Lex shares her transformation from dog owner to professional trainer, sparked by her journey with her reactive German Shepherd, Koda. What began as a challenging adoption—complete with a parvo diagnosis and costly medical bills—evolved into a career-defining experience that taught her invaluable lessons about balanced training approaches.

• Adopting Koda as an eight-week-old puppy during COVID, only to face immediate health challenges including parvo and hip problems
• How a traumatic dog park incident transformed Koda from confident to severely reactive almost overnight
• The frustration of working with multiple trainers whose methods either didn't help or felt too extreme
• Learning that tensing up, using "leave it" commands, and emotional corrections can actually worsen reactivity
• Why the best training methods aren't universal—they must match what handlers are comfortable implementing
• The importance of finding mentors and hands-on experience rather than relying solely on online certifications
• How working with rescue dogs provided valuable learning opportunities without the pressure of client expectations
• Finding balance between training and simply enjoying your dog through activities like structured play and enrichment
• Learning to advocate for fearful dogs by managing their environment without pushing them beyond their threshold

Remember that reactivity is largely about management—your dog needs you to be their confident leader, showing them the boundaries while still giving them opportunities to enjoy life.

Visit us at theeverydaytrainer.com

Meg shares the terrifying experience of her puppy Muffin accidentally ingesting marijuana at a park and the emergency vet visit that followed, then opens up the conversation to listener stories about scary incidents with their dogs.

• Collar dangers emerge as a common hazard, with multiple stories of dogs choking when collars become caught during play or in crate wires
• Breakaway collars and removing collars during unsupervised time can prevent these dangerous situations
• "He's friendly" dog greetings frequently lead to attacks and injuries, reminding owners that dogs don't need forced friendships
• Gastrointestinal obstructions from toys, leashes, socks and other items cause expensive surgeries and near-death experiences
• Toxic substances like ibuprofen and recreational drugs present serious dangers that many owners don't recognize until too late
• Bloat (stomach torsion) can kill within hours, with one in five German Shepherds experiencing it in their lifetime
• Short-nosed breeds need special supervision during feeding to prevent choking incidents
• Remaining calm during emergencies is crucial for making life-saving decisions

Join our Virtual Shadow Program starting May 26th if you're interested in becoming a dog trainer and learning more about prevention and safety for dogs.

Visit us at Theeverydaytrainer.com

Dog trainers often talk about "drivey" dogs, but understanding drive states is key to effective training and fundamentally changes how we approach common behavioral issues.

• Drive states are innate biological impulses that motivate behavior in dogs
• Pack drive (following the leader) is the most valuable drive for behavioral modification
• Walking drills build pack drive by teaching dogs to follow your lead
• Defense drive manifests when dogs feel threatened and may result in aggression
• Prey drive involves the instinct to chase and is activated during food/toy focused training
• Most dogs don't want to be "front of the pack" – they prefer following a confident leader
• Training exclusively with food/toys (prey drive) explains why dogs may only listen when rewards are visible
• Dogs cannot be in multiple drive states simultaneously – use this strategically for behavior modification
• Structure around doorways, crates, and walks is essential for establishing leadership
• Walking drills should be emphasized before moving to obedience/active training sessions

Our next round of the virtual shadow program for aspiring dog trainers starts on the 26th. Check the website link to learn more.

theeverydaytrainer.com

We share the keys to finding and enjoying outdoor adventures with your dogs, challenging the urban lifestyle that keeps our canine companions disconnected from their natural state. 

• Living on the road with dogs has shown us the immense benefits of nature exposure for dog behavior and wellbeing
• Urban environments disrupt dogs' natural circadian rhythms while nature helps reset their biological clocks
• Dogs have innate needs to explore, forage, and connect with natural environments that can't be met in city settings
• Microbiome development through exposure to diverse bacteria in soil and natural water sources strengthens dogs' immune systems
• Finding less-populated outdoor spaces using apps like iOverlander can provide safe off-leash experiences
• BLM land and state forests offer excellent opportunities for dogs to explore without encountering crowds
• Using long lines or flexi-leashes for dogs new to off-leash experiences builds confidence while maintaining control
• Establishing a daily routine that includes morning sunlight, midday training, and designated downtime helps dogs regulate
• Avoid micromanaging your dog with constant commands; instead, trust them to check in naturally
• Essential gear includes water jugs, a good cooler for raw food, freeze-dried treats, and reliable leash options

Virtual shadow program next round starts May 26th - visit our website and schedule a call if you're interested in becoming a dog trainer.

Visit us at TheEverydayTrainer.com

Nicole's Staffordshire Terrier excels at tricks but transforms into an unstoppable pulling machine the moment a leash appears, especially when heading to the dog park.

