Dog Tribe Podcast

The Dog Tribe podcast returns after a long break due to rebuilding the studio and busy schedules, with Fabian interviewing longtime team members Mariah Rivera and Juliana Hassleberger about helping build Found/Dog Tribe over the past five to six years. Mariah shares how a childhood love of animals and a reactive dog led her from pre-vet studies to starting as an entry-level tech and eventually directing Pup Start Plus. Juliana describes volunteering at CACC, adopting her reactive pit bull Maddie, becoming a client, then joining as a tech and working up to trainer. They compare early chaotic daycare/boarding operations to today’s clearer processes, safety rules, and structured progression through roles, emphasizing patience, positivity, and mentorship. They discuss surprises like heavy client/admin demands, the importance of fundamentals and accountability, and what successful clients do. Rapid-fire answers cover favorite breeds (pit bulls), toughest issues (separation anxiety/resource guarding), and preferred skills (recall).

Join us on the Dog Tribe Podcast as we catch up with Kevin Li, a seasoned dog trainer with a rich background in the industry. Kevin shares insights into his dog training journey, experiences at notable conferences, and his educational pursuits. The conversation dives deep into effective strategies for handling small animal aggression, understanding prey drive, and implementing obedience training. With anecdotes from their professional experiences and valuable training techniques, Kevin and Fabian provide a comprehensive guide for dog trainers and pet owners facing behavioral challenges. Tune in for practical advice and engaging stories from the world of dog training.

In this episode of the Dog Tribe Podcast, hosts catch up with Antonio from Leader of the Pack K9 Training, Las Vegas. They delve into the intricacies of dog behavior, socialization, and training, discussing the development of Antonio's Dog Handler Academy, the importance of understanding and addressing dog behavior complexities, and the challenges faced by trainers. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Antonio shares his journey from a novice to an expert in canine behavior, emphasizing the importance of a balanced training approach. Tune in to learn about the nuances of dog behavior management, effective training techniques, and the significance of building a healthy relationship with your dog.

In this episode of the Dog Tribe podcast, we sit down with Cameron Ford, a canine cognition expert, as he shares insights from his extensive 30-year career in detection dog training. Cameron discusses his experiences with the IACP board retreat, his journey in training dogs from his early years, and his impressive tenure with the Navy SEALs. He also elaborates on the importance of canine cognition in training, the challenges and strategies in detection dog work, and the implementation of brain games for dogs. Join us as we dive deep into Cameron's unique approach to training and learn how to improve your dog's training process effectively.

Fabian, Brittney and Mel delve into essential dog training techniques. This episode covers puppy imprinting, the significance of engagement, effective use of negative reinforcement, and common mistakes trainers make. Learn the nuances of introducing pressure in training, handling reactive and fearful dogs, and the importance of consistent reinforcement. With real-life examples and expert advice, this episode is a valuable resource for both novice and seasoned dog trainers.  

The Dog Tribe Podcast hosts a year-end wrap-up session. The team, including Jennifer Smith and Melanie Nunez, reflects on their busy 2024, filled with events like the IACP conference and workshops with Joe Cinnante. Discussions cover the importance of understanding dog behavior, effective training methods, and the intricacies of their PupStart program.   The team also addresses their goals for 2025, including additional workshops, improved training techniques, and enhancing their training school's curriculum. The episode underscores the challenges and rewards of dog training, emphasizing their commitment to growth and excellence in the field.  

Welcome back to the Dog Tribe Podcast! In this episode, we're thrilled to have special guests Scott Sharfman and Michael Graham. Join us as we uncover the dos and don'ts of PSA. Learn to avoid the small mistakes gleaned from the many years of experience and international exposure that both Scott and Michael bring to the table. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did! For more information on PSA, dog training consulting services, or to join any of our upcoming schools, please visit dogtribe.com.

