all you need. It really can change your whole life or your family dynamic. You know, just knowing what to do in certain situations and how to handle things and understanding the behavior that your dog is exhibiting and what you can do, like, on the spot and then what you can work on to improve how your dog's going to respond and react to things in its surrounding. I don't want to get too in-depth in that right now, but it is very detailed a lot of times. But it's also little simple things that you just might need somebody else to kind of point that out and you'd be like, wow, why didn't I think of that? Like, that makes so much sense. It's so much easier. Right. But, yeah, I mean, that's definitely one of my favorite things, too, is helping people and seeing that change and that relief people get. And then the joy after that. Right. Yeah, pulling me down the road. Right, little things that they couldn't do with them that they can now. And some of them just the comfort, like, just to give them that this is normal, this is okay, you know. We've had ones that were terrified to walk their dog down the street because they may see another dog and be reactive or see a cat and take off and just, like, didn't want to walk their dog because they were terrified. And then once, you know, you take them and you show them that it's going to be okay and here's what you do and here's the tools you can use and then they can walk their dog and they're just like that relief, that anxiety is gone. Because we had one that, I mean, you could literally see her just like, you know. Like as soon as she was going out. But then once the dog is trained to know what is acceptable and not acceptable, then she was confident. And sometimes that is a lot of it, is not just the dog's confidence but the owner's confidence. Definitely. Getting that training for not just the dog but their training. I think more times than not that's exactly what it is, the owner just having the confidence in what they're doing and how they're handling the situations with their dog. Right. And sometimes it's just taking that professional to tell them, this is how you're doing it. Or let's change this one thing, but you know what, you got this. Like giving them the tools they need and that, you know, which in turn gives them the confidence that they need. Those are the kind of things that inspire me about that or that motivate or intrigue or interest me about the dog training. So tell, well, explain what you primarily do for the business for Love and Leashes. The background, some people aren't really. People see you for the consultations. Right. You deal with all the financial aspects of the business. Right. The photography. You're head of logistics. Yes, head of logistics. I help with photography and video. I am a second pair of hands. I do help out with some of the aggressive cases where we need more than one person. I mean, really, I'm just a wrangler. So consults are probably for me, they're probably one of my hardest things actually is first meeting people and their dogs. I'm always worried about that first impression that I'm going to give off because I'm very quiet at first, very shy at first. At first. People want to believe that. They see me on social media or whatever, but it's a lot different when people are right in front of you, you know. Not me. Not me. Consults are very difficult for me. And just going into strangers' houses. You don't know these people. You don't know the dogs. And so for me, it can be a little nerve wracking. I'm always never comfortable at first. Not me. Hey, y'all. How are you doing? So what do y'all need? Let's talk about this. I don't have a problem with that. Although there has been some cases that were just a little like, um, I'm not sure about this one. I've had the dog, big person, house, I don't know. There have been a few. But for the most part, it doesn't bother me. For the most part, we get some awesome clientele. We've had some really good owners, real responsible, trying to do the right thing. Very caring dog. And as far as the dogs, we've had some really cool dogs come through, too. Very smart. A lot of the purebreds, it's awesome to see, too. Because just the genetics are a lot different than with rescues. Not to knock rescue dogs. We have a house full of those, too. There is a difference. But yes, there is. The way that they learn. You really see the genetic shine when it's 100% that breed. Especially when they're in their lane. When they're doing what they've been bred for. That's really neat to see. It is. And that's one of the reasons why I have both my working shepherds. I have a Dutch shepherd. Both? Both of them. I have both, don't you know? That's a little Yankee coming out there. That's why I have both. Is that better? That's why I have both my Dutch shepherds. Just let it pass. Okay, just because we have the pop screens doesn't mean we need this thing. We don't have autotaming. Where's T-Pain when you need him? I'm veering off topic now, so I have to bring it back around. So that's why I have both my Dutch shepherd and my Belgian Malinois. Two protections for it. I still think Teddy should go. He's herding breed. Yoda there caught that guy out in Pennsylvania. Oh, yeah, that escaped combat. Right. Yoda the Malinois. Malinois Yoda. Huh? Yoda. That's a weird name for a Malinois. Bottomated? Bite you, I might. Do or do not. There is no try. Teddy, stop eating that. It's not edible. I'm eating it just fine. That's coming out in the poop later. Polyfill. It's like Build-A-Bear in reverse. Oh, no. Teddy, Teddy. Teddy is one of our purebreds, speaking of. He is a toy Australian shepherd. Genetics do not always follow. He always looks like he's angry. Does anybody else have Australian shepherds? They always look like they're angry, especially the minis and the toy. I don't know what it is. With his missing eyebrow. The marking, yeah. When he first came here, there's a little story about dog intros. When he first came here, he learned the hard way not to mess with Allie, our cattle dog, husky mix. He pushed her a little too far, and she snapped. Teddy