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.

This episode of Dog Pro Radio features Antonio Diaz from Leader of the Pack Canine Training. Antonio discusses his journey into dog training, his methods, and philosophies. Antonio shares his experiences with balancing positive reinforcement and corrections, the challenges of leash reactivity, the importance of tailoring training to each dog, and the value of understanding dog body language. He also talks about his involvement with the IACP, his recent participation in their conference, and his new role as the Director of Education for IACP. Additionally, Antonio outlines his future plans, including new online courses and mentorship programs.

Dog Pro Radio hosts Jason Purgason, Matt Covey, and Fabian Romo reunite for episode #20. They share updates on personal challenges and projects before recapping highlights from the recent IACP conference, including speakers, workshops, and membership initiatives. They reflect on past podcast episodes, memorable live interviews, and build excitement for the next conference in Newport Beach, CA, while inviting listener feedback for future content. 

Dog Pro Radio Episode #19 features Dee Hoult, a professional dog trainer who runs a prison dog training program in Miami, Florida. Dee explains her method of choosing dogs from shelters, the training regimen within the prison, and how the inmates are trained using positive reinforcement and various enrichment activities. She also touches on safety, the selection process for inmates, and the positive outcomes for both the dogs and the participating inmates. Additionally, Dee encourages those interested in starting similar programs to use her as a resource and offers an open invitation for speakers to visit and share knowledge with her inmates.

In this episode of Dog Pro Radio, our hosts interview Joel Silverman, a notable figure in dog training who has also trained marine mammals, including killer whales, and other animals for Hollywood productions. Joel shares his journey from growing up in Southern California to working at SeaWorld and training animals for movies. He emphasizes building a strong bond and relationship with dogs, understanding the importance of rewards, and the significance of varied reinforcement schedules in training. Additionally, he discusses his transition to training and certifying new dog trainers and introduces his new dog training franchise, Trusted Paw. Joel also shares tips for new trainers, highlighting the importance of maintaining trust and keeping training sessions short and enjoyable for the dogs.

Join us for an in-depth discussion with Athena Haus on Dog Pro Radio. Athena, with over two decades of experience in training and working with search and rescue dogs, shares her journey and insights. From her beginnings as a firefighter to her involvement with FEMA and various task forces, Athena talks about the intricacies of working with dogs in highly challenging environments. Learn about the impact of choosing the right dog and the role of drones and AI in modern search and rescue operations. Don't miss out on exclusive tips and expert advice in this engaging episode.