PODCAST · kids
Canine Connection Podcast
by Petra Ford & Laurie Winter Strimavicious
Canine Connection is a podcast for dog lovers, by dog lovers—people who are passionate about dog training and the incredible bond it builds between us and our dogs. We believe dog training is all about communication, and we’re here to talk about it in a way that’s approachable and relatable. Whether you're involved in dog sports or just want to better understand your pup, we’ll break down training concepts that apply across the board. Through honest conversations and inspiring interviews, we’ll explore mindset, motivation, and real-life experiences—plus share practical, actionable tips to help you grow alongside your dog. If you love all things dogs, dog training and dog sports and want to deepen your connection with your canine companion, you’re in the right place.
Episodes
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Episode 58: The Power of Praise
In this episode, Petra and Laurie explore the nuances of marker training, emphasizing the importance of adding genuine praise to building and strengthen the relationship. If you have created a history of click/treat it will take some time to build value for praise, but it’s worth the effort.…
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Episode 57: Welcome Zycho! & What Does "Experienced" Mean??
In this episode, Petra and Laurie welcome Zycho, Petra's new puppy. They share insights on puppy development, training, and trialing, emphasizing the importance of patience, observation, and learning from mistakes. They also talk about what it means to be an “experienced” trainer and...
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Episode 56: Laura Rixham Interview
In this episode, Laura Rixham shares her journey from a childhood love of dogs to competing in multiple sports, training her dogs in obedience, rally, and scent work, and her insights as a judge. She discusses breed differences, training transitions, and the importance of building a strong...
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Episode 55: The Power of Foundations
Foundations matter. And they matter throughout your dog's career. Mastering foundation skills are critical to becoming a good handler and teammate. Creating a strong foundation sets your dogs up for success. Returning to and reviewing foundations throughout your dog's career creates a dog that is...
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Episode 54: Interview with Hannah Nordstrom
Hannah Nordstrom shares her journey from a passionate first-time dog owner to a rally competitor and instructor as well as FAST CAT competitor. Hannah and her Bedlington Terrier Breitling have already accomplished great things! Her passion, positivity and enthusiasm for Breitling and dog training...
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Episode 53: Interview with Kaleigh Gagnon
In this episode, Kaleigh Gagnon shares her extensive knowledge of search and rescue dogs and scent work training. Discover how dogs are trained to detect various odors and the comprehensive certification process required to become operational. We talk about how versatile and adaptable dogs can…
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Episode 52: Puppies And Relationships
In this episode, Petra and Laurie share insights on building a strong, trusting relationship with your puppy …which is also relevant for our adult dogs. They talk about the importance listening to, observing and getting to know the individual dog. They emphasize prioritizing understanding your…
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Episode 51: Be The Anchor For Your Dog!
Petra shares a detailed account of her experience with a dog attack, emphasizing the importance of calmness, quick decision-making, and mental resilience in crisis situations. We are the anchor in the relationship. Our dogs rely on us in many ways, not just in crisis!! It’s important to be aware…
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Episode 50: Interview With Reni LeBard
In this episode, we meet with Reni who shares her inspiring journey from as a novice sport dog owner. We talk about to overcoming breed-specific challenges with patience, creativity, and advocacy. Petra and Laurie explore the unique traits of terriers, training strategies, and the importance of...
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Episode 49: Problem Solving Strategies with Scent Articles
In this episode, Petra and Laurie discuss scent articles BUT the content is relevant to all behaviors. We talk about analyzing errors, how we handle errors differently based on “why” they occur, the importance of trusting the dog. We also talk about training strategies to build confidence and...
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Episode 48: Reading Dogs, Part 2
Petra and Laurie continue discussing how you can learn to read dogs. This discussion emphasizes the importance of observation, understanding behavior cues, and the role of video analysis in training. They share practical tips for trainers to improve their skills and deepen their connection with...
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Episode 47: Reading Dogs, Part 1
Petra and Laurie start the discussion with Petra's new experience in the sport of nosework. They then discuss the nuances of reading dogs, emphasizing data collection, observation skills, and the importance of practice to improve understanding of canine behavior. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to...
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Episode 46: Mental Management for Meaningful Events
In this episode, Petra and Laurie discuss mental management strategies for events that are extra meaningful to you, focusing on handling nerves, staying focused, and maintaining perspective to perform at your best. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Understanding Nervousness in Competitive Events 03:04 Awareness…
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Episode 45: Flexibility In Training
In this episode, Petra and Laurie discuss the importance of flexibility, patience, and kindness in dog training and competitions. They share practical tips on how to adapt to unexpected situations, leverage opportunities, and appreciate volunteers to enhance training outcomes. CHAPTERS: 00:00 The...
