The Dog Training Unplugged Podcast

Did you know that too many dog training sessions are conducted without the trainer understanding what is really going on from the dog’s perspective? Because so many trainers don’t have an educational background in dog behavior, they resort to dominance and control and they communicate to you, the client, that you need to control and dominate your dog. Their reasoning behind these methods originate from the dominance theory about wolves, pack theory, and that you have to show your dog you are the Alpha - and from the behavioral psychology models that have dominated dog training for decades.  But the REAL reason behind any excuse to use dominance or control is a lack of understanding and the root cause behind it, which is fear. Fear makes you powerless. Nobody likes to feel powerless, which is why it is much better to empower yourself with knowledge. This brings me to this thing, or tool, I have created…. A framework I call the Umbrella Framework. This is basically a framework for understanding what your dog needs MORE from you than training and to help prevent, reduce, and resolve behavior issues and experience REAL change for the long-haul. The Umbrella Framework: Understand. Unplug. Unleash. Unfold. -The Key to A Better Life With Your Dog. The 4 Guiding Principles (Understand. Unplug. Unleash. Unfold.) form the umbrella of ‘Dog Life Navigation’, under which your dog’s C.O.M.P.A.S.S. helps you fulfill ALL his/her needs and balance his 4 L.E.G.S.®(the ONLY way to resolve behavior issues!) - leading to an enriched & nuanced life for you both. Unconventional. Provocative. Disruptive. - (perhaps)…..but BETTER. Thank you for listening with an open mind, heart, and soul, Vivi MJ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more: www.thedogtalker.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Email me at: [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to  https://www.thedogtalker.com/the-dog-training-unplugged-podcast ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about our Live online Group Course ‘Dog Training Unplugged’: https://www.thedogtalker.com/dog-training-unplugged-course ________________________________________________________________ Grab your copy of my FREE 9 page ebook explaining the 4 Principles on how to ‘Live Life Unplugged’ with your dog here: https://www.thedogtalker.com/purchase-now/p/live-life-unplugged-free-ebook-download And a FREE copy of the canine & human COMPASS here: https://www.thedogtalker.com/purchase-now/p/live-life-unplugged-free-ebook-download-efyr6 —-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is THE no.1 podcast where your dog’s voice is heard. The first of its kind. This podcast is where the TRUTH is told about dogs. You may not like what I talk about. You may not agree with the things I say. And that’s perfectly fine. Whether you agree or not, I would love to get a conversation going. It’s time for change. Change is always uncomfortable. But our dogs need us to change…..that’s why I’m doing this. I reached out on social media encouraging people to connect with me and let me know what they would like me to talk about. It’s not easy being a small voice in a vast ocean of much more sophisticated, skilled, educated, cool, and louder voices - but to my surprise and excitement, a listener reached out on Instagram and told me   quote” I would love to hear more on connecting on an emotional level with dogs. Unlearning the training we’re doing. The whole industry, not just anti one side” Yes! This is such an important conversation to have. The part about connecting with our dogs on another level than training and this is what my work is all about - but also to look at what we do as dog professionals in a much more nuanced way. To make a connection with anyone, human or animal, you have to first be able to understand WHO they are and WHY they do what they do. You have to be willing to hear their story, to hear their voice, to listen and build trust - help them FEEL safe  - that you have their back. You have to give them your full attention and really SEE the being in front of you. You have to give them YOUR TIME. UNPLUG training as the first thought when it comes to your dog. This is NOT his main need!!  UNLEASH your need for control and learn to engage in REAL communication and understand what your dog is saying (with his body language).  Then you’ll be ready to get down on the floor and get to know your dog, connect with him spiritually and emotionally.  You will be able to HEAR his voice. I encourage you to go to my website and download the FREE ebook on living life unplugged. See details below. Thank you for listening with an open mind, heart, and soul, Vivi MJ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Email me at: [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to  https://www.thedogtalker.com/the-dog-training-unplugged-podcast ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discount code for the Live online Group Course ‘Dog Training Unplugged’: PODCAST50 for $50 off if you purchase before February 26th 2024. Find out more: https://www.thedogtalker.com/dog-training-unplugged-course ________________________________________________________________ Grab your copy of my FREE 9 page ebook explaining the 4 Principles on how to ‘Live Life Unplugged’ with your dog here: https://www.thedogtalker.com/purchase-now/p/live-life-unplugged-free-ebook-download

It’s a new dawn.  It’s time. For change. And if you have listened before, you will notice the new music and the name change. This podcast is changing name because I have an even more important mission to fulfill. It’s time to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves, our best friends, our loyal companions, our dogs, who have our backs - but do we have theirs? I will argue that in too many cases we don’t but we can learn how to have their backs and that is my mission with Dog Training Unplugged. I encourage you to Be a Voice, not an Echo. Stand up for your dog  and Let’s hear your dog’s voice! My new mission with this podcast is to raise awareness about the current state of our pet dog population, to challenge you to think deeply about what we humans are doing to, and around our dogs.  To help YOU take responsibility for YOUR actions and choices which affect your dog’s behavior and welfare directly. It’s time to UNPLUG Dog Training and what I mean by that exactly is what you can learn in this podcast.  It’s time to get down on the floor and connect with your dog…..HEAR his voice and transform your relationship with him. It’s time to do away with outdated dog training methods and HELP our dogs the way they NEED our help. Thank you for listening with your soul, an open heart and mind, Vivi MJ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more: www.yoursouldog.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Email me at: [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to  https://www.thedogtalker.com/the-dog-training-unplugged-podcast ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discount code for the Live online Group Course ‘Dog Training Unplugged’: PODCAST50 for $50 off if you purchase before January 28th 2024. Find out more: https://www.thedogtalker.com/dog-training-unplugged-course ________________________________________________________________

This episode is the second in the Let’s DO better series. Today we're going to talk about a very common behavior in dogs that we humans often find to be a nuisance. I am of course talking about jumping. It is a behavior almost every household experiences in one way or another. Whether you have a dog or not I’m sure you have experienced this at one point or another: You walked into a room and a dog enthusiastically jumped on you, wagging its tail and licking your face? While this can be a sign of affection, it can also be a sign of other motivations, such as seeking attention or expressing excitement. In human-to-dog communication, jumping can be a sign of excitement or submissiveness, or Excitement Overload. Dogs who are easily excitable or prone to overstimulation can often jump on people as a way to express their elation. For example, a dog that has been left alone for the day may jump up excitedly when his owner returns home, jumping on them as a means of communication, and to alleviate their pent up energy. Jumping on people can also be a way for dogs to get attention. Whether it's a reward for good behavior or just some good old-fashioned petting, dogs may jump to get our attention. This is why it's important to establish boundaries early on, so that your dog doesn't develop a habit of jumping on people for attention. Puppies and younger dogs tend to jump on people more frequently than adult dogs. This is due in part to their high energy levels and inability to contain their excitement.  So how do you stop your dog from jumping? Thank you for listening with an open mind, heart, and soul, Vivi MJ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more: www.yoursouldog.com or www.thedogtalker.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Join Your Soul Dog Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2014741258909494 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Email me at: [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to https://www.thedogtalker.com/your-soul-dog-podcast -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This episode was supposed to be about something else entirely, about jumping, but I have pushed that out for the next episode. Something happened yesterday which triggered a lot of emotions in me and brought about the thought of whether or not humans  are ready for change when it comes to dogs. Most people want a dog whom they can take with them everywhere they go, who is well behaved, who will sit and lay down for as long as you want her to, who will not bark, growl, jump, etc. who loves people, kids, and other dogs. And of course it’s nice when you have a dog like that. But is it realistic or should we humans learn to lower our expectations for the perfect pet dog? Let’s talk about it. Dogs are just being DOGS, each breed with the traits WE humans have planted in their DNA for thousands of years. Now that we don’t need those herding or terrier skills anymore, we call them problems instead - problems WE have created, NOT our dogs!!  They need us to lead with compassion and understanding and once and for all let go of our old way of thinking and doing - to let go of our outdated models and methods of correction, punishment, dominance, and begin to see them for WHO they really are. We need to be willing to change our behavior, that’s the thing, if we truly want to help our dogs who are struggling trying to figure out this crazy modern world we have put them in..  Our dogs NEED us to step up and DO better by them - BE better to them. Thank you for listening with an open mind, heart, and soul, Vivi MJ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more: www.yoursouldog.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Email me at: [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to https://www.thedogtalker.com/your-soul-dog-podcast -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This episode is the first of many in a series called ‘Let’s DO better’. It is a known fact that you cannot do better until you know better, until you understand HOW to approach something and until you understand what effect your actions will have on another being. Humans can talk to us and tell us how our actions or words have made them feel. Dogs can’t but they DO talk……in their body language and behavior! We just haven’t paid them enough attention so far. That’s one of the things we need to change. Because of how we have been conditioned to think about our dogs by the pet industry, this way of thinking with all our focus on the dog as the problem has become part of our belief system. As we all know I’m sure, changing our belief systems can be challenging. Some of us humans can be very set in our ways, and some of us are so convinced in our belief systems that we refuse to hear what another has to say or see another’s viewpoint. But it is time. And that is my purpose with this podcast. In this episode 7, let’s examine the very foundation most modern pet dog relationships are built on…..a very rocky foundation rooted in disconnect, miscommunication, and misunderstandings between us and our canine companions - which ultimately are the effects of the root cause = a failure to understand our 4legged family member, due to dog training typically being concerned with treating the symptoms not the cause. The misunderstandings and miscommunication I witness a lot of boils down to the misconstrued image of the perfect pet and that you have to talk down to your dog, let him understand who is the boss, make him obey or else. Again, this is not your fault, the dog parent, but the wrongful illusion we have been fed for decades by the pet industry.  