We're excited to announce that Kim Brophey, CDBC, CPDT-KA, an esteemed applied ethologist and owner of The Dog Door Behavior Center in Asheville, NC, will be a special guest on the 'The Infinite Approach' podcast. With over 20 years of experience in Family Dog Mediation® and accolades such as the APDT Outstanding Trainer of the Year and Best Dog Trainer of WNC for six consecutive years, Kim brings a wealth of knowledge in canine behavior, ethology, and welfare. She's renowned for her groundbreaking Dog L.E.G.S.® model and as the author of "MEET YOUR DOG - The Game-Changing Guide to Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior". As a celebrated lecturer and a pivotal figure advocating for a paradigm shift in our relationships with dogs, her podcast appearance is a must-listen for dog lovers. In celebration, we're offering a 50% discount on our courses with the code "OPTIMA", giving you a fantastic opportunity to learn from a leading voice in the dog behavior and training industry. https://kimbropheylegscourses.thinkific.com

The Business Side of Dog Training

In this engaging episode, host Andre interviews a distinguished figure in the dog training industry. The guest shares his remarkable journey, beginning as a first-time dog owner at the age of 27, who transitioned into a pioneering dog trainer and entrepreneur. Raised in an immigrant family that discouraged pet ownership, his interest in dog training was ignited when he and his partner adopted a challenging ex-hunting beagle. This experience led him to explore various training methodologies, finding success with positive reinforcement techniques.

The conversation explores the guest's shift from the tech industry to dog training during the 2008-2009 economic downturn, driven by his passion for addressing behavioral issues in dogs. He emphasizes the importance of proper training and early intervention in managing aggressive behaviors.

The guest also discusses his educational journey through programs like the Karen Pryor Academy and his approach to building a successful dog training business. He stresses the significance of taking small, calculated steps in business growth, rather than making risky leaps. By 2021, his business expanded to multiple locations in Toronto, offering services from puppy classes to advanced agility training. The guest attributes his success to an analytical approach, continuous learning, and the willingness to adapt and grow from failures.

This episode is a valuable resource for both aspiring and experienced dog trainers, showcasing the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and strategic thinking in turning a love for dogs into a thriving business.

For more information email 
[email protected] 

Thrilled for the upcoming episode featuring insights from Beta Trains, we're diving into an engaging interview where the staff shares her journey with managing extreme canine behavior. She'll discuss her approach to self-regulation and de-escalation techniques, essentially emphasizing the importance of a dog's ability to remain thoughtful and tranquil throughout the training process. Our guest's expertise is rooted in her unique beginnings—learning the ropes in a remote sanctuary dealing with the most challenging cases, armed with only books, her mentor's guidance, and an unwavering determination. These experiences have shaped the impressive methods she now utilizes at her facility in Alberta, Canada. This discussion was not only eye-opening but also rich with insights that I'm confident will resonate with fellow trainers and dog owners alike. It encourages a fresh perspective on established methodologies, potentially altering how one approaches their craft. What truly sets these dialogues apart is the collective wisdom forged through countless encounters with diverse canine challenges. Our methodologies, philosophies, and strategies are not merely theoretical but are honed by practical, problem-solving experiences with numerous dogs. In this variation lies a kind of beauty. This podcast aims to be more than just a platform—it seeks to illuminate the differences, spark creativity, and highlight the connections within a profession dedicated to saving lives, safeguarding families, and offering freedom and enrichment, even in the most dire situations. Sit back and enjoy a rich tapestry of tales that celebrate the essence of our work.

You can find Beta Dog Training website here. 
https://www.betadogtraining.ca/

In this episode of our podcast, we dive into the heart and mission of RedRover, an organization dedicated to bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the bond between people and animals. Founded 35 years ago, RedRover has been at the forefront of providing emergency sheltering, disaster-relief services, financial assistance, and education to animals in need. Join us as we explore the various facets of RedRover's impactful work. We'll discuss their RedRover Relief program, which offers financial aid, resources, and training to individuals and organizations supporting animals. We'll also delve into the RedRover Responders program, renowned for its emergency sheltering and training for animals displaced by natural disasters and crises. A unique aspect of RedRover's work is their focus on empathy through the RedRover Readers program, which equips educators with tools to teach children empathy skills towards animals. We'll highlight RedRover's impressive achievements, such as disbursing over $7.25 million since 2005 to support pets and people in need, deploying 257 times to assist animals in crisis, and reaching over 119,643 children with their programs. Our conversation will also touch upon RedRover's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing the systemic racism within the animal welfare sector and their dedication to addressing these challenges as part of their mission. Lastly, we'll celebrate RedRover's 35th anniversary, reflecting on their history, values of collaboration, and the incredible contributions of their volunteers, who have donated over 17,388 hours of service valued at $420,570 in the last five years alone. Tune in to understand more about where your contributions go and how RedRover is making a difference in the lives of animals and people alike. Links and Resources Discussed Red Rover - redrover.org National Domestic Violence Hotline - thehotline.org DomesticShelters.org - domesticshelters.org Greater Good Charities - greatergood.org Rocket Dog Rescue - rocketdogrescue.org Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) - arflife.org NorCal Golden Retriever Rescue - ngrr.org

In this compelling episode, we dive deep into the world of extreme canine behavior. We chat with industry expert Christina "Bleeker" from Bleeker K9, who burst onto the social media scene 2.5 years ago with her transformative rehabilitation methods for bull breeds. From her roots as a horse trainer, Bleeker transitioned to dog rehabilitation. She shares her riveting journey and what ignited her passion for helping those dogs often deemed "beyond help." Bleeker sheds light on some unique decompression protocols integral to her board and train process. She also delves into strategies for handling predatory drift and innovative desensitization techniques using a variety of toys, including a lure course. At the heart of our podcast is a mission: to inspire trainers from diverse backgrounds and skill sets to think outside the box when it comes to rehabilitation. We celebrate the myriad of approaches out there, highlighting the importance of understanding, compassion, and celebrating the rich tapestry of techniques available in our industry.