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 exposing dogs to a variety of settings to build resilience. The conversation also touches on the significance of understanding individual dog behavior and preparing them for different scenarios, as well as the fun and challenges that come with training in diverse environments.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Exploring Trial Venues: An Introduction

03:02 Impact of Environment on Dogs

05:55 The Role of Acclimation in Trials

08:51 Understanding Dog Reactions to Different Spaces

11:38 The Importance of Variety in Trial Venues

14:33 Creating a Comfortable Environment for Dogs

17:16 Training for Success in Various Venues

20:16 Embracing Challenges in Training

23:07 Final Thoughts on Trial Venues and Dog Training

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LAURIE:

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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 various breeds, the challenges of training, and the significance of positive reinforcement. The conversation emphasizes the need for curiosity and adaptability in training, as well as the joy of sharing knowledge within the dog training community. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the emotional connections they have with their dogs, the challenges and joys of dog ownership, and the complexities of training in competitive environments. They discuss the importance of exposure and generalization in training, managing nerves during competitions, and the supportive community within dog training. The conversation highlights personal experiences, the decision to bring new puppies into their lives, and the lifelong commitment to their canine companions.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Janice Gunn and Her Journey

02:12 The Early Days of Dog Training

05:10 Transitioning from Dalmatians to Retrievers

08:44 The Evolution of Training Methods

12:13 The Shift to Positive Reinforcement

13:59 The Role of Curiosity in Training

17:30 Sharing Knowledge in the Dog Training Community

19:29 Canine Fitness and Rehabilitation

21:41 Challenges in Training Different Breeds

27:10 Understanding Sensitivity in Dogs

28:54 Balancing Arousal in Dog Training

30:08 Recognizing Effort and Mistakes in Training

31:41 Achieving Consistency in Performance

33:12 The Importance of Positive Reinforcement

35:56 Understanding Marker Training

37:59 Challenging Traditional Training Methods

39:03 Training Across Different Disciplines

43:02 The Role of Enjoyment in Training

50:14 Dogs as Pets First, Competitors Second

51:37 The Bond with Our Dogs

52:37 The Joy of Dog Ownership

53:56 The Decision to Get Another Puppy

56:38 Training Challenges and Competition

01:00:01 The Importance of Exposure in Training

01:04:52 Managing Nerves and Distractions

01:08:04 Experiences at Dog Shows and Competitions

01:15:34 Celebrating Wins and Building Connections

01:18:28 The Journey of Dog Training and Competitions

01:19:39 Encouragement and Support in the Dog Training Community

01:22:17 Challenges in Dog Training and Problem Solving

01:28:32 Balancing Training and Business

01:31:58 The Joy of Dog Training and Future Aspirations

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PETRA:

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LAURIE:

https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius

https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

In this episode of the K9 Connection podcast, Petra Ford and Laurie discuss the significance of having a structured training plan for dog training. They emphasize the importance of setting high goals, understanding the motivation behind training, and the necessity of tracking progress. The conversation also covers the adaptability of training plans, the importance of quality over quantity in training sessions, and the need for constant reminders and accountability. They highlight that dog training is a journey filled with ups and downs, and celebrating small victories is crucial for both the trainer and the dog.

Chapters:

00:00 The Importance of Training Plans

03:03 Setting High Goals for Dog Training

06:06 Understanding Your 'Why' in Training

08:56 The Role of Commitment and Motivation

12:13 Tracking Progress and Adjusting Plans

15:16 Quality Over Quantity in Training Sessions

18:13 Breaking Down Training Goals

21:08 Recognizing Progress and Adjusting Strategies

23:58 Managing Training Sessions Effectively

27:14 Avoiding Repetition and Overwhelm

30:18 The Importance of Reflection and Adaptation

31:38 The Importance of Accountability in Training

34:11 Breaking Down Training Skills

36:06 Planning and Flexibility in Training Sessions

39:09 Learning from Training Experiences

42:54 The Role of Progress in Training

47:05 Managing Expectations and Goals

50:09 The Need for Adaptability in Training

54:06 Tracking Progress and Learning from Mistakes

57:43 Embracing the Journey of Training

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LAURIE:

https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius

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In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra Ford and Laurie discuss the complexities of dog training from both the instructor's and student's perspectives. They emphasize the importance of flexibility in coaching, empowering students to trust their instincts, and the value of continuous learning. The conversation also touches on the impact of online training, the significance of finding a training philosophy that aligns with one's values, and the necessity of enjoying the training process. Throughout the discussion, they highlight the need for instructors to adapt their methods to suit individual dogs and handlers, and the importance of fostering a supportive and encouraging environment for growth.

