KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Local dog trainer Denise Mazzola joined Dan Mitchell this past Saturday on WKBK Radio for the monthly “Ask the Trainer” program, sharing practical advice for keeping dogs happy, healthy, and well-behaved during winter storms.

During the open-mic show, Mazzola and Mitchell discussed the challenges pets face when cold weather disrupts their routines. Mazzola, of Everything Dog, a reactive dog training business, emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency, even when snow and ice make walks difficult. She shared how she keeps her own dogs’ routines intact, sometimes taking them for drives instead of outdoor walks to reduce stress and behavioral issues.

“Dogs respond to changes in their environment differently,” Mazzola said. “Some get anxious and hide, while others become more excitable. Recognizing those stress signals is key to helping them adjust.”

Mazzola and her partner, Amy, have spent the past year traveling along the East Coast in their RV, accompanied by their two dogs, Gio and Minty. Until then, Mazzola would visit the WKBK studio each month for her interview with Mitchell; now, she calls in to highlight her latest topic.

Listeners called in with a variety of questions. One asked how to stop a dog from jumping on guests. Mazzola recommended environmental management, such as using crates, baby gates, or a 6-foot leash with timed “crate timeouts,” combined with providing chew toys to reinforce calm behavior.

Another caller sought advice for a dog experiencing car sickness. Mazzola suggested consulting a veterinarian about calming medications like Gabapentin and preparing dogs for trips by making car rides low-stress experiences, including using calming music and safe chew items.

The conversation also touched on adopting older dogs and managing selective behaviors, like a dog who jumps on one person but not another. Mazzola stressed consistency, clear boundaries, and patience when training new or older dogs.

Listen to the full interview: