Beastly Talks

This week's episode of Beastly Talks, did get a little bleak, as we tackle the topic of dogs in shelters. Sky is a qualified dog trainer, working in a not for profit shelter in California. Despite her very young age, Sky is very knowledgable and open about the reality of life for many dogs in a shelter environment. The high levels of ongoing stress can lead to anything from increased aggression, anxiety all the way up to self mutilation in some cases. We discuss everything from LIMA, to play groups, behaviour modification in a complicated setting, tool use and even behavioural euthanasia. It's a tough conversation, but it is also an important one, so we can try to find ways to improve welfare for dogs, who find themselves in a tough spot. We hope you enjoy this conversation, despite it's not so bright topic. Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 rating, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Follow Stian and Beautiful Beasts on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

In this episode of Beastly Talks, prepare yourself for some big laughs and great knowledge bombs, as we sit down with Ross Macnamara from Mac Dog Training in Scotland!Like myself, Ross focuses a lot on rehabilitating reactivity, with a particular focus on play based training. But he also works a lot on building confidence in puppies, the importance of structure and sleep, and preventing what he calls "the iPad Dog." (Likimats not welcome here!)Our chat went from having a laugh on social media, to tool bans, back to dogs and play, and pretty much everywhere in between, and we hope you have as much fun as we did!Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 rating, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Check out Ross and Mac Dog Training on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/macdogtraining/Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/MACdogtraining/https://www.macdogtraining.co.uk/Follow Stian and Beautiful Beasts on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

In this week's episode of Beastly Talks, we had a very interesting chat with Jacqui Zakar from Dogsense in Perth. With a background in studying psychology, Jacqui has a very no nonsense approach to dog training and behaviour modification, and she keeps up to date with the most recent scientific literature. Where Stian talks a lot of "bro science" (meaning things I observe, but don't know the scientific reasoning for why it's happening) Jacqui provides some great insights and clear understanding into the dog training space.Join us as we jump a little all over the shop, talking about everything from puppy raising, to behaviour modification, reactivity and fighting morons on social media.We really hope you enjoy this conversation! Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 rating, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Check out Jacqui and Dogsense on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dogsensetraining/Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/DogSenseTrainingAndBehaviourTik Tok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@dogsensehttps://www.dogsense.com.au/Follow Stian and Beautiful Beasts on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

Carolina from DynamoDogs is back once more!We had a great chat about something we both believe is incredibly important when training dogs (and dealing with behavioural issues): Authority and Autonomy. Authority is often mistaken for authoritarianism, but the two are very different. Autonomy is important for your dog to learn to make good choices. Join us as we deep dive into what this all means and how it guides our training and rehabilitation process when working with dogs with big feelings. We really hope you enjoy this conversation! Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 rating, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Check out Carolina and Dynamodogs on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dynamodogsau/⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/DynamoDogsAU/⁠⁠https://www.dynamodogs.com.au/⁠Follow Stian and Beautiful Beasts on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

In this week's episode of Beastly Talks, I took inspiration from someone being sassy about how I train on social media, and told me I was using markers wrong. So I decided to put my whole marker system into an episode!Marker training is using a particular sound or signal to tell the dog when they're right, wrong, encourage them to continue, teach different reinforcers and so on. At the most basic level, most people just need a reward marker ("YES") and a punishment marker ("NO"), but it can get a lot more complicated from there, depending on what you are trying to achieve with your dog. Hopefully you find this episode educational!Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 review, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Book your spot for the upcoming reactivity workshop (25-26th July, 2026) with Ben Geurts from Kaizen K9 below!⁠⁠Reaktivity with Kaizen K9⁠⁠Follow Stian Helling and Beautiful Beasts on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

We received a message from an Instagram follower, who is currently dealing with an adolescent dog. So, in this episode of Beastly Talks, that is exactly what we're getting stuck into (as I am currently dealing with the same painful thing). From selective memory, to lack of engagement and even increased aggression and fear, adolescence affects all dogs differently. In this podcast we go through a young dogs big developmental stages, look at how sexual maturity affects behaviour, the difference in breeds and sizes, and finally how we battle our way through this erratic period in a dogs life.It's an exhausting time when raising a young dog, but stick with it! I promise, things do get better with consistency!Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 review, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Book your spot for the upcoming reactivity workshop (25-26th July) with Ben Geurts from Kaizen K9 below!⁠Reaktivity with Kaizen K9⁠Follow Stian Helling and Beautiful Beasts on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