looked at us, and he was missing his eyebrow. She snatched his eyebrow. He ripped it right off like it was Velcro. He looked like vanilla ice. I don't know. He had a permanent wink or something going on for a minute there. It grew back, though. Yeah, about the time when he started wanting to test it again. Him and Allie, I guess. I don't think he's tried her, not in that way, since I think he learned his lesson. But I love Teddy. I'm grateful for him and his laughs that he gives us with all his... With his Fabio hair. Craziness. But he's so vain. He's a mirror image, and he's like, yes. So sexy. You talked about what you do here, how your love for dogs started since your childhood and your family dogs. Tell us about, let's see. Not a lot. Do you have hobbies? Do you have things? Hobbies? Tell people what you like to do for fun. This is getting personal. I didn't agree to this. Do you like long walks on a beach? I do. The beach is about eight hours away. What is your sign? Aquarius. Aquarius. You had to do it with that echo that you had in the beginning. Aquarius. No, I mean, there's no time for anything. But I love photography. I mean, my dad was a photographer, and he did the old school, developed it, and the whole nine yards. And it was really interesting, and it's something I've always been interested in. I really like. I don't know. I think it's the perspective thing that you can see from behind the lens. And I'm not really in the limelight or in the spotlight kind of person. So, I like behind the lens, and I like people watching and that sort of thing. I'm just saying. That did come out kind of creepy. I enjoy seeing people's interactions and how they react to things and moments. I don't know. That's always been interesting. Let's go back over to the focus of the dogs. The dog enthusiasts. Yes. Do you have a favorite breed? I don't really. No, not really. How about temperament? Do you have a favorite temperament in a dog? Yes, I like active dogs. They're cute, and they're cool, and they're fun and all that. Especially Cerberus, where he's doing his thing. Zion doing their thing. That's cool. My favorite dog, though, is one that will cuddle and take a nap with me. I can tell you how boring I am. Gwen's got to be one of your favorites, then, because she likes doing that. Yes, she does. She does. She's a good snuggler. But she doesn't let me read my book. I think Peter's probably the best, because he lays across the back of my legs and lets me read. Do you like the couch potatoes? I do. I mean, I like them to be active and want to go out when I want to do something, but I also like them to be able to settle. Yes, I like the little love bugs, the snugglers. I don't like the invasive ones. Ally, bye-bye. Face invader. In your face. She'll literally just come put her face in your face and stare. It's awkward. Just stare forever until you get up and walk away. Like, you have to be the one to get up and walk away. Like, all right, I'm done. She's very Napoleon Dynamite. Peter's all up in Teddy's booty. Trying to see what he had for dinner. That's my sock. Let's put Peter up by the mic. There you go. He's a very good interviewer. He said no comment. So, Peter, who should be our next president? Are you just going to stare at me? He said no comment. You got to get closer to the mic, Peter. Oh, okay. All right, thank you for your time, sir. Bye-bye. Okay, bye. Bye-bye now. So, when we talk about love unleashes, and our focus will be shifting this fall as to, you know, what we're doing. We're going to go more on the behavioral end of things. Yeah, I'm excited about that. But where – I can't with these dogs. Every time I look over to my right. He's just got both of your hands up. Yeah. It's not cotton candy. That's it. No. No. Oh, my goodness. We're almost done. We have about like 10 more minutes, and I think we're going to wrap this up. I feel like it's – we're going to – Evolved. Evolved. Is that the opposite of evolved? Yes, it is. Wow. Got it right. Word for the day. Evolved. Jesus. This podcast is devolved quickly. Can you spell it, please? No. De-evolved. Yeah, that's what spellcheck is for. What's a synonym? A synonym? Another word that can mean the same thing? No, for devolved. Oh. Deconstruct. Implode. Can you relate devolved to dog training? Devolved to dog training? Yes. No. No, I cannot. Let me give it a try. You tell me if I have it right or not. Okay. So, like, if you don't spend the time to train your dog, their mental state will devolve. Kind of. More like degrade. Yeah, the deeper. The situation could devolve quickly. The situation. Into chaos. I'm just thinking out loud. She's always thinking out loud. I talk to myself all the time. It's kind of crazy. A lot. Yeah. Just me telling myself to be quiet, not April. What? Not you? Shh. I wasn't talking to you. Gosh. All right. I mean, is there anything that you feel that you would want to put out there to the world? This is the first podcast. You are my first guest. I think the one thing that if everybody, if we could just work towards best interest of the animal and not against each other or for pats on the back or the glory or the whatever. I mean, I'm really big into glory. I'm a huge Karate Kid fan, so I kind of, I do a lot for the glory. I will fight for your honor. You can fight for somebody's honor, but you're not supposed to take the glory for it. I'll be the... You're not. This is about to devolve into another singing session. No, I have the pick wick twin triplet thing, the patter song going in my head from that. Strike fast. Strike hard. Strike first. It's one of those. Just don't strike out. There's no crying in pitfall. So tired. We did this pretty late. Literally just hooked it up and was like, let's do our first podcast. Done. Right? We did it. We did. Yes. Oh, yeah. You're heavy sighing. All right. Well, I guess we've come to the end of our podcast. It devolved. Thank you for being my first guest. You're welcome. It will evolve. It can go nowhere but up from here. As we get more guests. I'm sure there will be much more interesting guests. All right. Peace out. Cub Scout. Mic drop.