Welcome back to the Dog Tribe Podcast! In this episode, we're thrilled to have a special guest, Tommy V, joining us. Tommy's journey with dog training began at the young age of 13, igniting a lifelong passion for working with our four-legged friends. Hailing from Wetteren, Belgium, Tommy immersed himself in a protection sports club early on, where he honed his skills in training high-level competition dogs. His talent as a decoy quickly became evident, leading to invitations to competitions across Europe. Remarkably, at just 18 years old, Tommy became the youngest decoy ever to participate in the world championship. In our discussion, we delved into the intricacies of bitework development and explored effective strategies to enhance your dog's performance around decoys. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did! For more information on dog training consulting services or to join any of our upcoming schools, please visit dogtribe.com.

Welcome back to the Dog Tribe Podcast! In this episode, we were thrilled to host a special guest from out of town, Salvatore Depetro. Sal is an up-and-coming entrepreneur in the dog training industry, and he visited Chicago for a mentorship opportunity as he gears up to launch his facility, Complete K9 Services, in New Jersey this spring. Over three days, we collaborated on his business and engaged in training sessions together. During these sessions, we explored a Sales Process tailored for facilities and dog trainers. This sparked the idea: why not turn this insightful discussion into a podcast episode for all the small business owners and dog trainers out there? This episode is packed with invaluable insights, essentially the secret sauce, to successfully present your dog training programs in a manner that truly benefits people.   We hope you enjoy the episode! For more information on dog training consulting services or to attend any of our upcoming schools, please visit dogtribe.com.

The Art of Dog Training with Tommy Verschueren   Join us on this exciting episode with renowned dog trainer, Tommy Verschueren. Tommy takes us through his journey from his roots in Belgium to his training antics in the States. Through the engaging conversation, Tommy shares his insights on dog training, including the process and techniques he uses, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate world of professional dog training. We also dive into conversations about the human and canine connection, the importance of understanding a dog's psychology, and the role of consistency in achieving results. Don't miss Tommy's invaluable insights and thrilling experiences!   For more on this podcast visit dogtribe.com

Understanding Your Dog's Potential in Protection Sports Scott Sharfman and Fabian Romo-Vargas discuss Dog Training and Decoying. Getting a puppy and determining whether or not it is suited for protection sports is a primary challenge for anyone just starting with their dog, often becoming a point of contention and fear. The stress of uncertainty, the lack of a mentor, and the absence of a step-by-step process are significant factors in how puppies develop and how they are handled. Tune in for the full discussion on Protection Dog Training in Chicago! For more information on the Podcast, Workshops and up and coming education opportunities visit dogtribe.com

In this engaging episode of the Dog Tribe podcast, Fabian Romo and Justin Wilcox catch up after a hiatus, discussing the reasons behind their break, including busy schedules with meetings and training appointments. They reflect on the success of the recent pack walks, highlighting the positive community engagement and the fun dynamics of the Halloween-themed walk. The hosts emphasize the significance of community events in fostering relationships with clients and showcasing the results of their dog training programs. Fabian also breaks down his first showing at PSA Nationals with his dog Lobo in the 1's. The conversation takes an insightful turn as they delve into the evolution of their team, particularly acknowledging the growth and achievements of the younger trainers. They express pride in their team's progress, noting how the newer generation is surpassing their own skills at a younger age. The discussion touches on the importance of continuous learning and passing on knowledge within the dog training community. Furthermore, they share experiences from a recent dog training competition, acknowledging the need for consistent effort and focus to achieve success, emphasizing the crucial role of practice in refining skills. The hosts wrap up by underscoring the importance of consistency across various aspects of their work, from dog training to business operations and client relationships. Host: Fabian Romo Guest: Justin Wilcox 