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Episode 44: Challenges Build Resilience
In this episode, Petra and Laurie explore the importance of challenging dogs during training to foster resilience, confidence, and long-term learning. They discuss practical strategies for making training more effective by allowing dogs to solve problems and learn from mistakes. CHAPTERS: 00:00…
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Episode 43: Importance of Acclimation
This episode explores the critical importance of acclimation for dogs in training and competition environments. Petra and Laurie share practical insights on how to read your dog's signals, establish routines, and give your dog the time they need to succeed in distracting settings. Our dogs are…
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Episode 42: Interview with Ariel Wolf
In this interview, dog trainer Ariel Wolf shares her journey with non-traditional breeds like German Wirehaired Pointers and Dachshunds, highlighting innovative training techniques, overcoming challenges in dog sports, and fostering a supportive community. We talk about being creative and…
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Episode 41: Interview with Annette Flippen Pierce
In this episode, Petra and Laurie chat with Annette Flippen Pierce, a professor at NYU and an accomplished dog trainer, about the fascinating parallels between motivational psychology and dog training. They explore motivation, learning theories, resilience, and how understanding human psychology...
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Episode 40: Increasing Reinforcement in Rally & All Sports
With so much talk about reducing reinforcement we often lose sight of the fact that REINFORCEMENT drives behavior. We need reinforcement! It's important information! And information is motivating. To often we are not reinforcing enough. This topic started out with discussing Rally...but quickly...
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Episode 39: Reducing Reinforcement, Part 2
This episode continues the discussion on reducing reinforcement in dog training. The conversation explores alternate reinforcement strategies, how to effectively reduce reinforcement and how to handle mistakes. Petra and Laurie share practical insights on building confidence, variable...
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Episode 38: Reducing Reinforcement, Part 1
In this episode Laurie and Petra begin a series on Reducing Reinforcement in training. They explore the nuances of reinforcement in dog training, emphasizing mindful application, the importance of timing, and how to foster problem-solving skills in dogs. Petra and Laurie share practical tips to...
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Episode 37: Optimal Arousal, Reducing Pressure, Offering for Empowerment
In this detailed discussion, Petra and Laurie discuss teaching dogs to manage their own arousal, striving for optimal arousal in training and in the ring, removing all pressure from training and trialing, and using offering as an empowerment tool. They discuss practical strategies, and the...
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Episode 36: What We Learned At A Mondioring Seminar
Join Petra and Laurie as they recap their fun day of playing with their dogs at a Mondioring seminar. Mondioring is considered a “bite sport” but it’s so much more! It emphasizes fun, confidence, and versatility for all breeds. Discover training insights, proofing techniques, and how this sport…
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Random Reflections: We All Feel Pressure!
Petra and Laurie explore the mental pressures faced by dog sport competitors, sharing personal experiences and strategies for managing expectations, criticism, and self-doubt. They emphasize the importance of process goals, mental resilience, and fostering a supportive community. CHAPTERS: 00:00...
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Random Reflections: The Power of Rest
Petra and Laurie discuss the importance of relaxation and rest for dogs and humans, covering physical and mental recovery, training strategies, and how to incorporate rest into busy schedules. CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Importance of Time Off for Dogs 03:01 Understanding Physical and Mental Recovery…
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Episode 35: Empowerment Using Offering
In this episode, Petra and Laurie talk about the ongoing journey to get a more relaxed dog in the ring. They talk about using offering as an engagement tool and a way to reduce perceived pressure. They talk about building confidence, managing arousal levels, and fostering a positive relationship...
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Episode 34: Interview with Brenda Aloff
In this conversation, Petra, Laurie, and Brenda explore the nuances of dog training, focusing on understanding arousal, pressure, and emotional states. Brenda shares her unique approach to training that emphasizes connection, energy matching, and physiological regulation to achieve harmony and...
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Episode 33: Interview with Jenn Michaelis Stellmon
In this episode, Jenn Michaelis Stellmon shares her insights on training dogs and horses using clicker training, focusing on motivation, frustration tolerance, and generalization. Discover how species differences influence training strategies and learn practical tips for building confidence and...
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Episode 33: Errors! Oh No!
In this episode of the Canine Connection Podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the importance of embracing mistakes in both human and dog training. They explore how mistakes are an integral part of the learning process, emphasizing that errors should not be viewed negatively but rather as valuable...
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Episode 32: Importance of Life Skills
In this episode of the Canine Connection Podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the importance of life skills in dog training, emphasizing that understanding a dog's personality and behavior is crucial for effective training. They highlight the need for safety skills like recalls and stays. They…
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Episode 31: Training Is Hard
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the challenges of dog training, particularly in the context of competition. They explore various training techniques, the importance of managing a dog's arousal levels, and the emotional responses that arise during trials....
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Episode 30: Experimenting
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie delve into the challenge of getting the same dog in the ring as in training. They talk about managing and sometimes modifying our expectations to meet the individual personality traits of the dog. They discuss training in the same...
