Shows
The Everyday Trainer PodcastMalinois, Bubbles, and the Art of Balanced Training ft. Emma of Raven K9 Dog TrainingEvery dog trainer's journey begins somewhere, and for Emma from Raven K9 Dog Training, that foundation was built through pack walking. In this conversation, Emma shares how she transitioned from a customer service manager in Australia to a successful dog trainer in the UK, revealing the unexpected lessons that shaped her training philosophy.What makes Emma's approach so refreshing is her balanced perspective that honors dogs as individuals while maintaining clear expectations. She details how adopting Raven, a Dutch Shepherd with a serious history of dog reactivity, led her to explore e-collar training and develop a nuanced...
2025-09-261h 09The Everyday Trainer PodcastBehind the Curtain: Building a Dog Training BusinessWhat happens when your dog training skills outpace your business skills? In this episode, I sit down with Tori, the administrative powerhouse behind The Everyday Trainer, to pull back the curtain on the messy, challenging, and often overwhelming business side of dog training.Four years ago, I was drowning in 4,000 unread emails while running a thriving dog training practice. My fatal flaw? Being exceptional with dogs but completely overwhelmed by the administrative tasks that kept my business running. Enter Tori, who transformed chaos into systems that allowed The Everyday Trainer to flourish.We candidly discuss...
2025-09-1956 minThe Everyday Trainer PodcastThe Art of Trialing: Inside Celine's PSA Level 1 SuccessThe journey to competition success is rarely a straight line. In this episode, we're joined by Celine, Shane, and Thoma who take us behind the scenes of Celine's recent PSA Level 1 trial victory in Wyoming. What does it really take to prepare a dog for back-to-back trial days, and how do you maintain consistency when the pressure's on?The conversation quickly evolves into a debate about training methodologies that challenge conventional wisdom. Shane shares his approach to e-collar use, arguing that "the quicker you can get out of escape, the better" and explaining why he deliberately trains...
2025-09-121h 55The Everyday Trainer PodcastBeyond Commands: Teaching Dogs to Think for ThemselvesWhat happens when your dog isn't in a command? Do they make good decisions or fall apart completely? This question strikes at the heart of the difference between obedience training and true behavior modification.Many dog owners believe their problems are solved when their dog returns from a board and train program perfectly executing commands like place, sit, and heel. But as we explore in this episode, obedience is merely a tool—not the finished product. A dog that performs beautifully in training sessions but makes poor choices when "off duty" hasn't undergone genuine behavioral change.
2025-09-0657 minThe Everyday Trainer PodcastYour dog isn't broken, it just needs the right lifestyle.Recorded by a crackling campfire in Montana's bear country, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to live with working dogs. Meg is joined by dog trainers Thoma and Lex (who recently welcomed a Malinois puppy into her life) for an unfiltered conversation about the expectations versus reality of high-drive dogs.Have you ever wondered why some dogs seem impossible to settle or why your "reactive" dog behaves so differently from other dogs of the same breed? The answer might lie in understanding what these dogs were bred for. We dive deep into...
2025-08-221h 12The Everyday Trainer PodcastNavigating E-Collar Training: Conditioning Phases and Best Practices for Pet DogsEver wondered if you're using an e-collar correctly with your dog? Meg pulls back the curtain on this powerful training tool, revealing insights that even seasoned trainers might be missing.Meg takes us deep into the two essential phases of e-collar conditioning—escape and avoidance—and explains why most trainers and owners get stuck in the first phase for far too long. This simple mistake creates dogs who only respond when the e-collar is activated rather than understanding commands independently. She shares practical examples from her board-and-train program, demonstrating how e-collars should function as follow-through tools rather than...
