Pack Talk Dog Training Podcast

He looked at my training program and told me I wasn't rewarding my dogs enough, and that my training programs were too short — and that one conversation reshaped how I train every dog I work with today. In this episode of Pack Talk Podcast, I sit down with John Smithhart of K9 Good Manners in Greenville, SC — a USAF K9 handler veteran and the trainer who helped fine-tune my protocols early in my career.

We get into what's actually genetic versus trainable when it comes to drive, what real-world off-leash reliability actually requires, and John shares a story from handling a military detection dog that puts the word "obedience" in a completely different light.

Recommend Training Equipment:
📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL : https://amzn.to/4papdHo
🐕Check out our Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut

🔥 What You'll Learn:
✅ Why genetics decide part of a dog's trainability
✅ How to build real off-leash reliability
✅ The reward mistake many balanced trainers make
✅ What a military detection dog teaches about obedience
✅ How drive and genetics shape training outcomes
✅ Why longer training programs build more reliable dogs
✅ How working dog standards translate to pet dogs

Off-leash reliability isn't something you get from a single session or a single command — it's built the same way any working dog's obedience is built: through structure, real distraction-proofing, and consistency that doesn't stop just because the leash comes off.


❓Questions answered in this video:
- What is the difference between genetics and training in dogs?
- Can a dog with low drive still be a good working dog?
- How long does off-leash training take?
- Why does my dog ignore me around distractions?
- What is threshold training in dog training?
- How are military and police dogs trained differently from pets?
- What does a K9 handler do in the military?
- Is balanced dog training compatible with reward-based training?

👀WATCH NEXT:
▶️ Understand Dog Body Language: https://youtu.be/GeFzkht6mzw
▶️ Get Your Dog To Listen To You: https://youtu.be/AOi4jVC446w
▶️ Stop Leash Pulling: https://youtu.be/raqpQq1x9FA
▶️E Collar Beginner's Guide: https://youtu.be/BJYHZEkNTnQ

#DogTraining #OffLeashTraining #WorkingDogs #BalancedDogTraining #K9Handler #PackTalkPodcast

TRAIN YOUR DOG WITH OUR TEAM! 👇
https://www.caninerevolutiondogtraining.com/
📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL: https://amzn.to/4papdHo
Board & Train Programs
Private Lessons
Virtual Training

🐕Check out our Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut

Everything Canine Revolution
https://linktr.ee/CanineRevolution

Doors, cars, and greetings are three of the highest-arousal moments in a normal day — and where trained dogs most often revert to old habits. In this episode, our alumni FAQ series covers door dashing, what your dog should actually be doing in the car, and how to handle introductions and greetings the right way.

Recommend Training Equipment:
📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL: https://amzn.to/4papdHo
🐕Check out our Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut

🔥What You'll Learn:
✅ Why a trained dog still bolts out the door
✅ What your dog should actually be doing in the car
✅ Why car reactivity is different from leash reactivity
✅ The right way to introduce your dog to a new person or dog
✅ When it's actually okay to let your dog greet someone
✅ Why "nothing without a release" fixes all three problems

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Why Doors, Cars, and Greetings Trip Up Trained Dogs
00:40 - Why Your Dog Still Bolts Out the Door
04:53 - What Your Dog Should Actually Be Doing in the Car
07:20 - Why Dogs React to Dogs or People From the Car
09:37 - How to Properly Introduce Your Dog to a New Person or Dog
15:15 - When It's OK to Let Your Dog Greet Someone
17:02 - Recap and Next Steps

👀WATCH NEXT:
📺 Dog Body Language: https://youtu.be/GeFzkht6mzw?si=eUKlU9ZYaPLpZoLJ
📺 Socializing Reactive Dog: https://youtu.be/bo66a0S8k1M?si=knfJM4vryKwhY7SX
📺 How to Get Your Dog Calm in the Car: https://youtu.be/DfCQZIEmvWA

#CanineRevolution #dogtraining  #doordashing  #CarReactivity #DogGreetings

TRAIN YOUR DOG WITH OUR TEAM! 👇
https://www.caninerevolutiondogtraining.com/
📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL : https://amzn.to/4papdHo
Board & Train Programs
Private Lessons
Virtual Training

🐕Check out our Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut

Everything Canine Revolution
https://linktr.ee/CanineRevolution

Your dog isn't confused — your household is. In the final episode of our alumni FAQ series, we cover getting the whole family on the same page, why kids undo training without meaning to, why a graduate dog still chases the cat, and how to break a dog's fixation and get their attention back.

