Spirit Dog Training Podcast
Spirit Dog Training brings you science-based, modern and effective dog training advice, explaining why your dog acts the way he acts, and how to approach training efficiently.
Episodes
104. Your First Dog Needs You More Than You Need A New Puppy
Before you add another dog, there's a hard truth I want you to hear: your first dog may need you more than a new puppy ever could. In this episode, I talk about why adding a second or third dog too early often creates stress, behavior issues, and guilt, even when the decision comes from a place of love. I share what I see repeatedly as a trainer: dogs whose needs multiply, not disappear, when an
103. Why Rescue Dogs Are Not For Everyone
We talk a lot about "adopt, don't shop," but rarely about the unseen cost when a rescue dog's needs exceed a family's capacity. And that mismatch can break hearts on both sides. In this episode, I explore why rescue dogs with unknown backgrounds are not the right fit for every household, and why acknowledging that truth is an act of responsibility, not selfishness. I share the real patterns I've s
102. 7 Skills Every Reactive Dog Needs (+How to Teach Them!)
In today's episode I share the core skills that make reactivity training easier and safer, starting where your dog can succeed, not in the middle of a trigger storm. I explain why these foundations reduce stress, build patience, and set you up for faster progress around real-world triggers with step-by-step ideas you can apply today, and tips to avoid overwhelm. Take the first step toward calmer
101. 7 Shortcuts To Get The Most Out Of Dog Training
In this episode, I share the seven most important shortcuts I've learned after coaching thousands of students, both online and in person, to help you get real results from the training you're already paying for. You'll hear why being honest with your trainer matters more than you think, how to stop getting stuck in "thinking instead of doing," and why jumping from one quick fix to another slows p
100. The Confidence Myth
If you've been told that "confidence-building games" at home will magically fix your dog's fear or reactivity, this episode may change everything. I'm unpacking one of the most common misunderstandings in modern positive training: the idea that confidence works like experience points you can collect anywhere. I explain why emotional confidence is always context-specific, and how well-intentioned s
99. Why Relationship Alone Won't Replace Training Your Dog
In this episode, I look closely at the growing claim that "dogs don't need control, only connection," and why it can unintentionally leave dogs confused and unprepared for real life. I talk about why love and relationship cannot replace teaching the actual skills our dogs need to stay safe and thrive in our human world, and why training when done kindly expands your dog's freedom rather than takin
98. Motivation for Dog Training on the Days You'd Rather Watch Netflix
Some days, training your dog feels impossible, especially when the couch and a new Netflix episode is calling your name! In this episode, I talk about the simple mindset shift that makes it easier to show up on the days you'd rather not. I share how to reconnect with your "why," and how small, low-effort sessions can keep you moving forward without overwhelm. By the end, you'll know how to make tr
97. The #1 Mistake in Multi Dog Households
Most multi-dog homes make the same mistake, trying to meet every dog's needs with the same routine. In this episode, I share how to recognize and fulfill each dog's unique needs, avoid frustration, and create harmony in your household. You'll also hear how I balance life with my own very different dogs. Start building a calmer, happier multi-dog home at spiritdogtraining.com/free.
96. 3 Signs Your Dog Is Too Stressed To Train
In this episode we talk about some common signs that your dog may be too stressed to get the most out of your training session. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
95. TV Reactivity: Management to Training Plan
In this episode we discuss what is one of the most controllable types of reactivity in my opinion- as a matter of fact, you literally have a remote control for it! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
94. 5 Things That Make Reactivity Worse (Without You Realizing)
In this episode I talk about things that may be making your dog's reactivity worse, and you might be completely unaware! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
93. 10 Must-Haves Every Reactive Dog Owner Need
In today's episode I discuss ten things that I think are must-haves for all reactive dog owners to have as a part of their training toolkit to make both their and their dog's life easier and more fulfilled! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
92. How To Get 3x The Results From Your Next Training Session
In this episode I talk about how to get the most success out of your training sessions! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
91. 10 Subtle Signs Your Dog's Reactivity Is Improving
Sometimes it can be hard for us to recognize when our dogs are, in fact, making progress in their reactivity training. In today's episode I highlight ten of the signs you may be missing that show your reactivity training is paying off! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
90. You Don't Need To End Training "On A High Note"
In this episode I discuss why ending training "On A High Note" may not be in the best interest of your dog or training. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
89. Six Causes of Reactivity Regression in Dogs
So often I have students reaching out confused because they feel that their dog has been regressing in their reactivity training. They've been doing everything right- so why does it feel like it's getting worse? In today's episode I dive into six of the main causes you may be seeing regression in your reactivity training. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtra
