Training Without Conflict® | Dog Training Podcast
by Training Without Conflict®
Training Without Conflict® is a dog training podcast hosted by Ivan Balabanov. With 40+ years of experience training and breeding working dogs, Ivan shares practical insights on dog behavior, obedience, aggression, reactivity, fear, motivation, drive, and real-world training results. Episodes include deep conversations with respected guests and clear explanations for dog owners and professional trainers who want serious learning without ideology.
Episodes
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Problems Within the Dog Training Industry
I recently joined the Dog Pro Radio Podcast to discuss some of the issues facing the dog training industry in the present day.
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Episode 78: François Massart
In this episode, I sit down with François Massart, an accomplished French Ring and Mondioring trainer and decoy with experience at the highest levels of international competition. We discuss what a great decoy can see—and feel—in a dog that spectators and even handlers may miss, the differences...
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Episode 77: Lars Lentz
In this episode, I sit down with Danish trainer Lars Lentz. Lars and I go back to the early 90’s of international IGP competition. We both competed at the same World Championships in the early 1990s. We knew of each other, but despite crossing paths for decades, this was the first time we…
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Episode 76: Karly Brandimarte & Chad Hunter
In this episode, Chad Hunter, Karly, and I discuss one of the most remarkable achievements in French Ring history. Just weeks ago, Karly and Chad travelled to France and competed against the best teams in the sport. When the competition was over, she and her dog Maestro had achieved the highest...
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Episode 75: Aivo Oblikas
If you're serious about tracking, this podcast is for you. Today I'm joined by Aivo Oblikas, a long-time student of tracking, respected judge, and someone who has spent decades analyzing what makes dogs successful on the track. Aivo has judged at the highest levels of the sport, including the FH...
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Episode 74: FMBB World Champion Natalia Balabanov
Behind every World Champion title there is a story people never see. The sleepless nights. The pressure. The doubts. The sacrifices. The moments where you wonder if all of it is worth it. Today Natalia joins me after becoming FMBB IGP World Champion to talk about the journey behind the title. We...
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Reinforcement Works... Until It Doesn't...
This video breaks down what an e-collar actually is and more importantly, how learning works when it matters most.You’ll see a live self-demo so you understand exactly what the stimulation feels like, and why control, timing, and contingency matter more than the tool itself.Some dogs do very well...
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Conditioned “NO” Beats Reward-Only Every Time
Some dogs lock onto squirrels with full predatory intent, the kind that ignores treats, toys, and every force-free trick in the book.Desensitization, Counterconditioning or Predationsubstitutes? Yes, they work for play chasing... but fail hard when the drive isto kill. Once the dog is locked in,...
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Episode 73: Pierre Wahlstrom
In this episode, I sit down with Pierre Wahlstrom, a lifelong officer in the Swedish Armed Forces, elite working-dog specialist, world-level judge, and World Champion. Pierre has spent over three decades developing, testing, breeding, judging, and training working dogs at the highest level. He...
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Episode 72: Jay Jack
This time I sat down with Jay Jack. Jay is the mind behind GRC (Gameness, Relationship, Control) Dog Sport. If you mix bull breeds with martial arts culture, Jay is the guy who shows up. This episode is really a catch up, no script, no agenda. Just me and Jay talking dogs, and you’re the fly on…
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Episode 71: Daisy Peel
This episode is with Daisy Peel. Daisy is an agility trainer and competitor and has been part of the U.S. World Team nine times. In this podcast, we go deeper into the sport of agility and compare it with other dog sports. We talk about what it really means to select and train dogs for the world...
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Should Dog Training Be Regulated?
Should the dog training industry in the USA be regulated?I’ve been asked this over and over again, and the answer is not as simple as people think.In this episode, I break down what regulation could improve, what it could destroy, and the one line that matters most if this industry ever gets...
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Episode 70: Dr. Ana Catarina Viera De Castro
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ana Catarina Vieira de Castro, a researcher at the University of Porto (Portugal) specializing in canine behavior, welfare, and human–animal interactions, for a thoughtful discussion about one of the most contentious issues in modern dog training. Catarina is...
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Outcome is Welfare
In this solo podcast, I address the broader argument against aversive tools in dog training promoted by the AVSAB and the R+-only movement.Recently, Dr. Michael Bailey, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association, commented on the use of electronic collars in dog training. That…
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Fear Stops in 15 Seconds. Competition Doesn’t. Learn the Difference!
In this episode, I break down one of the most damaging myths in modern dog training, the idea that all resource guarding is caused by Fear.I explain why this “fear-only” narrative collapses the moment you look at real behavior, and how it leads trainers and owners to misdiagnose dogs every day.I…
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Episode 69: Dr. Melanie Uhde
In this episode I’m back with Melanie Uhde for a direct and unapologetic conversation about canine behavior, animal learning, and the growing gap between popular dog training ideology and biological reality. We examine commonly cited canine studies, how they’re often misread or selectively used,...
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Episode 68: Will Bangura
In this episode, Ivan Balabanov and Will Bangura sit down for a direct, honest conversation about dog training, learning theory, and the claims behind “positive-only” methods. No scripts. No prepared speeches. Just two trainers with very different philosophies trying to understand and challenge...