How many dogs have been wronged because of this misunderstanding of WHO a dog really is and why he does what he does, HOW to train him, how to dominate him?  How sad….. But how amazing it is to experience for yourself the huge difference it makes to a dog’s behavior when YOU finally understand him and you change your behavior and frequency,  and by doing so your dog begins naturally to match your frequency because you have built trust between you. Thank you for listening with an open mind, heart, and soul, Vivi MJ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more: www.yoursouldog.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Email me at: [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to https://www.thedogtalker.com/your-soul-dog-podcast -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode I talk about my first dog, my soul dog, Rufus, a Miniature Schnauzer whom I lost in 2017 at the age of 11. Rufus was my greatest, or should I say first, animal teacher in life and the reason I later became a Professional Certified Dog Trainer and Family Dog Mediator®.  I want to share this story with you because it’s a great example of how your dog can be your greatest teacher if you are willing to open your heart & soul and hear what he has to say. Rufus and I shared a very special bond but I am not proud of how I behaved towards Rufus due to lack of knowledge of dog behavior at the time. He taught me so many things; most importantly he was my mirror showing me clearly how my behavior affected him and that I needed to be more patient and show understanding for his needs. I was always frustrated and in a hurry when walking him but he showed me that life should not be hurried, he put his brakes on no matter what I tried, and I finally realized how he was so right and I was so wrong. Life is meant to be enjoyed, to be sensed, to be felt, to just BE. The walks were HIS, not mine, they were FOR him (and for me, if I had only listened and slowed down.....). They were meant to be sniffed, to be indulged..... to connect with nature, with the universe, with each other. But I missed the point entirely back then....Rufus didn't!! Thank you Rufus, my SOUL dog, my first and most significant animal teacher!! You inspired me to DO better....to BE better. I just wish I could have done better by YOU!! But I will love you forever and ever, my first dog, my 4legged soul mate. I know you forgave me - One day I will forgive me too! Thank you for listening with your soul, an open heart & mind, and for your support of this podcast! Vivi MJ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more: www.yoursouldog.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Email me at: [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to www.thedogtalker.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode, I talk about the trend that is becoming more and more concerning regarding our dogs - that most people seem to think that training will resolve the behavior issues they are dealing with.  What is needed instead is us humans stepping up now to HELP our dogs and start thinking differently about their needs and understand that in most cases we need to change OUR behavior rather than theirs. What we are seeing in the pet dog population is not training problems but WELFARE problems - because of misunderstandings between us and them - and because of how our behavior and choices affect their wellbeing.  It’s time for us humans to wake up from our slumber and realize how simple it really is and how much our dogs NEED us to understand them, BE with them, communicate with them - instead of focusing all our attention on training!! Thank you for listening with an open mind, heart, and soul, Vivi MJ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more: www.yoursouldog.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Email me at: [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to my Newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: Go to www.thedogtalker.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode I dive into my personal journey and talk about what I have discovered - that we are all the same at the core and why we should not take things personally. You are the creator of your own life. Your inner thoughts create your outer world. Whatever you think and FEEL, you will attract a vibrational match for. Not immediately but with repetition. If you tend to think and feel the universe is against you, then that is what you get. Your thoughts and feelings will manifest it in the outer world and you will continue to get more of the same. This is how it was for me, and the eye opener was that I myself was the cause of my breakdown.  In the months that have passed, I have realized how my own vibrational frequency has attracted the opposite of what I desire BECAUSE of my own insecurities and negative thought processes.  All because of my own thoughts.  This is why I now work hard everyday to be an Observer of my thoughts. You can do the same and learn how your vibrational frequency affect everything and everyone around you. We all play a part in anything that happens in the world right now. BE the change. BE the observer of your thoughts before they become words or actions. BE better. DO better. Everyday. Every moment. Start NOW. Start HERE. Thank you for listening with an open mind, heart, and soul, Vivi MJ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more: www.yoursouldog.