Recorded by a crackling campfire in Montana's bear country, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to live with working dogs. Meg is joined by dog trainers Thoma and Lex (who recently welcomed a Malinois puppy into her life) for an unfiltered conversation about the expectations versus reality of high-drive dogs.

Have you ever wondered why some dogs seem impossible to settle or why your "reactive" dog behaves so differently from other dogs of the same breed? The answer might lie in understanding what these dogs were bred for. We dive deep into what defines a working dog, from detection K9s and protection sport competitors to high-energy pets with working genetics that leak out as behavioral issues when not properly channeled.

The conversation takes a candid turn as we discuss the lifestyle adjustments necessary for working dog owners – the crate rotations, the management strategies, and the acceptance that not every dog can be a "coffee shop dog." We explore how e-collars provide freedom rather than restriction for many high-drive dogs, and why the expectations we place on our dogs often cause more frustration than the dogs themselves.

Whether you're considering a working breed, struggling with a high-drive dog, or simply curious about a different approach to dog ownership, this episode offers practical wisdom on matching dogs to lifestyles, finding appropriate outlets for natural drives, and the freedom that comes from accepting your dog for exactly who they are – not who you wish they would be.

Listen in as we share personal stories of success, failure, and the beautiful reality of building our lives around these remarkable animals who weren't bred to fit into our world, but rather, to work alongside us in it.

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Ever wondered if you're using an e-collar correctly with your dog? Meg pulls back the curtain on this powerful training tool, revealing insights that even seasoned trainers might be missing.

Meg takes us deep into the two essential phases of e-collar conditioning—escape and avoidance—and explains why most trainers and owners get stuck in the first phase for far too long. This simple mistake creates dogs who only respond when the e-collar is activated rather than understanding commands independently. She shares practical examples from her board-and-train program, demonstrating how e-collars should function as follow-through tools rather than becoming the cue itself.

The conversation tackles the differences between sport dog training and pet dog reality. While competitive trainers might use e-collars for precision behaviors, Meg offers refreshingly honest advice about what actually works for everyday pet owners. "I didn't learn from other trainers," she explains. "I learned from dogs and owners what people are willing to do and keep up with."

Perhaps most valuably, Meg challenges the common belief that all behaviors can be trained away. Through compelling stories about dogs like Mayan and Ziv, she illustrates how genetics significantly impact what's possible through training. This realistic perspective helps owners understand when to adjust expectations versus when to implement different training approaches.

Whether you're a professional trainer looking to refine your e-collar skills or a pet owner wondering if this tool might help your challenging dog, this episode provides clear, practical guidance without judgment or dogma. Meg's balanced approach acknowledges both the power of positive reinforcement and the appropriate use of tools for accountability.

Ready to transform your understanding of e-collar training? Listen now and discover the clarity your dog needs to thrive.

Schedule your interview for the next Virtual Shadow Program here 

Ever wondered what it really takes to build a successful pet business in today's digital landscape? This candid conversation with Celine, the creative force behind WulfSnacks and multiple 100K+ social media accounts, and dog trainer Shane Murray pulls back the curtain on the messy, challenging, and ultimately rewarding journey of pet industry entrepreneurship.

Celine shares her unexpected path from aspiring veterinarian to pet influencer and business owner, revealing the moment during COVID when she decided to leave her veterinary assistant position behind. What started as homemade treats for her dogs with food sensitivities transformed into WulfSnacks, a thriving business that appears much larger online than its family-run reality. From cutting meat herself and packaging orders to managing multiple social platforms, Celine's story demonstrates the unglamorous work behind her success.

Both guests emphasize that overnight success is a myth. Before viral moments, they spent years creating content that barely anyone watched. They discuss the critical importance of authenticity in standing out in oversaturated markets, why outsourcing weaknesses is essential for growth, and how to build valuable relationships in the dog training community.

