Dog training myths with Phyllis Smuland: Bite Suits, Flirt Poles, and ECollars episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 6, 2026 · 1H 36M

Dog training myths with Phyllis Smuland: Bite Suits, Flirt Poles, and ECollars

from What Dogs Have Taught Me · host Julie Hart

In this episode, we take a closer look at some surprising trends circulating in the dog training world on social media. Are trainers really wearing bite suits to evaluate everyday pet dogs? Can flirt poles and tug toys the only way to meet a dog's activity needs? And why do e-collars seem to be recommended for nearly every dog problem? Join me for a thoughtful conversation with veteran dog trainer Phyllis Smuland, who brings more than four decades of experience working with dogs and their people. Together we discuss what we’re seeing online, the potential drawbacks of these approaches, and why thoughtful, individualized training matters more than following trends. If you’re a dog owner or dog professional trying to make sense of conflicting training advice, this episode will give you practical perspective and plenty to think about. Photo credit 1963 France Photographer unknown

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Dog training myths with Phyllis Smuland: Bite Suits, Flirt Poles, and ECollars

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