Episode 295: Reward placement and the importance of play

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In our latest podcast episode, we dove into the fascinating world of canine behaviour, focusing on the concept of ‘play’ and its multifaceted role in the lives of our dog. Addressing two insightful listener requests, we explored the intricacies of reward placement and the nuanced differences between direct and indirect rewards, shedding light on how these elements can enhance the play experience and training efficacy for both working dogs and pets.

Further, we delved into the vital importance of play, not just as a leisure activity, but as a cornerstone of healthy development and emotional well-being for dogs. The discussion illuminated the stark contrasts between working dogs, who often engage in play as a form of job-related training, and pet dogs, whose playtime is more centred around bonding and recreational activities.

Understanding the role of play in a dog’s life is crucial for pet owners and trainers alike, offering insights into how play can be used as a tool for learning, bonding, and maintaining physical and mental health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of their canine companions and make the most of their playtime together.

Further details

looking for great dog trainers and supporters of the canine paradigm? Below is a vast array of people and business’s who stand by us, donate to our running costs and do great things for the canine community.

Glenn runs and has almost everything canine related at, Canine Evolution or Pet Resorts Australia

Pat has a full range of coaching and dog training services at Operant Canine

You can support our show and get extra content right here on our Patreon page. Everything goes into keeping the show running and we love all the wonderful people who are part of that community. If you’re not sure how, just ask us.

You can get our full range of our Merch at our Teespring store here

You can help us by spreading the word amongst the canine community or even suggesting a special guest to interview.

If you need to find out how to listen to our podcast, go here

We have a YOUTUBE channel that you can subscribe to now

If you enjoyed the podcast, please review us on Itunes, spotify and any other podcast directory

Details on joining the IACP can be found here. If you’re not in it you should be! Understand?

Check out Dogs Playing for Life! A rescue process changing dogs lives across the USA

For more details on how to help our friends at Peggy’s Promise, you can find all the details on how to do that on their website. They are our rescue charity of choice.

Support our supporters

Narelle Cooke’s raw feeding guide for dogs here. Narelle has her own podcast on all podcast directories called Natural Health for people and pets. Check it out in person.

Looking for the best, human grade supplement range for your dogs? Check out Canine Ceuticals. Now available in the USA. SHOW SPONSOR

Jason Firmin Einzweck Dog quip SHOW SPONSOR

The motorcycle dog kennel by Rowdy Hound SHOW SPONSOR

Professional dog training services DanKroft K9 SHOW SPONSOR

Daycare and training from the heart dog training SHOW SPONSOR

Dog training all styles in Adelaide Dog Club SA SHOW SPONSOR

Our beloved friend and regular contributor, Birdy O’Sheedy can be found at birdyosheedy.com

HUGE thanks to all our contributing artists. Please support their works

Jane Stuart
Avery Keller
Zoie Neidy

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Episode 294: Why Handlers And Dog Trainers Switch Drives

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In the latest episode, we delve into the fascinating world of dog training, emphasising the pivotal role of understanding and harnessing different drives. Training dogs, whether for sporting events, police work, or simply as pets, requires a nuanced approach that recognises and adapts to the diverse motivations that drive canine behaviour.

Drives in dogs refer to innate impulses that guide their actions; these can include prey drive, play drive, defensive drive, and pack drive, among others. Recognising which drive is dominant in a particular situation allows trainers to employ specific strategies that resonate with the dog’s natural inclinations, leading to more effective and harmonious training sessions.

Switching drives is a crucial technique in this field, offering the flexibility to navigate between different motivations to achieve desired behaviours. For instance, transitioning from a prey drive to a play drive can help in teaching control and cooperation, essential in disciplines ranging from agility courses to obedience in high-stress environments.

This episode explores these concepts in depth, providing insights and practical advice for trainers and dog owners alike. Understanding drives not only enhances training efficiency but also fosters a deeper bond between dogs and their handlers, making it an indispensable skill in the world of canine training.

Further details

looking for great dog trainers and supporters of the canine paradigm? Below is a vast array of people and business’s who stand by us, donate to our running costs and do great things for the canine community.

