Canine Connection Podcast

In this episode, Petra and Laurie explore the nuances of marker training, emphasizing the importance of adding genuine praise to building and strengthen the relationship. If you have created a history of click/treat it will take some time to build value for praise, but it’s worth the effort. Praise can help build your dog’s confidence and ego, it’s empowering. They share practical tips for buildin...

In this episode, Petra and Laurie welcome Zycho, Petra's new puppy. They share insights on puppy development, training, and trialing, emphasizing the importance of patience, observation, and learning from mistakes. They also talk about what it means to be an “experienced” trainer and competitor…it’s likely not what you think! CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to puppy development and training insights...

In this episode, Laura Rixham shares her journey from a childhood love of dogs to competing in multiple sports, training her dogs in obedience, rally, and scent work, and her insights as a judge. She discusses breed differences, training transitions, and the importance of building a strong relationship with your dog. Laura Rixham shares her journey with scent work, training challenges, and the imp...

Foundations matter. And they matter throughout your dog's career. Mastering foundation skills are critical to becoming a good handler and teammate. Creating a strong foundation sets your dogs up for success. Returning to and reviewing foundations throughout your dog's career creates a dog that is confident, motivated, sharp and animated. Join Laurie and Petra as they talk about the importance of f...

Hannah Nordstrom shares her journey from a passionate first-time dog owner to a rally competitor and instructor as well as FAST CAT competitor. Hannah and her Bedlington Terrier Breitling have already accomplished great things! Her passion, positivity and enthusiasm for Breitling and dog training is evident in all she does. Hannah emphasizes the importance of creating a foundation based on buildin...

In this episode, Kaleigh Gagnon shares her extensive knowledge of search and rescue dogs and scent work training. Discover how dogs are trained to detect various odors and the comprehensive certification process required to become operational. We talk about how versatile and adaptable dogs can be. Kaleigh’s emphasizes the importance of learning how to read your dog’s behavior to develop a strong p...

In this episode, Petra and Laurie share insights on building a strong, trusting relationship with your puppy …which is also relevant for our adult dogs. They talk about the importance listening to, observing and getting to know the individual dog. They emphasize prioritizing understanding your dog over teaching behaviors. Learn to relax, build your relationship and enjoy the journey of training an...

Petra shares a detailed account of her experience with a dog attack, emphasizing the importance of calmness, quick decision-making, and mental resilience in crisis situations. We are the anchor in the relationship. Our dogs rely on us in many ways, not just in crisis!! It’s important to be aware of how your behavior influences your dog. Dogs are incredibly resilient. It’s not unusual for a dog or...

In this episode, we meet with Reni who shares her inspiring journey from as a novice sport dog owner. We talk about to overcoming breed-specific challenges with patience, creativity, and advocacy. Petra and Laurie explore the unique traits of terriers, training strategies, and the importance of trusting your instincts in dog training. In this episode, Reni talks about her Border Terrier Gus and th...

In this episode, Petra and Laurie discuss scent articles BUT the content is relevant to all behaviors. We talk about analyzing errors, how we handle errors differently based on “why” they occur, the importance of trusting the dog. We also talk about training strategies to build confidence and precision. Dog training is dog training…regardless of the sport or behavior. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction...

Petra and Laurie continue discussing how you can learn to read dogs. This discussion emphasizes the importance of observation, understanding behavior cues, and the role of video analysis in training. They share practical tips for trainers to improve their skills and deepen their connection with their dogs. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Reading Dogs and Its Importance 01:54 Behavior Cues: Yawning...

Petra and Laurie start the discussion with Petra's new experience in the sport of nosework. They then discuss the nuances of reading dogs, emphasizing data collection, observation skills, and the importance of practice to improve understanding of canine behavior. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Nosework and reading dogs 02:57 Understanding the Complexity of Nosework 06:13 The Importance of Reading...

In this episode, Petra and Laurie discuss mental management strategies for events that are extra meaningful to you, focusing on handling nerves, staying focused, and maintaining perspective to perform at your best. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Understanding Nervousness in Competitive Events 03:04 Awareness and Control: Managing Your Nerves 06:02 The Importance of Routine and Grounding Techniques 09:01 Maintain...