In this episode of Beastly Talks, we're diving into a somewhat complicated topic to wrap your head around: how punishment can open the door to reinforcement. For a lot of dogs – especially dogs with a low stress tolerance – panic quickly sets in and shuts off any form of positive reinforcement opportunity. The dog gets stuck in what I call a "Mindset trap", where stress begets more stress, resulting in high levels of anxiety and zero interest in external reinforcement. Many trainers talk about "keeping the dog under threshold", but very few explain how to bring the dog back down when it's over threshold. Introducing considered pressure and even punishment, can be the prediction error the dog needs, to recommence the training. Complicated topic, but hopefully I've been able to make it understandable! Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 review, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Book your spot for the upcoming reactivity workshop (25-26th July) with Ben Geurts from Kaizen K9 below!Reaktivity with Kaizen K9Follow Stian Helling and Beautiful Beasts on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

We have another great episode lined up for you, one that I learned a lot from! NOTE: at one point all our recording shut down and we had to start again to finish the conversation (I mention it in my additional intro that I made for this episode). Sorry about that!This week we are speaking with Maddie from Companion Dog Training and Von Goron Shepherds. Maddie is a dog trainer who also breeds German Shepherds. We talk about the difference between therapy and assistance dogs, temperaments in therapy dogs and all the things that happen when great dogs are being created by responsible breeders.We hope you enjoy this conversation!Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 review, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Check out Maddie and Companion Dog Training & Von Goron on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/_companiondogtraining/Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/dogtraining.companionhttps://vongorongsdandtraining.com/Follow Stian Helling and Beautiful Beasts on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

In this episode of Beastly Talks, we're doing another "Reddit is Retarded" (I'm probably going to get cancelled for writing that).I came across a post that said "I think my dog is being dominant towards me." The person then proceeded to list a whole lot of extremely common behavioural problems, not at all linked to dominance. Most of the replies were surprisingly good though, despite being on Reddit, but I thought it was still worth digging into this. "Dominance" is like a pointy rock in your shoe, that is held in there by divine power. It makes no sense, but it is frustrating as hell. I don't dive too deep into dominance here, but I give a brief overview of it, before dismantling a whole lot of myths surrounding dominance. The key take away from this podcast? Don't think 'dominance', think 'leadership.'Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 review, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Follow Stian Helling and Beautiful Beasts on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

We are incredibly excited about this episode, where we had the opportunity to sit down and speak with one of the biggest names in the Australian dog training industry: Ben Geurts from Kaizen K9. Ben has more than 20 years experience training dogs. He started his career as a K9 trainer with the Special Operations Command and has been working with pet dogs for over a decade. Ben is both NePoPo® and TWC certified and brings a unique approach to both working dogs, pet dogs and bite sports.We delve deep into the topic of aggression and how bite sport can play a big role in the rehabilitation process. We discuss tool bans, new trainers in the industry, the force free vs balanced social media war and more. Strap yourself in for a great conversation!Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 review, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Check out Ben and Kaizen K9 on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kaizen_k9/Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/KaizenK9Ptyltdhttps://kaizenk9.com/Follow Stian Helling and Beautiful Beasts on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

In this episode of Beastly Talks, we tackle a difficult and nuanced topic in the aggression space: resource guarding (also known as possession aggression). Resource guarding is what I categorise as 'true aggression' meaning it is not reactive in nature, but has clear purpose (to protect resource) and intent to harm.I have seen many photos of people getting badly injured when dealing with resource guarding, so this podcast ended up being fairly long. It is important to really dive into these topics, clearly understand them and have strong knowledge about how to approach them. I will add a link to the Reddit video I talk through here, when it has been posted up on my socials. I very much enjoyed recording this and I hope you enjoy listening to it!Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 review, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Follow Stian Helling and Beautiful Beasts on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