Glenn runs and has almost everything canine related at, Canine Evolution or Pet Resorts Australia

Pat has a full range of coaching and dog training services at Operant Canine

You can support our show and get extra content right here on our Patreon page. Everything goes into keeping the show running and we love all the wonderful people who are part of that community. If you’re not sure how, just ask us.

You can get our full range of our Merch at our Teespring store here

You can help us by spreading the word amongst the canine community or even suggesting a special guest to interview.

If you need to find out how to listen to our podcast, go here

We have a YOUTUBE channel that you can subscribe to now

If you enjoyed the podcast, please review us on Itunes, spotify and any other podcast directory

Details on joining the IACP can be found here. If you’re not in it you should be! Understand?

Check out Dogs Playing for Life! A rescue process changing dogs lives across the USA

For more details on how to help our friends at Peggy’s Promise, you can find all the details on how to do that on their website. They are our rescue charity of choice.

Support our supporters

Narelle Cooke’s raw feeding guide for dogs here. Narelle has her own podcast on all podcast directories called Natural Health for people and pets. Check it out in person.

Looking for the best, human grade supplement range for your dogs? Check out Canine Ceuticals. Now available in the USA. SHOW SPONSOR

Jason Firmin Einzweck Dog quip SHOW SPONSOR

The motorcycle dog kennel by Rowdy Hound SHOW SPONSOR

Professional dog training services DanKroft K9 SHOW SPONSOR

Daycare and training from the heart dog training SHOW SPONSOR

Dog training all styles in Adelaide Dog Club SA SHOW SPONSOR

Our beloved friend and regular contributor, Birdy O’Sheedy can be found at birdyosheedy.com

HUGE thanks to all our contributing artists. Please support their works

Jane Stuart
Avery Keller
Zoie Neidy

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Episode 293: how to destroy a small family business

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In our recent podcast, we explored the challenging situation encountered by LickiMat, a small, pet-friendly business, embroiled in a digital controversy. This enterprise, renowned for its pet care innovations, unexpectedly became the target of online backlash due to its collaboration with a balanced dog trainer at the prestigious Crufts event. This incident highlights the volatile nature of online communities and the swift impact of digital activism on businesses, particularly those in the pet industry.

The backlash against LickiMat was sparked by their decision to include a balanced dog trainer at their Crufts stand. While this decision was intended to demonstrate their commitment to pet welfare, it inadvertently led to significant online uproar. This reaction underscores the powerful influence of digital platforms in amplifying collective actions, especially when driven by emotional responses rather than informed discussions.

Furthermore, the incident with LickiMat serves as a stark reminder of the ‘cancel culture’ phenomenon prevalent in today’s digital age. This trend, where groups swiftly mobilise to boycott or condemn businesses or individuals, can have disproportionate effects, particularly on small enterprises. In the case of LickiMat, the intense scrutiny and criticism were not only overwhelming but also diverged from the principles of constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.

As businesses navigate the complex digital landscape, the LickiMat episode offers valuable lessons. It underscores the necessity for companies, especially in the pet sector, to exercise caution and strategic foresight in their digital engagements. Moreover, it highlights the importance of fostering open, respectful dialogues and prioritising empathy and transparency in all online interactions. In doing so, businesses can better manage and mitigate the risks associated with digital backlash, ensuring a more resilient and positive online presence.

Support Lickimat by buying a product and letting the company know that the bullies who are holding a gun to their heads don’t always get their way. https://lickimat.com/

Further details

looking for great dog trainers and supporters of the canine paradigm? Below is a vast array of people and business’s who stand by us, donate to our running costs and do great things for the canine community.

Glenn runs and has almost everything canine related at, Canine Evolution or Pet Resorts Australia

Pat has a full range of coaching and dog training services at Operant Canine

You can support our show and get extra content right here on our Patreon page. Everything goes into keeping the show running and we love all the wonderful people who are part of that community. If you’re not sure how, just ask us.

You can get our full range of our Merch at our Teespring store here

You can help us by spreading the word amongst the canine community or even suggesting a special guest to interview.

If you need to find out how to listen to our podcast, go here

We have a YOUTUBE channel that you can subscribe to now

If you enjoyed the podcast, please review us on Itunes, spotify and any other podcast directory

Details on joining the IACP can be found here. If you’re not in it you should be! Understand?

