Doggie Stoic

In this episode of the Doggie Stoic podcast, we’re joined by Samantha of Pack Life LA, a trainer known for her deep empathy and "loosey-goosey" approach to complex behavioral issues. Samantha shares her journey from pre-med to becoming a head trainer under Cesar Millan, and eventually developing her own philosophy centered on "softening the mood" rather than winning power struggles.

We dive deep into the nuances of defense drive versus prey drive, the realities of behavioral euthanasia, and why your dog's nervous system is often a mirror of your own.

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In this episode of the Doggie Stoic podcast, we sit down with Dr. Stewart Hilliard, a "glorified dog trainer" who has spent decades with a foot in both the worlds of professional dog training and behavioral science. With extensive experience training dogs for both the military and pet owners, Dr. Hilliard offers a profound look into the intersection of empirical observation and the practical sculpting of canine behavior.

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In this episode of the Doggy Stoic podcast, we sit down with Kimberli Weeks from Daredevil Dog Training. As a co-host of the Naturally Aggressive podcast and a veteran of the working and sport dog community, Kimberli brings a unique, balanced perspective to raising the ultimate pet dog.

In this episode, we discuss: The "Zero Expectation" Chihuahua: Meet Ferret, the Chihuahua who rules a household of German Shepherds.

The Problem with "Over-Involvement": Why many owners are actually blocking their puppy's emotional growth by doing too much.

Building a Communication System: The importance of installing marker systems and utilizing "gamified" negative reinforcement early on.

Balanced Boundaries: Why Kimberli isn't afraid to introduce light punishment for biting—and how she does it without squashing a dog's drive.

Whether you’re training a high-drive working dog or a family companion, Kimberli's "not messing it up" philosophy offers essential insights into building a confident, well-adjusted dog.

In this episode, we sit down to discuss the bridge between basic obedience and high-level K9 performance. We explore why many handlers struggle with consistency and how to unlock your dog's true potential through structured play and clear expectations. Whether you are training for sport, work, or the ultimate companion, these insights will change the way you look at your leash.

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Guest Bio: Panos Anagnostou

Panos Anagnostou is an experienced dog trainer based in Sydney, Australia, with over 14 years of experience running his own business, NP Dog Training. He is the author of "Nooch’s Pooches," a comprehensive training manual born from years of creating personalized homework for his clients. Panos is dedicated to providing clarity in an industry often filled with conflicting information, advocating for a balanced training philosophy that delivers tangible results for both dogs and their owners

Guest Bio:

Keely Keely is the founder of Ruff Rules, a premier dog training business based in Fort Lauderdale, South Florida. Over the past six years, she has successfully scaled her business to include a team of four trainers while maintaining an impeccable reputation with over 200 five-star reviews. Keely is recognized for her ability to deliver high-value results in a saturated market and her commitment to evolving her training philosophy to meet the needs of both dogs and their owners.

In this episode of Doggie Stoic, Andrew sits down with Shanell, founder of Damn Good Dog Training and a Training Without Conflict (TWC) certified trainer, to talk about what it really takes to become a damn good dog trainer. From play-based learning and emotional-state training to quitting her 9–5 job during COVID to build her own thriving business, Shanell shares the highs, lows, and lessons learned from the front lines of modern dog training.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Welcome to the Doggie Stoic: Raising Dogs in the City
• 00:16 Meet Brett Bailey of "Whose a Good Boy Industries"
• 01:05 From Chaos to Career: Brett’s Unexpected Start in Dog Training
• 05:30 The Unique Challenges of New York City Dog Ownership
• 12:15 Urban Survival: Training Strategies for High-Stimulus Environments
• 25:40 Beyond the Backyard: Why City Dogs Require a Different Approach
• 45:10 Building a Successful Training Business in the Big Apple
• 01:29 Final Words: Commitment and Connecting with Brett

Guest Bio: Brett Bailey Brett Bailey is the founder of "Whose a Good Boy Industries" and has been a dedicated dog trainer in New York City for over a decade. His journey began when he had to manage the "chaos" of his partner's dogs, leading him to develop a deep expertise in navigating the specific challenges of raising well-behaved pets in high-density urban environments. Known for his practical strategies and deep empathy for city dwellers, Brett empowers owners to help their dogs thrive amidst the noise and distractions of the concrete jungle.

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Guest Bio: Hillary Ratcliff Hillary is a lifelong Wellesley resident, Montessori preschool teacher for 25 years, mother of 5 grown sons, and owner/trainer to her pack of Havanese dogs. Having studied with some of the most respected balanced trainers in the United States, Hillary brings her kind yet common-sense teaching style to pet dogs and their families. Her goal is to empower owners to live a better and more fulfilling life with their beloved dog through simple leadership exercise

In this episode of Doggie Stoic, Andrew sits down with Jacqui Zakar, founder of Dog Sense Training in Perth, Australia — a respected voice in the dog training world known for her balanced, psychology-based approach and her push for open dialogue between force-free and balanced communities

They go deep into the science and philosophy of modern dog training — from psychology to play, punishment, and the real-world application of counter-conditioning. Jacqui’s background in psychology and experience across multiple industries gives her a uniquely logical, evidence-based perspective on how humans and dogs learn together.

This conversation challenges assumptions, bridges ideological divides, and gives trainers and owners alike a new way to think about freedom, structure, and emotional balance.