In this episode of Beastly Talks, we have a good laugh and great conversation with the perpetual motion engine Carolina from DynamoDogs!Stian and Carolina go way back and have been partners in crime in both dog training and fostering for nearly a decade. They met when Stian helped Carolina out with her personal dynamo, Cricket, a kelpie who was far more than a handful. After that, Carolina decided to pursue a career in dog training and that is when Dynamo Dogs was born. Carolina specialises in working with reactivity work (or big feelings as she calls it) and has a particular love for herding breeds. We dive into anything from "fake" herding games to the use of electronic collars, the need for exercise, off leash freedom and adventures in the pursuit of combating frustration, fear and reactivity in our wonderful "house predators."We really hope you enjoy this conversation! Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 review, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Check out Carolina and Dynamodogs on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dynamodogsau/Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/DynamoDogsAU/https://www.dynamodogs.com.au/Follow Stian and Beautiful Beasts on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

In this episode of Beastly Talks, we do a quick dive into the difference between reactivity and aggression. Many trainers don't like the term reactivity, but we don't mind it. It is greatly misunderstood by many, however! I am very tired of all the polarising opinions and nonsense in the dog training industry. But I'm trying my best to keep the conversation light, entertaining and understandable. I did get a little grumpy in this one though, so please bear with me as I go into an occasional rant. The audio quality isn't the best unfortunately, as I am stuck working on a laptop from roughly 600BC (I've explained what's going on in the podcast). We really hope you enjoy this conversation! Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 review, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Follow Stian and Beautiful Beasts on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

In this episode of Beastly Talks, we chat to our good friend Paula from Crazy Mutz. Paula is a former student of Stian, who bailed him up in his driveway one day, insisting he teach her about dog training. Since then Paula has come to the realisation that as a dog trainer, you are never "finished" with your education, because there is always something new to learn. There is always a new approach to teaching something, or new ways to approach problem behaviours, which is why it is important that we keep an open mind, learn from many different people, and remain a forever student, so we can best serve our canine companions!We really hope you enjoy this conversation! Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 review, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Check out Paula and Crazy Mutz on Facebook!FacebookFollow Stian and Beautiful Beasts on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

In this episode of Beastly Talks, we have a very interesting conversation with our good friend Hailey from ZenergyK9. How do you know when it's time to retire a working dog? Working dogs come in many different forms: from police K9 units to assistance dogs, these highly trained dogs all perform a very clear job for their handlers. But being a working dog can be highly taxing – both physically and mentally – and dogs can burn out just like we do. So how do we decide that it is time to call it a day for an on duty dog and move them into retirement? We really hope you enjoy this conversation! Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 review, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Check out Hailey and ZenergyK9!Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/zenergyk9/Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ZenergyK9/Website: https://zenergyk9.com.au/Follow Stian and Beautiful Beasts on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

Here is part 2 of the Pressure Mastery podcast! We had a lot of good feedback on the first episode, and I am very excited to get the second episode published.In part 1, your host Stian Helling, talked about the concept of pressure and how it is involved in pretty much every part of our lives. In this episode, we delve into how to use pressure in a dog training setting. We discuss how to get the best results from your training, conditioning pressure, using pressure in "spicy games" and with fearful or anxious dogs, and we break down our full pressure matrix, to hopefully give you a big head start and leg up in your dog training journey.It ended up being a pretty long podcast, but we hope you find it enjoyable and helpful. Keep pen and paper handy for the pressure matrix segment of the episode!Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 review, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Follow us on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au⁠

In this episode of Beastly Talks, we begin the conversation on a topic that breaks so many people's brains: pressure. Understanding pressure is absolutely crucial if you want to take your dog training skills to the next level. But so many people get hung up in the application of pressure, not understanding what pressure really means, and how it affects you in every part of your life. I've split this topic into two podcasts: this episode is all about comprehension and really get a deep understanding of pressure in everyday life. Part 2 will focus on the physical application of pressure in dog training. I really hope you find this topic as interesting as I do and that this podcast will open your mind to thinking about pressure, far beyond dog training tools or methods. Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 review, follow the podcast for all the latest updates, share it with your friends and other dog lovers, and drop us a comment if you like what you hear or have questions for us!Follow us on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au⁠

NOTE: we did have some technical issues in the beginning of this chat, apologies for that! We had a great chat a few weeks back with Andrew Clark from CanisAU. Andrew has been in the industry for a long time and he has seen many parts of dog training shift, often not for the better. We dive into the rise of the fear free ideology, the problems with pushing stress free agendas and how often outlandish claims are being made on behalf of "science." We hope you enjoy this conversation!As always, leave us a 5 🌟 review if you like the podcast, drop us a comment or send us a message. We do appreciate your feedback!Follow us on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