Check out Dogs Playing for Life! A rescue process changing dogs lives across the USA

For more details on how to help our friends at Peggy’s Promise, you can find all the details on how to do that on their website. They are our rescue charity of choice.

Support our supporters

Narelle Cooke’s raw feeding guide for dogs here. Narelle has her own podcast on all podcast directories called Natural Health for people and pets. Check it out in person.

Looking for the best, human grade supplement range for your dogs? Check out Canine Ceuticals. Now available in the USA. SHOW SPONSOR

Jason Firmin Einzweck Dog quip SHOW SPONSOR

The motorcycle dog kennel by Rowdy Hound SHOW SPONSOR

Professional dog training services DanKroft K9 SHOW SPONSOR

Daycare and training from the heart dog training SHOW SPONSOR

Dog training all styles in Adelaide Dog Club SA SHOW SPONSOR

Our beloved friend and regular contributor, Birdy O’Sheedy can be found at birdyosheedy.com

HUGE thanks to all our contributing artists. Please support their works

Jane Stuart
Avery Keller
Zoie Neidy

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Episode 292: A trained dog versus a dog in training

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In an engaging segment of our podcast, Pat and Glenn delved into a thought-provoking topic prompted by a simple yet profound question from Pat’s son, Rip. Rip had observed Remi, their family dog, being prepared for a dog trial and pondered, “If Remi is already trained, why does he still need training?” This query sparked an insightful discussion about the ongoing nature of canine training, highlighting the distinction between a dog “in training” and a “trained dog.”

Pat began by clarifying that a dog’s training is never truly complete; it’s an evolving process. He emphasised that a “trained dog” isn’t a static state but a continuous commitment to learning and adaptation. “Just as humans never stop learning, a trained dog, too, is always building on existing skills and acquiring new ones,” Pat explained. Thus, the concept of a trained dog involves regular practice and reinforcement to maintain and enhance their abilities.

Glenn further elaborated on using references to movies, guitars and random other gibberish to basic acknowledge the direction the conversation was already heading in.

The both highlighted the importance of understanding each dog’s unique personality and learning curve in the training process. They agreed that training a dog is as much about building a deep, communicative bond as it is about obedience and skills.

Further details

looking for great dog trainers and supporters of the canine paradigm? Below is a vast array of people and business’s who stand by us, donate to our running costs and do great things for the canine community.

Glenn runs and has almost everything canine related at, Canine Evolution or Pet Resorts Australia

Pat has a full range of coaching and dog training services at Operant Canine

You can support our show and get extra content right here on our Patreon page. Everything goes into keeping the show running and we love all the wonderful people who are part of that community. If you’re not sure how, just ask us.

You can get our full range of our Merch at our Teespring store here

You can help us by spreading the word amongst the canine community or even suggesting a special guest to interview.

If you need to find out how to listen to our podcast, go here

We have a YOUTUBE channel that you can subscribe to now

If you enjoyed the podcast, please review us on Itunes, spotify and any other podcast directory

Details on joining the IACP can be found here. If you’re not in it you should be! Understand?

Check out Dogs Playing for Life! A rescue process changing dogs lives across the USA

For more details on how to help our friends at Peggy’s Promise, you can find all the details on how to do that on their website. They are our rescue charity of choice.

Support our supporters

Narelle Cooke’s raw feeding guide for dogs here. Narelle has her own podcast on all podcast directories called Natural Health for people and pets. Check it out in person.

Looking for the best, human grade supplement range for your dogs? Check out Canine Ceuticals. Now available in the USA. SHOW SPONSOR

Jason Firmin Einzweck Dog quip SHOW SPONSOR

The motorcycle dog kennel by Rowdy Hound SHOW SPONSOR

Professional dog training services DanKroft K9 SHOW SPONSOR

Daycare and training from the heart dog training SHOW SPONSOR

Dog training all styles in Adelaide Dog Club SA SHOW SPONSOR

Our beloved friend and regular contributor, Birdy O’Sheedy can be found at birdyosheedy.com

HUGE thanks to all our contributing artists. Please support their works

Jane Stuart
Avery Keller
Zoie Neidy

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Episode 291: Being involved in the conversation

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In the ever-evolving realm of dog training, the significance of a Training Director is magnified by their ability to foster meaningful conversations. These dialogues are not just exchanges of words but are the bedrock of a thriving learning environment where dog trainers and handlers can flourish. By engaging in insightful conversations, a Training Director bridges the gap between theory and practice, making the learning journey both enriching and practical.

