Dog Pro Radio

Host Matt Covey interviews Rose Waldrup, founder of the Waldrup Somatic Method, a nervous-system framework designed to help dogs regulate and recover from stress by reading body language and applying tools like breathwork, presence, and hands-on techniques. Waldrup explains polyvagal theory’s three states (ventral vagal, sympathetic, dorsal vagal), connects nervous system state to behaviors like l...

Dog Pro Radio interviews Jamie Penrith, UK-based trainer and owner of Take the Lead Dog Training, who brings over 25 years of experience, including a decade as a police dog handler. The conversation focuses on off-leash reliability and predatory behavior, while also previewing his upcoming talk at the IACP European Summit on the fight against proposed e-collar bans in England and Scotland. Penrith...

Dog Pro Radio interviews world-renowned dog trainer Ivan Balabanov, creator of “Training Without Conflict,” two-time world champion, and Malinois breeder, and notes Balabanov will speak at the IACP European Summit in Poland on what drives behavior. Balabanov contrasts sport and pet training as different in goals but rooted in the same learning principles, emphasizing evaluation of genetics, learni...

Hosts Jason Purgason and Matt Covey interview Ohio police dog handler/trainer and Vaness Canine owner Eric Stanbro about his book, "Ecollar Without Conflict for Pets and Working Dogs," and his seminars focused on fixing deeper handler-dog relationship issues, especially the verbal out. Stanbro explains “tone avoidance,” using an e-collar tone as a silent negative marker replacing verbal...

Dog Pro Radio hosts Eve Molzhon of Dog Handler Academy, who also owns dog daycare/boarding/training facilities and runs two nonprofits placing service dogs and rehabilitating shelter dogs. Eve explains how COVID prompted her to create Dog Handler Academy’s online staff-training modules and a handler-to-trainer program, now serving clients in 15 countries. The discussion centers on “holding staff a...

On this episode of  Dog Pro Radio , hosts Matt and Jason interview ethologist  Roberto Barata , who shares his path from teenage dog walker to working in a military canine unit, an animal research lab, and now writing in Denmark. He discusses social media polarization and the limitations of scientific studies, noting that research tests hypotheses rather than proving absolute truths. Barata also e...

In this episode, the Matt Covey sit down with  Jason Purgason , owner of Highland Canine and president of the IACP, to discuss running a professional dog training school. He shares insight into Highland Canine’s 24-week program, hands-on training opportunities, and the importance of building strong foundations across multiple disciplines. Jason emphasizes that success in dog training goes beyond h...

Dog Pro Radio features guest Robin MacFarlane! Robin shares her comprehensive journey in dog training, from her early aspirations of becoming a veterinarian to becoming a leading expert in the field. The discussion dives into her methods of using e-collars effectively, emphasizing the importance of individualized training and understanding the dog's behavior and body language. Robin highlights...

In the premiere episode of Dog Pro Radio's second season, host Duke Ferguson engages in an insightful and dynamic exchange on his experiences in dog training and personal growth. Duke highlights his career achievements, such as working with gun dogs and police dogs, and shares transformative personal stories, including overcoming health challenges and intense emotional struggles. He emphasizes...

In this episode of Dog Pro Radio, Aimee Sadler, the founder of Dogs Playing for Life, discusses her extensive experience with animal training and her organization’s mission to improve the lives of shelter dogs. Aimee shares her journey from training dolphins and sea lions to developing programs for shelter dogs. She emphasizes the importance of playgroups for reducing stress in dogs and improving...

In this episode of Dog Pro Radio, Nate Schoemer, a former US Marine and professional dog trainer, shares his extensive knowledge on dog training. Trained under Tom Rose, a legendary figure in dog training, Nate discusses the importance of patience and structured, step-by-step processes in dog training. He emphasizes the necessity of filtering through the overwhelming and often conflicting informat...

In this episode of Dog Pro Radio, host Matt welcomes guest Bill Church, also known as Bow Wow Bill. Bill shares his journey as a dog trainer, his inspiration behind live streaming conversations with other trainers, and the valuable insights he's gained from these dialogues. The discussion covers various topics including the importance of building a network, ethical considerations in dog traini...

