unPACKed

Episode 24: Training Touchbase (Stranger Danger)

Welcome to unPACKed, an open-minded podcast taking a clinical, *not political*, approach to help pet parents around the world. Join Sailor Jerri and Mattison, certified trainers and canine behavior experts with a combined 3 decades of experience in behavioral dog training.
 
This episode is a Training Touchbase with the trainer who donated 4 weeks of daily training to one of our guests. 
In this episode, we're talking with Kirsten of The Canine Detective about the process of working through Stella's plan with Grace real-time over several weeks of daily virtual training. 
 
To apply for a live unpacking, see photos of the dogs featured in this episode, or read full episode transcripts, visit us at www.unpacked.stream and connect with us on Instagram @unpacked.stream.
 
unPACKed was created by Jerri Scherff and Mattison Skoog-Simpson, and edited and produced by Mattison Skoog-Simpson.  Visual design by Mattison Skoog-Simpson and theme music by Oleksandr Stepanov.

Episode 23: Trigger Stacking in the City (Ruth & Corn)

Welcome to unPACKed, an open-minded podcast taking a clinical, *not political*, approach to help pet parents around the world. Join Sailor Jerri and Mattison, certified trainers and canine behavior experts with a combined 3 decades of experience in behavioral dog training.
 
In this episode, Ruth shares her journey with Corn, a reactive rescue navigating life in downtown Toronto. While they've made great progress, unpredictable triggers like off-leash dogs and strangers continue to challenge them.
We explore how environmental stress, trigger stacking, and nervous system regulation impact behavior—and how shifting from obedience to emotional support can open new doors. Ruth is ready to reframe her approach, reduce tool reliance, and build patterns that boost Corn’s confidence.
A thoughtful, practical conversation for anyone supporting a reactive dog in a busy world.
Come back next month for a brand new episode, and later this year we'll check back in with Ruth to get an update on her training journey.
 
To apply for a live unpacking, see photos of the dogs featured in this episode, or read full episode transcripts, visit us at www.unpacked.stream and connect with us on Instagram @unpacked.stream.
 
unPACKed was created by Jerri Scherff and Mattison Skoog-Simpson, and edited and produced by Mattison Skoog-Simpson.  Visual design by Mattison Skoog-Simpson and theme music by Oleksandr Stepanov.

Episode 22: Stuck in Management Mode (Emma, Galaxy & Bounty)

Welcome to unPACKed, an open-minded podcast taking a clinical, *not political*, approach to help pet parents around the world. Join Sailor Jerri and Mattison, certified trainers and canine behavior experts with a combined 3 decades of experience in behavioral dog training.
 
In this episode, we sit down with Emma to discuss her two rescue dogs, Bounty and Galaxy, and their challenges with reactivity and fear. After relocating to Kuwait, Bounty’s triggers—bikers, cars, and strangers—have intensified, while Galaxy remains unpredictable in her confidence. Emma shares her struggles with training in a high-stimulation environment and managing two dogs at once.
Mattison and Jerri explore the importance of shifting from overanalyzing triggers to focusing on practical solutions. They break down the difference between management and modification, emphasize the role of structured training, and discuss how small, consistent changes can make a big impact. This episode is all about reframing how we approach reactivity and finding a path forward.
Come back next month for another new case and LIVE unpacking, and later this year we'll check back in with Emma to get an update on her training journey.
 
 
To apply for a live unpacking, see photos of the dogs featured in this episode, or read full episode transcripts, visit us at www.unpacked.stream and connect with us on Instagram @unpacked.stream.
 
unPACKed was created by Jerri Scherff and Mattison Skoog-Simpson, and edited and produced by Mattison Skoog-Simpson.  Visual design by Mattison Skoog-Simpson and theme music by Oleksandr Stepanov.

Episode 21: Stranger Danger (Grace & Stella)

Welcome to unPACKed, an open-minded podcast taking a clinical, *not political*, approach to help pet parents around the world. Join Sailor Jerri and Mattison, certified trainers and canine behavior experts with a combined 3 decades of experience in behavioral dog training.
 
