Dog Pro Radio interviews world-renowned dog trainer Ivan Balabanov, creator of “Training Without Conflict,” two-time world champion, and Malinois breeder, and notes Balabanov will speak at the IACP European Summit in Poland on what drives behavior. Balabanov contrasts sport and pet training as different in goals but rooted in the same learning principles, emphasizing evaluation of genetics, learning limits, emotional/brain state, confidence, and problem “levels” rather than fixating on the surface behavior. He critiques over-attributing issues to fear and argues for building dogs’ ability to overcome fears by changing perception and state, often using play (rather than food) to shift physiology and affect. He distinguishes fear from true predation, stating predation with intent to kill cannot be reliably interrupted by reinforcement and requires properly applied suppression, prioritizing welfare outcomes over momentary appearances. He frames dominance as momentary control of resources, not a personality trait. Discussing puppies, he highlights space, cleanliness, and allowing agency in exploration and socialization. He advises trainers to avoid cases beyond their skills, seek better education, and progress in manageable steps.