Conversations led by a Training Director are instrumental in demystifying the complex language of canine behaviour. Through these discussions, trainers and handlers gain a deeper understanding, enabling them to apply their knowledge more effectively. The Training Director’s role in facilitating these conversations ensures that every participant feels heard and valued, creating a supportive community eager to learn and share.

Moreover, the curriculum’s evolution is a direct outcome of ongoing conversations about the latest in canine science and training methodologies. These discussions, guided by the Training Director, ensure that training programmes are not only relevant but also aligned with best practices.

The heart of a successful dog training programme lies in the conversations that permeate its every aspect. Under the stewardship of a Training Director, these conversations become the catalyst for growth, learning, and community building.

Further details

looking for great dog trainers and supporters of the canine paradigm? Below is a vast array of people and business’s who stand by us, donate to our running costs and do great things for the canine community.

Glenn runs and has almost everything canine related at, Canine Evolution or Pet Resorts Australia

Pat has a full range of coaching and dog training services at Operant Canine

You can support our show and get extra content right here on our Patreon page. Everything goes into keeping the show running and we love all the wonderful people who are part of that community. If you’re not sure how, just ask us.

You can get our full range of our Merch at our Teespring store here

You can help us by spreading the word amongst the canine community or even suggesting a special guest to interview.

If you need to find out how to listen to our podcast, go here

We have a YOUTUBE channel that you can subscribe to now

If you enjoyed the podcast, please review us on Itunes, spotify and any other podcast directory

Details on joining the IACP can be found here. If you’re not in it you should be! Understand?

Check out Dogs Playing for Life! A rescue process changing dogs lives across the USA

For more details on how to help our friends at Peggy’s Promise, you can find all the details on how to do that on their website. They are our rescue charity of choice.

Support our supporters

Narelle Cooke’s raw feeding guide for dogs here. Narelle has her own podcast on all podcast directories called Natural Health for people and pets. Check it out in person.

Looking for the best, human grade supplement range for your dogs? Check out Canine Ceuticals. Now available in the USA. SHOW SPONSOR

Jason Firmin Einzweck Dog quip SHOW SPONSOR

The motorcycle dog kennel by Rowdy Hound SHOW SPONSOR

Professional dog training services DanKroft K9 SHOW SPONSOR

Daycare and training from the heart dog training SHOW SPONSOR

Dog training all styles in Adelaide Dog Club SA SHOW SPONSOR

Our beloved friend and regular contributor, Birdy O’Sheedy can be found at birdyosheedy.com

HUGE thanks to all our contributing artists. Please support their works

Jane Stuart
Avery Keller
Zoie Neidy

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Episode 290: Turds always find their way to the sewer

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In our latest podcast episode, an off-the-cuff remark during the closing segment sparked an unexpected yet profound discussion. The phrase, casually mentioned, was not the main focus of our conversation but we find way to make interesting headings. l

A blog by Larry Krohn a week back led us to explore the contrasting approaches between sport dog trainers and pet owners when faced with challenges.

This casual comment prompted us to delve into how individuals find motivation and resilience in the face of adversity. Sport dog trainers, for instance, often find a way to push through obstacles, such as inclement weather, demonstrating a remarkable level of commitment. Their ability to find consistency in training, regardless of external factors, showcases the importance of perseverance in achieving goals.

Conversely, pet owners might find valid reasons to adjust their training schedules when faced with similar challenges. This flexibility in approach highlights a different kind of resilience, where one finds balance between commitment and adaptability.

The discussion allowed us to find valuable insights into how the mindset we adopt in response to challenges can significantly impact our journey, not just in dog training but in various aspects of life. It’s a reminder that sometimes, it’s the unexpected comments that find a way to resonate with us, offering new perspectives and understanding.

Further details

looking for great dog trainers and supporters of the canine paradigm? Below is a vast array of people and business’s who stand by us, donate to our running costs and do great things for the canine community.