In our first LIVE unPACKing of 2025, we're talking with Grace about her rescue dog Stella. 
Stella came to Grace from a neglectful situation where she was crated with two other dogs.  And although Stella has clear discomfort with the kennel, the most impactful behavior in Grace's life is Stella's intense stranger danger (both at people out in the world as well as her partner within the home).  We're digging in to strategies to help her teach new behavior patterns to Stella so the cycle doesn't continue to feed into and reinforce itself.
Come back next month for another new case and LIVE unpacking, and later this year we'll check back in with Grace and Stella to get an update on their training journey.
 
 
To apply for a live unpacking, see photos of the dogs featured in this episode, or read full episode transcripts, visit us at www.unpacked.stream and connect with us on Instagram @unpacked.stream.
 
unPACKed was created by Jerri Scherff and Mattison Skoog-Simpson, and edited and produced by Mattison Skoog-Simpson.  Visual design by Mattison Skoog-Simpson and theme music by Oleksandr Stepanov.

Announcement: New LIVE Unpacking Episodes

Welcome to unPACKed, an open-minded podcast taking a clinical, *not political*, approach to help pet parents around the world. Join Sailor Jerri and Mattison, certified trainers and canine behavior experts with a combined 3 decades of experience in behavioral dog training.
 
We are beyond excited for the next evolution of unPACKed that will bring even more transparency to this project.  This season, we are going to be doing LIVE unpacking episodes with our guests before they train with an intern. Don't worry, we'll still have follow-ups with the trainers and guests to hear how things have progressed. But we know that this new format is going to spark some humanity back into the clinical world.
 
To apply for a live unpacking, see photos of the dogs featured in this episode, or read full episode transcripts, visit us at www.unpacked.stream and connect with us on Instagram @Sailorjerrithedogtrainer and @Freedbytraining.
 
unPACKed was created by Jerri Scherff and Mattison Skoog-Simpson, and edited and produced by Mattison Skoog-Simpson.  Visual design by Mattison Skoog-Simpson and theme music by Oleksandr Stepanov.

Episode 20: unPACKing 2024 Part 2

unPACKed Podcast Presents...Life Change Survival Guide: How to keep your human life from derailing your dog
Learn the strategies you need to help prepare your dog for big life events like moving, a new baby, divorce, sudden loss, and so much more.
Purchase the replay at: www.unpacked.stream/seminar 
 
Welcome to unPACKed, an open-minded podcast taking a clinical, *not political*, approach to help pet parents around the world. Join Sailor Jerri and Mattison, certified trainers and canine behavior experts with a combined 3 decades of experience in behavioral dog training.
This is a special episode where Jerri and Mattison each brough cases from their personal business to unPACK for each other and all of you. Listen in to part 2 as Mattison unPACKs Lia, a stressy dog who was struggling with strangers and also the young kids in the home, and Jerri dives into her strategies to manage a multi-dog household (even with FIVE dogs!)
To apply for next season, see photos of the dogs featured in this episode, or read full episode transcripts, visit us at www.unpacked.stream and connect with us on Instagram @Sailorjerrithedogtrainer and @Freedbytraining.
unPACKed was created by Jerri Scherff and Mattison Simpson, and edited and produced by Josh Wasta under the Supervision of Straight Up Dog Talk LLC and Emily Breslin.  Visual design by Mattison Simpson and theme music by Oleksandr Stepanov.

Episode 19: unPACKing 2024 Part 1

unPACKed Podcast Presents...Life Change Survival Guide: How to keep your human life from derailing your dog
Learn the strategies you need to help prepare your dog for big life events like moving, a new baby, divorce, sudden loss, and so much more.
Purchase the replay at: www.unpacked.stream/seminar 
 
Welcome to unPACKed, an open-minded podcast taking a clinical, *not political*, approach to help pet parents around the world. Join Sailor Jerri and Mattison, certified trainers and canine behavior experts with a combined 3 decades of experience in behavioral dog training.
This is a special episode where Jerri and Mattison each brough cases from their personal business to unPACK for each other and all of you. Listen in to part 1 as Mattison unPACKs Mochi, a resource guarding case, and Jerri dives into separation anxiety with Teddy.
To apply for next season, see photos of the dogs featured in this episode, or read full episode transcripts, visit us at www.unpacked.stream and connect with us on Instagram @Sailorjerrithedogtrainer and @Freedbytraining.
unPACKed was created by Jerri Scherff and Mattison Simpson, and edited and produced by Josh Wasta under the Supervision of Straight Up Dog Talk LLC and Emily Breslin.  Visual design by Mattison Simpson and theme music by Oleksandr Stepanov.