2025-08-151h 25The Everyday Trainer PodcastThe Pet Industry Playbook | ft. Celine Tran + Shane MurrayEver wondered what it really takes to build a successful pet business in today's digital landscape? This candid conversation with Celine, the creative force behind WulfSnacks and multiple 100K+ social media accounts, and dog trainer Shane Murray pulls back the curtain on the messy, challenging, and ultimately rewarding journey of pet industry entrepreneurship.Celine shares her unexpected path from aspiring veterinarian to pet influencer and business owner, revealing the moment during COVID when she decided to leave her veterinary assistant position behind. What started as homemade treats for her dogs with food sensitivities transformed into WulfSnacks, a...
2025-08-011h 44The Everyday Trainer PodcastHow To Speak Dog: Decoding the Language Between Human and DogHave you ever felt like you and your dog are speaking completely different languages? You're not alone. Communication barriers are the root cause of most training frustrations, but there's a solution that transforms even the most challenging relationships.In this illuminating episode, I break down the five essential communication systems that create crystal-clear understanding between dogs and humans. Drawing from years of experience with both everyday pets and complex behavioral cases, I reveal how mastering these systems creates a shared language that eliminates confusion and builds trust.You'll discover why consistent marker words matter more...
2025-07-251h 05The Everyday Trainer PodcastFrom Reactivity to Relaxation: Your Dog Training Questions AnsweredDog trainers Meg and Thoma tackle your most pressing canine questions in this comprehensive Q&A episode packed with practical solutions for common behavioral challenges.When it comes to getting dogs to truly settle down, they reveal why constant food rewards often backfire, creating dogs that stare intensely rather than genuinely relax. Their tethering approach offers a refreshingly different alternative to the overused "place" command, allowing dogs to find calm on their own terms without the pressure of perfect obedience. "It's almost like forced meditation," Meg explains, highlighting how this technique helps dogs learn self-soothing skills that...
2025-06-271h 26The Everyday Trainer PodcastDogs need wilderness as much as we do.There's something magical that happens when we allow ourselves and our dogs to escape the constraints of urban living. This episode takes you along on our adventure to Yosemite and the surrounding wilderness, where unexpected encounters became transformative experiences.Our journey began dramatically when we spotted a wildfire starting on BLM land. After reporting it, we continued deeper into the wilderness, where fate led us to a private lakeside property. Instead of being turned away, we were welcomed by Scott, a bearded mountain man with a generous spirit. His stories about how nature rehabilitated both his troubled...
2025-06-1359 minThe Everyday Trainer PodcastNavigating 25 Years of Dog Training Evolution ft. Stephanie O'BrienWhat does 25 years of dog training experience teach you? Stephanie O'Brien, owner of Dog Genius Canine Education, takes us on a fascinating journey through her evolution as a trainer—from growing up raising guide dogs to becoming an expert in protection sports.Stephanie's story offers a rare glimpse into how dog training has transformed over decades. Before YouTube tutorials and Instagram influencers existed, trainers learned through direct mentorship, VHS tapes shipped from Europe, and traveling to competitions. Her vivid recollections of discovering Belgian Ring sport for the first time and the thrill of taking bites from champion pr...
2025-06-062h 06The Everyday Trainer PodcastNavigating Next Steps: A Follow-Up on Separation Anxiety and ReactivityThe journey from reactive, anxious dog to confident companion isn't always straightforward. In this follow-up session, we check in with a client who's been implementing changes to address her dog's separation anxiety, reactivity issues, and their overly-structured relationship.What happens when we stop micromanaging our dogs and instead give them opportunities to make good choices? The transformation can be remarkable. We explore how to balance freedom with boundaries by allowing dogs space to explore while maintaining clear expectations. This delicate balance creates confident dogs who understand their world rather than anxious ones constantly looking for direction.
2025-05-301h 22The Everyday Trainer PodcastThe Path from Reactive Dog to Dog TrainerLex shares her transformation from dog owner to professional trainer, sparked by her journey with her reactive German Shepherd, Koda. What began as a challenging adoption—complete with a parvo diagnosis and costly medical bills—evolved into a career-defining experience that taught her invaluable lessons about balanced training approaches.• Adopting Koda as an eight-week-old puppy during COVID, only to face immediate health challenges including parvo and hip problems• How a traumatic dog park incident transformed Koda from confident to severely reactive almost overnight• The frustration of working with multiple trainers whose methods either didn't help or felt to...