Glenn runs and has almost everything canine related at, Canine Evolution or Pet Resorts Australia

Pat has a full range of coaching and dog training services at Operant Canine

You can support our show and get extra content right here on our Patreon page. Everything goes into keeping the show running and we love all the wonderful people who are part of that community. If you’re not sure how, just ask us.

You can get our full range of our Merch at our Teespring store here

You can help us by spreading the word amongst the canine community or even suggesting a special guest to interview.

If you need to find out how to listen to our podcast, go here

We have a YOUTUBE channel that you can subscribe to now

If you enjoyed the podcast, please review us on Itunes, spotify and any other podcast directory

Details on joining the IACP can be found here. If you’re not in it you should be! Understand?

Check out Dogs Playing for Life! A rescue process changing dogs lives across the USA

For more details on how to help our friends at Peggy’s Promise, you can find all the details on how to do that on their website. They are our rescue charity of choice.

Support our supporters

Narelle Cooke’s raw feeding guide for dogs here. Narelle has her own podcast on all podcast directories called Natural Health for people and pets. Check it out in person.

Looking for the best, human grade supplement range for your dogs? Check out Canine Ceuticals. Now available in the USA. SHOW SPONSOR

Jason Firmin Einzweck Dog quip SHOW SPONSOR

The motorcycle dog kennel by Rowdy Hound SHOW SPONSOR

Professional dog training services DanKroft K9 SHOW SPONSOR

Daycare and training from the heart dog training SHOW SPONSOR

Dog training all styles in Adelaide Dog Club SA SHOW SPONSOR

Our beloved friend and regular contributor, Birdy O’Sheedy can be found at birdyosheedy.com

HUGE thanks to all our contributing artists. Please support their works

Jane Stuart
Avery Keller
Zoie Neidy

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Episode 289: The Hidden Trauma of Dog Bites

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Being bitten by a dog can be an unexpectedly traumatic experience, leaving both physical and emotional scars. In workplaces, hobbies, and professions where interaction with dogs is common, understanding the risks and preventive measures is crucial.

The trauma of a dog bite extends beyond the immediate physical injury. Victims often experience heightened anxiety, fear of dogs, and even PTSD, affecting their ability to work or engage in activities they once enjoyed. The psychological impact can be profound, altering one’s sense of safety and well-being.

To mitigate these risks, implementing comprehensive strategies in environments where dogs are present is essential. This includes strict adherence to safety protocols, understanding dog behavior, and recognizing warning signs before an incident occurs.

Staff training plays a pivotal role in prevention. Educating employees on safe dog handling techniques can drastically reduce the likelihood of bites. Training should cover understanding dog body language, maintaining a calm and assertive demeanor, and knowing how to approach and interact with dogs safely.

Moreover, first aid training is indispensable. Quick and appropriate responses to a bite can prevent severe infections and promote faster healing, reducing the long-term impact of the injury.

Further details

looking for great dog trainers and supporters of the canine paradigm? Below is a vast array of people and business’s who stand by us, donate to our running costs and do great things for the canine community.

Glenn runs and has almost everything canine related at, Canine Evolution or Pet Resorts Australia

Pat has a full range of coaching and dog training services at Operant Canine

You can support our show and get extra content right here on our Patreon page. Everything goes into keeping the show running and we love all the wonderful people who are part of that community. If you’re not sure how, just ask us.

You can get our full range of our Merch at our Teespring store here

You can help us by spreading the word amongst the canine community or even suggesting a special guest to interview.

If you need to find out how to listen to our podcast, go here

We have a YOUTUBE channel that you can subscribe to now

If you enjoyed the podcast, please review us on Itunes, spotify and any other podcast directory

Details on joining the IACP can be found here. If you’re not in it you should be! Understand?

Check out Dogs Playing for Life! A rescue process changing dogs lives across the USA

For more details on how to help our friends at Peggy’s Promise, you can find all the details on how to do that on their website. They are our rescue charity of choice.

Support our supporters

Narelle Cooke’s raw feeding guide for dogs here. Narelle has her own podcast on all podcast directories called Natural Health for people and pets. Check it out in person.

