In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, we welcome back Sam King from Therapy Dogs Australia to update us on the world of therapy dogs and their vital work with children.

Since we last spoke, Sam was facing challenges, including navigating advisors who have tried to influence how these dogs should be trained. Some of these suggestions, unfortunately, pushed back against proven and essential safe practices—raising serious concerns about the welfare of both the dogs and the children they serve.

Sam walks us through what’s changed since her last visit on the show and shares detailed insights into what it takes to properly assess a dog for therapy work with children. From evaluating temperament and resilience to ensuring handlers follow rigorous safety protocols, Sam explains why the assessment process is so critical to ensure success and well-being on both ends of the leash.

Whether you’re interested in therapy work, dog behaviour, or just want to hear how this incredible field is evolving, this episode offers a meaningful and expert-driven perspective.

Are you in search of top-tier dog trainers and steadfast supporters of the Canine Paradigm? Below is a comprehensive list of individuals and businesses that stand by our mission, contribute to our operational costs, and make significant contributions to the canine community.

We invite you to support our show and access exclusive content on our Patreon page. Your contributions directly support the show’s ongoing production, and we deeply appreciate the wonderful community that has formed around it. If you’re unsure how to contribute, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.

Explore our complete range of merchandise at our Teespring store.

You can also help by spreading the word within the canine community or suggesting special guests for future interviews.

For information on how to listen to our podcast, please visit this link.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video content and updates.

If you enjoyed the podcast, we would greatly appreciate your reviews on iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast directories.

Details on joining the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) can be found here. We highly recommend membership for anyone serious about advancing in the canine industry.

We also encourage you to check out Dogs Playing for Life, a transformational rescue process making a positive impact on dogs across the USA.

A huge thanks to all our contributing artists. Please take a moment to support their amazing work:

The post Episode 336: Assessing a therapy dog for children appeared first on The Canine Paradigm.

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, Glenn and Pat dive into a reality that’s often overlooked: dog training can be messy. It’s not always a clean, linear process. There are times when our communication with dogs—or even our students—isn’t as clear as it needs to be, and that lack of clarity can hinder progress.

We explore how training sessions sometimes fall apart not because of effort, but because of missing or miscommunicated information. Whether it’s the handler failing to clearly mark behaviours, or a student misunderstanding a concept, clarity is critical. The episode looks at how to better identify these gaps and provide the information needed to reduce confusion and increase success in training outcomes.

Whether you’re a trainer, handler, or dog owner, this episode serves as a reminder that the messiness of dog training isn’t failure—it’s a sign that better communication is needed.

Are you in search of top-tier dog trainers and steadfast supporters of the Canine Paradigm? Below is a comprehensive list of individuals and businesses that stand by our mission, contribute to our operational costs, and make significant contributions to the canine community.

We invite you to support our show and access exclusive content on our Patreon page. Your contributions directly support the show’s ongoing production, and we deeply appreciate the wonderful community that has formed around it. If you’re unsure how to contribute, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.

Explore our complete range of merchandise at our Teespring store.

You can also help by spreading the word within the canine community or suggesting special guests for future interviews.

For information on how to listen to our podcast, please visit this link.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video content and updates.

If you enjoyed the podcast, we would greatly appreciate your reviews on iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast directories.

Details on joining the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) can be found here. We highly recommend membership for anyone serious about advancing in the canine industry.

We also encourage you to check out Dogs Playing for Life, a transformational rescue process making a positive impact on dogs across the USA.

A huge thanks to all our contributing artists. Please take a moment to support their amazing work:

The post Episode 335: Dog training can be messy appeared first on The Canine Paradigm.

This week’s episode of The Canine Paradigm is one of the hardest we’ve ever had to record. Episode 334: You Made Me a Better Trainer is a deeply personal tribute to Randy, who recently passed away.

Sometimes, putting out an episode makes things all too real—and that was the case here. Avoiding the microphone felt easier than confronting the grief. But Randy deserves to be honoured properly. He wasn’t just a dog—he was a mentor, a friend, and someone who profoundly shaped how I train. he was a big loss to Narelle and I

In this episode, Pat and I reflect on the lessons he taught us—some spoken, some quietly observed—and the immense gratitude we feel for having known him. There are dogs who enter your life and leave a mark that never fades. Randy was one of those dogs.

“The greatness of a dog is not in how he dies, but in how he lives, and the lives he touches along the way.” Glenn Cooke

This isn’t a typical training episode. It’s a conversation from the heart, shared with everyone who knew Randy or has ever had someone change their life in the way he changed mine.