Recommend Training Equipment:
📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL : https://amzn.to/4papdHo
🐕Check out our Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut

🔥What You'll Learn:
✅ Why a dog needs the same rules from every person, not just one
✅ How to build a household training plan everyone follows
✅ What kids can (and can't) realistically be responsible for
✅ Why old habits like cat chasing are harder to undo
✅ How to break a dog's fixation and get their attention back
✅ Why training problems are usually people problems

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Why Dog Training Consistency Starts With the Family
00:27 - Why One Dog Gets Different Rules From Every Person
04:49 - How to Build a Household Training Plan Everyone Follows
07:33 - How to Get Kids to Follow the Rules With the Dog
09:30 - Why Your Dog Still Chases the Cat After Training
12:26 - How to Break a Dog's Fixation and Get Their Attention Back
14:47 - Recap and Series Wrap-Up

WATCH NEXT:
📺 Dog Body Language: https://youtu.be/GeFzkht6mzw?si=eUKlU9ZYaPLpZoLJ
📺 Socializing Reactive Dog: https://youtu.be/bo66a0S8k1M?si=knfJM4vryKwhY7SX

#CanineRevolution #DogTraining #DogTrainingConsistency #FamilyDogTraining #DogBehavior

TRAIN YOUR DOG WITH OUR TEAM! 👇
https://www.caninerevolutiondogtraining.com/
📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL : https://amzn.to/4papdHo
Board & Train Programs
Private Lessons
Virtual Training

🐕Check out our Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut

Everything Canine Revolution
https://linktr.ee/CanineRevolution

"When can he go off leash?" doesn't have one answer — and neither does "what's the difference between good and yes?" In this episode, our alumni FAQ series covers the marker language behind every command and the real, dog-specific timeline for public access, off-leash freedom, and run of the house.

Recommend Training Equipment:
📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL: https://amzn.to/4papdHo

🐕Check out our Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut

🔥What You'll Learn:
✅ The real difference between the markers "good" and "yes"
✅ Whether guiding your dog too much is actually a problem
✅ Why repeating a command works against you
✅ What has to be true before your dog goes out in public
✅ The real prerequisites for off-leash reliability
✅ How house and yard freedom actually gets earned

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Marker Language and the Freedom Timeline Explained
00:44 - Good vs Yes: What Each Marker Word Really Means
02:30 - Are You Guiding Your Dog Too Much
05:47 - Why Repeating Commands Like Sit Sit Sit Hurts Training
07:17 - When Can You Take Your Dog Out in Public
09:39 - When Is a Dog Ready to Walk Off Leash
12:58 - When Can You Give Your Dog Run of the House and Yard

👀WATCH NEXT:
📺 Dog Body Language: https://youtu.be/GeFzkht6mzw?si=eUKlU9ZYaPLpZoLJ
📺 E Collar for Beginners: https://youtu.be/BJYHZEkNTnQ?si=PaaK_bltBh6cjjb6

#CanineRevolution #DogTraining #OffLeashTraining #MarkerTraining #DogFreedom

TRAIN YOUR DOG WITH OUR TEAM! 👇
https://www.caninerevolutiondogtraining.com/
📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL : https://amzn.to/4papdHo
Board & Train Programs
Private Lessons
Virtual Training

🐕Check out our Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut

Everything Canine Revolution
https://linktr.ee/CanineRevolution

Your dog held Place through the whole program — then the doorbell rings and he's off the bed like it never happened. In this episode, our alumni FAQ series tackles Place breaking down at home, crate barking and whining, and how to tell normal crate adjustment from real anxiety.