Looking for the best, human grade supplement range for your dogs? Check out Canine Ceuticals. Now available in the USA. SHOW SPONSOR

Jason Firmin Einzweck Dog quip SHOW SPONSOR

The motorcycle dog kennel by Rowdy Hound SHOW SPONSOR

Professional dog training services DanKroft K9 SHOW SPONSOR

Daycare and training from the heart dog training SHOW SPONSOR

Dog training all styles in Adelaide Dog Club SA SHOW SPONSOR

Our beloved friend and regular contributor, Birdy O’Sheedy can be found at birdyosheedy.com

HUGE thanks to all our contributing artists. Please support their works

Jane Stuart
Avery Keller
Zoie Neidy

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Episode 288: Awe, wonder and the magic of dogs

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We’re thrilled to welcome back Birdy O’Sheedy to our show after a much-anticipated hiatus. Birdy, a cherished regular and a beacon of insight in the realms of psychology and trauma healing, returns with a heart-warming twist to her expertise—integrating the holistic magic of dogs into her therapeutic practices.

Birdy’s journey into the mystical bond between humans and dogs illuminates a path of awe and wonder, shedding light on how these loyal companions weave a tapestry of emotional support and unconditional love around us. Her expanded approach resonates deeply with many in the dog training industry, acknowledging the psychological challenges and potential traumatic experiences that can emerge from the intense human-animal connections formed.

In today’s conversation, Birdy will unravel the enchanting synergy between canine companionship and human well-being. She delves into the transformative power of dogs, not just as pets, but as vital co-journeyers in the healing process, offering solace, joy, and a unique sense of wonder that rekindles the magic in our everyday lives.

Join us as we explore these captivating themes with Birdy O’Sheedy, and rediscover the magic that dogs bring into our lives, highlighting their role not only as our best friends but also as silent healers and bringers of light in times of darkness.

Further details

looking for great dog trainers and supporters of the canine paradigm? Below is a vast array of people and business’s who stand by us, donate to our running costs and do great things for the canine community.

Glenn runs and has almost everything canine related at, Canine Evolution or Pet Resorts Australia

Pat has a full range of coaching and dog training services at Operant Canine

You can support our show and get extra content right here on our Patreon page. Everything goes into keeping the show running and we love all the wonderful people who are part of that community. If you’re not sure how, just ask us.

You can get our full range of our Merch at our Teespring store here

You can help us by spreading the word amongst the canine community or even suggesting a special guest to interview.

If you need to find out how to listen to our podcast, go here

We have a YOUTUBE channel that you can subscribe to now

If you enjoyed the podcast, please review us on Itunes, spotify and any other podcast directory

Details on joining the IACP can be found here. If you’re not in it you should be! Understand?

Check out Dogs Playing for Life! A rescue process changing dogs lives across the USA

For more details on how to help our friends at Peggy’s Promise, you can find all the details on how to do that on their website. They are our rescue charity of choice.

Support our supporters

Narelle Cooke’s raw feeding guide for dogs here. Narelle has her own podcast on all podcast directories called Natural Health for people and pets. Check it out in person.

Looking for the best, human grade supplement range for your dogs? Check out Canine Ceuticals. Now available in the USA. SHOW SPONSOR

Jason Firmin Einzweck Dog quip SHOW SPONSOR

The motorcycle dog kennel by Rowdy Hound SHOW SPONSOR

Professional dog training services DanKroft K9 SHOW SPONSOR

Daycare and training from the heart dog training SHOW SPONSOR

Dog training all styles in Adelaide Dog Club SA SHOW SPONSOR

Our beloved friend and regular contributor, Birdy O’Sheedy can be found at birdyosheedy.com

HUGE thanks to all our contributing artists. Please support their works

Jane Stuart
Avery Keller
Zoie Neidy

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Episode 287: Better at polishing a turd

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In a recent episode of The Canine Paradigm, we were thrilled to have Tracy Racich join us for an enlightening discussion. This episode, intriguingly titled “Better at Polishing a Turd,” stems from a candid comment made by Tracy. The conversation was sparked by a post Tracy shared about a month ago, which caught our attention and led us to delve deeper into the subject on our show.

The focus of our discussion with Tracy was on the current state of dog training, highlighting both the commendable aspects and the areas that require improvement. Tracy’s insights are particularly valuable for newer trainers entering the industry, offering them guidance on how to navigate the complexities of dog training effectively.