Are you in search of top-tier dog trainers and steadfast supporters of the Canine Paradigm? Below is a comprehensive list of individuals and businesses that stand by our mission, contribute to our operational costs, and make significant contributions to the canine community.

We invite you to support our show and access exclusive content on our Patreon page. Your contributions directly support the show’s ongoing production, and we deeply appreciate the wonderful community that has formed around it. If you’re unsure how to contribute, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.

Explore our complete range of merchandise at our Teespring store.

You can also help by spreading the word within the canine community or suggesting special guests for future interviews.

For information on how to listen to our podcast, please visit this link.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video content and updates.

If you enjoyed the podcast, we would greatly appreciate your reviews on iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast directories.

Details on joining the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) can be found here. We highly recommend membership for anyone serious about advancing in the canine industry.

We also encourage you to check out Dogs Playing for Life, a transformational rescue process making a positive impact on dogs across the USA.

A huge thanks to all our contributing artists. Please take a moment to support their amazing work:

The post Episode 334: You made me a better trainer appeared first on The Canine Paradigm.

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, Glenn and Pat introduce a structured concept that Pat has been refining—the Dog Trainer’s Triangle of Control. This model focuses on controlling three essential elements: the dog, the reinforcer, and the environment.

The triangle offers trainers a simple yet powerful blueprint for structuring learning in the early phases of dog training and life development. By managing these three factors, trainers can significantly reduce confusion, improve communication, and create optimal learning conditions for dogs. Glenn and Pat break down how each point of the triangle works in practice and why this method is highly effective when applied thoughtfully.

If you’re looking to strengthen your foundational training or rethink how you set up your sessions, this episode will provide a highly actionable framework.

Are you in search of top-tier dog trainers and steadfast supporters of the Canine Paradigm? Below is a comprehensive list of individuals and businesses that stand by our mission, contribute to our operational costs, and make significant contributions to the canine community.

We invite you to support our show and access exclusive content on our Patreon page. Your contributions directly support the show’s ongoing production, and we deeply appreciate the wonderful community that has formed around it. If you’re unsure how to contribute, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.

Explore our complete range of merchandise at our Teespring store.

You can also help by spreading the word within the canine community or suggesting special guests for future interviews.

For information on how to listen to our podcast, please visit this link.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video content and updates.

If you enjoyed the podcast, we would greatly appreciate your reviews on iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast directories.

Details on joining the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) can be found here. We highly recommend membership for anyone serious about advancing in the canine industry.

We also encourage you to check out Dogs Playing for Life, a transformational rescue process making a positive impact on dogs across the USA.

A huge thanks to all our contributing artists. Please take a moment to support their amazing work:

The post Episode 333: The dog trainers triangle of control appeared first on The Canine Paradigm.

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, we sit down with Neil Barnsley from Animal Holistic Therapies, a practitioner whose expertise in chiropractic and acupuncture for dogs has changed countless lives. Neil was one of the key people who helped Ladybug walk again, proving the power of alternative therapies in canine rehabilitation.

Neil’s journey into holistic animal treatments was inspired by both his father and grandfather, who introduced him to these healing methods. Over the years, he has worked with a wide variety of breeds, from those with severe spinal injuries to dogs given poor prognoses—many of whom he has helped regain mobility.

During this conversation, we discuss the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture in treating mobility issues, spinal conditions, and chronic pain in dogs. Whether you’re new to these therapies or curious about their benefits, Neil shares compelling insights into how alternative medicine can support canine health and recovery.

Are you in search of top-tier dog trainers and steadfast supporters of the Canine Paradigm? Below is a comprehensive list of individuals and businesses that stand by our mission, contribute to our operational costs, and make significant contributions to the canine community.

We invite you to support our show and access exclusive content on our Patreon page. Your contributions directly support the show’s ongoing production, and we deeply appreciate the wonderful community that has formed around it. If you’re unsure how to contribute, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.

Explore our complete range of merchandise at our Teespring store.

You can also help by spreading the word within the canine community or suggesting special guests for future interviews.

For information on how to listen to our podcast, please visit this link.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video content and updates.

If you enjoyed the podcast, we would greatly appreciate your reviews on iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast directories.

Details on joining the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) can be found here. We highly recommend membership for anyone serious about advancing in the canine industry.

We also encourage you to check out Dogs Playing for Life, a transformational rescue process making a positive impact on dogs across the USA.