Recommend Training Equipment: 

📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL : https://amzn.to/4papdHo 

🦮Leather Leash : https://amzn.to/45Nsd5x 

🐶Fur Saver Training Collar : https://amzn.to/4dVsGop 

🦴Bait Bag : https://amzn.to/44821BJ 

🥩Food Rewards : https://amzn.to/4mZUKuy

 🐕Midwest Dog Crate : https://amzn.to/4nauiP5 

📑I Love Dogs Coloring Book : https://amzn.to/4mtScEq 

🎯 Long Line Training Leash: https://amzn.to/3FLvEiN

🔥What You'll Learn:

✅ Why the doorbell breaks Place even in a fully trained dog 

✅ How to build Place duration when you leave the room 

✅ The real fix for a dog that barks in the crate 

✅ How to tell whining that needs a response from a test 

✅ The line between normal crate adjustment and real anxiety 

✅ Why triggers, not training gaps, cause most of these issues

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 
00:00 - Why Place and Crate Skills Get Tested at Home 
01:03 - Why Dogs Break Place When the Doorbell Rings 
03:55 - Why Dogs Break Place When You Leave the Room 
06:19 - How to Stop a Dog From Barking in the Crate 
08:52 - Should You Correct Whining in the Kennel 
10:39 - Is Crate Anxiety Normal After Training 
13:30 - Recap and Next Steps

#CanineRevolution #DogTraining #CrateTraining #PlaceCommand #DogBehavior

TRAIN YOUR DOG WITH OUR TEAM! 👇

https://www.caninerevolutiondogtraining.com/

• 📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL : https://amzn.to/4papdHo
• Board & Train Programs
• Private Lessons
• Virtual Training

🐕Check out our Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut

Everything Canine Revolution

https://linktr.ee/CanineRevolution

Your dog can hold a perfect heel through training — then break it the second someone walks up to say hi. In this episode, I answer our graduates' most common leash and heel questions: greetings, creeping out front, when it's okay to sniff, correcting without guilt, and how long the remote collar actually stays on.

Recommend Training Equipment:
📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL : https://amzn.to/4papdHo
🐕Check out our Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut

🔥What You'll Learn:
✅ Why heel breaks down specifically when people approach
✅ The real difference between creeping and breaking position
✅ When it's actually okay to let your dog sniff or mark
✅ Why hesitating to correct undoes graduate-level training
✅ How the remote collar weaning process actually works
✅ Where to find your dog's exact stage in your Turnover Sheet

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Why Heel Breaks Down After Graduation
01:40 - Why Your Dog Breaks Heel When People Approach
05:01 - How to Fix a Dog Creeping Out of Heel Position
07:05 - Loose Leash Walking: When It's OK to Break Heel to Sniff
09:57 - Why You Shouldn't Be Afraid to Correct Your Dog 
12:21 - How Long Does a Trained Dog Wear the Remote Collar
13:41 - Recap and Next Steps

WATCH NEXT:
📺 Dog Body Language: https://youtu.be/GeFzkht6mzw?si=eUKlU9ZYaPLpZoLJ
📺 E Collar for Beginners: https://youtu.be/BJYHZEkNTnQ?si=PaaK_bltBh6cjjb6

#CanineRevolution #DogTraining #HeelTraining #LeashTraining #ECollarTraining

TRAIN YOUR DOG WITH OUR TEAM! 👇
https://www.caninerevolutiondogtraining.com/
📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL : https://amzn.to/4papdHo
Board & Train Programs
Private Lessons
Virtual Training

🐕Check out our Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut

Everything Canine Revolution
https://linktr.ee/CanineRevolution

Ever get a training answer that felt incomplete? It probably was — just missing the second half. In this episode, I answer 8 of our most-asked questions twice: once for new clients, once for our graduates. Plus, the 4 terms — Influence Period, Working Level, Marker System, Turnover Sheet — behind every answer we give.

Recommend Training Equipment:
📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL : https://amzn.to/4papdHo

🐕Check out our Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut

🔥 What You'll Learn:
✅ Why "no" means something different once your dog is trained
✅ The real reasons e-collar corrections stop working
✅ How to find your dog's true working level (and why copying one fails)
✅ What the Marker System actually tells your dog
✅ How long is too long on Place — before and after training
✅ Why an obedient dog can still react to other dogs on walks