In this week's episode of Beastly Talks, we delve further into the topic of aggression, this time focusing on it's functionality. Why does aggression "stick around" unless tackled?What is environmental manipulation?What is the difference between active and reactive aggression?How does aggression make dogs feel empowered?How do we actively create aggression in dogs?Lots of (hopefully) useful information for both dog owners and dog trainers! Make sure to give us a 5 🌟 review, follow the podcast for all the latest updates and drop us a comment if you like the podcast or have questions!Follow us on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au⁠

Here we are again. Another call for dog training tools to be banned. Another call, which seems to have completely forgotten to ask balanced trainers on the value of prong collars, and has colluded under the table with a corrupt RSPCA to try and sneak it through. This is despicable behaviour and completely without due process, which we should demand in a democracy. This is not a podcast I had planned or prepared for. But this has to be said, so here we go: Stand up and fight back. Don't let politicians and deceiving organisations such as the RSPCA dictate how we can and cannot work with our dogs. Write a submission to Tara Moriarty – NSW Minister of Agriculture – and demand transparency and that all sides be heard, so everyone gets a "fair go", which Australia is so proud of. We'll be back to our regular podcast next week. For now, make sure you make your voice heard! Don't allow yourself to be steamrolled by people with little information, just big feelings.Email: [email protected]: TaraMoriartyMLCTwitter: @TaraMoriartyInstagram: @tara.moriartyMake sure to give us a 5 🌟 review, drop us a comment if you like the podcast or have questions, and follow to always get the latest updates!Follow us on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au⁠

In this week's episode of Beastly Talks, we delve into the purpose of aggression. Why is aggression necessary in social species?What is ritualistic displays of aggression?How does dominance and submission play into the use of aggression?When does aggression stop being communication and start becoming problematic?An incredibly interesting topic, which I have done so much research on (both by reading books and having teeth barred at me 🤣)This is the first installment of what I will be calling the 'Aggression Sessions' , where we specifically dive into the topic of aggression, and there will be plenty more information to come in the future!The book I'm referencing a few times is:On Aggression - Dr Konrad Lorenzhttps://tinyurl.com/onaggressionbookMake sure to give us a 5 🌟 review, follow the podcast for all the latest updates and drop us a comment if you like the podcast or have questions!Follow us on social media:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/⁠⁠⁠For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:⁠⁠⁠www.beautifulbeasts.com.au⁠

In this episode of Beastly Talks, your host – Stian Helling – delves into what he calls "The Curse of Freedom." When bringing a new dog into your household – be that a new puppy from a breeder, or a rescue from a shelter – one of the biggest mistakes people make, is to immediately give that new dog free run of their house. Why is this a problem? Because dogs need a ton of structure and guidance to fit into a new environment, and to help prevent problems from arising. Most people let the new dog go and spend the next 6 months running after them yelling "NO!" every time they destroy something, toilet inside, or growl over their food bowl. Now, we are immediately in conflict with our new "best friend." All of this can so easily be avoided with some basic structure and training plans, which is all laid out in this podcast.If you like what you hear, please like, rate, share and follow! We really do appreciate all your support!Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/For personalised, expert help with your dog, contact us today:www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

PSA: Our good friend and frequent guest on the show – Mr Harry Hunt from Everyday K9 Academy – is now officially a regular co-host on Beastly Talks and we cannot wait to get stuck into a ton of recording next year! Thank you to everyone who has supported the show, we love the messages and comments we have received!It's that time of year again, where people celebrate a two thousand year old story, with stolen symbolism from heathen cultures, while gorging on food and alcohol. We are of course speaking of Christmas. Many people get a dog for the holidays: sometime a puppy from a breeder, or a dog from a shelter or rescue group. We are all for supporting all avenues of responsible dog breeding and rehoming, but what we often see happen, is that people get the wrong dog for their lifestyle. And down the line, these dogs unfortunately end up in the shelter or rescue system again. This has conjured up the phrase: "A puppy is for life, not just for Christmas." And we agree with that statement. In this episode, we deep dive into how to get the dog or puppy that will suit you and become your life long companion, even when you get your dog for Christmas!Follow Harry and Everyday K9 Academy on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydayk9academyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyday_k9_academy/Follow Beautiful Beasts and the Viking Dog Trainer on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/www.beautifulbeasts.com.auAs always, if you like the podcast, support it by subscribing, sharing and commenting!  We really do appreciate all your support!