On this episode of the podcast, host, Fabian Romo,  and Justin Wilcox delve into the complexities of dog training, specifically exploring scenarios where training fails to yield desired results. The conversation covers various challenges faced by dog owners, addressing inquiries about unsuccessful training experiences and reasons behind such issues. They spotlight upcoming cases involving intense dogs, like Ellie and Bunny, shedding light on their reactive and sensitive behaviors, emphasizing that successful training often depends on understanding a dog's genetics and limitations. The hosts stress the importance of managing expectations post-training and advocating for a tailored approach to handle diverse dog behaviors. Central to the podcast discussion is the significance of coaching and guiding dog owners in effectively handling their pets. The hosts emphasize the need to adapt attitudes to suit individual dog requirements, tailoring strategies to accommodate the diverse needs of different dogs. Recognizing the complexity of canine behavior, they highlight the importance of realistic post-training expectations and the need to comprehensively understand a dog's genetic predispositions. The conversation emphasizes that successful training involves not only coaching the dogs but also educating and guiding their owners in managing and adapting to their pet's behaviors effectively. Host: Fabian Romo Guest: Justin Wilcox

On this episode, host Fabian Romo and co-host Justin Wilcox explore the idea of expanding into a new space for various activities, including sports, seminars, and dog training. They express enthusiasm for this potential hub, right next to the existing Found Chicago, which offers multiple entrances and access control, making it conducive for accommodating students and a range of dog training programs. This new space aligns with their vision for a comprehensive working dog program. The conversation then transitions to the main topic: e-collars. The hosts share their experiences and evolving approaches to e-collar training, emphasizing the need for a proper introduction to the collar. They stress that a gradual and positive association with the e-collar is crucial for successful training. When used correctly, e-collars can provide dogs with increased freedom while maintaining control, enabling them to participate in various activities safely. The hosts address common misconceptions and fears associated with e-collars, highlighting the significance of educating dog owners on their responsible usage. They underscore that the focus should be on how e-collars are applied and integrated into training routines. The discussion concludes by emphasizing the importance of proper e-collar training and education for the well-being and effective training of dogs.   Host: Fabian Romo Co-host: Justin Wilcox

In this podcast conversation, the host, Fabian, and the training director, Justin Wilcox, discuss the significance of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the context of dog training and team management. KPIs serve as a crucial tool for assessing performance without micromanagement. They provide a simplified way to evaluate how well a team is doing, focusing on essential indicators like client feedback. KPIs can be straightforward or complex, and they help identify trends, ensuring the team is on the right track. The conversation underscores the importance of KPIs in determining a team member's readiness for increased responsibilities. It's crucial to set clear, achievable thresholds that reflect an individual's capacity and proficiency. However, if KPIs become too complex and require extensive micromanagement, it may suggest that the person isn't the right fit for the role. KPIs help create clarity and maintain a sense of clarity within the team while indicating when someone is qualified to handle specific tasks. The discussion also touches on safety and security in pet care. They stress the importance of thoroughly evaluating individuals before involving them in protection training and highlight the need for following a comprehensive start-to-finish approach when working with dogs. Ultimately, KPIs play a pivotal role in improving the quality of pet care services and determining a team's readiness to take on more significant challenges.

In the latest episode of the Dog Tribe Podcast, hosts Fabian and Justin engage in a candid discussion about dog drama and the misconceptions surrounding balanced dog training. Throughout the conversation, they draw from their extensive experience in the field, shedding light on the challenges they've encountered and their unwavering commitment to helping dogs and their owners. Their primary goal is to dispel myths and educate listeners on responsible training methods. One major misconception addressed in the podcast is the misunderstanding of balance training tools. The hosts stress that these tools, when used correctly, can be a valuable asset in shaping a dog's behavior without causing undue stress. They emphasize the importance of clear communication and responsible training techniques, promoting a harmonious relationship between dogs and their owners. Furthermore, Fabian and Justin highlight the significance of educating dog owners about the balanced approach to training. They believe that by helping owners understand the rationale behind their methods and the positive outcomes they can achieve, the industry as a whole can overcome negative stereotypes. Ultimately, the hosts aim to create a more informed and responsible community of dog owners and trainers, where dogs can thrive, and misconceptions are dispelled.   Host: Fabian Romo Guest: Justin Wilcox