One of the key points Tracy emphasised was the importance of not just “polishing” our skills but also recognising and addressing the underlying issues in dog training practices. This metaphor of “polishing a turd” serves as a powerful reminder that superficial improvements are not enough; we must strive for genuine progress and development in our training methodologies.

For those new to the field, understanding the balance between polishing existing techniques and innovating new approaches is crucial. Tracy’s perspective sheds light on the need for continuous learning and adaptation in dog training, ensuring that we provide the best possible guidance and support to the dogs in our care.

As we reflect on our conversation with Tracy, it’s clear that the path to becoming a better dog trainer involves more than just polishing our skills. It requires a deep commitment to understanding the nuances of canine behaviour and a willingness to embrace change and improvement in our practices.

check out other episodes we have done like this one

Further details

looking for great dog trainers and supporters of the canine paradigm? Below is a vast array of people and business’s who stand by us, donate to our running costs and do great things for the canine community.

Glenn runs and has almost everything canine related at, Canine Evolution or Pet Resorts Australia

Pat has a full range of coaching and dog training services at Operant Canine

You can support our show and get extra content right here on our Patreon page. Everything goes into keeping the show running and we love all the wonderful people who are part of that community. If you’re not sure how, just ask us.

You can get our full range of our Merch at our Teespring store here

You can help us by spreading the word amongst the canine community or even suggesting a special guest to interview.

If you need to find out how to listen to our podcast, go here

We have a YOUTUBE channel that you can subscribe to now

If you enjoyed the podcast, please review us on Itunes, spotify and any other podcast directory

Details on joining the IACP can be found here. If you’re not in it you should be! Understand?

Check out Dogs Playing for Life! A rescue process changing dogs lives across the USA

For more details on how to help our friends at Peggy’s Promise, you can find all the details on how to do that on their website. They are our rescue charity of choice.

Support our supporters

Narelle Cooke’s raw feeding guide for dogs here. Narelle has her own podcast on all podcast directories called Natural Health for people and pets. Check it out in person.

Looking for the best, human grade supplement range for your dogs? Check out Canine Ceuticals. Now available in the USA. SHOW SPONSOR

Jason Firmin Einzweck Dog quip SHOW SPONSOR

The motorcycle dog kennel by Rowdy Hound SHOW SPONSOR

Professional dog training services DanKroft K9 SHOW SPONSOR

Daycare and training from the heart dog training SHOW SPONSOR

Dog training all styles in Adelaide Dog Club SA SHOW SPONSOR

Our beloved friend and regular contributor, Birdy O’Sheedy can be found at birdyosheedy.com

HUGE thanks to all our contributing artists. Please support their works

Jane Stuart
Avery Keller
Zoie Neidy

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Episode 286: Dog training with a single source

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In a recent episode, we were joined Matthias Lenz, a distinguished source in the dog training community. His evolution from a simple dog walker to a training director for puppies aiding the visually impaired is remarkably inspiring. Matthias joined us to address a critical issue within the dog training community: the division between the +R (positive reinforcement) and balanced training methodologies. His unique viewpoint highlights the urgent need for unity and understanding in this specialized field.

Matthias’s journey serves as a significant source of knowledge about the dog training community’s internal conflicts. He voiced concerns regarding the escalating divide between the +R and balanced training factions. The +R community, proponents of positive reinforcement techniques, often hesitates to recognise the benefits of balanced training methods. Matthias points out that this discord impedes the development of a more holistic and effective dog training approach.

Matthias underscores the necessity of open-mindedness within the dog training community. He contends that both +R and balanced trainers possess valuable insights. Nevertheless, the +R community’s reluctance to collaborate with balanced trainers creates a formidable obstacle. This mindset restricts the flow of ideas and techniques that could advantageously serve both dogs and their trainers.

Matthias’s advocacy for a unified approach in dog training is a vital step towards fostering a more inclusive and efficient environment. Recognising the strengths of both +R and balanced training methods can lead to the development of more versatile and adaptable training strategies. It’s essential for the dog training community to unite, share knowledge, and strive towards the shared goal of enhancing the lives of dogs

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