Podcast Summary: Tosh Show Episode - "My Dog Whisperer" with Kassidy King

Podcast Information:

• Title: Tosh Show
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Daniel Tosh
• Description: Tosh Show is a window into the mind of comedian Daniel Tosh. Each week Daniel interviews people from all walks of life that he finds interesting, shares his take on current events, and gives you a little insight into his world. Nothing is off limits and with endless topics to explore, Tosh and his guests will satisfy everyone's curiosity.
• Episode: My Dog Whisperer - Kassidy King
• Release Date: February 11, 2025

Introduction and Guest Introduction (14:05 - 15:32)

The episode begins with Isaac Mizrahi introducing the guest, Cassidy King, emphasizing her remarkable work in rescuing and training dogs. Mizrahi highlights Cassidy's dedication, stating, “She's rescued over 100 dogs from being euthanized and now trains pooches full time right here in Los Angeles” (14:05).

Notable Quote:

• Isaac Mizrahi (14:10): "Please welcome Cassidy."

Background and Early Life (15:32 - 18:03)

Cassidy shares her origins from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she lived until the age of 18 before moving to Duluth, Minnesota, for college. She pursued a degree in communications, which later influenced her approach to dog training.

Notable Quotes:

• Cassidy (15:00): "I lived there until I was 18, and then I moved to Duluth, Minnesota, where I went to college and stayed a few years after. Very cold."
• Isaac Mizrahi (16:05): "What was your big plan when you were in college?"
• Cassidy (17:18): "I did not have one. My plan was to get out of college as soon as possible."

Journey into Dog Rescue and Training (18:03 - 22:43)

Cassidy describes her entry into dog rescue, starting informally by adopting dogs from Tulsa and bringing them to Minnesota. She highlights the high rates of euthanasia in Southern California shelters due to overpopulation and limited resources.

Notable Quotes:

• Cassidy (18:46): "I kind of went. I call it the rescue rabbit hole. You kind of spiral when you get into the rescue world."
• Isaac Mizrahi (22:02): "Do you consider Tulsa the South?"
• Cassidy (22:04): "No, but it's warmer climates, so it's warm enough for animals to survive in."

Challenges in Dog Rescue (22:43 - 26:00)

Cassidy delves into the complexities of rescuing dogs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when shelter populations surged. She discusses societal issues like economic hardships leading to increased abandonment of pets.

Notable Quotes:

• Cassidy (24:09): "During COVID the problem doubled because people were thinking that their dogs were going to give them Covid."
• Isaac Mizrahi (26:00): "How did you make the voyage out west?"
• Cassidy (26:14): "I came out west three years ago."

Professional Training and Services (26:00 - 35:54)

Cassidy outlines her transition from a volunteer rescuer to a professional dog trainer. She explains her training philosophy, emphasizing consistency and active participation from dog owners. Cassidy also details her service offerings, including private lessons and daily training sessions, priced at $250 per hour and $600 per week respectively.

Notable Quotes:

• Cassidy (28:13): "I believe more people should get cats because they require less responsibility."
• Isaac Mizrahi (29:35): "Do you offer private lessons?"
• Cassidy (29:55): "My private lessons are $250 an hour for a private lesson. I offer daily training, which is four days a week. So I'll come to your house for an hour a day, four days a week. And that is $600 a week."

Training Philosophy and Techniques (35:54 - 37:42)

The discussion moves to training methodologies, where Cassidy emphasizes the importance of adapting techniques to each dog's personality. She critiques common practices like cranking up electric collars without proper training, advocating for reward-based systems that include affection as incentives.

Notable Quotes:

• Cassidy (31:22): "There is so much free content out there and it can be really confusing and overwhelming to people because there's such differing philosophies when it comes to training."
• Isaac Mizrahi (33:04): "We cranked ours up to max with my dog. He didn't care at all. He barked right through it."
• Cassidy (33:16): "You have to teach the dog what it means."

Breed-Specific Challenges (37:42 - 41:25)

Cassidy discusses the difficulties associated with training specific breeds like Huskies and German Shepherds, highlighting their distinct temperaments and training needs. The conversation also touches on the responsibilities of owning breeds like Pit Bulls and the misconceptions surrounding them.

Notable Quotes:

• Cassidy (37:22): "Huskies or German Shepherds. They're just really opposite."
• Isaac Mizrahi (38:07): "Are you afraid of them?"
• Cassidy (38:15): "Owning a pitbull is a way bigger responsibility, in my opinion."

Community and Prison Programs (41:25 - 44:17)

Cassidy elaborates on her involvement with the Positive Change program, which pairs rescue dogs with inmates for training. She explains how these initiatives benefit both the dogs and the participants, fostering rehabilitation and providing loving homes for the animals.

Notable Quotes:

• Cassidy (26:56): "I've done the a women's prison, and right now I'm a part of two male prisons."
• Isaac Mizrahi (27:13): "It sounds great."

Closing Thoughts and Future Plans (44:17 - 46:37)

As the interview nears its end, Cassidy shares her vision for expanding her training services and continuing her rescue efforts. She emphasizes the importance of responsible pet ownership and the profound impact of her work on both the dogs and the communities involved.

Notable Quotes:

• Cassidy (44:17): "I don't have a problem with dog parks. I really don't."
• Isaac Mizrahi (46:37): "Cassidy, thank you for being on the show. Good luck."

Conclusion

The episode "My Dog Whisperer - Kassidy King" offers an in-depth look into the life and work of Cassidy King, a dedicated dog rescuer and trainer. Through candid conversation, Cassidy shares her journey from Tulsa to becoming a pivotal figure in dog rescue, the challenges she faces, and her compassionate approach to training. Her insights highlight the critical issues within animal shelters and the importance of community involvement in rescuing and rehabilitating dogs.

Key Takeaways:

• The high euthanasia rates in Southern California shelters due to overpopulation.
• The impact of COVID-19 on pet abandonment and the surge in rescue operations.
• Cassidy's transition from informal rescuer to professional dog trainer.
• Breed-specific training challenges and the responsibilities of owning certain breeds.
• The positive effects of prison-based dog training programs on both inmates and dogs.

Notable Quotes:

• Cassidy (24:35): "I do think that if people's needs were met, then they wouldn't need to get rid of their dogs when times got hard."
• Isaac Mizrahi (37:02): "That's when I would be like, I'm out."
• Cassidy (44:17): "I don't really care. Like, I'll meet you where you're at."

This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the power of dedication and compassion in transforming the lives of rescue dogs and the communities they touch.