Episodes
-
104. Your First Dog Needs You More Than You Need A New Puppy
Before you add another dog, there's a hard truth I want you to hear: your first dog may need you more than a new puppy ever could. In this episode, I talk about why adding a second or third dog too early often creates stress, behavior issues, and guilt, even when the decision comes from a place…
more -
103. Why Rescue Dogs Are Not For Everyone
We talk a lot about "adopt, don't shop," but rarely about the unseen cost when a rescue dog's needs exceed a family's capacity. And that mismatch can break hearts on both sides. In this episode, I explore why rescue dogs with unknown backgrounds are not the right fit for every household, and why...
-
102. 7 Skills Every Reactive Dog Needs (+How to Teach Them!)
In today's episode I share the core skills that make reactivity training easier and safer, starting where your dog can succeed, not in the middle of a trigger storm. I explain why these foundations reduce stress, build patience, and set you up for faster progress around real-world triggers with...
-
101. 7 Shortcuts To Get The Most Out Of Dog Training
In this episode, I share the seven most important shortcuts I've learned after coaching thousands of students, both online and in person, to help you get real results from the training you're already paying for. You'll hear why being honest with your trainer matters more than you think, how to…
more -
100. The Confidence Myth
If you've been told that "confidence-building games" at home will magically fix your dog's fear or reactivity, this episode may change everything. I'm unpacking one of the most common misunderstandings in modern positive training: the idea that confidence works like experience points you can...
-
99. Why Relationship Alone Won't Replace Training Your Dog
In this episode, I look closely at the growing claim that "dogs don't need control, only connection," and why it can unintentionally leave dogs confused and unprepared for real life. I talk about why love and relationship cannot replace teaching the actual skills our dogs need to stay safe and...
-
98. Motivation for Dog Training on the Days You'd Rather Watch Netflix
Some days, training your dog feels impossible, especially when the couch and a new Netflix episode is calling your name! In this episode, I talk about the simple mindset shift that makes it easier to show up on the days you'd rather not. I share how to reconnect with your "why," and how small,...
-
97. The #1 Mistake in Multi Dog Households
Most multi-dog homes make the same mistake, trying to meet every dog's needs with the same routine. In this episode, I share how to recognize and fulfill each dog's unique needs, avoid frustration, and create harmony in your household. You'll also hear how I balance life with my own very…
more -
96. 3 Signs Your Dog Is Too Stressed To Train
In this episode we talk about some common signs that your dog may be too stressed to get the most out of your training session. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
-
95. TV Reactivity: Management to Training Plan
In this episode we discuss what is one of the most controllable types of reactivity in my opinion- as a matter of fact, you literally have a remote control for it! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
-
94. 5 Things That Make Reactivity Worse (Without You Realizing)
In this episode I talk about things that may be making your dog's reactivity worse, and you might be completely unaware! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
-
93. 10 Must-Haves Every Reactive Dog Owner Need
In today's episode I discuss ten things that I think are must-haves for all reactive dog owners to have as a part of their training toolkit to make both their and their dog's life easier and more fulfilled! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
-
92. How To Get 3x The Results From Your Next Training Session
In this episode I talk about how to get the most success out of your training sessions! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
-
91. 10 Subtle Signs Your Dog's Reactivity Is Improving
Sometimes it can be hard for us to recognize when our dogs are, in fact, making progress in their reactivity training. In today's episode I highlight ten of the signs you may be missing that show your reactivity training is paying off! Want to get started with our training programs for free?…
more -
90. You Don't Need To End Training "On A High Note"
In this episode I discuss why ending training "On A High Note" may not be in the best interest of your dog or training. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
-
89. Six Causes of Reactivity Regression in Dogs
So often I have students reaching out confused because they feel that their dog has been regressing in their reactivity training. They've been doing everything right- so why does it feel like it's getting worse? In today's episode I dive into six of the main causes you may be seeing regression in...