• Teaching proper leash pressure is fundamental to stop pulling
• "Pressure on, pressure off" method establishes clear communication
• Pulling gets rewarded when it leads to exciting destinations like dog parks
• Dogs pull because they learn it works to get what they want
• Smart dogs can have poor manners when competing motivations are present
• Loose leash walking requires dedicated practice sessions
• Walking drills should progress from low to high distraction environments
• Different training tools (slip leads, prong collars) distribute pressure better than flat collars
• E-collar training can help with persistent leash issues after foundations are built
• Consistency matters - never reward pressure on the leash

Remember, it's not about being stronger than your dog - it's about teaching them that pulling never works to get what they want.

Visit us at Theeverydaytrainer.com.

Meg shares insights from a virtual training session with her client Molly, who is working through reactivity issues with her high-energy husky mix, Murphy, after early socialization at dog parks and daycare created frustration-based leash reactivity.

• Distinguishing between fear-based and frustration-based reactivity
• Why dog parks and daycares can create reactivity in some dogs
• Detailed explanation of e-collar conditioning process and finding working levels
• Strategies for becoming more relevant to your dog than environmental distractions
• How to properly introduce and use a crate for dogs that struggle to settle
• Tips for managing dogs with luxating patella without rushing to surgery
• Alternatives to "place" commands for dogs that can't be held accountable yet
• The importance of limiting rewards to meaningful behaviors rather than mediocre compliance

Check out everything at TheEverydayTrainer.com for private lessons or to join the next virtual shadow program.

Meg and Thoma share their experiences living in vans with dogs and introduce their newly adopted Malinois puppies, exploring the ethics and controversies of dog acquisition.

• Navigating van life in southern California where regulations and neighbors create challenges for mobile dog trainers
• How two 6-week-old Malinois puppies were rescued after being scheduled for euthanasia at a veterinary clinic
• Introduction to protection dog sports and the importance of good genetics versus training
• The controversy between supporting rescue dogs versus purpose-bred working lines
• Integrating new puppies into existing dog packs and managing littermate interactions
• Understanding the reality of backyard breeding while acknowledging every dog deserves a chance
• The experience of raising potentially unpredictable genetics in a sport dog environment
• Updates on adventure board and train programs planned for northern California

Join us for our next episode where we'll discuss our recent PSA trial experiences with a full panel of sport dog trainers!

Welcome back ya'll. In this episode, we dive into the transformative world of dog nutrition with Megan from Pet Power Studio. Discover how proper nourishment can revolutionize the life of your beloved pet from overcoming behavioral challenges to enhancing their overall quality of life. Together, we explore the pitfalls of traditional kibble diets and unveil the powerful, positive changes that raw and fresh feeding can trigger.

Megan’s heartfelt narrative begins with her experience raising Diesel, a once-troubled dog who became a beacon of insight into the world of canine behavior and nutrition. She illustrates the framework of holistic pet care and how nutrition intertwines with behavioral training, enabling dogs to shine as their best selves.

Listeners will gain knowledge about the alarming statistics on pet obesity and the health implications of processed dog foods. You’ll learn practical tips on how to transition dogs to a fresh diet while maintaining a focus on individual needs and preferences. With passion, Megan challenges the conventional wisdom around pet food, urging pet parents to be advocates for their dog’s nutrition and well-being.

We also discuss the significant shifts in consumer awareness and attitudes towards pet diets, including the importance of sourcing high-quality ingredients. The episode invites owners to take an empowering step toward making informed dietary choices for their dogs and understanding their essential dietary needs.

Visit our website here to stay up to date on training, virtual shadow programs, and travel dates.

Visit Pet Power Studio here.

This episode highlights the challenges of managing dog training while addressing separation anxiety and the unrealistic expectations often placed on both pets and their owners. The conversation emphasizes the importance of play, clear communication, and tailored training methods to cultivate a healthy bond and successful training experience. 

• Discussion on separation anxiety and common behavioral issues
• Importance of setting realistic training expectations 
• The value of engaging playtime for dogs 
• Insights on incorporating structured routines in daily activities 
• Recommendations for successful communication techniques
• Encouragement to explore fun activities, including tracking and scent work

Check out everything we’ve got going on at https://www.theeverydaytrainer.com/

The episode emphasizes the idea that while dog owners may feel guilty about their pets' behavior, it is essential to recognize that genetics significantly influence these actions. We discuss the prevalent culture in dog training that blames owners and shift the focus to the responsibility they have in managing their dogs with an understanding of their innate behaviors.

• The impact of living situations on dog training and behaviors 
• The narrative of blame within the dog training community 
• Importance of recognizing genetics in dog behavior 
• Responsibilities of dog owners: fulfilling breed-specific needs 
• Real-life examples illustrating the interplay of genetics and training 
• Encouragement for owners to advocate for their pets instead of feeling guilty