Nate Schoemer Dog Training Podcast

Many dog trainers chase trophies. Nate Czarnota trains to a standard.

In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Nate Czarnota of Iron Oak Dog Company to break down what “training to a standard” really means and why it creates more reliable, capable dogs than chasing titles, ribbons, or trends.

They dive into gundog training, obedience under pressure, impulse control in high-arousal environments, and how the same principles apply to hunting dogs, sport dogs, and everyday companion dogs.

This is a systems-level conversation focused on real-world performance, clarity, and reliability, not appearances.

Whether you work high-drive dogs or just want better obedience at home, these principles translate across all training environments.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• Why training to a defined standard outperforms trophy-based training
• How to build impulse control without suppressing drive
• Using obedience as a communication system, not just control
• Reward-based strategies that hold up under pressure
• Why dogs become “collar-smart” and how to prevent it
• How gundogs can succeed both in the field and at home

RECOMMENDED TRAINING RESOURCES

From Novice To Pro – Nate Schoemer
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625

Dog Training Decoded – Michael Ellis
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/dog-training-decoded-by-michael-ellis?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=51512501371169

Nate’s breakdown of Michael Ellis’ course:
https://nateschoemer.com/dog-training-decoded-why-every-serious-trainer-should-learn-from-michael-ellis/

UPCOMING SEMINARS

Corpus Christi, TX — January 23–25, 2026
Hosted by Harley & Sergio Dog Training (SK9)
Friday: Private Lessons (Application Only)
Saturday–Sunday: Workshop (8:00 AM – 5:30 PM)
Working Spot: $350
Audit Spot: $250
Tickets: https://harleyandsergio.academy/workshop

Peoria, AZ — February 21–22, 2026
Hosted by Kinected K-9 AZ Dog Training
Location: The Pitbull Store, Peoria AZ
Working Spot: SOLD OUT
Audit Spot: $250
Tickets: https://square.link/u/fUpcbPtG

North Bend, OR — March 13–14, 2026
Hosted by Campbell K9 University & Daycare
Working Spot: https://9ce05e2d-70ad-4316-a25c-0e8363a9306a.paylinks.godaddy.com/nateschoemerworkingspot
Audit Spot: https://9ce05e2d-70ad-4316-a25c-0e8363a9306a.paylinks.godaddy.com/3059b659-5945-4fc3-b4e7-db5

San Marcos, TX — September 26–27, 2026
Hosted by Pets and Moore, K9 Waterworld
Tickets Coming Soon

WHY THESE SEMINARS ARE DIFFERENT
This is not a massive, anonymous event.
You’ll see real training, coached live, with real dogs, real genetics, and real challenges.

Same framework. Different dogs. Real environments.

GUEST: NATE CZARNOTA (IRON OAK DOG COMPANY)
Website: https://www.ironoakdogs.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironoakdogs
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ironoakdogs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ironoakdogs
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gun-dog-it-yourself/id1475109621

FOLLOW NATE SCHOEMER
Website: https://NateSchoemer.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemer
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@NateSchoemer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer
X (Twitter): https://x.com/NateSchoemer
Podcast Feed: https://pod.link/1804414647

EPISODE KEY TOPICS
Hunting dog training, gundog obedience, impulse control, reward-based systems, training to objective standards, real-world reliability, high-drive dogs, field training principles, and companion dog performance.

The dog training world is deeply divided, force-free vs balanced training. But what happens when avoiding pressure actually creates more fear, anxiety, and instability in dogs?

In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Justin Rigney, veteran dog trainer and former law-enforcement K9 handler, for an honest, experience-driven conversation about pressure, fear, genetics, and real behavior change.

Justin explains why he doesn’t view pressure as punishment, but as communication, when applied correctly, fairly, and with timing. Drawing from decades of experience working with pet dogs, working dogs, and high-drive behavioral cases, he breaks down how pressure can provide clarity, encourage neutrality, and help dogs move through stress instead of becoming trapped in avoidance or fear.

They also explore how well-intentioned training approaches can unintentionally reinforce fear, why genetics matter long before formal training begins, and why experienced trainers avoid rigid systems in favor of reading the individual dog in front of them.

This conversation is especially relevant for dog owners, professional trainers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of canine behavior beyond trend-driven or ideological training narratives.

🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why pressure is often unavoidable in real-world dog training

• How fear can be unintentionally reinforced by handlers

• The difference between fair, structured pressure and harmful handling

• Why neutrality can be a powerful emotional state for many dogs

• How balanced trainers blend reward, pressure, and restraint

• Why some reward-only systems struggle under high stress or distraction

• How genetics influence behavior long before formal training begins

🎓 Recommended Training Resource

From Novice To Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog Training By Nate Schoemer👉 ⁠https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625⁠🔗

Connect with Justin Rigney

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jrigk9/⁠

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/K9servicesunlimited⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@k9servicesunlimited⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@k-9servicesunlimited136⁠

Website: ⁠https://k9servicesunlimited.com/⁠

🔗 Connect with Nate Schoemer

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemer⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemer⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer⁠

X (Twitter): ⁠https://x.com/NateSchoemer

The dog training world is deeply divided, force-free vs balanced training.
But what happens when avoiding pressure actually creates more fear, anxiety, and instability in dogs?

In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Justin Rigney, veteran dog trainer and former law-enforcement K9 handler, for an honest, experience-driven conversation about pressure, fear, genetics, and real behavior change.

Justin explains why he doesn’t view pressure as punishment, but as communication, when applied correctly, fairly, and with timing. Drawing from decades of experience working with pet dogs, working dogs, and high-drive behavioral cases, he breaks down how pressure can provide clarity, encourage neutrality, and help dogs move through stress instead of becoming trapped in avoidance or fear.

They also explore how well-intentioned training approaches can unintentionally reinforce fear, why genetics matter long before formal training begins, and why experienced trainers avoid rigid systems in favor of reading the individual dog in front of them.

This conversation is especially relevant for dog owners, professional trainers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of canine behavior beyond trend-driven or ideological training narratives.

🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why pressure is often unavoidable in real-world dog training• How fear can be unintentionally reinforced by handlers• The difference between fair, structured pressure and harmful handling• Why neutrality can be a powerful emotional state for many dogs• How balanced trainers blend reward, pressure, and restraint• Why some reward-only systems struggle under high stress or distraction• How genetics influence behavior long before formal training begins

🎓 Recommended Training Resource

From Novice To Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog TrainingBy Nate Schoemer👉 https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625🔗 Connect with Justin Rigney

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jrigk9/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/K9servicesunlimitedTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@k9servicesunlimitedYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@k-9servicesunlimited136Website: https://k9servicesunlimited.com/🔗 Connect with Nate Schoemer

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemerX (Twitter): https://x.com/NateSchoemer

Most dog training advice tells owners to keep their dog calm at all costs.
Neuroscience suggests that approach often backfires.

In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with neuroscientist and dog trainer Dr. Melanie Uhde to challenge some of the most common assumptions in modern dog training.

Rather than chasing constant calm, this conversation explains why manageable stress, frustration, and challenge are essential for building confident, resilient, real-world dogs.

Drawing from neuroscience, biology, genetics, learning theory, and real training experience, Dr. Uhde breaks down how dogs actually learn, adapt, and cope — and why avoiding stress entirely can create long-term behavioral problems.

This is not theory for theory’s sake. Every concept discussed is tied back to practical training decisions dog owners and trainers make every day.

🧠 Topics Covered in This Episode

• Why “calm” is often the wrong goal in dog training• The difference between productive stress and harmful stress• How stress inoculation builds confidence and resilience• Why frustration and challenge accelerate learning• Common myths about cortisol and dopamine in dogs• Why emotional corrections damage learning• How genetics and environment interact in behavior• Why biologically appropriate outlets prevent problem behaviors• How to build real-world reliability without suppression

🎓 Recommended Training Resource

From Novice To Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog TrainingBy Nate Schoemer👉 https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625

🔗 Connect with Nate Schoemer

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemerX (Twitter): https://x.com/NateSchoemer

🔬 Learn More from Dr. Melanie Uhde

Website: https://www.caninedecoded.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.melanie.uhdeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/caninedecodedYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.melanieuhdeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caninedecoded

Thinking about leaving your 9–5 to become a professional dog trainer?
Natalie Dobkins did exactly that — and in this episode, she breaks down how and why she made the leap, plus what it really takes to build a sustainable dog training business.

Natalie (Team K9 Training) joins host Nate Schoemer for an honest, no-fluff conversation about transitioning out of the corporate world and into full-time dog training. They dive deep into the business foundations most trainers overlook, including LLC setup, pricing, marketing, client management, and how to avoid burnout in an unregulated industry.

