The Psychology of Dog Training | Jacqui Zakar on Freedom, Science & The Force-Free Divide

In this episode of Doggie Stoic, Andrew sits down with Jacqui Zakar, founder of Dog Sense Training in Perth, Australia — a respected voice in the dog training world known for her balanced, psychology-based approach and her push for open dialogue between force-free and balanced communitiesThey go deep into the science and philosophy of modern dog training — from psychology to play, punishment, and the real-world application of counter-conditioning. Jacqui’s background in psychology and experience across multiple industries gives her a uniquely logical, evidence-based perspective on how humans and dogs learn together.This conversation challenges assumptions, bridges ideological divides, and gives trainers and owners alike a new way to think about freedom, structure, and emotional balance.