In this episode of Dog Pro Radio, the host interviews Heather Beck, founder of Heather's Heroes and IACP Member Hall of Fame Inductee in 2023. Heather discusses her extensive 30-year career in dog training, which includes founding the K9 Lifeline boarding and training center, starting the 'Heather's Heroes' product line, and her involvement with camels. Key points include her development of the 'S...

Stephanie Vichinsky, founder of Method K9, discusses her journey and experiences in the dog training industry. She elaborates on her humble beginnings, the multifaceted approaches of her business including board and trains, private training seminars, and dog trainer certification programs. Stephanie dives into the significant role of coexisting and behavioral training, especially introducing dogs...

This episode of Dog Pro Radio features Antonio Diaz from Leader of the Pack Canine Training. Antonio discusses his journey into dog training, his methods, and philosophies. Antonio shares his experiences with balancing positive reinforcement and corrections, the challenges of leash reactivity, the importance of tailoring training to each dog, and the value of understanding dog body language. He al...

Dog Pro Radio hosts Jason Purgason, Matt Covey, and Fabian Romo reunite for episode #20. They share updates on personal challenges and projects before recapping highlights from the recent IACP conference, including speakers, workshops, and membership initiatives. They reflect on past podcast episodes, memorable live interviews, and build excitement for the next conference in Newport Beach, CA, whi...

Dog Pro Radio Episode #19 features Dee Hoult, a professional dog trainer who runs a prison dog training program in Miami, Florida. Dee explains her method of choosing dogs from shelters, the training regimen within the prison, and how the inmates are trained using positive reinforcement and various enrichment activities. She also touches on safety, the selection process for inmates, and the positi...

In this episode of Dog Pro Radio, our hosts interview Joel Silverman, a notable figure in dog training who has also trained marine mammals, including killer whales, and other animals for Hollywood productions. Joel shares his journey from growing up in Southern California to working at SeaWorld and training animals for movies. He emphasizes building a strong bond and relationship with dogs, unders...

Join us for an in-depth discussion with Athena Haus on Dog Pro Radio. Athena, with over two decades of experience in training and working with search and rescue dogs, shares her journey and insights. From her beginnings as a firefighter to her involvement with FEMA and various task forces, Athena talks about the intricacies of working with dogs in highly challenging environments. Learn about the i...

In this episode of Dog Pro Radio, hosts Jason Purgason and Matt Covey engage in an in-depth conversation with Jay Jack, former MMA fighter and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, who shares his journey into the world of dog training. Discussion topics include the founding of GRC Dog Sports, the value of play and drive in training, and innovative training methods focusing on balance between control and...

This episode of Dog Pro Radio features an in-depth discussion with Tyler Muto, a well-known figure in the dog training industry and past president of the IACP. Tyler insights on various topics such as effective strategies for both new and experienced trainers, the importance of lesson planning tailored to specific client goals, and the challenges posed by the evolving economic landscape. He emphas...

Jennifer Carter, a dog trainer and certified canine nutritionist, discusses the intersection of nutrition and dog behavior. She emphasizes the importance of adaptable nutrition for rehabilitation, covering topics such as fresh food diets, supplements, and specific tests to ensure dogs' health. Jennifer also reveals her upcoming book on rehabilitating a dog through conservative management and t...

In this episode of Dog Pro Radio, they welcome guest Pat Stuart, a distinguished dog trainer, and educator. Pat shares his journey from serving in Australia's Special Forces to becoming a professional dog trainer in 2015, and offers insights into the importance of practical experience and continuous learning in the field. The conversation covers the internal challenges within the International...

This episode of Dog Pro Radio features Laura DeMaio Roy, an experienced service dog trainer. Laura shares insights on choosing the right breed and individual dogs for service work, emphasizing the significance of genetics and early socialization. The conversation also covers public access training, the importance of flexibility, and handling stressful environments. Laura stresses the importance of...

In this episode of Dog Pro Radio, Michael Shikashio, renowned dog trainer specializing in aggression cases, discusses the complexities and nuances of handling aggression in dogs. He explores the importance of understanding the root causes of aggressive behavior, such as pain, environmental factors, and the relationship between dog and owner. The discussion also covers effective management strategi...