In this episode, Petra and Laurie discuss the importance of flexibility, patience, and kindness in dog training and competitions. They share practical tips on how to adapt to unexpected situations, leverage opportunities, and appreciate volunteers to enhance training outcomes. CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Importance of Flexibility in Dog Training 03:10 Leveraging Training Opportunities with Volunteers 05:5...

In this episode, Petra and Laurie explore the importance of challenging dogs during training to foster resilience, confidence, and long-term learning. They discuss practical strategies for making training more effective by allowing dogs to solve problems and learn from mistakes. CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Importance of Challenging Dog Training 03:00 Learning Through Mistakes 06:03 The Role of Observation...

This episode explores the critical importance of acclimation for dogs in training and competition environments. Petra and Laurie share practical insights on how to read your dog's signals, establish routines, and give your dog the time they need to succeed in distracting settings. Our dogs are not robots. They heed time to acclimate to the environment and shift their focus to us. Given enough time...

In this interview, dog trainer Ariel Wolf shares her journey with non-traditional breeds like German Wirehaired Pointers and Dachshunds, highlighting innovative training techniques, overcoming challenges in dog sports, and fostering a supportive community. We talk about being creative and thinking outside the box to solve training challenges and build confidence. We talk about the importance of mi...

In this episode, Petra and Laurie chat with Annette Flippen Pierce, a professor at NYU and an accomplished dog trainer, about the fascinating parallels between motivational psychology and dog training. They explore motivation, learning theories, resilience, and how understanding human psychology can enhance our training methods and deepen our connection with dogs. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to t...

With so much talk about reducing reinforcement we often lose sight of the fact that REINFORCEMENT drives behavior. We need reinforcement! It's important information! And information is motivating. To often we are not reinforcing enough. This topic started out with discussing Rally...but quickly grew into other sports. Because it's a thing...we are often not reinforcing enough. It's all about balan...

This episode continues the discussion on reducing reinforcement in dog training. The conversation explores alternate reinforcement strategies, how to effectively reduce reinforcement and how to handle mistakes. Petra and Laurie share practical insights on building confidence, variable reinforcement, and avoiding common pitfalls in training. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Understanding Reinforcement Value 02:41 B...

In this episode Laurie and Petra begin a series on Reducing Reinforcement in training. They explore the nuances of reinforcement in dog training, emphasizing mindful application, the importance of timing, and how to foster problem-solving skills in dogs. Petra and Laurie share practical tips to avoid common pitfalls and enhance training effectiveness. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Understanding Reinforcement 03...

In this detailed discussion, Petra and Laurie discuss teaching dogs to manage their own arousal, striving for optimal arousal in training and in the ring, removing all pressure from training and trialing, and using offering as an empowerment tool. They discuss practical strategies, and the importance of patience and consistency in training. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Canine Connection Podcast...

Join Petra and Laurie as they recap their fun day of playing with their dogs at a Mondioring seminar. Mondioring is considered a “bite sport” but it’s so much more! It emphasizes fun, confidence, and versatility for all breeds. Discover training insights, proofing techniques, and how this sport can enhance your dog's confidence and skills. Remember, training is training…and we can learn from ALL d...

Petra and Laurie explore the mental pressures faced by dog sport competitors, sharing personal experiences and strategies for managing expectations, criticism, and self-doubt. They emphasize the importance of process goals, mental resilience, and fostering a supportive community. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Understanding Human Pressure in Dog Sports 02:54 Managing Expectations and Self-Worth 05:46 The Role of...

Petra and Laurie discuss the importance of relaxation and rest for dogs and humans, covering physical and mental recovery, training strategies, and how to incorporate rest into busy schedules. CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Importance of Time Off for Dogs 03:01 Understanding Physical and Mental Recovery 06:02 Strategies for Managing Time Off 08:49 The Role of Rest in Training 11:56 Recognizing the Need for B...