The conversation takes fascinating turns through topics like manifestation, maintaining work-life balance with 20+ animals, and their contrasting approaches to entrepreneurship—Shane's calculated transition versus Meg's leap-of-faith methodology. Whether you're a pet professional looking to grow your business or simply curious about the reality behind pet influencer success, this episode offers honest insights about what it really takes to build something meaningful in today's digital world.

Follow Celine @CelineTails on Instagram and TikTok, and check out her upcoming Farmer's Market Box launching August 1st at wulfsnacks.com.

Have you ever felt like you and your dog are speaking completely different languages? You're not alone. Communication barriers are the root cause of most training frustrations, but there's a solution that transforms even the most challenging relationships.

In this illuminating episode, I break down the five essential communication systems that create crystal-clear understanding between dogs and humans. Drawing from years of experience with both everyday pets and complex behavioral cases, I reveal how mastering these systems creates a shared language that eliminates confusion and builds trust.

You'll discover why consistent marker words matter more than you think, how leash pressure becomes a sophisticated guidance system rather than just control, and the subtle ways your body language might be sending mixed signals to your dog. We explore how to identify truly motivating rewards for your unique dog, and when appropriate, how e-collar conditioning provides wireless communication for reliable off-leash behaviors.

This isn't about dominance or force—it's about fairness. Dogs can't meet expectations they don't understand, and training failures usually stem from communication gaps, not stubborn or "bad" dogs. With practical examples and real-world applications, I show how these five languages work together to create a nuanced conversation with your dog that respects their natural learning process.

Whether you're struggling with basic commands or advanced behaviors, this episode offers a paradigm shift in how you approach dog training. Stop the frustration of miscommunication and start speaking your dog's language fluently. Your relationship—and your results—will never be the same.

Ready to transform how you communicate with your dog? Join our supportive online community where we share videos, hold weekly calls, and build better human-dog relationships together.

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Dog trainers Meg and Thoma tackle your most pressing canine questions in this comprehensive Q&A episode packed with practical solutions for common behavioral challenges.

When it comes to getting dogs to truly settle down, they reveal why constant food rewards often backfire, creating dogs that stare intensely rather than genuinely relax. Their tethering approach offers a refreshingly different alternative to the overused "place" command, allowing dogs to find calm on their own terms without the pressure of perfect obedience. "It's almost like forced meditation," Meg explains, highlighting how this technique helps dogs learn self-soothing skills that transfer to real-world situations.

For those struggling with rescue dogs, their counterintuitive advice might surprise you: play hard to get. "The harder you try, the harder it gets," Meg shares, comparing relationship-building to those finger traps from childhood. Rather than forcing affection, they advocate for patient coexistence and discovering what genuinely brings your specific dog joy—not what you think dogs should enjoy. This approach respects a dog's need to feel invisible at times while building genuine trust.

The episode dives deep into tool selection, crate training philosophies, and managing reactivity with nuanced approaches that consider each dog's temperament and developmental stage. Their discussion on van life with multiple dogs provides fascinating insights into creating sustainable routines in limited spaces, emphasizing the importance of insulation, power management, and organizational systems designed around canine needs.

What sets this episode apart is the trainers' refreshingly honest perspective drawn from real-world experience rather than idealistic theories. Whether you're struggling with a reactive puppy, considering a second dog, or simply trying to understand why your training efforts aren't sticking, you'll find actionable guidance grounded in decades of hands-on work with thousands of dogs. Tune in to transform your relationship with your four-legged companion through clear communication and realistic expectations.

There's something magical that happens when we allow ourselves and our dogs to escape the constraints of urban living. This episode takes you along on our adventure to Yosemite and the surrounding wilderness, where unexpected encounters became transformative experiences.

Our journey began dramatically when we spotted a wildfire starting on BLM land. After reporting it, we continued deeper into the wilderness, where fate led us to a private lakeside property. Instead of being turned away, we were welcomed by Scott, a bearded mountain man with a generous spirit. His stories about how nature rehabilitated both his troubled nephew and once-aggressive Rhodesian Ridgeback resonated deeply with our own philosophy about the healing power of natural spaces.