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Karen Pryor's Jackpot Hoax: Why Your Dog Doesn't Need It
For over 40 years, dog trainers have been fed a feel-good myth: the "jackpot" reward, championed by Karen Pryor, claims a pile of treats will supercharge your dog’s learning. But does it deliver? Did the force-free movement’s “kool-aid” mislead trainers for decades?Tune in and discover the truth!
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Episode 67: Clemente Grosso
My guest in this episode is Clemente Grosso, well respected IGP and FCI Obedience judge, has officiated at numerous World Championships. Clemente is also a member of the FCI Working Dog Commission and plays a key role in shaping the rules, decisions, and long-term vision for the future of IGP. As...
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Episode 67: Dismantling the "Fear Theory"
Is your dog chasing cars because it’s afraid?Force-free trainers like Simone Mueller claim it’s all about fear — not predation.But expert trainers and science say otherwise.In this episode, I dismantle the “fear theory” behind Predation Substitute Training and explain what’s really going on…
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Episode 66: Natalia Balabanov
In this episode, I sit down with my wife, Natalia Balabanov, to talk about the unique world of living, training, and competing together at the top level of dog sports. We dive into what it’s really like to share the same passion, the same goals, and sometimes the same pressure — while balancing…
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Episode 65: The Myth Behind Leash Reactivity
Leash reactivity. You’ve heard it a thousand times.Trainers throw it around, clients repeat it, and somehow it’s become the magic explanation for every dog that barks, lunges, or pulls on leash.But here’s the truth: there is no such thing as leash reactivity.It’s a lazy label. A word salad. And…
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Episode 64: Variable Reinforcement is a LIE
TWC Podcast #64 Slot Machines Don’t Train Dogs!What if everything you’ve been told about variable reinforcement is only half the story?Dog trainers and psychologists love to say, “Switch to variable reinforcement, it’s like a slot machine, that’s how behaviors stick.” But here’s the truth: that...
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Episode 63: Errorless Learning and LIFE Critique
If Errorless Learning was the greatest breakthrough in how animals—or humans—learn, why hasn’t it taken over education?It’s been over 60 years since it was introduced. If it really worked, wouldn’t our schools, colleges, and universities have adopted it by now?In this solo podcast, I break down…
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Episody Sixty-Two: Larry Krohn
The first podcast I did with Larry Krohn was years ago, and it sparked a lot of debate around the e-collar. Since then, Larry has completed my Training Without Conflict™ school, and through many conversations we’ve come to realize how much common ground we share. Today, we agree on nearly...
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Episode Sixty-One: David Garcia Suarez
Back for a second round: FCI judge David Garcia Suarez joins me for another deep and at times provocative conversation, this time focused entirely on IGP. We dive into: • The evolution of rules and judging • How training styles have shifted over the last 10, 20, even 30 years • The influence of...
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Episode Sixty: Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring
Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Sixty: Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring SSRIs, Dogs, and the Chemical Lobotomy No One Wants to Talk About - with Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Josef, a board-certified psychiatrist, former FDA medical officer, and one of the few...
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Episode Fifty-Nine: Dr. Orion
In this Training Without Conflict® Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Ori Stollar, also known as Dr. Orion on YouTube, a veterinarian and board-certified veterinary behaviorist specialist. (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists). Dr. Orion and I connected after he publicly...
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Episode Fifty-Eight: Jan Van Maren
Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Fifty-Eight: Jan Van Maren In this episode, I have a conversation with a good friend and excellent helper Jan Van Maren. For those who know him, he needs no introduction, but for those who don’t, he is a highly respected world-level IGP helper from the...
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Episode Fifty-Seven: Johan Weckhuyzen
I had a great conversation with Johan Weckhuyzen. Johan is the breeder of van de Duvetorre Malinois kennels in Belgium. He is also the president of FMBB. I've known Johan for a very long time and finally was able to catch him to come to the podcast. We talk about Malinois, the legends in the…
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Episode Fifty-Five: Javier Mendoza-Diek
Today, I have an incredible guest with an inspiring journey—Javier, a talented dog trainer who proves that hard work and passion can take you far. However you have to take the risks and challenges in front of you. Originally from Honduras, Javier moved to the U.S. at just 16 years old with his...
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Episode Fifty-Four: Jason Purgason
Welcome back to the TWC podcast! Today, I have a guest whose experience in the dog training world spans over 30 years and covers just about every aspect of the industry. Jason Purgason is the President of Highland Canine Training. With a background as a former police officer and K9 handler, Jason...
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Episode Fifty-Three: Dylan Jones
In this podcast, my guest is Dylan Jones, a TWC-certified expert trainer renowned for tackling cases where other dog trainers have struggled to achieve success. Dylan shares his experiences and explains why he thrives on taking on challenging dogs rather than opting for the easier cases. We delve...
