This is another episode in our dog sports series where we are trying to convince more people to do cool things with their dogs! and IGP is certianly one of those sports. It takes dedication and time but can be incredibly rewarding for you and your dog and more importantly FUN!!

In this episode we sit down with Sharonkia Williamson, founder of Clear Canine and one of Australia’s most respected IGP trainers, for a clear and practical look into the world of the working-dog sport.

Sharonkia breaks down the fundamentals of IGP’s three phases — tracking, obedience and protection — and explains why the sport is as much about clarity, control and communication as it is about drive.

We dive into what makes a great working dog and Sharonkia also shares advice for beginners and how everyday dog owners can jump into IGP.

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In this extra long Dog pod episode, Jack and Max sit down with Casey from Big Show PSA — a trainer with one of the wildest origin stories you’ll ever hear. Casey has spent years working with animals of all sizes, and his path into dog training and PSA protection sports began in the most unexpected place: training tigers for a movie. When COVID hit and the industry shut down overnight, Casey pivoted and found his purpose in the world of working dogs.

He talks us through PSA protection sport, why he loves it so much and how you can get into it!

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In this episode, Jack and Max are joined once again by the team from Barn Dogs Australia — but this time, they’re heading to the pool! The crew dives into the fast-growing sport of dock diving, a high-energy activity that’s as fun for owners as it is for dogs. From the basics of getting started to training tips, safety, and competition insights, this episode covers everything you need to know to help your dog take the leap. Whether your pup’s a natural swimmer or just loves chasing a toy, dock diving could be their new favourite outlet.

BARN DOGS AUSTRALIA

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In this episode of The Dog People Podcast, Jack and Max are joined by the team from Barn Dogs Australia to uncover one of the most exciting and accessible dog sports around — Barn Search!

Learn how this scent-based game taps into your dog’s natural instincts, builds confidence, and strengthens your bond. Whether you’ve got a working breed or a couch companion, Barn Search offers a fun, low-pressure way to engage your dog’s nose and mind. Discover how to get started, what you’ll need, and why this fast-growing sport is perfect for everyday dog owners.

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What makes someone leave a career as a professional triathlete to become one of Victoria’s most respected dog trainers? In this episode, Max and Jack sit down with Jamie, a trainer who started out teaching puppy school classes before helping Petstock build their national puppy program. He shares how he turned his passion into a thriving business, grew a loyal social media following, and the training philosophies that shape his work today.

If you’ve ever thought about turning your love for dogs into a career, this one’s for you.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Dog People Pod, Jack puts a big question to trainer Max O’Neil: are we contradicting ourselves when we say we shouldn’t let our dogs fail, but also talk about “setting them up for failure”? Max breaks down what these two concepts really mean, why both approaches exist in training, and how to use them in the right context.

Together, Jack and Max explore when failure can actually be a teaching tool, when it can damage trust, and how owners can strike the balance to help their dogs learn safely and effectively.

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