Shows
The Positive BelgianUnderstanding the Belgian Shepherd Brain: Sensitivity, Drive, and Why They’re ‘Different’Belgian Shepherds are often described as “different” — not because they’re difficult, but because they experience the world in a very particular way. They are intensely observant, emotionally sensitive, and powerful pattern-learners, which is exactly why so much generic dog training advice simply doesn’t work for this breed.In this episode, we take a deep dive into what’s really going on inside the Belgian Shepherd brain. We explore why they notice everything, why pressure and correction often backfire, and how clarity, predictability, and emotional safety make such a profound difference.This episode is designed to...
2026-01-2141 minThe Positive BelgianEpisode 2 The Early Puppy WeeksBringing home a Belgian Shepherd puppy? Welcome to the world of bitey landsharks, big emotions, and the most fiercely loyal breed you’ll ever meet.In this episode, we unpack the early puppy weeks — the 8–12 week window where Belgian Shepherd behaviour can feel overwhelming, confusing, and utterly adorable all at once.Natasja shares real stories from raising her own puppies, including her legendary dressing-gown-obsessed landshark Siri, and Seina, whose whole-prey chewing made her one of the softest puppies she ever raised. You’ll learn why puppy biting is normal, how teething shapes behaviour, and why the bala...
2025-12-1128 min
The Positive BelgianWelcome Back to The Positive Belgian Podcast — Meet Your Belgian Shepherd Specialist, Natasja LewisIn this reboot of the Positive Belgian Podcast, Natasja Lewis returns with a fresh season focused entirely on helping guardians understand, train, and live harmoniously with their Belgian Shepherds. In this short, warm welcome-back episode, Natasja reflects on why the podcast is returning, what’s changed since Season 1, and what listeners can expect from the upcoming episodes. If you love your Belgian and want to train them using modern, reward-based methods that actually work for sensitive, driven dogs, you’re in the right place.What We Cover• Why the podcast is retu...
2025-11-2612 min
The Positive BelgianEpisode 6: Down the Ethics Rabbit Hole with Jo-Rosie HaffendenIn today's episode, your host Belgian Shepherd Dog Specialist Natasja Lewis chats to the lovely Jo-Rosie Haffenden from the School of Canine Science. We cover Jo-Rosie's introduction to Nando's Mali Fizz and how they ended up with 2 Malinois each. as we chatted we tackled Puppy Teething, the A22 aggression gene which is prevalent in the Malinois breed, frustration when training dogs and we discuss ethics in dog training coming to a surprising conclusion. So let's pull up a chair, grab a hot cuppa and let's get stuck in.To Join the Positive Belgian Community check...
2021-05-281h 25
The Positive BelgianEpisode 5: The Live One - Surviving Teenage BelgiansTo celebrate the launch of the Positive Belgian Podcast I brought you a YouTube Live which was a recording of the podcast with three very special guests to discuss the Teenage Belgian and share with you our tips for surviving this stage of the Belgian Shepherd's development.Your host Natasja Lewis was joined by Eric Brad, Belgian owner of 32 years & Canine Nation Podcast Host, Jo-Rosie Haffenden of the School of Canine Science who shares her life with 4 Malinois and Kerry Ward from the FairyDogMother in Leeds who shares her life with rescue Mali Bruce. You...
2021-05-141h 29
The Positive BelgianEpisode 4 All Things Belgian with Kamal FernandezIn today's episode, your host Belgian Shepherd Dog Specialist Natasja Lewisis joined by World Renowned Sports Dog Coach Kamal Fernandez. In this gem of an episode, we chat about how Kamal was introduced to Belgian Shepherds and he regales his first encounter with the breed. As we continue our conversation we discuss competing with Belgians, breeding and finding the right homes for the pups, we look at the differences between Border Collies and Malinois, and we touch on a myriad of other related topics in this mammoth chat that lasted for way longer than either of us anticipated.
2021-05-031h 25
The Positive BelgianEpisode 3 Training IPG Positively with Corrine WrendIn today's episode, your host Belgian Shepherd Dog Specialist Natasja Lewis chats to the lovely Corrine Wrend. Corinne competes in IPG with her positively trained Malinois and we chat about training Belgians in protection sports using positive reward-based training methods. We explore the differences between the traditional compulsion training methods so common in protection sports and positive training methods as well as looking at the advantages and disadvantages of using a reward-based system to teach this discipline. So let's pull up a chair, grab a hot cuppa and let's get stuck in.To Join the...
2021-04-161h 13
The Positive BelgianEpisode 2: Embracing Reward based training with Eric BradToday your host, Belgian Shepherd Breed Specialist, Natasja Lewis is joined by Eric Brad CDPT-KA. Eric Brad is a dog trainer, writer, blogger and Canine Nation podcast host. Eric is known for his articles on Canine Nation and the Canine Nation Podcast.In our chat, Eric confesses that he is a cross-over trainer. Having trained his dogs for many years using compulsion and aversives to achieve the obedient dog he always wanted, he got stuck when these dominance-based methods lead to a dangerous confrontation with his 18-month old Belgian Shepherd Vince. Join us for this open and ho...
2021-03-311h 11The Positive BelgianEpisode 1: Train The Belgian In Front Of You with Kerry WardIn this first episode, your host Belgian Shepherd Dog Breed Specialist Natasja Lewis chats to Kerry Ward of the FairyDogMother Leeds about her failed protection dog and rescue, Malinois Bruce. To Join the Positive Belgian Community check out thepositivebelgian.comJoin the conversation and discuss the Podcast in our Facebook GroupIntro and Outro music from Uppbeat: License code: LKVPMBQR3KFIQ72USend me a message
2021-03-1256 minThe Positive BelgianIntroducing the Positive Belgian PodcastIn this Introductory Episode, your host Belgian Shepherd Dog Specialist, Experienced Belgian Shepherd Breeder, and Author Natasja Lewis, explains her reasons for starting the Belgian Shepherd and gives you a sneaky preview by sharing a couple of snippets for 2 of my upcoming episodes. This fortnightly podcast will feature interviews with Belgian Shepherd Enthusiasts, Owners, and Dog trainers from around the globe. So pull up a chair and tune into the world of the Positive Belgian Podcast. To Join the Positive Belgian Community check out thepositivebelgian.comJoin the conversation and discuss...
2021-03-1222 min