Dog Pro Radio hosts Eve Molzhon of Dog Handler Academy, who also owns dog daycare/boarding/training facilities and runs two nonprofits placing service dogs and rehabilitating shelter dogs. Eve explains how COVID prompted her to create Dog Handler Academy’s online staff-training modules and a handler-to-trainer program, now serving clients in 15 countries. The discussion centers on “holding staff and clients accountable with love,” using empathy, fair standards, and adapting communication to the other person’s needs. Eve applies the five love languages (affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, physical touch/spatial cues) and “mirroring” to build trust, reduce shame, and improve follow-through. Through role-play, they cover homework compliance, creating house rules, motivating busy or affluent clients, using checklists and social accountability (texts/private Facebook groups), and doing regular check-ins to strengthen culture, retention, referrals, and business outcomes.

On this episode of Dog Pro Radio, hosts Matt and Jason interview ethologist Roberto Barata, who shares his path from teenage dog walker to working in a military canine unit, an animal research lab, and now writing in Denmark. He discusses social media polarization and the limitations of scientific studies, noting that research tests hypotheses rather than proving absolute truths. Barata also explains aversives and different types of stress in dogs, emphasizing that context and function matter. He highlights the value of real-world enrichment and the importance of intellectual integrity and responsible communication in the dog training industry.

In this episode, the Matt Covey sit down with Jason Purgason, owner of Highland Canine and president of the IACP, to discuss running a professional dog training school. He shares insight into Highland Canine’s 24-week program, hands-on training opportunities, and the importance of building strong foundations across multiple disciplines.

Jason emphasizes that success in dog training goes beyond handling skills, requiring strong communication, client management, and business knowledge. He also shares his perspective on industry regulation, advocating for education and experience over increased licensing.

The episode wraps with real-world stories highlighting the impact of training and rehabilitation.

Dog Pro Radio features guest Robin MacFarlane! Robin shares her comprehensive journey in dog training, from her early aspirations of becoming a veterinarian to becoming a leading expert in the field. The discussion dives into her methods of using e-collars effectively, emphasizing the importance of individualized training and understanding the dog's behavior and body language. Robin highlights the significance of selecting the right tools and pressures for different dogs, dispelling myths about e-collars, and emphasizing humane and impactful training. She also discusses the challenges and strategies around e-collar bans and the need for unity among dog trainers to tackle broader issues like shelter intake rates. Additionally, Robin offers insights into her online courses and seminars aimed at training both dogs and other dog trainers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of combining technical skill with exceptional teaching ability for the benefit of both dogs and clients.

In the premiere episode of Dog Pro Radio's second season, host Duke Ferguson engages in an insightful and dynamic exchange on his experiences in dog training and personal growth. Duke highlights his career achievements, such as working with gun dogs and police dogs, and shares transformative personal stories, including overcoming health challenges and intense emotional struggles. He emphasizes the importance of personal development, the power of breathwork, and why focusing on client transformation is crucial in dog training. Duke also teases an upcoming breathwork webinar for IACP members, which promises to provide techniques for downregulating the nervous system to improve both personal well-being and professional effectiveness.

In this episode of Dog Pro Radio, Aimee Sadler, the founder of Dogs Playing for Life, discusses her extensive experience with animal training and her organization’s mission to improve the lives of shelter dogs. Aimee shares her journey from training dolphins and sea lions to developing programs for shelter dogs. She emphasizes the importance of playgroups for reducing stress in dogs and improving adoptability. Aimee describes various methods and tools used to facilitate dog interactions and training in shelters, highlighting the balance between risk management and benefiting the dogs' well-being. She also touches on the challenges of shelter environments and the importance of professional dog trainers volunteering to help shelters. The conversation delves into behavioral assessments, effective training practices in stressful environments, and the significant impact of fostering. Aimee underscores the value of addressing behavioral issues realistically and improving shelter conditions to enhance the experiences of both dogs and potential adopters.

In this episode of Dog Pro Radio, Nate Schoemer, a former US Marine and professional dog trainer, shares his extensive knowledge on dog training. Trained under Tom Rose, a legendary figure in dog training, Nate discusses the importance of patience and structured, step-by-step processes in dog training. He emphasizes the necessity of filtering through the overwhelming and often conflicting information available online. Nate elaborates on various training methods, including the significance of understanding operant and classical conditioning. He stresses the importance of initial engagement training, using markers, and creating positive associations for dogs. Nate also provides practical advice on handling command compliance, using different levels of pressure and corrections, and the importance of building a strong relationship with the dog before implementing corrections. He highlights the need for training consistency and environmental adaptability, offering a detailed, methodical approach to effective dog training.

In this episode of Dog Pro Radio, host Matt welcomes guest Bill Church, also known as Bow Wow Bill. Bill shares his journey as a dog trainer, his inspiration behind live streaming conversations with other trainers, and the valuable insights he's gained from these dialogues. The discussion covers various topics including the importance of building a network, ethical considerations in dog training, and the significance of understanding dog body language and principles behind training techniques. Bill also speaks about his personal approach to training and his dedication to helping dogs and their owners. Additionally, he discusses the development of new training tools and his goals for the future, both professionally and personally.

In this episode of Dog Pro Radio, the host interviews Heather Beck, founder of Heather's Heroes and IACP Member Hall of Fame Inductee in 2023. Heather discusses her extensive 30-year career in dog training, which includes founding the K9 Lifeline boarding and training center, starting the 'Heather's Heroes' product line, and her involvement with camels. Key points include her development of the 'Sidekick' head collar, its unique training benefits, and the importance of pressure and release in dog training. Heather also touches on her experiences with animal rescue and fostering, her views on managing and training difficult dogs, and her upcoming educational endeavors. The episode covers training philosophies, the challenges of preconceived notions about training tools, and her transition from running a physical training facility to focusing on education and mentoring through various platforms.

Stephanie Vichinsky, founder of Method K9, discusses her journey and experiences in the dog training industry. She elaborates on her humble beginnings, the multifaceted approaches of her business including board and trains, private training seminars, and dog trainer certification programs. Stephanie dives into the significant role of coexisting and behavioral training, especially introducing dogs to children and the importance of rest in their routines. Emphasizing her commitment to practical learning, she encourages young trainers to handle as many dogs as possible to gain experience. Presently, she is focusing on giving back to shelters and rescues and running the Method K9 Institute to help train new dog trainers. Stephanie highlights the importance of balancing confidence and humility, effective communication, and the crucial role of trial and error in becoming a proficient dog trainer.