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Why Every Training Answer Comes in Two Parts
01:51 - What Is the Influence Period in Dog Training
04:38 - Working Level Explained: E-Collar Training Levels
08:44 - The Marker System: Good, Yes, and the Release Word
12:04 - Where to Find Your Dog's Turnover Sheet
13:15 - Is "No" a Warning or a Correction in Dog Training
17:31 - Why Your E-Collar Corrections Aren't Working
21:05 - Does It Matter If You Forget to Say "Good"
22:25 - How to Fit a Remote Dog Training Collar
26:08 - Training Two Dogs on One E-Collar Remote
28:24 - How Long Should a Dog Stay on Place Command
31:21 - Dog Pooping in the Crate Overnight After House Training
34:24 - Obedient Dog Still Reactive to Other Dogs on Walks

TRAIN YOUR DOG WITH OUR TEAM! 👇
https://www.caninerevolutiondogtraining.com/

📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL : https://amzn.to/4papdHo

Board & Train Programs
Private Lessons
Virtual Training

🐕Check out our Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut

Everything Canine Revolution
https://linktr.ee/CanineRevolution

✅Understand the Full Training Progression Here: https://youtu.be/y3qGqaPTkck?si=GmEO6SJXCsQHPa9S


Recommend Training Equipment:
📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL : https://amzn.to/4papdHo
🐕Check out our Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut



TRAIN YOUR DOG WITH OUR TEAM! 👇
https://www.caninerevolutiondogtraining.com/
📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL : https://amzn.to/4papdHo
Board & Train Programs
Private Lessons
Virtual Training
🐕Check out our Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut
Everything Canine Revolution
https://linktr.ee/CanineRevolution


Shop the full Canine Revolution Apparel store on Amazon
Canine Revolution Apparel on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/s?rh=n%3A7141123011%2Cp_4%3ACanine+Revolution+Apparel&ref=bl_sl_s_ap_web_7141123011

💊 Best Supplements for Your Dog (And High Quality Raw Food 🥩)!
K9 Super Supplements and Raw & Paw Co
https://k9supersupplements.com/?p=SyJlXAPza
https://rawandpawco.com
🔥Code: CANINEREVOLUTION for 10% off

🥩 Optimize your dog's diet by feeding them a raw diet
Specifically formulated for your dog and delivered to your door, offering both traditional raw and freeze dried raw options!
We Feed Raw
https://wefeedraw.sjv.io/c/5125268/1993237/22021
🔥Code: CANINEREVOLUTION50 for 50% off

💊 Supplements to optimize YOUR performance
https://www.jockofuel.com
🔥Code: CANINEREVOLUTION for 10% off

Monster K9 Dog Toys
If your dog destroys it, they replace it!
https://www.monsterk9.com/
https://amzn.to/3FLvEiN
🔥Code: CANINEREVOLUTION for 10% off

Your dogs are fighting and your trainer appointment is still weeks away. This episode is your survival guide — how to manage dog aggression at home safely, stop the next fight before it starts, and set your training up to actually work.

🧑‍💻 Want Virtual Coaching from me?  Want to get direct answers to your specific questions?  Book a 30 minute session here (limited availability) : https://www.caninerevolutiondogtraining.com/virtual-training-academy-and-mentorship/

Recommend Training Equipment: 

📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL : https://amzn.to/4papdHo 

🐕Check out our Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut

🔥What You'll Learn:

✅ Why "letting them work it out" is the most dangerous thing you can do 
✅ The separation rotation system that keeps peace in the house daily 
✅ How to read your dog's body language before a fight erupts 
✅ The safest way to break up a dog fight without getting bitten 
✅ What to do in the 48 hours after a fight (most people skip this) 
✅ How to brief your trainer so they can help you faster

Dog aggression between dogs in the same home is one of the most dangerous and emotionally exhausting situations an owner can face. These management strategies work whether you're waiting a week or a month — and they'll make your training go faster.

#CanineRevolution #DogTraining #DogAggression #AggressiveDogTraining #DogBehavior

TRAIN YOUR DOG WITH OUR TEAM! 👇

https://www.caninerevolutiondogtraining.com/

• 📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL : https://amzn.to/4papdHo
• Board & Train Programs
• Private Lessons
• Virtual Training
• 
  

🐕Check out our Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.com/shop/caninerevolut

Everything Canine Revolution

https://linktr.ee/CanineRevolution

Your dog spots a car and every treat in your pocket becomes worthless. That's not stubbornness — it's prey drive taking over, and food can't compete with adrenaline. Here's our 3-stage protocol to stop car chasing for good.