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Episode Fifty-Two: Panel Discussion (Balabanov, Ellis, Hilliard, Cottee)
Welcome to the latest TWC podcast, where we challenge one of the most controversial and misleading documents in the dog training industry: the AVSAB position statement on training methods. Force-free trainers often uphold this statement as the ultimate authority, claiming it represents a…
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Episode Fifty-One: Jim Bradley
Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Fifty-One: Jim Bradley Today, I had an insightful conversation with Jim Bradley, who, for the past several years, has been dedicated to rescuing Malinois dogs on the side while maintaining a full-time job. Jim runs a rescue organization and has also gone...
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Episode Fifty: Jacqui Zakar
Welcome to another episode of my TWC podcast, where we dive deep into the real world of dog training and behavior. Today, I’m thrilled to have Jacqui Zakar join me. Jacqui is a professional dog trainer based in Perth, Australia, and the founder of Dog Sense Training and Behavior. She’s not just a...
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Episode Forty-Nine: Dave Kroyer
Today, I’m joined by my good friend, Dave Kroyer. Dave’s a well-known name in the dog training world, and we’ve known each other for over 20 years. This conversation is just the two of us talking about our experiences with dogs, sharing stories, and covering all sorts of topics. I hope you enjoy…
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Episode Forty-Eight: Mia Skogster
Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Forty-Eight: Mia Skogster Welcome back to my TWC Podcast! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mia Skogster once again to dive deep into discussions about our personal dogs, training, and IGP rules. We focused particularly on the ever changing…
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Episode Forty-Seven: Dr. Douglas Elliffe
Hello everyone, Welcome to the latest episode of my podcast! Today, I’m joined by Dr. Douglas Elliffe, a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, whose expertise lies in animal behavior, behavior analysis, and behavioral science. In this episode, we dive…
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Episode Forty-Six: Dr. Sergio Pellis
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Sergio Pellis, a distinguished researcher who has spent over four decades studying Play in rats within lab settings. Together, we share a deep fascination with Play, having each explored its nuances for more than 40 years—myself with dogs, particularly during...
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Episode Forty-Five: Mia Skogster
Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Forty-Five: Mia Skogster Welcome back to my TWC Podcast! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mia Skogster once again to dive deep into discussions about our personal dogs, training, IGP rules, and FMBB judges. We focused particularly on the…
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Episode Forty-Four: Nake Florin
Hello trainers! I’m excited to bring you another fascinating conversation today. This time, it’s with my friend Nake Florin. Nake has a background just as interesting as many of our guests—he’s decoyed Mondioring at the world championships as well as USMRA and other events, gives seminars around...
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Episode Forty-Two: Dr. Michael Moyer
Today’s podcast features Dr. Michael Moyer, a veterinarian and the owner of Bridgewater Veterinary Clinic. We discuss various aspects of dog health, common reasons dogs visit the vet, spaying and neutering, the Fear Free enterprise, overmedicating and other intriguing topics related to dogs.
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Special Episode: Dr. Karen Overall's Deep Breath Protocol for Dogs
Training Without Conflict® Podcast Special Edition: Dr. Karen Overall's Deep Breath Protocol For Dogs Welcome to this short solo podcast! Todays topic is fascinating and controversial: Dr. Karen Overall's deep breath protocol for dogs. Imagine if your stressed out or aggressive, fearful, anxious...
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Episode Forty-One: Jany Böhm
Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Forty-Two: Jany Böhm As of late, many have laid claim that IGP is a dying sport. However, after the drama and theatrics of the most recent FMBB World Championship we saw a passionate outcry from trainers around the world pleading for transparency in the...
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Episode Forty: Vladimir Dragicevic
In the newest episode of the Training Without Conflict® Podcast, I had a chance to sit down with my friend, World Championship level helper, and IGP World Championship competitor Vladimir Dragicevic. For those in “the know” Vlad is no stranger to high level competitors having worked with many of...
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Episode Thirty-Nine: Markus Neutz
Welcome everyone to another exciting episode of the Training Without Conflict® podcast! I’m thrilled to have Markus Neutz back with us from Germany as our guest. Today, we delve into the world of the FMBB championship, exploring topics like judging, comparing training styles, and much more. Sit...
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Episode Thirty-Eight: Jenny Gibson
Welcome to another episode of TWC podcast where we explore diverse perspectives and challenge the status quo. Today, I have a brave guest who steps outside the lines of her community's ideology to share her strong opinions on a topic she's passionate about. It's not easy to question deeply held...
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Episode Thirty-Seven: David Garcia Suarez
Recently, I invited David Garcia Suarez from Spain to judge our club trial so we could get our dogs and training critiqued first hand by one the most respected IGP judges at the moment. David has judged many National Championships, as well as World Championships including FMBB which he will once...
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A Conversation with Ivan Balabanov and Michael Ellis
On my recent trip to Northern California, I had an opportunity sit down with Michael and answer some questions that trainers submitted on social media. We had a great time and answered a ton of questions. I hope you enjoy it!
About this show
Training Without Conflict® is a dog training podcast hosted by Ivan Balabanov. With 40+ years of experience training and breeding working dogs, Ivan shares practical insights on dog behavior, obedience, aggression, reactivity, fear, motivation, drive, and real-world training results. Episodes include deep conversations with respected guests and clear explanations for dog owners and professional trainers who want serious learning without ideology.
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