The Canine Paradigm

The past couple of weeks in Sydney have been nothing short of amazing. We were thrilled to welcome our American family, Shawn and Janet Edwards, along with their colleagues Zack Burke and Travis Lloyd. Their expertise and passion for training were invaluable as they joined us for PSA trial judging, decoy certification, Deadpool decoy school, and Janet’s seminar. Training is at the heart of e...

In this episode of our podcast, we tackle the often misunderstood topic of punishment in dog training. There’s been a lot of misinformation circulating, including the outrageous claim that balanced trainers hold positive punishment seminars. We want to set the record straight and explain how punishment, when used correctly, plays a vital role in teaching dogs to eliminate or reduce unwanted...

We are thrilled to celebrate our 300th episode, joined by many special individuals from our greater canine community. We posed a unique question to our guests: If you could travel through time to any point in your training career, where would you go, and what would be your objective? The responses were inspiring, reflecting the passion and dedication that define our community. This milestone is a...

In our latest podcast episode, we tackle a critical topic: the peril of false knowledge. While ignorance poses risks, misinformation masquerading as truth can be far more dangerous. Recently, a comment on social media claimed that men are more likely to attend positive punishment seminars than women. This statement is not only unfounded but also misleading. Throughout our extensive careers in the...

In our latest podcast episode, we eagerly addressed key questions from our listeners about training dogs, particularly focusing on the importance of ‘warming’ when transitioning from indoor to outdoor environments. Our listeners are curious about how to maintain a strong connection with their dogs amidst a swag of new outdoor stimuli, and we were excited to delve into these challenges....

We delved into the fascinating world of dog training, focusing on the suppression of behaviours, the concept of dogs “guessing” behaviours, and the powerful dynamics of perception between teacher and student. This discussion sheds light on how understanding and managing these elements can significantly enhance the training process and the relationship between dogs and their trainers. S...

In our newest podcast episode, we explore the integration of working dogs into households and address the misleading advice suggesting that these dogs disrupt home dynamics. Despite these myths, working dogs can enhance home life, especially when combined with the right remote training techniques. These methods, often misunderstood, can actually strengthen your bond with your working dog rather th...

In our latest podcast episode, we dove into the fascinating world of canine behaviour, focusing on the concept of ‘play’ and its multifaceted role in the lives of our dog. Addressing two insightful listener requests, we explored the intricacies of reward placement and the nuanced differences between direct and indirect rewards, shedding light on how these elements can enhance the play...

In the latest episode, we delve into the fascinating world of dog training, emphasising the pivotal role of understanding and harnessing different drives. Training dogs, whether for sporting events, police work, or simply as pets, requires a nuanced approach that recognises and adapts to the diverse motivations that drive canine behaviour. Drives in dogs refer to innate impulses that guide their a...

In our recent podcast, we explored the challenging situation encountered by LickiMat, a small, pet-friendly business, embroiled in a digital controversy. This enterprise, renowned for its pet care innovations, unexpectedly became the target of online backlash due to its collaboration with a balanced dog trainer at the prestigious Crufts event. This incident highlights the volatile nature of online...

In an engaging segment of our podcast, Pat and Glenn delved into a thought-provoking topic prompted by a simple yet profound question from Pat’s son, Rip. Rip had observed Remi, their family dog, being prepared for a dog trial and pondered, “If Remi is already trained, why does he still need training?” This query sparked an insightful discussion about the ongoing nature of canine...

In the ever-evolving realm of dog training, the significance of a Training Director is magnified by their ability to foster meaningful conversations. These dialogues are not just exchanges of words but are the bedrock of a thriving learning environment where dog trainers and handlers can flourish. By engaging in insightful conversations, a Training Director bridges the gap between theory and pract...

In our latest podcast episode, an off-the-cuff remark during the closing segment sparked an unexpected yet profound discussion. The phrase, casually mentioned, was not the main focus of our conversation but we find way to make interesting headings. l A blog by Larry Krohn a week back led us to explore the contrasting approaches between sport dog trainers and pet owners when faced with challenges....