88. Should You Tire Your Dog Out Before You Train?
In this episode I discuss why we might not always want to tire our dogs out before a training session, and when it is appropriate to do so! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
87. My Reactive Dog Flipped Out- Now What?
Our students often ask what they should do once their dog is already 'flipping out'. Today we're going to look into exactly what you should do when your dog goes over threshold! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
86. Can Toys Replace Treats in Training?
In this episode I discuss when and how to use food and toys in training! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
85. My Dog is SO Distracted in Public
Many people struggle with the fact their dog can do so well at home, but really struggle in public. Today we're diving into why distractions out in public can be so tricky and how to work through it! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
84. Do You Need Rest Days in Training?
In this episode I discuss if we need to take rest or break days in reactivity training. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
83. Are You Overusing Food in Training?
Today we are going to talk about something that I see come up in +R training all the time- and that is actually OVERUSING food in training situations. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
82. Rating Common Reactivity Training Tools
In this episode I deep dive into my views on some of the most commonly used training tools when working with reactive dogs. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
81. 7 Reactivity Training Key Insights
After a break from podcasting I wanted to come back to discuss a topic that is always highly requested- Reactivity. As a trainer I share some of my top insights into successful reactivity training and discuss how you can adjust your set ups to make even more progress in your journey. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
80. My Dog Is Not Getting Better!
Lack of progress in training is very frustrating for every dog. But do you even assess progress the right way? As a dog trainer, I evaluate progress through two key parameters. In this episode I share why it doesn't matter at all if your dog has a bad training session, how you need to help your dog succeed during every single moment of training, and what you should do to reflect on how far you hav
79. 5 Reasons for Food Refusal in Training
Is your dog refusing food in training? Do they routinely turn their nose up on the most delicious treats? There are FIVE main reasons for this ... and they are NOT what you'd think! Today we dive into WHY your dog may be noping out of treat training - and how to help them appreciate food rewards Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free Free
78. Reactivity Training For NON-Food-Motivated Dogs
Using treats in reactivity training doesn't work for you because your dog refuses food completely around triggers? That is actually a very common issue ... with one easy, ingenious solution! In this episode I share the #1 question that will determine whether your dog can be trained with food - as well as how to do it! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraini
77. 4 Crucial Life Skills To Teach Your Dog
This week I discuss four non-negotiable life skills that EVERY dog owner needs to teach their dogs. These skills will set your dog up for success in situations that could otherwise be very stressful or even traumatizing! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
76. Socialization Lessons Part 3 - FAQ
You sent me a lot of emails and this week I answer your questions about socialization! We discuss "over socialization", how to socialize young puppies, setbacks in socialization during the teenage stage, why you need "boring" dogs for socialization and much more. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
75. Socialization Lessons Part 2
In this episode I share actionable tips for socializing your dog! Starting at home ... and advancing all the way to the dog park. As you work through the 4 stages of socialization exercises, you will learn how to make sure your dog has a positive experience around all people and dogs. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
74. Socialization Lessons Part 1
"Socializing" is a big buzz word in dog training ... but what does it actually mean? What is a well-socialized dog? And why are many socialization classes counter-productive? In this episode I discuss my thoughts around socialization and the frequent mistakes I see. In the next part I will share actionable socializing exercises you can do with your dog! Want to get started wit
73. You Need To Have More Fun With Your Dog
When we are tackling a big training project, it is easy for us to lose track of the most important thing: To have FUN with our dogs! In this episode I explain why FUN is the foundation of your relationship and how to make sure that you never miss out on daily fun with your dog. Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
72. How Long Until My Dog Is Fixed?
In this episode I share my thoughts around a question that's pressing for all dog owners: "How long until my dog's behavior is fixed?" I discuss the three components that impact how long training will take ... and give you a way to reframe thinking about training timelines, too! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
71. "What's My WHY?"
Why does SpiritDog Training exist? What is the driving force behind it ... and what's my mission for dog owners worldwide? This is a philosophical episode that dives into the really big questions - that we should all answer for ourselves! Want to get started with our training programs for free? Visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
70. Not Every Treat Is A Reward
A lot of dog owners worry about reinforcing unwanted behaviors by offering treats. For example: a dog freaks out at the window, the owner scatters treats and the dog stops barking and starts eating ... is that actually making them MORE likely to flip out? (Hint: no!) In this episode I explain why not every treat is a reward - and how you can navigate stressful situations skillfully with treats.