Contrasting our peaceful lakeside experience with the crowded paths of Yosemite Valley provided powerful insights into what dogs truly need. While Yosemite's beauty is undeniable, the restrictions for dogs (limited to paved paths and parking lots) transform what should be a relaxing experience into what we jokingly called "a mall outing with a view." For dogs with behavioral issues, especially reactivity, the constant vigilance required in crowded spaces creates a feedback loop of stress that reinforces problematic behaviors.

This is why we advocate so strongly for seeking out less-traveled natural spaces like national forests and BLM lands. These areas provide something increasingly rare in our modern world – the freedom for dogs to move naturally without constant restraint. We've witnessed remarkable transformations in our board-and-train dogs when given regular access to these environments. 

Whether you live in a van like us or in a traditional home, finding ways to regularly connect with nature isn't just a luxury for your dog – it's essential for their behavioral health and your relationship with them. Have you noticed how different your dog becomes when allowed to simply be a dog in nature? 

What does 25 years of dog training experience teach you? Stephanie O'Brien, owner of Dog Genius Canine Education, takes us on a fascinating journey through her evolution as a trainer—from growing up raising guide dogs to becoming an expert in protection sports.

Stephanie's story offers a rare glimpse into how dog training has transformed over decades. Before YouTube tutorials and Instagram influencers existed, trainers learned through direct mentorship, VHS tapes shipped from Europe, and traveling to competitions. Her vivid recollections of discovering Belgian Ring sport for the first time and the thrill of taking bites from champion protection dogs showcase a passion that's carried her through an extraordinary career.

The conversation explores pivotal moments that shaped her approach: apprenticeships with contrasting mentors, importing her first "real" Malinois from Belgium, and eventually moving to California where she built a thriving business training dogs for celebrities and television appearances. Through these experiences, Stephanie developed a balanced training philosophy that prioritizes understanding each dog as an individual.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Stephanie's honesty about the challenges trainers face—from navigating polarized training philosophies to managing self-doubt even decades into a successful career. Her perspective reminds us that great training isn't about rigid methodologies but rather building relationships and adapting to the dog in front of you.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or simply love dogs, this conversation offers wisdom that only comes from decades of hands-on experience with thousands of dogs across multiple training disciplines. Listen in as Stephanie shares why, even after all these years, every dog still teaches her something new.

You can find Stephanie at her website here 

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The journey from reactive, anxious dog to confident companion isn't always straightforward. In this follow-up session, we check in with a client who's been implementing changes to address her dog's separation anxiety, reactivity issues, and their overly-structured relationship.

What happens when we stop micromanaging our dogs and instead give them opportunities to make good choices? The transformation can be remarkable. We explore how to balance freedom with boundaries by allowing dogs space to explore while maintaining clear expectations. This delicate balance creates confident dogs who understand their world rather than anxious ones constantly looking for direction.

E-collar training serves as a perfect example of this approach. Rather than using it strictly as a correction tool, we discuss how it becomes part of a communication system that creates clarity and consistency. You'll learn how to match stimulation levels to your dog's state of mind, how to transition from leash guidance to e-collar communication, and when body language speaks louder than verbal commands. The goal isn't constant control but creating a dog who makes better choices without your intervention.

We also tackle the challenges of multiple-dog households, addressing controlling behaviors at doorways, and managing reactivity from different angles. Sometimes the most valuable training moments aren't about teaching new commands but about teaching dogs how to navigate their world with confidence.

Whether you're struggling with reactivity or just looking to give your dog more freedom while maintaining reliability, this conversation offers practical insights into creating the right balance for your unique dog. Ready to stop micromanaging and start enjoying a more natural relationship with your dog? This episode shows you how.

Visit us at theeverydaytrainer.com

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