2025-05-231h 14The Everyday Trainer PodcastThe Everyday Hazards That Nearly Took Our DogsMeg shares the terrifying experience of her puppy Muffin accidentally ingesting marijuana at a park and the emergency vet visit that followed, then opens up the conversation to listener stories about scary incidents with their dogs.• Collar dangers emerge as a common hazard, with multiple stories of dogs choking when collars become caught during play or in crate wires• Breakaway collars and removing collars during unsupervised time can prevent these dangerous situations• "He's friendly" dog greetings frequently lead to attacks and injuries, reminding owners that dogs don't need forced friendships• Gastrointestinal obstructions from toys, leashes...
2025-05-161h 10The Everyday Trainer PodcastThe Power of Following Your Lead: Understanding Dog Drive StatesDog trainers often talk about "drivey" dogs, but understanding drive states is key to effective training and fundamentally changes how we approach common behavioral issues.• Drive states are innate biological impulses that motivate behavior in dogs• Pack drive (following the leader) is the most valuable drive for behavioral modification• Walking drills build pack drive by teaching dogs to follow your lead• Defense drive manifests when dogs feel threatened and may result in aggression• Prey drive involves the instinct to chase and is activated during food/toy focused training• Most dogs don't want to be "front...
2025-05-0957 minThe Everyday Trainer PodcastInto the Wild with Your DogWe share the keys to finding and enjoying outdoor adventures with your dogs, challenging the urban lifestyle that keeps our canine companions disconnected from their natural state. • Living on the road with dogs has shown us the immense benefits of nature exposure for dog behavior and wellbeing• Urban environments disrupt dogs' natural circadian rhythms while nature helps reset their biological clocks• Dogs have innate needs to explore, forage, and connect with natural environments that can't be met in city settings• Microbiome development through exposure to diverse bacteria in soil and natural water sources strengthens dogs' imm...
2025-05-021h 05The Everyday Trainer PodcastYour Dog Can Listen on Leash, Even When They'd Rather NotNicole's Staffordshire Terrier excels at tricks but transforms into an unstoppable pulling machine the moment a leash appears, especially when heading to the dog park.• Teaching proper leash pressure is fundamental to stop pulling• "Pressure on, pressure off" method establishes clear communication• Pulling gets rewarded when it leads to exciting destinations like dog parks• Dogs pull because they learn it works to get what they want• Smart dogs can have poor manners when competing motivations are present• Loose leash walking requires dedicated practice sessions• Walking drills should progress from low to high distracti...
2025-04-0447 minThe Everyday Trainer PodcastE-Collar Training, Crate Strategies, and Managing a High-Energy DogMeg shares insights from a virtual training session with her client Molly, who is working through reactivity issues with her high-energy husky mix, Murphy, after early socialization at dog parks and daycare created frustration-based leash reactivity.• Distinguishing between fear-based and frustration-based reactivity• Why dog parks and daycares can create reactivity in some dogs• Detailed explanation of e-collar conditioning process and finding working levels• Strategies for becoming more relevant to your dog than environmental distractions• How to properly introduce and use a crate for dogs that struggle to settle• Tips for managing dogs with luxatin...
2025-03-2857 minThe Everyday Trainer PodcastVan Life with Puppies: The Journey BeginsMeg and Thoma share their experiences living in vans with dogs and introduce their newly adopted Malinois puppies, exploring the ethics and controversies of dog acquisition.• Navigating van life in southern California where regulations and neighbors create challenges for mobile dog trainers• How two 6-week-old Malinois puppies were rescued after being scheduled for euthanasia at a veterinary clinic• Introduction to protection dog sports and the importance of good genetics versus training• The controversy between supporting rescue dogs versus purpose-bred working lines• Integrating new puppies into existing dog packs and managing littermate interactions• Understandin...