🧑‍💻 Want Virtual Coaching from me?  Want to get direct answers to your specific questions?  Book a 30 minute session here (limited availability) : https://www.caninerevolutiondogtraining.com/virtual-training-academy-and-mentorship/

Recommend Training Equipment:

📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL : https://amzn.to/4papdHo

🦮Leather Leash: https://amzn.to/45Nsd5x

🐶Fur Saver Training Collar: https://amzn.to/4dVsGop

🦴Bait Bag: https://amzn.to/44821BJ

🥩Food Rewards: https://amzn.to/4mZUKuy

🐕Midwest Dog Crate: https://amzn.to/4nauiP5

📑I Love Dogs Coloring Book: https://amzn.to/4mtScEq

🎯 Long Line Training Leash: https://amzn.to/3FLvEiN

🔥What You'll Learn:

✅ Learn why dogs chase cars and why treats can't compete

✅ Master threshold training to build focus around traffic

✅ Get the exact e-collar correction sequence, step by step

✅ Try the leash-only method if collars aren't for you

✅ Fix the #1 leash mistake that triggers car chasing

✅ Find out how long it really takes to stop this behavior

Border Collies, Malinois, and Heelers are especially prone to this because a moving car reads as prey, not a distraction. Threshold training, a solid recall, and the right correction timing turn a car-obsessed dog into one you can trust near traffic.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Why Treats Fail to Stop a Dog From Chasing Cars

00:35 - Why Do Dogs Chase Cars? The Prey Drive Explanation

01:03 - Stage 1 Prey Drive & Foundation

05:28 - Stage 2 Threshold Management & Counter-Conditioning 

08:15 - Stage 3 Adding Accountability & Interrupting the Chase 

11:13 - E-Collar Correction Sequence to Stop Car Chasing

12:22 - Long Line Training for Dogs Near Roads (No E-Collar)

13:27 - Is a Leash Enough to Stop Car Chasing?

14:17 - The #1 Leash Mistake That Triggers Car Chasing

👀WATCH NEXT:

📺 Dog Body Language:  https://youtu.be/GeFzkht6mzw

📺 Socializing Reactive Dog: https://youtu.be/bo66a0S8k1M

📺 E Collar for Beginners: https://youtu.be/BJYHZEkNTnQ

#CanineRevolution #DogTraining #PreyDrive #CarChasing #ImpulseControl

TRAIN YOUR DOG WITH OUR TEAM! 👇

https://www.caninerevolutiondogtraining.com

• 📖THE ULTIMATE LEASH TRAINING MANUAL: https://amzn.to/4papdHo
• Board & Train Programs
• Private Lessons
• Virtual Training : https://calendly.com/contact-caninerevolutiondogtraining/virtual-training-coaching
• 🚨FREE 6-step Training Guide : https://forms.gle/fpxvZ5EQZ7ERKSPM7

Shop the full Canine Revolution Apparel store on Amazon

Canine Revolution Apparel on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/s?rh=n%3A7141123011%2Cp_4%3ACanine+Revolution+Apparel&ref=bl_sl_s_ap_web_7141123011

💊 Best Supplements for Your Dog (And High Quality Raw Food 🥩)!

K9 Super Supplements and Raw & Paw Co

https://k9supersupplements.com/?p=SyJlXAPza

https://rawandpawco.com

🔥Code: CANINEREVOLUTION for 10% off

🥩 Optimize your dog's diet by feeding them a raw diet

Specifically formulated for your dog and delivered to your door, offering both traditional raw and freeze dried raw options!

We Feed Raw

https://wefeedraw.sjv.io/c/5125268/1993237/22021

🔥Code: CANINEREVOLUTION50 for 50% off

💊 Supplements to optimize YOUR performance

https://www.jockofuel.com

🔥Code: CANINEREVOLUTION for 10% off

Monster K9 Dog Toys

If your dog destroys it, they replace it!

https://www.monsterk9.com/

https://amzn.to/3FLvEiN

🔥Code: CANINEREVOLUTION for 10% off

Follow all of our socials

https://linktr.ee/CanineRevolution

Pack Talk Podcast by Canine Revolution Dog Training

Video versions of podcasts on the Pack Talk Podcast and Canine Revolution Dog Training YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/@caninerevolutiondogtraining/podcast