Chapters:

00:00 The Importance of Coaching in Dog Training

02:55 Navigating Training Environments and Instructor Relationships

05:36 Empowering Students to Trust Their Instincts

08:37 The Role of Flexibility in Coaching

11:43 Building Confidence in New Trainers

14:30 The Value of Online Training and Self-Assessment

17:15 Overcoming Insecurities in Dog Training

20:15 The Continuous Journey of Learning and Improvement

23:05 Collaborative Learning and Sharing Knowledge

26:13 Embracing Diverse Training Methods

28:58 The Broader Perspective on Dog Training

32:40 Creative Problem Solving in Dog Training

39:42 The Importance of Tweaking Training Methods

44:52 Avoiding the Confusion of Multiple Training Methods

47:59 The Impact of Social Media on Training Perception

50:21 Finding Joy in Dog Training

58:37 Taking Risks and Embracing Change

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PETRA:

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LAURIE:

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In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Danette Chorney shares her journey into dog sports, particularly focusing on rally obedience. She discusses her transition from obedience to rally, the importance of understanding rally rules, and the significance of engagement in training. Danette also highlights the challenges faced by competitors, the resources available for rally training, and the design of effective rally courses. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the need for praise and engagement to enhance the training experience for both dogs and handlers. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the nuances of dog training, the importance of effective communication with dogs, and the proposed changes in dog sports, particularly regarding the inclusion of a veterans class. They discuss the challenges faced by judges in designing courses and the mental and physical demands of judging at competitions. The conversation emphasizes the need for appreciation of judges' efforts and the importance of creating a positive environment for dogs in competitive settings.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Danette Chorney

01:15 Danette's Journey into Dog Sports

05:05 Transitioning from Obedience to Rally

09:45 Understanding Rally Rules and Judging

15:05 The Differences Between Rally and Obedience

20:23 Engagement and Training in Rally

26:34 Teaching Rally: Challenges and Resources

34:50 Mastering Rally: The Importance of Setup

37:19 Designing Engaging Courses for Dogs

38:35 The Art of Praise: Keeping Dogs Engaged

41:09 The Challenges of Rally Training

43:58 Engagement: The Key to Successful Rally

49:08 Judging Rally: The Work Behind the Scenes

53:41 Proposed Changes to Rally Classes

01:03:19 Judging Dynamics in Rally Competitions

01:08:47 Challenges of High-Volume Dog Events

01:13:55 The Evolution of Judging Standards

01:22:03 The Importance of Positive Reinforcement in Training

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LAURIE:

https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius

https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

In this episode of Random Reflections, Petra and Laurie discuss the significant impact of labeling dogs on their training and behavior. They explore how labels can create limitations and affect the trainer's perception of the dog. The conversation delves into confirmation bias, the importance of objective training, and managing expectations in dog training. They emphasize the individuality of each dog and the need for patience and understanding in the training process, ultimately advocating for a more compassionate and flexible approach to dog training.

Chapters:

00:00 The Impact of Labeling Dogs

05:18 Understanding Confirmation Bias in Dog Training

11:35 The Importance of Objective Training

18:50 Managing Expectations in Dog Training

26:15 The Role of Genetics and Individual Differences

30:53 Final Thoughts: Avoiding Labels

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LAURIE:

https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius

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In this episode of the K9 Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the significance of matches (also known as show-n-goes, run-throughs or a friend acting as judge for a formal run) in dog training, emphasizing their role as practice events that mimic real competitions. They explore how to effectively train young dogs at matches, the importance of reinforcement, and the distinction between matches and trials. The conversation also covers strategies for planning and executing successful training sessions, navigating advice from others, and the value of observing experienced trainers. Ultimately, the hosts encourage listeners to view matches as valuable training tools rather than tests, highlighting the need for a positive and supportive training environment.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Matches and Their Importance