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Episode 29: Interview with Peggy Gibbon of The Seeing Eye in Morristown, NJ
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie interview Peggy Gibbon, a retired Instructor and Director for The Seeing Eye Guide Dog School in Morristown, NJ. Peggy shares her journey of working with dogs for over 42 years, discussing the importance of puppy raisers…
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Episode 28: Increasing Arousal
In this conversation, Laurie and Petra discuss how many dogs do not have high arousal issues. Rather they need help increasing arousal. They talk about the power of keen observation and understanding each dog as a unique individual. It is possible to find what increases your dog’s arousal but you...
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Episode 27: The Power of Curiosity & Observation
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie dive into a variety of topics surrounding dog training, particularly focusing on the recent training camp Laurie conducted. They discuss the benefits of immersive training experiences, emphasizing how spending multiple days...
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Episode 26: Interview with Crystal Wing
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie welcome Crystal Wing, a former high school art teacher turned dog trainer. Crystal shares her journey of transitioning from teaching to dog training, emphasizing the importance of following one's passion and the challenges…
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Episode 25: Variable Reinforcement
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie dive into the concept of variable reinforcement in dog training. They discuss the importance of unpredictability in reinforcement, how to recognize and address struggles in dogs, and the role of cookies in training. The…
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Episode 24: Interview with Laura Holder on Conservation
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Laurie and Petra interview Laura Holder, a conservation dog handler who discusses her unique work with dogs in environmental conservation. Laura shares her journey from corporate America to training dogs for various detection tasks, including...
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Episode 22: Interview with Katelyn Graham
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Katelyn Graham from Katalyst Kennels shares her journey in breeding working dogs, particularly for detection purposes. She discusses her involvement in a government program aimed at creating a stable domestic supply of detection canines, the...
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Episode 23: Competing in Prestigious Events
In this episode of the Canine Connection Podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the unique challenges and experiences associated with participating in prestigious events. They emphasize the importance of tailored preparation, managing expectations, and the impact of the environment on performance. The...
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Random Reflections: Training Your Way
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the challenges of training dogs in environments where different philosophies prevail. They emphasize the importance of staying true to one's training methods, overcoming self-doubt, and finding joy in the process. The...
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Random Reflections: Trial Routines
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the intricacies of trial day for dog sports, focusing on the superstitions and routines that many handlers adopt to cope with performance anxiety. They explore the importance of having a structured plan, managing stress…
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Episode 21: Pressure, Part Two
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the concept of pressure in dog training, emphasizing the importance of understanding how pressure affects dogs. They explore various techniques to alleviate pressure, the significance of timing in training, and how to…
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Episode 20: Pressure, Part One
In this episode of the Canine Connection Podcast, Petra and Laurie do a deep dive into the concept of pressure in dog training. They explore how pressure affects dog behavior, the differences between pressure and distraction, and the various responses dogs exhibit under pressure, such as fleeing,...
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Episode 19: Julie Bacon Interview on Mental Management
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie welcome mental management expert Julie Bacon. They discuss the significance of mental management in dog training, the importance of goal setting, and how energy and nervous system regulation affect both handlers and dogs....
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Episode 18: Denise Fenzi Interview, Part 2
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, host Petra and guest Denise Fenzi delve into the intricacies of dog training, emphasizing the importance of socialization, engagement, and creative training techniques. They discuss the challenges faced in obedience training and the significance…
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Episode 17: Denise Fenzi Interview, Part 1
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, host Petra Ford interviews Denise Fenzi, founder of the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. They discuss Denise's journey in dog training, the evolution of training methods, the importance of understanding dog behavior, and the impact of online learning in...
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Episode 16: New Hampshire Regional Recap
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss various aspects of dog training, including the excitement of starting a new dog training school, the process of selecting a puppy, and the challenges faced during a regional qualifier competition. They share personal...
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Random Reflections: Trial Venues
In this episode of Random Reflections, Petra and Laurie discuss the various trial venues for dog training, exploring the pros and cons of different environments. They emphasize the importance of acclimatization for dogs, the impact of noise and space on their performance, and the necessity of...
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Episode 15: Janice Gunn Interview
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie welcome Janice Gunn, an experienced dog trainer, to discuss her journey in dog training, the evolution of training methods, and the importance of building a strong relationship with dogs. Janice shares her experiences with...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Canine Connection is a podcast for dog lovers, by dog lovers—people who are passionate about dog training and the incredible bond it builds between us and our dogs. We believe dog training is all about communication, and we’re here to talk about it in a way that’s approachable and relatable. Whether you're involved in dog sports or just want to better understand your pup, we’ll break down training concepts that apply across the board.
Through honest conversations and inspiring interviews, we’ll explore mindset, motivation, and real-life experiences—plus share practical, actionable tips to help you grow alongside your dog. If you love all things dogs, dog training and dog sports and want to deepen your connection with your canine companion, you’re in the right place.
HOSTED BY
Petra Ford & Laurie Winter Strimavicious
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