A huge thanks to all our contributing artists. Please take a moment to support their amazing work:

The post Episode 332: Chiropractic and acupuncture for dogs appeared first on The Canine Paradigm.

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, we welcome our first guest of 2025, Gavin Crown, one of the few individuals in the world certified to teach CrossFit. As an expert in structured training, Gavin brings a fresh perspective on how fitness principles could enhance dog training.

Many dog training methods rely on subjective assessments. However, fitness training follows a structured approach that tracks progress over time. By applying similar principles, trainers could improve their ability to measure a dog’s development, adjust training strategies, and ensure long-term success.

Additionally, Glenn discusses an issue that is slowing down progress in the dog training industry. While trainers constantly seek to refine their techniques, some member groups actively block innovations. As a result, many professionals face unnecessary roadblocks, preventing real advancements in dog training.

So, how can we change this? This episode explores practical solutions, offering a new way to think about progress. By combining structured tracking with modern training approaches, we can create a more effective and accountable system for trainers and dog owners alike.

Are you in search of top-tier dog trainers and steadfast supporters of the Canine Paradigm? Below is a comprehensive list of individuals and businesses that stand by our mission, contribute to our operational costs, and make significant contributions to the canine community.

We invite you to support our show and access exclusive content on our Patreon page. Your contributions directly support the show’s ongoing production, and we deeply appreciate the wonderful community that has formed around it. If you’re unsure how to contribute, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.

Explore our complete range of merchandise at our Teespring store.

You can also help by spreading the word within the canine community or suggesting special guests for future interviews.

For information on how to listen to our podcast, please visit this link.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video content and updates.

If you enjoyed the podcast, we would greatly appreciate your reviews on iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast directories.

Details on joining the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) can be found here. We highly recommend membership for anyone serious about advancing in the canine industry.

We also encourage you to check out Dogs Playing for Life, a transformational rescue process making a positive impact on dogs across the USA.

A huge thanks to all our contributing artists. Please take a moment to support their amazing work:

The post Episode 331: How dog training can be improved through fitness appeared first on The Canine Paradigm.

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, Their truth may not be the truth, we take a deep dive into the complexities of communication, frustration, and conflict. Misunderstandings and disagreements are inevitable in any community, including the world of dog training, but how we navigate them can make all the difference.

Glenn and Pat explore how different people perceive “truth” and why someone’s version of events may not always align with objective reality. By understanding these differences, we can improve communication, reduce frustration, and avoid unnecessary conflict. Whether it’s handling difficult conversations in dog training, professional settings, or everyday life, learning to manage interactions effectively can lead to better outcomes.

This episode offers valuable insights on how to approach disagreements productively while ensuring your message is heard and understood. If you’ve ever struggled with communication breakdowns, this conversation is for you.

Are you in search of top-tier dog trainers and steadfast supporters of the Canine Paradigm? Below is a comprehensive list of individuals and businesses that stand by our mission, contribute to our operational costs, and make significant contributions to the canine community.

We invite you to support our show and access exclusive content on our Patreon page. Your contributions directly support the show’s ongoing production, and we deeply appreciate the wonderful community that has formed around it. If you’re unsure how to contribute, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.

Explore our complete range of merchandise at our Teespring store.

You can also help by spreading the word within the canine community or suggesting special guests for future interviews.

For information on how to listen to our podcast, please visit this link.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video content and updates.

If you enjoyed the podcast, we would greatly appreciate your reviews on iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast directories.

Details on joining the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) can be found here. We highly recommend membership for anyone serious about advancing in the canine industry.

We also encourage you to check out Dogs Playing for Life, a transformational rescue process making a positive impact on dogs across the USA.

A huge thanks to all our contributing artists. Please take a moment to support their amazing work:

The post Episode 330: Their truth may not be the truth appeared first on The Canine Paradigm.

In this follow-up episode of The Canine Paradigm, we continue last week’s discussion on PETA’s stance on dog ownership. This time, we take a closer look at past comments allegedly made by Ingrid Newkirk, the founder of PETA, which suggest a desire to see pet ownership come to an end.

Some of our listeners pointed out that PETA actively encourages people to adopt dogs from shelters. While this may seem contradictory, we examine whether there is a deeper motive behind this message. Could promoting shelter adoptions be part of a larger agenda?

Glenn and Pat explore these perspectives, shedding light on the inconsistencies and controversies surrounding PETA’s messaging. If you’ve ever questioned the long-term vision behind certain animal rights movements, this episode is a must-listen.