05:07 Training Young Dogs at Matches

10:08 The Right Mindset for Matches

15:02 Navigating Advice and Pressure at Matches

20:19 Planning and Strategy for Success

28:59 Understanding Dog Stress in Training

31:40 The Importance of Context in Training Techniques

33:52 Evaluating Training Methods and Their Impact

35:41 Finding and Organizing Match Shows

39:32 Replicating Real Competition Environments

46:10 Using Matches to Identify Handler Issues

50:21 Matches as Training Tools, Not Tests

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PETRA:

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LAURIE:

https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius

https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the concept of arousal in dogs, exploring how it affects their performance in various training and competition scenarios. They emphasize the importance of recognizing signs of arousal, managing it effectively, and understanding the unique needs of each dog. The conversation highlights the role of the handler in facilitating optimal arousal levels and the necessity of observing and interpreting dog behavior to enhance training outcomes. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, they provide insights into the complexities of dog training and the importance of communication between handler and dog.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Understanding Arousal in Dogs

03:01 The Impact of Arousal on Performance

05:51 Recognizing Signs of Arousal

09:09 Observing and Interpreting Dog Behavior

11:57 Managing Arousal Levels

14:58 Calming Techniques for Dogs

18:05 The Role of the Handler in Arousal

21:01 The Importance of Reading Your Dog

23:44 Adjusting Training Techniques

26:52 The Balance of Arousal in Training

30:08 The Journey of Understanding Arousal

32:51 Experimenting with Arousal Management

35:59 The Complexity of Dog Training

38:44 The Importance of Communication

41:46 Long-Term Commitment to Dog Training

44:45 The Fascination of Dog Behavior

48:04 Final Thoughts on Arousal and Training

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PETRA:

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LAURIE:

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In this conversation, Petra and Laurie discuss the importance of good sportsmanship in competitive environments. They share personal experiences and insights on how competition can affect behavior, the significance of self-reflection, and the need for a positive atmosphere. The discussion emphasizes the role of individuals in fostering kindness and support within the community, as well as the impact of leadership on setting a good example. Ultimately, they advocate for a culture of encouragement and respect, urging everyone to be nice and considerate in their interactions.

Chapters:

00:00 The Essence of Sportsmanship

03:07 Personal Experiences and Reflections on Competition

06:06 The Role of Positivity in Competitive Environments

09:10 Self-Reflection and Accountability in Sportsmanship

12:17 The Impact of Leadership on Sportsmanship

15:08 The Importance of Respect and Kindness in Competition

18:01 Dealing with Negativity and Complaining

21:16 Encouraging a Supportive Community

23:56 Setting a Positive Example

27:13 Confronting Poor Sportsmanship

30:10 Final Thoughts on Being Nice and Kindness

FOLLOW US:

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PETRA:

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LAURIE:

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https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the critical role of mental management in dog training and competition. They explore the importance of self-awareness, emotional control, and the strategies that can help handlers maintain focus and composure in high-pressure situations. The conversation emphasizes the need for a positive environment, the significance of routine, and the power of gratitude and perspective in enhancing performance. They also touch on the journey of continuous improvement and the impact of external influences on mental management.

Chapters:

00:00 Understanding Mental Management

05:08 Self-Awareness and Its Importance

10:11 Strategies for Managing Emotions

14:59 The Role of Routine in Performance

20:11 Maintaining Perspective in Competition

25:10 Practicing Gratitude and Positivity

30:09 Commitment to Continuous Improvement

41:24 Managing Stress in Competitive Environments

44:48 Curating a Positive Mindset

47:03 Gathering Data: A Detective's Approach

49:54 Intrinsic Goals in Dog Training

51:06 Perspective on Life and Dog Training

52:47 Emotional Management and Resilience

55:04 The Importance of Gratitude

57:00 Navigating Negativity and Fear

01:01:02 Finding Like-Minded Support

01:03:00 The Obligation to Our Dogs

01:04:04 Continuous Improvement and Mental Management

01:06:44 Striving for a Meaningful Life

01:09:34 Personal Growth Through Exploration

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