This episode isn’t just about training dogs — it’s about building a career that lasts.

Whether you’re an aspiring dog trainer, a working professional considering a career shift, or an established trainer looking to tighten up your business systems, this episode delivers real-world insight you can apply immediately.

• The Career Leap
  What finally pushed Natalie to leave her corporate job and pursue dog training full-time.

• Business Foundations for Dog Trainers
  Why LLCs, finances, contracts, and structure matter before you ever take a leash.

• Marketing & Client Acquisition
  How to attract clients without feeling salesy — and when paid ads actually make sense.

• Owner Education & Client Retention
  Why training owners is just as important as training dogs.

• Avoiding Burnout
  Why “being the Walmart of dog training” destroys trainers — and how to set boundaries.

• Scaling With Systems
  How email automation, follow-ups, and streamlined programs free up your time.

Get 20% OFF with code: YONEISALL

Amazon (US):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DS2N3T3X?maas=maas_adg_A9BF15CFF1EEF7A701CF2F51611A4226_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas

Official Store:
https://oneisallinc.pxf.io/WyjNrM

Course:
From Novice To Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog Training
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625

Follow Nate:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemer
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer
X (Twitter): https://x.com/NateSchoemer

🎧 Podcast Home:
https://pod.link/1804414647

Guest – Natalie Dobkins (Team K9 Training)

Website: https://www.teamk9training.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamk9.training/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teamk9training
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teamk9training/videos

From Marine Corps discipline to professional dog training, Steven Hueston’s journey shows how structure, patience, and purpose can transform both people and dogs.

In this powerful episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Steven Hueston—Marine infantry veteran, professional dog trainer, and host of the Dogs of War Podcast—to explore how lessons from military life shaped his approach to balanced dog training, behavior modification, and helping veterans heal through canine companionship.

If you’ve ever wondered how the mindset of a Marine translates to calm, confident, reliable dogs, this episode breaks it all down.

• How military structure and timing translate directly into effective dog training

• The difference between sport protection dogs and true working dogs

• Why service dogs can both help and harm veterans—and the long-term emotional risks few discuss

• How to build confidence in fearful dogs without coddling or over-correcting

• The truth about “force-free” training and why many trainers use punishment without realizing it

• What balanced training really means and how Steven tailors it to each dog and owner

• Why patience and timing matter more than tools

• The biggest mistakes dog owners make (and how to fix them quickly)

• The story of Dobby, a Dogo Argentino who went from reactivity to off-leash freedom

• How working with dogs provides veterans with purpose, healing, and connection

Steven Hueston is a Marine infantry veteran turned professional dog trainer. He brings real-world structure, discipline, and emotional intelligence to every dog he trains. He is the founder of Oracle K9 Training in Avon, Colorado, and host of the Dogs of War Podcast, where he interviews top trainers, handlers, and veterans on life, healing, and training.

Website: https://oraclek9training.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083883048752
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oracle_k9_training
Podcast: https://pod.link/1532993707

From Novice to Pro: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NateSchoemer
Podcast: https://pod.link/1804414647
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemer
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NateSchoemer
Sit Stay Learn: https://sitstaylearn.com

Many dog trainers only focus on obedience… but what if the real solution to your dog’s behavior issues lies somewhere else entirely?

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Nate Schoemer sits down with Evan Doggett (@doggett.style) to explore how small, often-ignored factors can transform a dog’s behavior from the inside out. From understanding canine communication to rethinking tools like e-collars, this episode uncovers what truly makes dogs reliable, calm, and happy companions.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
• Why your dog’s daily habits can shape behavior long before formal training begins
• A simple “doggie multivitamin” recipe that owners swear by
• How to use e-collars the right way, as a tool for communication, not punishment
• The difference between socialization and desensitization (and why it matters)
• Practical ways to fix reactivity, aggression, and resource guarding
• How to make training fun, effective, and sustainable for both ends of the leash

Top Quotes from Evan Doggett:

“If your dog treat has more than five ingredients, throw it away.”
“Most behavior problems start with the body, fix the health, and you fix the brain.”
“At the beginning, think of the e-collar like a gentle leash pull, it’s about communication, not control.”

About Evan Doggett:
Founder of Doggett Style Dog Training, Evan blends humor, science, and real-world experience to help owners raise confident, balanced, and well-behaved dogs through clear communication and modern training strategies.