Being bitten by a dog can be an unexpectedly traumatic experience, leaving both physical and emotional scars. In workplaces, hobbies, and professions where interaction with dogs is common, understanding the risks and preventive measures is crucial. The trauma of a dog bite extends beyond the immediate physical injury. Victims often experience heightened anxiety, fear of dogs, and even PTSD, affect...

We’re thrilled to welcome back Birdy O’Sheedy to our show after a much-anticipated hiatus. Birdy, a cherished regular and a beacon of insight in the realms of psychology and trauma healing, returns with a heart-warming twist to her expertise—integrating the holistic magic of dogs into her therapeutic practices. Birdy’s journey into the mystical bond between humans and dogs illumi...

In a recent episode of The Canine Paradigm, we were thrilled to have Tracy Racich join us for an enlightening discussion. This episode, intriguingly titled “Better at Polishing a Turd,” stems from a candid comment made by Tracy. The conversation was sparked by a post Tracy shared about a month ago, which caught our attention and led us to delve deeper into the subject on our show. The...

In a recent episode, we were joined Matthias Lenz, a distinguished source in the dog training community. His evolution from a simple dog walker to a training director for puppies aiding the visually impaired is remarkably inspiring. Matthias joined us to address a critical issue within the dog training community: the division between the +R (positive reinforcement) and balanced training methodolog...

In a thought-provoking discussion within our Ethics in Dog Training group, Tracy Racich brought forward an essential topic: the ethical landscape in dog training. Tracy’s insights delve into the varying skill levels of trainers and the ethical responsibilities that accompany them. Tracy raises a critical point about the ethical dilemmas faced by trainers who overestimate their skills. The is...

In our latest episode, we had the enlightening opportunity to converse with Dr. Melanie Uhde from Canine Decoded, delving into the intricate world of canine behaviour and the pivotal role of the brain in maintaining homeostasis. Dr. Uhde illuminated the often misunderstood realm of punishment and rewards in training, emphasising the brain’s fundamental need for balance and stability. Homeost...

In our latest episode, “Training Dogs in the Land of the Long White Cloud,” we ventured into New Zealand to meet Gabby Mansbridge, a remarkable figure in the realm of dog sports. As we navigated the cloud-covered landscapes to reach our appointment for a PSA trial, the anticipation was as thick as the fog in the valleys. Gabby didn’t just meet expectations; she soared above them,...

As the year draws to a close, we’re excited to present our end-of-year podcast, “The Rising Tide Lifts All the Boats.” This episode is not just a reflection on the past year but a heartfelt message of gratitude and inspiration. We’ve seen that when we focus on self-improvement and foster kindness, just like boats in a rising tide, we all lift together. Throughout this year,...

The story of Jay, the founder of GRC Dog Sports, is a compelling narrative of resilience, happiness, and a deep-rooted passion for Jiu-Jitsu. Recently, Jay faced a life-altering challenge, surviving a severe car accident that left him with serious injuries and the heart-wrenching loss of his new puppy. Despite these overwhelming setbacks, Jay’s journey towards recovery is a remarkable testam...

Embarking on the journey to become a dog trainer is both exhilarating and demanding. It’s a path that requires dedication, patience, and a deep understanding of canine behaviour. For those starting from scratch, the road to becoming a proficient trainer and eventually leading seminars and teaching solo is filled with learning and growth. Initially, the focus should be on foundational knowled...

Decoys, in particular, are the unsung heroes in sports like, PSA, Schutzhund, French Ring, or Mondioring, where they engage dogs in exercises that could potentially lead to injury. These skilled individuals don’t just wear a bite suit and endure the physicality of a dog’s engagement; they are artists of canine communication, understanding the subtle language of dogs to a degree that al...

In the heart of our communities, dogs hold a special place, not just as pets but as embodiments of love and connection. This was profoundly evident in the story of Kim Grace, owner of Grey Gums Cafe on Putty Road, and her beloved rescue dog, Shilo. Shilo was more than a pet to Kim; he was a symbol of enduring love and companionship. After the passing of her husband, John, Shilo came into Kim&#8217...