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 Nadiya Prokopyeva, now based in Romania, to discuss what it’s like to work with dogs during a time of war. Nadiya 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. Nadiya 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, Nadiya 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
Nadiya on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/anteya_k9?igsh=MWZyazE0bjM2anh3dQ==
Ukrainian Gear
https://www.instagram.com/darvin.dog.shop?igsh=MWF4emFodG5wbWc3cg==
https://www.instagram.com/lovyhav?igsh=MWg2N3hyZDFic29k
https://www.instagram.com/vivchar_dog_shop?igsh=OGZwMnRmM2o4dDk5
Adoptions and Shelters
https://www.instagram.com/dogs_adopt_kyiv?igsh=MWczemh1enU3anFqaQ==
https://www.instagram.com/patron.center?igsh=b2Y3bzFmMHBvZ3dy
https://www.instagram.com/gostomel.shelter
https://www.instagram.com/dom.khvostov?igsh=MTk1ZHJvdmJ2d2VjNQ==
Antares - the search-and-rescue squad:
https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2026/0430/ukraine-rescue-dogs-canine-unit-lost-persons-remains
https://www.instagram.com/antares.poshuk/?hl=en
Sternenko Fund - direct support to the army and soldiers:
https://www.sternenkofund.org/en/donate
United24 - one of the main official donation platforms for Ukraine:
https://u24.gov.ua
Prosthetics are extremely expensive and far beyond what an average person can afford, so even small recurring donations can make a real difference:
https://superhumans.com/en/donate-en/
https://curelieffundforukraine.com/projects/esper-program-for-ukrainians/
Learn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:
AggressiveDog.com
Learn more about the CANIS Conference here:
CANIS Conference
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The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus Episodes
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