2025-03-2159 minThe Everyday Trainer PodcastBetter Food, Happier Dogs: A Conversation on Pet Nutrition with Megan from Pet Power StudioWelcome back ya'll. In this episode, we dive into the transformative world of dog nutrition with Megan from Pet Power Studio. Discover how proper nourishment can revolutionize the life of your beloved pet from overcoming behavioral challenges to enhancing their overall quality of life. Together, we explore the pitfalls of traditional kibble diets and unveil the powerful, positive changes that raw and fresh feeding can trigger.Megan’s heartfelt narrative begins with her experience raising Diesel, a once-troubled dog who became a beacon of insight into the world of canine behavior and nutrition. She illustrates the framework of...
2025-02-281h 06The Everyday Trainer PodcastVirtual session and we’re talking separation anxiety, reactivity, and confidence buildingThis episode highlights the challenges of managing dog training while addressing separation anxiety and the unrealistic expectations often placed on both pets and their owners. The conversation emphasizes the importance of play, clear communication, and tailored training methods to cultivate a healthy bond and successful training experience. • Discussion on separation anxiety and common behavioral issues• Importance of setting realistic training expectations • The value of engaging playtime for dogs • Insights on incorporating structured routines in daily activities • Recommendations for successful communication techniques• Encouragement to explore fun activities, including tracking and scent workCheck out ever...
2025-02-211h 53The Everyday Trainer PodcastIt’s not your fault, but it is your responsibilityThe episode emphasizes the idea that while dog owners may feel guilty about their pets' behavior, it is essential to recognize that genetics significantly influence these actions. We discuss the prevalent culture in dog training that blames owners and shift the focus to the responsibility they have in managing their dogs with an understanding of their innate behaviors.• The impact of living situations on dog training and behaviors • The narrative of blame within the dog training community • Importance of recognizing genetics in dog behavior • Responsibilities of dog owners: fulfilling breed-specific needs • Real-life examples illustrating t...
2025-02-0752 minThe Everyday Trainer Podcast5 Do’s, 5 Don’ts of Dog TrainingThis episode outlines the five essential do's and don'ts of dog training, focusing on clarity, communication, and consistency. By emphasizing crate training, marker words, early exposure, respecting other dogs' spaces, and maintaining consistency, listeners will gain valuable insights into effective dog training methods.• The importance of crate training • How marker words enhance communication • The need for early exposure training • Respecting other dogs' spaces during interactions • The significance of consistency in training Join us in our upcoming virtual lessons to continue your dog training journey!To donate to the Pasadena’s Humane Soc...
2025-01-311h 03The Everyday Trainer Podcast13 Rules for Good Dog Owner EtiquetteThis episode explores essential dog etiquette rules to help owners navigate public spaces responsibly. Meg emphasizes the importance of respecting boundaries for both dogs and their owners to foster a safe and positive experience in community interactions.• Importance of being considerate toward other dogs and their owners • Experiences highlighting the struggles of off-leash encounters • Teaching children to respect a dog’s personal space • The consequences of misunderstanding dog behavior in public • Core rules of dog etiquette to change public perceptions • Addressing entitlement and setting boundaries • Recognizing the unique needs of individual dogs in various...
2025-01-171h 00The Everyday Trainer PodcastVan Life Adventures: Balancing Dogs, Seasonal Shifts, and Sport TrainingWelcome back ya'll. This week's episode explores the unique challenges of living in a van while managing the needs of multiple dogs during winter. We discuss the emotional toll of dog mom guilt, the importance of clear communication in training, and the balance between work and taking care of pets.• Managing life updates and routines while living in a van • Balancing dog care while grappling with dog mom guilt • Adjusting to winter and understanding its impacts on lifestyle • Navigating daily routines and training challenges in vans • Communicating effectively with dogs through marker words • Embracing...
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