#118 - Amber Quann: Biofeedback, Beer, & Backpacks

Enrichment for the Real World

What do biofeedback, brewery manners, and doggy backpacks have in common? Amber Quann, CEO and Head Trainer at Summit Dog Training, weaves them together beautifully in this episode of Enrichment for the Real World. Host Emily Strong and guest, Amber Quann dig into the nuances of dog relaxation, not just as a one-size-fits-all goal, but as a spectrum that requires thoughtful practice and an understanding of what each individual dog needs to get there.

Whether you’re curious about how to help your dog unwind after a zoomie-fueled afternoon or you’re wondering if your tiny pup can really enjoy a big hike, Amber brings science, heart, and a whole lot of actionable wisdom. Plus, you'll hear all about her Drink With Your Dog program that's making breweries more dog-friendly across the country.

Meet Amber:

Summit Dog Training CEO and Head Trainer, Amber Quann, has been in the dog training world since her childhood days in a 4-H club. With credentials from Karen Pryor Academy, CCPDT, and TAGteach, Amber is passionate about helping people and their dogs adventure together in a way that's safe, fun, and behaviorally sound. She’s the creator of Drink With Your Dog®, a program designed to create more brewery-friendly dogs, and dog-friendly breweries. When she’s not teaching, podcasting, or presenting at ClickerExpo, she’s out hiking and hanging with her Papillon sidekick, Jameson.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ Relaxation Is a Skill, Not a Switch – Helping dogs relax isn’t just about asking them to lie down—it’s about meeting their physical, mental, and emotional needs before asking for stillness.

2️⃣ Trial-and-Eval Is the Name of the Game – Whether it’s sniffaris, chew sessions, zoomies, or training games, each dog has unique needs to prep for rest. Find your pet’s recharge formula.

3️⃣ Small Dogs, Big Adventures – Don’t let short legs stop the journey. With the right gear and prep, little dogs can hike, explore, and thrive alongside their big dog buddies (and humans).

Links & Resources from the Episode

🧾 For full episode transcripts: Arial | OpenDyslexic
✅ Relaxation Protocol for Professionals On-Demand Course
✅ Drink With Your Dog Program
✅ Full episode show notes

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