In the first part of this episode, Fabian Romo, host, and Justin Wilcox, Found training director, discuss their experiences and personal growth over the past three years. They emphasize their ability to adapt to new information and the changing perspectives that come with age. They also highlight the importance of understanding team members' personalities and communication styles for effective leadership and team dynamics. The second part of the discussion centers around the significance of accommodating different personality types within the team, such as advocates and mediators. The conversation touches on how these traits influence team dynamics and decision-making processes. Additionally, they mention the incorporation of personality insights into their hiring process, particularly in the context of onboarding dog handler positions and training apprentices. Overall, the conversation explores personal growth, leadership development, and the integration of personality understanding into team management and hiring practices.   Host: Fabian Romo Guest: Justin Wilcox 

In the third episode of The Dog Tribe podcast, host Fabian engages in a discussion with two guests, Justin Wilcox and Scott Sharfman, to explore the dynamics between independent dog trainers and those working within facilities. Justin shares his experience transitioning from an independent trainer to working at a facility, highlighting challenges like marketing and the need to establish a legitimate business. He appreciates the flexibility of independent work but acknowledges its vulnerability to client demands. Scott, an independent trainer of eight years, emphasizes the advantages of working in a facility, such as having a supportive team and a structured environment. The conversation then shifts towards the longevity of careers in the dog training industry and potential burnout factors. Fabian expresses concerns about whether dog training is seen as just a phase in people's lives and discusses the importance of addressing career progression, retirement plans, profit-sharing, and scaling within the profession. Justin envisions transitioning from hands-on dog work to coaching and mentoring as he ages, emphasizing the need to pass the torch to the next generation. Both guests stress the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and taking care of one's well-being to prevent burnout. They conclude that having a well-thought-out game plan for the future can help trainers stay motivated and sustain their careers. Overall, the podcast delves into the complex landscape of dog training, weighing the pros and cons of independent work versus facility-based training. It also explores the challenges and considerations for long-term careers in the industry while highlighting the significance of planning and support systems to ensure sustainability and avoid burnout.

In this conversation, Fabian, Brittney, and Justin discuss their experiences in working with high-drive dogs, particularly focusing on Brittney's dog Oso. Oso is a Malinois with intense drive and energy, making him a unique challenge in training. Brittney shares her journey with Oso, highlighting his tendencies towards frantic behavior, especially in bite work sessions. They touch upon the importance of managing a dog's arousal levels, finding the right time to deliver corrections, and ensuring a dog's understanding during training to avoid accidental bites. This conversation sheds light on the complexities of training high-drive dogs and the need for a balanced approach to behavior modification. The conversation also discusses Justin's unique challenges with rehab dog cases at Found Training. We also get a special look into the original Found dog, Jackson. Jackson was the start of behavioral training being an integral part of Found because of his reactiveness, biting, and difficulty to manage.    Host: Fabian Romo Guests: Brittney Romo and Justin Wilcox 

In this conversation, Fabian, Brittney, and Justin discuss their experiences in working with high-drive dogs, particularly focusing on Brittney's dog Oso. Oso is a Malinois with intense drive and energy, making him a unique challenge in training. Brittney shares her journey with Oso, highlighting his tendencies towards frantic behavior, especially in bite work sessions. They touch upon the importance of managing a dog's arousal levels, finding the right time to deliver corrections, and ensuring a dog's understanding during training to avoid accidental bites. This conversation sheds light on the complexities of training high-drive dogs and the need for a balanced approach to behavior modification. The conversation also discusses Justin's unique challenges with rehab dog cases at Found Training. We also get a special look into the original Found dog, Jackson. Jackson was the start of behavioral training being an integral part of Found because of his reactiveness, biting, and difficulty to manage.    Host: Fabian Romo Guests: Brittney Romo and Justin Wilcox 

A Journey in Dog Training with Found's Training Director, Justin Wilcox & . From working in daycares to becoming a skilled trainer, Justin shares his experiences and the challenges he overcame. Discover the value of hands-on experience, mentorship, and the growth mindset that led to building a strong training team. Join this conversation about the world of dog training and personal development. Host: Found Owner, Fabian. Guest: Justin Wilcox.