Shows
The Rooted PodcastEpisode 9 - Raised by DogsThis episode is a little different and one of the most meaningful conversations we’ve recorded so far.Today, we sit down with our daughters, Brielle and Ezra, for an open, unscripted conversation about what it’s really like growing up in a household where dogs aren’t just pets they’re part of the work, the lifestyle, and the family.We talk about life behind the scenes of dog training, what they’ve learned from being around working dogs, how dogs have shaped their confidence and perspective, and the funny, honest moments that come w...
2025-12-2545 min
The Rooted PodcastEpisode 8 : A Real Conversation with Two Proven K9 LeadersEveryone sees the bite.Everyone sees the videos.But behind every deployment — there’s a handler who carries the weight of getting it right.On this episode, Alison and Michael sit down with Jay Nix and Mike Lilley to talk about the realities of the K9 world: the wins, the failures, the responsibility of developing dog teams that protect communities, and the need for clearer standards in a rapidly changing industry.You’ll hear perspectives forged through actual street work, unit leadership, and years spent developing dogs that perform when it counts.This...
2025-11-211h 09
The Rooted PodcastEpisode 7 : What Decoys Do“What the Decoys Do”**Decoys are one of the most important — and most overlooked — pieces of the working-dog puzzle.In this episode of The Rooted Podcast, Alison and Mike talk about what decoys actually do, why the role matters, and how it influences the dogs we train, test, and put on the field.They discuss the general differences between training decoys, trial decoys, and the gray area in between — and how each role plays a part in developing a dog that can understand the work.Whether you’re involved in PSA, poli...
2025-11-031h 01
The Rooted PodcastEpisode 6 - Cause and Effect: How Dogs Learn They Have PowerWhen a dog stops believing its behavior makes a difference, everything unravels — drive, confidence, focus, all of it.In this episode of The Rooted Podcast, Alison and Mike dig into the core of every successful training program: cause and effect. They break down how dogs learn that what they do actually changes what happens next — and how that belief builds confident, independent, reliable partners.They get into:The science of cause and effect (and why your timing makes or breaks it)How reinforcement builds belief — not just obedienceThe difference between fair pressure and confus...
2025-10-2758 min
The Rooted PodcastEpisode 5 : The Woke Dog Trainer Era: Bite Work, Breed Myths & the Battle for Common SenseWelcome to The Rooted, where we strip away the fluff and talk about what’s really happening in the dog world.In this episode — The Woke Dog Trainer Era — we dive into how the industry has become a battlefield of ideology, ego, and moral grandstanding. From the San Francisco Standard article claiming that “wokeness has infected dog training,” we break down how philosophy has replaced practicality and how that affects dogs in the real world.We also take on the growing debate around bite work as an outlet for reactive or aggressive dogs — when it works, when...
2025-10-131h 01
The Rooted PodcastEpisode 4 - Dog Training Industry: Guarantees, Validation, and the Future of Working DogsWe’re back with The Rooted Podcast, and in this episode we’re diving straight into the conversations that most of the dog world avoids. Are working dogs losing their edge, and what does that mean for the future of police, military, and sport K9s? Why does the dog training industry have no real standards, and how is that lack of regulation affecting both trainers and the families who trust them? And finally, we’re unpacking the truth about guarantees in training—are they an honest promise of results or just a marketing tool that sets everyone up for disa...
2025-10-0653 min
The Rooted PodcastEpisode 3 - The Battle of the Perfect DogIn this episode, tensions rise as Michael and Alison go head-to-head in their quest to define the "Perfect Dog." With years of experience and strong opinions on training, temperament, and working ability, they each bring their own unique perspective to the table. What qualities make a truly ideal canine companion? Is it all about obedience and control, or does personality and drive play a bigger role?Join us as they break down their must-have traits, debate what really matters in a well-rounded dog, and challenge each other’s ideas—sometimes with a bit of heat! Whether you're a se...
2025-03-1159 min
The Rooted PodcastEpisode 2 - The Weight of Success - Husbandry & PerformanceIn this episode of The Rooted, Mike and Ali dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of animal husbandry, with a particular focus on nutrition and weight management for working dogs. They discuss a growing concern among K9 handlers and dog owners: dogs being underweight and how it directly affects performance, stamina, and overall well-being.Mike and Ali share their experiences and observations, explaining how improper feeding routines, poor-quality diets, and over-conditioning can hinder a dog's ability to perform at its peak. They also provide actionable insights into building proper feeding schedules, monitoring body condition, and ensuring dogs...
2025-02-0342 min
The Rooted PodcastEpisode 1 - The OriginsIn our very first episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on us. Who are Alison and Michael Nezbeth? How did two people with a love for dogs, a knack for chaos, and a drive for something bigger turn a dream into Grassroots K9?We’re talking origins, the hustle, the fails, and the moments that shaped our journey—not just as trainers but as business owners, partners, and (somehow) semi-functional humans.If you’ve ever wondered how Grassroots K9 started or what it takes to build a life around dogs, business, and passion, this episode’...
2025-01-2740 min
2025-01-2005 min