My good friend Harry Hunt and myself recently saw a completely moronic video on social media – created by the Devon Dog Lady – where she gives you a number of reasons why you “shouldn’t play with your dog.” After laughing at her ridiculous haircut and her stupid video, we both became quite angry about all this nonsense being spread on social media. So we decided it was time to talk about play and prey drive! And it turned into a fantastic conversation, where we deep delve into the rules and mechanics of play, why it is important, biological fulfilment, and how to properly understand the predatory motor pattern, so you and your dog can live your best life together!Follow Harry and Everyday K9 Academy on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydayk9academyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyday_k9_academy/Follow Beautiful Beasts and the Viking Dog Trainer on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/www.beautifulbeasts.com.auAs always, if you like the podcast, support it by subscribing, sharing and commenting! 

In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Ben Barnes from Huon Valley K9 in Tasmania! From working with military dogs, to now focusing on helping pet dogs, Ben has an extensive and varied career behind him. Ben has been instrumental in fighting the proposed ban on electronic collars in Tasmania and he reveals some “shocking” things he learned about both the government and the anti-tool groups along the way, which can only really be put down to extensive gaslighting, hidden behind so called “scientific based dog training.” Follow Ben and Huon Valley K9:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huonvalleyk9/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huonvalleyk9/https://huonvalleyk9.com.au/Follow Beautiful Beasts and the Viking Dog Trainer:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/www.beautifulbeasts.com.auAs always, if you like the podcast, support it by subscribing, sharing and commenting! 

In this episode, we are excited to have Harry Hunt from Everyday K9 Academy join us! Harry studied to be a Chippie (read: carpenter), but didn’t find it to be the right profession for him. Once he met another professional dog trainer however, the path was laid out! Harry has drastically changed things around at Ballarat Animal Shelter and continues to help the dogs there, while still running his own training business. Follow Harry and Everyday K9 Academy on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydayk9academyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/everyday_k9_academy/Follow Beautiful Beasts and the Viking Dog Trainer on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/www.beautifulbeasts.com.auAs always, if you like the podcast, support it by subscribing, sharing and commenting! 

In this episode your host, Stian Helling, deep dives into some learning theory. While this may sound a bit dry, it is important to properly understand how our dogs learn, so we can teach them as effectively as possible!Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/www.beautifulbeasts.com.au

Your host Stian Helling has a new puppy! Exciting, right? Well, honestly, puppies are exhausting and they can really wear us down to the bone, if we don't get on top of a lot of problem behaviours early on. In this episode, Stian Helling talks you through the difficulties of getting a new puppy, the "blues" and how to settle your puppy into your routine as quickly as possible. Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/YouTube (coming soon): https://www.youtube.com/@vikingdogtrainerPatreon (coming soon): https://www.patreon.com/BeautifulBeastswww.beautifulbeasts.com.au

In this episode, Stian Helling – more commonly known as the Viking Dog Trainer – begins diving into how your dog sees and approaches the world around it. You might be surprised – the canine perspective is quite different from the human one, which leads to a lot of miscommunication between us and our dogs. Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/YouTube (coming soon): https://www.youtube.com/@vikingdogtrainerwww.beautifulbeasts.com.au

This is the last of three short intro episodes, to give you an idea of what this podcast is all about.In this episode your host – Stian Helling – talks a little about his entry into dog training, and the trials and tribulations he was faced with, when becoming a professional dog trainer. Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/YouTube (coming soon): https://www.youtube.com/@vikingdogtrainerwww.beautifulbeasts.com.au

This is the second of three short intro episodes, to give you an idea of what this podcast is all about.In this episode your host – Stian Helling – talks a little about how he approaches dog training, play and methodology. Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/YouTube (coming soon): https://www.youtube.com/@vikingdogtrainerwww.beautifulbeasts.com.au

This is the first of three short intro episodes, to give you an idea of what this podcast is all about. In this episode your host – Stian Helling – talks a little about his life and the canine Beasts he has shared his life with so far. Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogtrainer/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogtrainer/ YouTube (coming soon): https://www.youtube.com/@vikingdogtrainerwww.beautifulbeasts.com.au