For millions of people in Ukraine, air raid sirens have become part of daily life. They interrupt work, school, sleep, and any sense of normalcy. They also affect the dogs who share that experience, living with the same unpredictability and chronic stress as the families who care for them.

In this episode, we’re joined by Ukrainian dog trainer Nadia Prokopjeva, now based in Romania, to discuss what it’s like to work with dogs during a time of war. Nadia takes a science-based and holistic approach to behavior, recognizing the many ways stress, pain, health, and environment influence how dogs cope.

We talk about the behavioral challenges that have become increasingly common, including noise sensitivities, separation-related problems, fear, and reactivity. Nadia explains how repeated exposure to air raid sirens, emergency evacuations, crowded shelters, and disrupted routines can leave dogs in a constant state of stress, making it difficult for them to recover before the next crisis begins.

Our conversation also explores the broader impact of war on animal welfare. We discuss the strain on veterinary professionals and trainers, limited access to veterinary behavior care and medication, the challenges facing shelters and street dogs, and concerns about public health in areas affected by conflict. We also examine how war influences breeding decisions, from the effects of prenatal stress to the difficult choices faced by ethical breeders.

Despite these extraordinary circumstances, Nadia shares practical strategies that can help. We discuss creating predictable routines whenever possible, reducing stress where we can, supporting emotional recovery between stressful events, and recognizing when veterinary intervention, including medication, may be appropriate.

About Nadiya:

Nadiya Prokopyeva (Anteya), CSAP-BC, KPA-CTP - 26-year-old dog trainer from Ukraine - Specialize in separation anxiety, general behavior issues, aggression, and reactivity - Veterinary student on track to become a rehabilitation and orthopedic specialist - Galen Myotherapy student - Use low-frustration, force-free, science-based methods - Create Ukrainian-language educational content on ethical breeding, BYB awareness, and responsible dog ownership

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The Dogs of Ukraine - The Hidden Toll of War with Nadia Prokopyeva

The Bitey End of the Dog

The Dogs of Ukraine - The Hidden Toll of War with Nadia Prokopyeva