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Email me at: [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Have you ever objectively listened to the conversation going on in your head?  Our thoughts become words, then actions, habits, and ultimately our identity. Our thoughts create our reality.  What you think you become. What you FEEL you attract, and what you imagine, you create. Those words are so true. Your EGO controls your thoughts and actions but by stepping outside your thoughts, paying attention to the conversation between the Judge and the Victim inside, you can take back the control from your EGO. Our beliefs, passed on to us from our parents, teachers, religion, etc. as a child have created our EGO who thrives on conflict, divide, fear, and pain. Our internal Judge likes to judge our own behavior as well as others, including our dogs and kids. By becoming aware of our thoughts before they become actions, we can take back control. Whatever thought you have in your mind at his very moment. STOP. LISTEN. BE PRESENT.  Ask yourself if it's the Judge or the Victim talking. Notice when you engage in gossip about others or when you talk down to yourself or others. BE inquisitive. With your dog's behavior, your child's behavior, anyone's behavior. We all want, and deserve, to be understood first, which essentially means we are ALL the same , we are all ONE.......all beings. Your EGO doesn't like this. He or she doesn't want you to question WHY you do something or don't do something. He or she wants to keep you in the fight against evil, good or bad. He loves it when you judge. It makes him ('you') feel good.  But YOU, the real you, have a need to understand. Your dog needs you to understand, just like your child. Take back the control. Start TODAY. Become the Observer of your thoughts. It's not easy but I try to do it everyday. If you want to fight against anyone, fight against your EGO because he or she is your REAL enemy!! Thank you for listening with an open mind, heart, and soul, Vivi MJ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more: www.yoursouldog.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Email me at: [email protected] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you need professional help with your dog go to: www.thedogtalker.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more about Family Dog Mediation®: www.familydogmediation.com or www.thedogtalker.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meet your EGO, that big TALL guy or gal who leads you, controls you wherewhere you go. The one who has you convinced that THIS is WHO you are! The one who is always right, who likes to argue, who likes to judge. The one who persuades you to do things or convinces you that you need things.....the one who is constantly talking to you in your head, perhaps in different voices, conflicting voices. The one who condemns, the one who thinks you are either better than others, or perhaps lacks confidence and thinks you are not worthy. The one who laughs at others, but never 'yourself'. That self image you see in the mirror every day. That EGO who has you fooled but who is really just an illusion. That EGO who lives in flashes of moments, who doesn't believe in weakness, who convinces you to fight everyday. The EGO who sees everyone else as different. That EGO who believes in evil, in good or bad. That EGO who believes that you just have to keep moving, moving on, from hurt or disappointment, from ridicule. The EGO who is running from your own emotions and vulnerability. The EGO looking for gratification, success, and who will do whatever it takes in the name of popularity. The EGO who is not in touch with your soul, who doesn't believe in spirituality, or who lives from a place of pain and fear - but who is blind to, or doesn't care about, others' pain and fear. That EGO who is ignorant and gullible, who creates more stress and conflict as opposed to peace. Is THAT who you think you are, or do you know better? I hope you enjoy this episode! Feel free to leave a comment, download and support this Podcast, and follow me on social media. Find out more at www.yoursouldog.com Email me at [email protected] If you need help with your dog's behavior issues, check out www.thedogtalker.com Thanks for listening and for keeping an open mind, heart, and soul. With love, light, and gratitude, Vivi MJ

Join me on a spiritual journey as I explore many different avenues that all lead back to the same questions of WHY we are here, WHY we do what we do, how we can heal ourselves and our dogs and develop deeper soulful connections - with our own SELF, our dogs, and other people. There is a paradigm shift happening in the world at large, and in the dog training industry as well. This is an enormous opportunity for us to ask ourselves what kind of relationship we want with one another, and with our dogs. We must challenge all the myths out there about what a "Good Dog" and a "Bad Dog" is. Dogs are spiritual beings just like you & me and so much more complex than so. It's time we stop pointing fingers at others, as well as our dogs. We MUST start with our own EGO and accept and reflect on how our own behavior affects others, including our dogs. Magic happens when we look inside ourselves and begin to become aware of our own emotions and character. By changing the way we interact with our dogs, and other humans, THEY automatically change their behavior for the better, and mirror our intentions. I can't wait to explore, unravel, and connect with y'all and hear what you think about the things I talk about in future episodes. Don't forget, this podcast is ALSO for YOU - even if you don't have a dog!! Find out more at www.yoursouldog.com If you need help with your dog's behavior issues, go to www.thedogtalker.com Thanks for listening and for keeping an open mind and heart. With much love, kindness, and gratitude, Vivi MJ