The Canine Paradigm

This year’s PSA (Protection Sports Association) Nationals in Texas saw an exciting addition to its roster of talented competitors: April Hulme, widely known as the “Heeling Queen” among her online followers. April, joined by her friend Jen Wormsly, showcased her exceptional skills in the PSA1 category, competing with her well-trained dog. April’s reputation as the Heeling Q...

Samantha King, a dog trainer and psychologist at Therapy Dogs Australia, challenges industry norms by advocating for a practical, role-specific approach to working dog training, contrasting with the generalised recommendations often made by her industry member organisation. Working dogs play crucial roles, such as in search and rescue, police work, or providing assistance to individuals with disab...

When we think of psychology, often we imagine a traditional therapy session in an office setting. However, Samantha King, a psychologist from Therapy Dogs Australia, is breaking the mold by incorporating canines into her sessions. This innovative approach, known as psychology assisted by canines, utilizes the unique bond between humans and dogs to facilitate healing and growth, especially in young...

Prey locking in dogs is a natural instinct deeply rooted in their ancestral heritage as hunters. When a dog locks onto an object, it means they’ve spotted something of interest, whether it’s a squirrel, a ball, or even a moving vehicle. This behaviour is characterised by intense focus and a stiffened posture. However, it can be a source of frustration for both owners and trainers alike...

Jealousy and envy, often used interchangeably, have distinct meanings. Jealousy is the fear of losing something we possess to someone else, while envy involves desiring something someone else has. Both emotions aren’t limited to just humans. Our canine companions, too, show signs that could be interpreted as jealousy. For humans, jealousy can arise from intricate emotional scenarios, such as...

From the bustling streets of the UK to the vast expanses of Australia, a storm is brewing that threatens to redefine the very core of dog training. XL Bullies, once pridefully paraded across parks in Britain, now face potential bans. Meanwhile, Down Under, Rottweilers, despite their loyal and loving nature, find themselves splashed across headlines, painting them in a less than flattering light. W...

After the rousing discussion sparked by our previous episode, “Things Dog Trainers Hate to Hear,” it’s clear that the conversation between pet owners and dog trainers is far more nuanced than can be captured by a list of frustrating phrases. The topic was so well-received that we decided to take it a step further in our newest podcast episode, where we delve into how the dynamic...

A recent Facebook post ignited a fascinating discussion around the relationship between pet owners and dog trainers. The user asked friends to share things that dog trainers hate to hear. Not surprisingly, the thread garnered over 200 comments, full of humour and earnest concerns alike. We found the conversation so compelling that we even discussed it in our most recent podcast episode. Initially,...

Undoubtedly, the very essence of dog training is encapsulated in a single, albeit often elusive, concept: the moment. Interestingly, this pivotal lesson came into sharp focus for many of us while sharing space with the incomparable Michael Ellis. A master in his field, Michael exemplifies the art of being fully “in the moment.” When you find yourself fortunate enough to be immersed in...

Sorting through life’s chaos is akin to training an unpredictable dog; both require mastery over the when, why, and how. When: Just as we sort our life decisions at opportune moments, we must also discern when to guide our dogs. Proper timing in both ensures success. Why: Understanding our motivations and those of our dogs is key. Is your dog’s barking due to anxiety, boredom, or healt...

Glenn, Pat, and Cameron Ford came together to take a hard look at the existing ‘system’ that governs many dog training practices. This meeting ignited an important discussion, probing into long-standing practices that have become ubiquitous within the industry. We raised concerns over the rigid thinking that is prevalent in the field. This often manifests as a cult-like dedication to a...

Dog training is a blend of art and science, utilising various techniques to shape desired behaviours. One such method is negative reinforcement, encapsulated nicely in the phrase, “pressure motivates, release educates.” Negative reinforcement is often misunderstood. It doesn’t involve harm or punishment but utilises slight discomfort to stimulate behaviour change. In dog training...

