Episode 3

full
Published on:

4th Jul 2025

3: How to Create the Ultimate Dog Manual for Sitters, Travel, and Peace of Mind

In this episode of Tales and Tones, host Mariska Nell discusses the importance of creating a personalized dog manual for pet owners. She emphasizes the need for trust when leaving dogs with sitters and provides a comprehensive guide on what to include in a dog manual, such as emergency contacts, medical history, daily routines, and personality traits. The episode also features heartwarming stories from the dog community, highlighting the bond between dogs and their owners.

Takeaways:

  • Creating a dog manual can ease the stress of leaving your pet.
  • Trusting your pet sitter is crucial for peace of mind.
  • A comprehensive dog manual includes emergency contacts and medical history.
  • Daily routines and personality traits help sitters care for your dog.
  • Updating the dog manual regularly is important as your dog evolves.
  • Include specific feeding and walking schedules in the manual.
  • Document your dog's quirks to help sitters avoid issues.
  • Photos and visuals can enhance the usability of the manual.
  • Engaging with the dog community can provide support and inspiration.

Relevant links mentioned in the episode:

Downloadable Dog Manual Template

Review on Podcahaser

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Tails and Tones Instagram

Bruno's Play Center

No Pup Cleft Behind

Live Like Piggie , Harold The Little Lad's video

Cricket the Gremlin

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Coming in the next episode:

In the next episode, , we’re talking about how to get your house dog ready.


Timestamps to relevant points within the episode:

[00:00] Introduction to Dog Manuals

[02:10] Ask a Soulful Mom: Leaving Your Dog Alone

[05:54] The Importance of a Dog Manual

[10:13] Emergency Information in the Dog Manual

[14:00] Medical History and Medications

[17:50] Understanding Your Dog's Personality

[22:09] Daily Routines and Preferences

[26:57] House Rules and Access Information

[26:04] Where Tails Meet Hearts Segment Stories from the Pet Community - Live Like Piggie, Harrold The Little Lad

[29:03] Celebrating our Paw-lebrity of the Week - Cricket the Gremlin with her sombreros and berets

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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

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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.