69. Reactivity & Engagement: Not The Right Combo
Are you trying to fix your dog's reactivity with a "Look at me" approach? And your dog is fine as long as they are engaged with you ... but as soon as you take your eyes off them, they flip out again? In this episode I explain what the big misconception about engagement training for reactivity is - and how you can break through the training plateau! Want to work through our reactivity training pro
68. 3 Truths About Being A Dog Trainer
"How do I become a dog trainer?" is a question I get several times a week. In today's episode, I share three insights into working as a dog trainer that you probably did not expect! From honing training skills over people training to not spending a lot of time with one's own dogs ... I don't hold any secrets back in this one! If you want to start training with our library of over 1,300 training vi
67. Selective Reactivity
Is your dog reactive ... but only sometimes? Only towards some people ... some dogs ... or in some situations? Selective and situation-specific reactivity can be really puzzling for dog owners. In this episode I explain how to make sense of it ... and how to work with dogs who are not always reactive. If you want to start training with our library of over 1,300 training videos for free, visit spir
66. Family Members & Training Struggles
A topic that has been requested many times ... how do you navigate family disagreements and training? What about family members who are not committed to training ... family members who give you well-meaning (but useless) advice ... or family members who are fighting you regarding training? In this episode I share my experiences on navigating all of these with you! If you want to start training wit
65. (Non) Breed-Specific Training, Part 2
In this second episode on breed-specific training, I discuss why you may be WRONG in believing that your dog needs a breed-specific training approach. Falsely holding out for this can actually harm your training progress! So let's break down the difference between breed-specific training issues ... and "run of the mill" training issues. If you want to start training with our library of over 1,300
64. Don't Be A Wishy Washy Trainer
Are your criteria too muddled? Are you able to be black and white in training? Or do you try to teach unrefined behaviors ... and hurting yourself with it in the long run? Today I explain why you should NOT be a wishy washy trainer! If you want to start training with our library of over 1,300 training videos for free, visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
63. Don't Start Where Your Dog Is Failing
It's a huge misconception that in order to teach our dogs how to do something right, we wait for them to get it wrong. If you attempt to train like this, you and your dog will be frustrated and disapppointed. In this episode I discuss why you already have the teaching skills you need deep within you ... and the questions you need to ask yourself to apply the knowledge to dog training! If you want
62. What Happens In Your Car After A Class?
The #1 question I always asked myself when teaching group classes "What do my students talk about in the car?" In this quick episode I discuss why your trainer should care about each and every student's happiness and their dogs' successes. If your trainer doesn't seem invested in making you proud of your dog - look for a different trainer! If you want to start training with our library of over 1,3
61. Breed-Specific Training
Did you know that no two breeds are trained the same? If you do not take your dog's breed(s) into account when planning your sessions, you won't be successful. In this episode I explain how your dog's breed impacts training decisions, and how you can tailor training to your specific dog! If you want to start training with our library of over 1,300 training videos for free, visit spiritdogtraining.
60. Training Multiple Skills At Once
Should you teach your dog multiple things at once? Or will they get confused? How do you decide which behaviors to work on at any one time? In today's episode I will discuss whether you should train several behaviors ... and how to decide which ones! If you want to start training with our library of over 1,300 training videos for free, visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
59. Reactivity Training Shortcuts
Living with and training a reactive dog is a taxing, tiring task! What if there was a shortcut? In this episode I discuss if there is a way to cut corners in reactivity training ... and what the results will look like. If you want to start training with our library of over 1,300 training videos for free, visit spiritdogtraining.com/free
58. Training Skills AND Emotions
We are never only training a skill ... we are always training a skill and an emotion. Out of the two, the emotion is actually the one you should be most concerned about! Today I dive into why the wrong emotion can ruin skill training (even if the dog is good at the skill) ... and how to help your dog find the right mindset. If you want to start training with our library of over 1,300 training vide
57. What Happens When You Don't Have A Treat?
As a dog trainer who uses a lot of food rewards, one of the most common questions I get us "... And what happens when you don't have a treat?" Today I unravel how to make your dog independent from having to be bribed and lured, and explain why having or not having a treat should not make a difference in a well-trained dog! If you want to start training with our library of over 1,300 training video
56. Interview: Scent Work with Paige Gordon
Scent work is a fascinating dog sport. It's welcoming to dogs of all ages and physical abilities ... and it's an amazing way to bond with your dog! In this episode we interview highly accomplished scent work competitor, judge and professional bed bug detection dog handler Paige Gordon about how to get started and progress in the sport.