-
88. Should You Tire Your Dog Out Before You Train?
In this episode I discuss why we might not always want to tire our dogs out before a training session, and when it is appropriate to do so! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
-
87. My Reactive Dog Flipped Out- Now What?
Our students often ask what they should do once their dog is already 'flipping out'. Today we're going to look into exactly what you should do when your dog goes over threshold! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
-
86. Can Toys Replace Treats in Training?
In this episode I discuss when and how to use food and toys in training! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
-
85. My Dog is SO Distracted in Public
Many people struggle with the fact their dog can do so well at home, but really struggle in public. Today we're diving into why distractions out in public can be so tricky and how to work through it! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
-
84. Do You Need Rest Days in Training?
In this episode I discuss if we need to take rest or break days in reactivity training. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
-
83. Are You Overusing Food in Training?
Today we are going to talk about something that I see come up in +R training all the time- and that is actually OVERUSING food in training situations. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
-
82. Rating Common Reactivity Training Tools
In this episode I deep dive into my views on some of the most commonly used training tools when working with reactive dogs. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
-
81. 7 Reactivity Training Key Insights
After a break from podcasting I wanted to come back to discuss a topic that is always highly requested- Reactivity. As a trainer I share some of my top insights into successful reactivity training and discuss how you can adjust your set ups to make even more progress in your journey. Want to get...
-
80. My Dog Is Not Getting Better!
Lack of progress in training is very frustrating for every dog. But do you even assess progress the right way? As a dog trainer, I evaluate progress through two key parameters. In this episode I share why it doesn't matter at all if your dog has a bad training session, how you need to help your…
more -
79. 5 Reasons for Food Refusal in Training
Is your dog refusing food in training? Do they routinely turn their nose up on the most delicious treats? There are FIVE main reasons for this ... and they are NOT what you'd think! Today we dive into WHY your dog may be noping out of treat training - and how to help them appreciate food rewards...
-
78. Reactivity Training For NON-Food-Motivated Dogs
Using treats in reactivity training doesn't work for you because your dog refuses food completely around triggers? That is actually a very common issue ... with one easy, ingenious solution! In this episode I share the #1 question that will determine whether your dog can be trained with food - as...
-
77. 4 Crucial Life Skills To Teach Your Dog
This week I discuss four non-negotiable life skills that EVERY dog owner needs to teach their dogs. These skills will set your dog up for success in situations that could otherwise be very stressful or even traumatizing! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit...
-
76. Socialization Lessons Part 3 - FAQ
You sent me a lot of emails and this week I answer your questions about socialization! We discuss "over socialization", how to socialize young puppies, setbacks in socialization during the teenage stage, why you need "boring" dogs for socialization and much more. Want to get started with our...
-
75. Socialization Lessons Part 2
In this episode I share actionable tips for socializing your dog! Starting at home ... and advancing all the way to the dog park. As you work through the 4 stages of socialization exercises, you will learn how to make sure your dog has a positive experience around all people and dogs. Want to get...
-
74. Socialization Lessons Part 1
"Socializing" is a big buzz word in dog training ... but what does it actually mean? What is a well-socialized dog? And why are many socialization classes counter-productive? In this episode I discuss my thoughts around socialization and the frequent mistakes I see. In the next part I will share...
-
73. You Need To Have More Fun With Your Dog
When we are tackling a big training project, it is easy for us to lose track of the most important thing: To have FUN with our dogs! In this episode I explain why FUN is the foundation of your relationship and how to make sure that you never miss out on daily fun with your dog. Want to get…
more -
72. How Long Until My Dog Is Fixed?
In this episode I share my thoughts around a question that's pressing for all dog owners: "How long until my dog's behavior is fixed?" I discuss the three components that impact how long training will take ... and give you a way to reframe thinking about training timelines, too! Want to get…
more -
71. "What's My WHY?"
Why does SpiritDog Training exist? What is the driving force behind it ... and what's my mission for dog owners worldwide? This is a philosophical episode that dives into the really big questions - that we should all answer for ourselves! Want to get started with our training programs for free?...
-
70. Not Every Treat Is A Reward
A lot of dog owners worry about reinforcing unwanted behaviors by offering treats. For example: a dog freaks out at the window, the owner scatters treats and the dog stops barking and starts eating ... is that actually making them MORE likely to flip out? (Hint: no!) In this episode I explain why...