🌐 Website: https://doggettstyle.com/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doggett.style/
🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doggettstyle
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@doggettstyledogtraining
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoggettStyle

Follow Nate Schoemer:
YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Podcast | Sit Stay Learn

🎓 From Novice to Pro: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training by Nate Schoemer →
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625

Carlos Ramirez of CRK9 is one of the most respected and experienced dog trainers in the country, and in this episode, he breaks down exactly how he gets such reliable, real-world results.

From training elite military and police K9s to transforming household pets with serious behavioral issues, Carlos brings a deep, proven approach to canine development. In this interview, you’ll learn:

• How he went from farm life in Puerto Rico to training special forces dogs

• The truth about e-collars, prong collars, and the balanced training debate

• How to stop leash pulling, jumping, aggression, and disobedience

• The foundations required for off-leash reliability

• What separates personal protection dogs from basic obedience

• Why training the owner is just as important as training the dog

This is a must-listen for dog owners, aspiring trainers, and anyone curious about what it really takes to build a confident, well-behaved, and trustworthy dog.

Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms.

- Follow Carlos Ramirez / CRK9 Online:
- Website: https://carlosramirezk9.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @carlosramirezk9
- Facebook: facebook.com/carlosramirezk9
- YouTube: @carlosramirezk9
- TikTok: @crk9
Don’t forget to subscribe and share!

In this episode, Robert Cabral shares how his journey from martial arts shaped his dog training philosophy—and how discipline, empathy, and clarity help dogs trust, thrive, and transform.

We dive into shelter dog work, communication systems (yes/no, binary), building rapport, and why the “alpha” model is often misunderstood.

This interview is for dog owners, trainers, or anyone passionate about animals. Whether you want better clarity, stronger results, or a deeper bond with your dog, there’s something here for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Robert’s martial arts background shaped his training approach.

• The real meaning of “alpha” and why aggression doesn’t belong in leadership.

• How to build trust, motivation, and engagement with puppies.

• Step-by-step strategies for issues like potty training and reactivity.

• Insights into Robert’s “binary dog” concept and why yes/no can simplify communication.

• Why training is about clarity, not control.

• Tools, corrections, and fairness in balanced training.

• Lessons from shelter dogs and what they can teach us about resilience.

Check Out Robert’s Courses:

• Shelter Course – $995
  https://robertcabral.com/shelter-dog-training/training/nateschoemer/

• Puppy Course – $199
  https://robertcabral.com/my-first-30-days-with-my-puppy-course/training/nateschoemer/

• Crate Mini Course – $39
  https://robertcabral.com/crate-training/training/nateschoemer/

• Membership – $20/month or $129/year
  https://robertcabral.com/training/nateschoemer/

Nate Schoemer’s Course:From Novice to Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog Training
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625

Connect with Robert Cabral:

• Website: https://robertcabral.com

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobertCabralDogs

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertcabral/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertCabral

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@robertcabraldogs

Connect with Nate Schoemer:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer

In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with legendary dog trainer Ivan Balabanov to explore his groundbreaking philosophy, Training Without Conflict. Ivan shares why true success in dog training comes from rapport, trust, motivation, and cooperation—not force or fear.

Whether you’re a dog owner, aspiring trainer, or seasoned professional, this conversation will reshape the way you think about dogs, behavior, and effective communication.

You’ll learn how to:

• Understand the real meaning of Training Without Conflict

• Build rapport, trust, and cooperation with your dog

• Balance food vs. play and why play transforms focus and endurance

• Avoid common miscommunication mistakes that create conflict

• Use struggle as a tool for growth and deeper trust

• Apply reward strategies, timing, and reinforcement schedules

• Harness the role of emotions, energy, and dopamine in learning

If you’re serious about elevating your training and building a rock-solid relationship with your dog, this is one interview you don’t want to miss.

🔗 Resources & Links✅ Ivan Balabanov’s Training Without Conflict School:https://trainingwithoutconflict.com✅ OT VITOSHA MALINOIS: https://www.malinois.com/✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ivan.Balabanovhttps://www.facebook.com/TrainingWithoutConflict✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainlikeivan/✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IvanBalabanov✅ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@trainingwithoutconflict✅ X: https://x.com/BalabanovIvan
✅ Nate Schoemer’s Course: From Novice to Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog Traininghttps://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625Thanks for listening and supporting the channel.