Nothing beats a hearty chat with Jason Firmin, the main man at Eizweck Dogquip, and his son Ryan, especially after their whirlwind European tour. Now, this wasn’t your typical sightseeing trip. Nope, the Firmins had a mission – to immerse Ryan into the exciting world of dog sports decoy. Europe’s got some seriously talented decoys, and it was in this lively backdrop that Ryan rec...

In Australia, introducing a four-legged friend to the work site has unlocked a unique charm and improved productivity. In an environment often characterized by stress and deadlines, a tail-wagging canine offers a magical and unanticipated boost. The presence of a dog at a work site serves as a powerful stress reliever. Their capacity to provide unconditional love, coupled with their humorous antic...

“Punished by Rewards” by Alfie Kohn delves into the concept of intrinsic motivation, suggesting that rewards can actually be counter-productive, undermining our inherent drive to learn and explore. While primarily focused on humans, this compelling theory has implications for dog training. Traditionally, reward-based training has been a staple in teaching our canine companions. But sho...

In this fascinating episode, we delve deeper into the dynamic world of dog clubs, sharing our rich experiences that encompass managing, operating, and engaging with the colourful tapestry of individuals who breathe life into these clubs. We bring to light both the inspiring stories of those who make the journey truly rewarding, as well as the challenging experiences that test our resilience and pa...

Bull breeds, children and best case versus Armageddon are once again the topics of discussion that came from surveys within our on-line discussion group. Bull breeds are well-known for their strength, stamina, and loyalty, but their reputation often suffers due to negative portrayals in the media. However, in a loving environment, breeds like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Pit Bul...

Dog training is a journey, underscored by significant transitions through distinct learning phases, each showcasing your dog’s growth and understanding. Initially, in the Introduction and teaching phase, your dog doesn’t understand the expected behaviour. However, as they begin to recognise the task or command, they naturally transition into the Learning and Association phase. This shi...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Chad Mackin, we delve deeper into the nuances of dog training methodologies and the role of language in shaping the industry’s future. We discuss the significance of continued education for dog trainers and ways to stay informed and up-to-date in this ever-evolving field, where language plays a crucial part. Chad shares his experiences with various dog trai...

In our latest episode, we welcome back Chad Mackin to join us for an insightful discussion on the dog training industry. The conversation focused on Chad’s experiences, concerns, and aspirations for the world of dog training, emphasising the importance of better language in the industry. Chad expressed his concerns about the widespread issue of substandard dog training practices being shared...

Have you ever talked to your pets as if they were human beings? If you have, you might have been accused of being anthropomorphic. Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics, emotions, and behaviours to non-human entities such as animals, objects, or even natural phenomena. Recently, Pat asked Glenn if he was being anthropomorphic when he was observing behaviours from his dogs, R...

When it comes to dogs participating in bite sports, developing their grip strength and technique is a crucial aspect of their training. Proper grip development through good techniques in tug and rag work can help improve a dog’s performance, prevent injuries, and increase their confidence and drive. In bite sports, such as PSA, Schutzhund, IPO, and French Ring, dogs are trained to bite and h...

we had the pleasure of hosting Luke and Panos from the “Life with Your Dog” podcast. They joined us to discuss Joel Turner’s open and closed loop training system, as well as other dog training philosophies. The conversation was both insightful and engaging. We delved deep into the open and closed loop training system. By using the open and closed loop training system, the Shot IQ...

In this episode, we explore the topic of seeing your dog in a new light after they display unexpected aggressive or concerning behaviour. As dog owners, we often assume that we know our pets inside out and understand their behaviour patterns. However, sometimes our dogs can surprise us and exhibit behaviour that we don’t expect or fully understand. When a dog displays aggressive behaviour, i...

Dog owners often unwittingly trigger certain behaviours in their pets, without realising the implications of their actions. While the owners may not understand what they did, the dog’s perception of the situation is entirely different. Due to the data it has collected, the dog’s brain sees this as a cue to run a particular program. This phenomenon is not uncommon, and it’s a resu...