From Set Star to Soul Dog: Colleen Steckloff’s Journey Through Rescue, Training, and Family Life

In this episode of Rooted Tails by Rooted Owl, host Jeffrey Mendelson sits down with dog trainer, rescue advocate, and mom, Colleen Steckloff an International Dog Behaviorist, for a raw and revealing conversation about what truly makes a dog and a human ready for rescue life.

From chaotic film sets to quiet family mornings, Colleen shares the unforgettable story of Buckley, her “soul dog” who transformed her career, reshaped her understanding of trust and training, and taught her what dogs—and people—really need to thrive.

Whether you’re deep in rescue work or just dreaming of a calmer home with your pet, this episode is full of hard-won wisdom, hilarious moments, and tender insights.

Key Lessons Covered in This Episode:

Trust Over Training: Learn how Buckley, a last-minute rescue, outshone trained dogs on a commercial set—not because of commands, but because of his deep bond with Colleen.

The Shift to Sustainable Rescue: Colleen opens up about the emotional burnout of constant rescues, and why she started prioritizing lifestyle-aligned dogs over adrenaline-fueled cases.

Motherhood Changes Everything: Discover how having a child changed Colleen’s outlook on the types of dogs she brings into her home—and why that shift matters for every pet parent.

Not Every Dog is “The One”: Why “soul dogs” like Buckley are rare—and how letting go of that myth helped Colleen find joy in simpler, lower-drama relationships with dogs like Dan.

Family Compatibility Matters: Honest talk about what kind of dog actually fits into a busy household—and how choosing well can bring peace to both pets and people.

When Rescue Hurts More Than It Helps: Colleen shares how well-meaning rescue decisions affected her daughter’s emotional wellbeing, and what she’d do differently now.

Key Takeaways:

✅ A dog’s potential blooms when built on trust—not just obedience

✅ Adopting the “right fit” matters more than rescuing for the wrong reasons

✅ Children in rescue households need emotional support too

✅ Calm, compatible dogs can bring more joy than chaos-fueled hero stories

✅ Saying no to certain dogs is an act of love—for them and for your family

Listen Now:

Whether you're a dog parent, rescue volunteer, or aspiring trainer, Colleen’s stories and insights will remind you that good training starts with compassion, boundaries, and being present in the moment.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Connect with Elizabeth Ann Johnson:

• Learn more at LAk9s.com 
• Connect with Colleen on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/colleen-steckloff-8012b146

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