The Canine Paradigm

In Episode 352 of The Canine Paradigm, we look at stereotypes of dog owners on social media. First, we talk about how these labels form, why the algorithms reward them, and how that shapes what owners believe about training. Then we contrast two worlds. On one side, ethical and brilliant trainers who teach clearly and show real progress. On the other, clout chasers who market better than they trai...

In this gloriously grubby edition of The Canine Paradigm, we lean right into the dog pooh life and answer the two questions you sent that made us laugh out loud. First, our worst dog diarrhoea story. We relive the slip, the splatter, and the sprint for paper towels, then talk through what the mess told us about health, how we calmed the situation, rehydrated, and reset the diet without drama. Next...

In this episode, we shift the lens away from outcomes and titles and look at what often gets overlooked, the dog’s experience during training. Is the dog learning with clarity, or simply complying under pressure? Are we building understanding or just building behaviour? We explore how training isn’t just about what a dog does at the end of a program, but how they felt throughout the journey. Confi...

In Episode 349 of The Canine Paradigm , we dive deep into a question that gets to the heart of dog ownership, what do most families actually need their dog to be trained to do? We explore the essential skills and behaviours that, if taught properly, make the difference between a happy, well-integrated companion and a dog that ends up rehomed or worse. From recall and loose-leash walking to house m...

In this lively and insightful episode, Glenn sits down in person with three of the industry’s entertaining and passionate figures, Jacob Morgan from the Yorkshire Canine Academy, Ian Kirke, also from YCA, and Simon Moody (aka the Mutt Nut, aka the Best Dog Trainer in the Universe). Unfortunately, Pat couldn’t join us for the episode, but when the universe gifts you the Mutt Nut, you’ve got t...

In this emotionally charged episode, Glenn and Pat hit the reset button after scrapping their original recording, something we don’t often do. The reason? Frustration and sadness. The original session had been overshadowed by anger and disbelief at the overwhelming wave of negativity sweeping through both the dog training community and the wider world. Rather than push out content clouded by...

In this episode, Glenn and Pat take a hard look at the ethical cracks forming in the professional dog training industry. Prompted by Justin Rigney , who continues to call out deceptive trainers, telling lies or hiding their use of tools, we dive deep into the consequences of rewarding the wrong behaviours, not in dogs, but in people. Too often, we see professionals extending hospitality, collabora...

In Episode 345 of The Canine Paradigm , we’re joined once again by our wonderful friend and regular guest, Birdy O’Sheedy. This conversation revolves around the real, often under appreciated, joy of simply living a full and present life with our dogs. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do. Together, we explore the deep connection between humans and dogs, one built not only on trainin...

In this eye-opening episode of The Canine Paradigm , Glenn and Pat explore the full weight of what happens when a dog is declared a nuisance, menacing, or dangerous by council authorities. Firstly, they unpack how such labels don’t just affect the dog. Instead, the repercussions ripple through entire households. Families must adjust their routines, manage legal obligations, and cope with emotional...

In this moving episode of The Canine Paradigm, Glenn and Pat welcome back their close friend and regular guest, Birdy O’Sheedy, for a conversation that speaks to the soul of dog ownership. This time, Birdy introduces us to her new initiative, The Magic in Dogs. While it isn’t a training program, it offers something equally valuable—a shift in perspective. Instead of focusing solely on control or o...

In this powerful episode of The Canine Paradigm , Glenn and Pat reconnect with one of their favourite guests, Dr Melanie Uhde . Known for her no-nonsense, science-first approach to canine behaviour and training, Melanie has become a respected but polarising figure in the dog world. Her deep dives into peer-reviewed research and willingness to challenge misinformation have been applauded by many, b...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm , Glenn and Pat sit down with Jacob Morgan—founder of Yorkshire Canine Academy and host of the Caffeine and Canines Podcast . Jacob’s name has been rising fast in the UK dog training scene, thanks to his blend of solid training principles, business acumen, and an unmistakable online presence. Both Glenn and Pat have been guests on his podcast, so it was only...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm , Glenn and Pat take a moment to reflect on the biggest lessons, shifts in thinking, and key takeaways from the last decade of living and working with dogs. From the missteps to the breakthroughs, this episode offers a candid look at how much can change when you commit yourself to growth. But this isn’t just a walk down memory lane. We’re also proud to promot...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm , Glenn and Pat unpack a viral video that’s got social media buzzing. It shows a dog walking into a situation and seemingly “resolving” a behavioural issue between other dogs , sparking all kinds of commentary about dominance, energy, and control. But is that really what’s going on? Glenn and Pat break down what might actually be happening, without the hype o...

In this episode, Glenn and Pat explore the vital role of rhythm and rituals in dog training . These two elements, when intentionally used, can provide clarity and structure to the training process—both for the dog and the handler. The episode breaks down how rituals help dogs understand how to enter a scenario correctly . Whether it’s a training session, a working environment, or a daily rou...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm , we respond to a thought-provoking question from one of our listeners: Is burning out the same as failing? Burnout is a topic that hits close to home for many dog trainers, handlers, and professionals working in emotionally and physically demanding environments. Glenn and Pat dive into the nuances of burnout—how it differs from failure, where the overlap exi...

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...

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...

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 was...

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 dev...

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...

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 th...

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 wh...

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...

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 crue...