Episode 18: Training Touchbase (Urban Reactivity)

unPACKed Podcast Presents...Life Change Survival Guide: How to keep your human life from derailing your dog
Learn the strategies you need to help prepare your dog for big life events like moving, a new baby, divorce, sudden loss, and so much more.
Purchase the replay at: www.unpacked.stream/seminar 
 
Welcome to unPACKed, an open-minded podcast taking a clinical, *not political*, approach to help pet parents around the world. Join Sailor Jerri and Mattison, certified trainers and canine behavior experts with a combined 3 decades of experience in behavioral dog training.
This is a new episode type: a training touchbase with a trainer from the Open Minded Approach Internship who donated 4 weeks of daily training to our incredible guest. 
In this episode, we're talking with Holly Dolinski of Holly's Dog Training Academy about the process of working through Lucifer's plan with Allison real-time over several weeks of daily virtual training. 
To apply for next season, see photos of the dogs featured in this episode, or read full episode transcripts, visit us at www.unpacked.stream and connect with us on Instagram @Sailorjerrithedogtrainer and @Freedbytraining.
unPACKed was created by Jerri Scherff and Mattison Simpson, and edited and produced by Josh Wasta under the Supervision of Straight Up Dog Talk LLC and Emily Breslin.  Visual design by Mattison Simpson and theme music by Oleksandr Stepanov.

Episode 17: Training Touchbase (Training with Accommodations)

unPACKed Podcast Presents...Life Change Survival Guide: How to keep your human life from derailing your dog
Learn the strategies you need to help prepare your dog for big life events like moving, a new baby, divorce, sudden loss, and so much more.
Purchase the replay at: www.unpacked.stream/seminar 
 
Welcome to unPACKed, an open-minded podcast taking a clinical, *not political*, approach to help pet parents around the world. Join Sailor Jerri and Mattison, certified trainers and canine behavior experts with a combined 3 decades of experience in behavioral dog training.
This is a brand new episode type: a training touchbase with a trainer from the Open Minded Approach Internship who donated 4 weeks of daily training to our incredible guest. 
In this episode, we're talking with Jordan Hurt of Seeking Foundations about the process of working through Scott's plan with John and Julia real-time over several weeks of daily virtual training. 
To apply for next season, see photos of the dogs featured in this episode, or read full episode transcripts, visit us at www.unpacked.stream and connect with us on Instagram @Sailorjerrithedogtrainer and @Freedbytraining.
unPACKed was created by Jerri Scherff and Mattison Simpson, and edited and produced by Josh Wasta under the Supervision of Straight Up Dog Talk LLC and Emily Breslin.  Visual design by Mattison Simpson and theme music by Oleksandr Stepanov.

Episode 16: unPACK Session #7 (Allison)

This episode is brought to you by the Complex Canine Community. Use code "UNPACKEDPOD" for a month free!
Welcome to unPACKed, an open-minded podcast taking a clinical, *not political*, approach to help pet parents around the world. Join Sailor Jerri and Mattison, certified trainers and canine behavior experts with a combined 3 decades of experience in behavioral dog training.
This is an unPACK session - a shorter episode where we are giving you an inside look at the conversations we are having with REAL guardians as we unPACK their dog's very real behavior training plan.
In this episode, we are unpacking Lucifer's case plan with Allison. We're going back to the topic from last episode: Reactivity in an Urban Environment.
To apply, see photos of the dogs featured in this episode, or read full episode transcripts, visit us at www.unpacked.stream and connect with us on Instagram @Sailorjerrithedogtrainer and @Freedbytraining.
unPACKed was created by Jerri Scherff and Mattison Simpson, and edited and produced by Josh Wasta under the Supervision of Straight Up Dog Talk LLC and Emily Breslin.  Visual design by Mattison Simpson and theme music by Oleksandr Stepanov.