Episode 1

full
Published on:

4th Jul 2025

1: 5 Dog Mom Mistakes I Made—And What They Taught Me

Have you ever wondered if you're making mistakes as a pet parent? Or maybe you've questioned whether other pet parents are facing the same struggles as you? You're not alone—and that's exactly what we're diving into on this episode.

In this episode of Tales and Tones, host Mariska Nell shares her personal experiences as a dog mom, discussing five key mistakes she made while raising her dog, Piper. The conversation covers the importance of early training, understanding dog body language, recognizing overstimulation, and the necessity of dog-proofing the home. Mariska also emphasizes the significance of picking up after pets and shares a product review of the Chukit Airfetch Ball, along with heartwarming stories from the pet community.

Takeaways:

  • You are not alone in your struggles as a pet parent.
  • Every moment with your dog can be a training opportunity.
  • Understanding your dog's body language is crucial for their well-being.
  • Don't let bad habits slide; address them early on.
  • Recognize signs of overstimulation in your dog to prevent issues.
  • Dog-proof your home to ensure your pet's safety.
  • Being a good pet parent is about learning from mistakes.
  • Celebrate the unique personalities of pets in your community.

Relevant links mentioned in the episode:

Review on Podcahaser

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Tails and Tones Instagram

Piper disturbing sleeping dogs (Video Credit to No Pup Cleft Behind)

Chuckit! Air Fetch Ball

Bunny's video

Paw-lebrity of the Week Haya_London

Shareable images or clickable social shares:

Coming in the next episode:

In the next episode, we’ll be talking about how to make your pet adoption application stand out—so don’t miss it!

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode:

[00:00] Introduction to Pet Parenting Mistakes

[01:45] The Importance of Early Training

[06:36] Understanding Dog Body Language

[10:58] Introducing the Ask a Soulful Mom Segment

[11:39] Addressing Bad Habits in Dogs

[13:53] Recognizing Overstimulation in Pets

[16:53] The Pawsative Rant

[19:38] Dog-Proofing Your Home

[23:04] Final Thoughts on Learning from Mistakes

[24:12] Fetch it or leave it - Product Review: Chukit Airfetch Ball

[26:20] Where Tails Meet Hearts Segment Stories from the Pet Community - Bunny's Story

[27:46] Celebrating our Paw-lebrity of the Week Haya_London

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About the Podcast

Tails and Tones
Helpful tips, heartwarming tails, and honest reviews for the busy pet parent.
Helpful tips, heart-warming tails, and honest reviews for the busy dog parent.



Being a dog mom is the best—but let’s be real, it can also be confusing, messy, and a little lonely sometimes. That’s why Tails & Tones exists.



Every Friday, host Mariska (fellow dog parent and dog-obsessed human) delivers short, soulful episodes filled with practical dog care tips, honest product reviews, heart-warming stories, and real-life advice for intentional, busy dog parents like you.



Listen on your favorite podcast app—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or anywhere you tune in. You can also subscribe at https://tailsandtones.com/listen



If something in the show speaks to you—or you know a fellow dog parent who’d love it—please share it and leave a review on https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/tails-and-tones-6086657



Got questions or just want to say hi? I’m always around on Instagram @tailsandtones



Where every tail tells a story, and every tone speaks from the heart.



Podcast launch date 4 July



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About your host

Profile picture for Mariska Nell

Mariska Nell

Mariska Nell is a podcast host, pet advocate, sustainability expert, and proud dog mom to her rescue French Bulldog, Piper—also known as the real boss of the house. With a background in design and environmental science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design focused on the pet industry, Mariska brings heart, humor, and purpose to everything she creates.

She’s the founder and host of Tails and Tones, a soulful podcast for intentional pet parents, where she shares insights, stories, and reviews that help make pet care a little easier and a lot more joyful. She also hosts Mama Earth Talk, where she dives into sustainability topics with changemakers from around the world.

Whether she’s recording episodes, consulting on pet-focused sustainability projects, or out on a walk with Piper, Mariska is passionate about creating a better world—for pets, their people, and the planet.