-
69. Reactivity & Engagement: Not The Right Combo
Are you trying to fix your dog's reactivity with a "Look at me" approach? And your dog is fine as long as they are engaged with you ... but as soon as you take your eyes off them, they flip out again? In this episode I explain what the big misconception about engagement training for reactivity is…
more -
68. 3 Truths About Being A Dog Trainer
"How do I become a dog trainer?" is a question I get several times a week. In today's episode, I share three insights into working as a dog trainer that you probably did not expect! From honing training skills over people training to not spending a lot of time with one's own dogs ... I don't hold...
-
67. Selective Reactivity
Is your dog reactive ... but only sometimes? Only towards some people ... some dogs ... or in some situations? Selective and situation-specific reactivity can be really puzzling for dog owners. In this episode I explain how to make sense of it ... and how to work with dogs who are not always...
-
66. Family Members & Training Struggles
A topic that has been requested many times ... how do you navigate family disagreements and training? What about family members who are not committed to training ... family members who give you well-meaning (but useless) advice ... or family members who are fighting you regarding training? In…
more -
65. (Non) Breed-Specific Training, Part 2
In this second episode on breed-specific training, I discuss why you may be WRONG in believing that your dog needs a breed-specific training approach. Falsely holding out for this can actually harm your training progress! So let's break down the difference between breed-specific training issues…
more -
64. Don't Be A Wishy Washy Trainer
Are your criteria too muddled? Are you able to be black and white in training? Or do you try to teach unrefined behaviors ... and hurting yourself with it in the long run? Today I explain why you should NOT be a wishy washy trainer! If you want to start training with our library of over 1,300...
-
63. Don't Start Where Your Dog Is Failing
It's a huge misconception that in order to teach our dogs how to do something right, we wait for them to get it wrong. If you attempt to train like this, you and your dog will be frustrated and disapppointed. In this episode I discuss why you already have the teaching skills you need deep within...
-
62. What Happens In Your Car After A Class?
The #1 question I always asked myself when teaching group classes "What do my students talk about in the car?" In this quick episode I discuss why your trainer should care about each and every student's happiness and their dogs' successes. If your trainer doesn't seem invested in making you proud...
-
61. Breed-Specific Training
Did you know that no two breeds are trained the same? If you do not take your dog's breed(s) into account when planning your sessions, you won't be successful. In this episode I explain how your dog's breed impacts training decisions, and how you can tailor training to your specific dog! If you...
-
60. Training Multiple Skills At Once
Should you teach your dog multiple things at once? Or will they get confused? How do you decide which behaviors to work on at any one time? In today's episode I will discuss whether you should train several behaviors ... and how to decide which ones! If you want to start training with our library...
-
59. Reactivity Training Shortcuts
Living with and training a reactive dog is a taxing, tiring task! What if there was a shortcut? In this episode I discuss if there is a way to cut corners in reactivity training ... and what the results will look like. If you want to start training with our library of over 1,300 training videos…
more -
58. Training Skills AND Emotions
We are never only training a skill ... we are always training a skill and an emotion. Out of the two, the emotion is actually the one you should be most concerned about! Today I dive into why the wrong emotion can ruin skill training (even if the dog is good at the skill) ... and how to help your...
-
57. What Happens When You Don't Have A Treat?
As a dog trainer who uses a lot of food rewards, one of the most common questions I get us "... And what happens when you don't have a treat?" Today I unravel how to make your dog independent from having to be bribed and lured, and explain why having or not having a treat should not make a...
-
56. Interview: Scent Work with Paige Gordon
Scent work is a fascinating dog sport. It's welcoming to dogs of all ages and physical abilities ... and it's an amazing way to bond with your dog! In this episode we interview highly accomplished scent work competitor, judge and professional bed bug detection dog handler Paige Gordon about how…
more -
55. 6 Things I Wished Every Dog Owner Did
Every day I work with dog owners and help them break through behavioral and training struggles. And every day I know that if dog owners were more mindful of these 6 things ... a lot of issues would NOT happen in the first place! Today I give you a list of the 6 things I wished every dog owner did…
more