Are you in search of top-tier dog trainers and steadfast supporters of the Canine Paradigm? Below is a comprehensive list of individuals and businesses that stand by our mission, contribute to our operational costs, and make significant contributions to the canine community.

We invite you to support our show and access exclusive content on our Patreon page. Your contributions directly support the show’s ongoing production, and we deeply appreciate the wonderful community that has formed around it. If you’re unsure how to contribute, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.

Explore our complete range of merchandise at our Teespring store.

You can also help by spreading the word within the canine community or suggesting special guests for future interviews.

For information on how to listen to our podcast, please visit this link.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video content and updates.

If you enjoyed the podcast, we would greatly appreciate your reviews on iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast directories.

Details on joining the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) can be found here. We highly recommend membership for anyone serious about advancing in the canine industry.

We also encourage you to check out Dogs Playing for Life, a transformational rescue process making a positive impact on dogs across the USA.

A huge thanks to all our contributing artists. Please take a moment to support their amazing work:

The post Episode 329: Kicking the can further down the road appeared first on The Canine Paradigm.

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, we address the controversial allegation by PETA that crate training is neglectful, therefore cruel to dogs. This bold claim has stirred debate within the dog training and pet owner communities.

Glenn and Pat dive into why they vehemently disagree with PETA’s stance, breaking down the benefits of crate training when implemented correctly. Far from being cruel, crate training offers dogs a safe and comfortable space that supports their natural instincts. It can help with house training, reduce anxiety, and even keep dogs safe in certain situations.

The episode also explores common misconceptions about crate training and provides practical tips for ensuring it is done in a humane and effective way. Whether you’re new to crate training or looking to challenge misleading claims, this episode brings clarity to an often-misunderstood topic.28: Is crate training cruel

Are you in search of top-tier dog trainers and steadfast supporters of the Canine Paradigm? Below is a comprehensive list of individuals and businesses that stand by our mission, contribute to our operational costs, and make significant contributions to the canine community.

We invite you to support our show and access exclusive content on our Patreon page. Your contributions directly support the show’s ongoing production, and we deeply appreciate the wonderful community that has formed around it. If you’re unsure how to contribute, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.

Explore our complete range of merchandise at our Teespring store.

You can also help by spreading the word within the canine community or suggesting special guests for future interviews.

For information on how to listen to our podcast, please visit this link.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video content and updates.

If you enjoyed the podcast, we would greatly appreciate your reviews on iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast directories.

Details on joining the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) can be found here. We highly recommend membership for anyone serious about advancing in the canine industry.

We also encourage you to check out Dogs Playing for Life, a transformational rescue process making a positive impact on dogs across the USA.

A huge thanks to all our contributing artists. Please take a moment to support their amazing work:

The post Episode 328: It’s cruel to crate train a dog appeared first on The Canine Paradigm.

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, we revisit one of our favourite topics: shaping behaviours. As a fundamental part of learning and training, shaping plays a crucial role in helping dogs understand and perform desired behaviours.

This time, we dive deeper into some of the concepts and debates surrounding shaping, including the often-discussed distinction between shaping and free shaping. What are the differences? When is one approach more effective than the other? We also discuss the practical applications of these methods and how they influence learning for both dogs and their handlers.

Whether you’re new to the concept of shaping or looking to refine your understanding, this episode offers insights and techniques to enhance your training practices.

Are you in search of top-tier dog trainers and steadfast supporters of the Canine Paradigm? Below is a comprehensive list of individuals and businesses that stand by our mission, contribute to our operational costs, and make significant contributions to the canine community.

We invite you to support our show and access exclusive content on our Patreon page. Your contributions directly support the show’s ongoing production, and we deeply appreciate the wonderful community that has formed around it. If you’re unsure how to contribute, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.

Explore our complete range of merchandise at our Teespring store.

You can also help by spreading the word within the canine community or suggesting special guests for future interviews.

For information on how to listen to our podcast, please visit this link.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video content and updates.

If you enjoyed the podcast, we would greatly appreciate your reviews on iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast directories.

Details on joining the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) can be found here. We highly recommend membership for anyone serious about advancing in the canine industry.

We also encourage you to check out Dogs Playing for Life, a transformational rescue process making a positive impact on dogs across the USA.

A huge thanks to all our contributing artists. Please take a moment to support their amazing work:

The post Episode 327: Revisiting shaping and free shaping in dogs appeared first on The Canine Paradigm.