55. 6 Things I Wished Every Dog Owner Did
Every day I work with dog owners and help them break through behavioral and training struggles. And every day I know that if dog owners were more mindful of these 6 things ... a lot of issues would NOT happen in the first place! Today I give you a list of the 6 things I wished every dog owner did - implement these to see immediate improvement in your dog. Also in this episode I share a special gif
54. Training 2 Dogs At Once?
Most dog owners with more than one dog would love to train them all at once. But is this even possible? Is it a good idea to have everyone train at the same time? What about dogs that can wait their turn? And what should you do if your dogs are so attached that you cannot separate them? In this episode I answer all of these questions!
53. Not so fast! How To Advance Skills Successfully
Training often fails because we are not progressing skills well. But what does it actually mean to "advance a skill"? How do we break down the training process for our dogs correctly? How many steps are involved in teaching a solid behaviors? In this episode you will find answers to all of these questions!
52. Training Momentum
Do you struggle to motivate yourself to train? Is consistency hard for you and your dog? There actually is a secret to training every day ... I call it "training momentum". In this episode I share how you can reach training momentum, and why most dog owners are only a few training sessions away from breaking through this wall!
51. Reinforcement & Punishment In Dog Training
Treats are reinforcements and corrective collars are punishments ... but is that really what the definition of those words is? Are you using reinforcers as skillful as you could? And did you know that the environment is constantly reinforcing and punishing your dog, too?
50. Expectations For Dog Owners AND Trainers
How do you find the right dog trainer for you and your dog? What expectations should you have for a dog trainer? But also ... what is your dog trainer expecting from YOU in the coaching relationship? In this podcast I take a deep dive into my expectations for dog owners and trainers. And I also have a pretty big surprise for you ...
49.10 Tips To Make Training More Comfortable For Your Dog
We want our dogs in a happy, eager and enthusiastic state of mind for training ... but what exactly should we do to achieve this? In this episode, I am sharing 10 tips that will make your dog more comfortable - and ultimately, this will make your training more successful, too!
48. Dog Training For Unpredictable Situations
Is your dog reactive towards unannounced visitors? Do they love to chase wildlife when you run into it? Are they barking and lunging ... but only when coming across certain other dogs? Unpredictable behaviors are one of the hardest things to address in dog training. It feels like we don't even have a place to start! The good news it that with the right approach we can tackle these training challen
47. "This training won't work for my dog ..."
Preemptive doubts can hurt your dog training and hinder your progress! We discuss where the mindset of "this won't work ..." comes from and how to break through it. I talk about how many times I have personally failed, and why this should never be a reason to stop pursuing new training ideas!
46. Training Without Treats?
If treat training makes you go "meh", this episode is for you. I discuss other forms of rewards (toys, praise, access to the environment) as well as whether rewards are even always needed! This is a big episode to answer all questions regarding treat alternatives.
45. Procrastination or Action?
Not all training problems are equal. Some require immediate attention and intervention ... while others are not as pressing. It can be hard to know whether you need to jump into action or not. This episode discusses the 4 criteria to determine whether you need to start training TODAY - or whether you can sit back and stop worrying.
44. Why My Dog Training Is Always Evolving (And Your's Should Be, Too)
My own dog training is always evolving ... and yours should be, too! In this episode I explain the continuous feedback loop between you and your dog that will take your training to the next level. I also share how I always improve my own training and online classes!
43. Five Reasons Why Dog Training Isn't Working
When training isn't working, both dog and human are left frustrated and demotivated. But it does not have to be this way! There are 5 common reasons why training isn't working ... as well as solutions! In this episode I discuss the most common training roadblocks in detail, and explain how small changes will lead to big improvements!
42. Why I Don't Recommend Clickers In Dog Training
In this episode I dive into the nitty-gritty of what clickers are and how they work. I bust some myths and explain how to decide whether clickers are going to work for your dog and your training goals. I also share how I have come 180 degrees when it comes to using clickers for my own clients!
41. The #1 Way To Improve Focus, Patience & Resilience In Dog Training
In this episode I discuss why some dogs are so unfocussed, impatient, demanding and hard to train ... and why you should NOT hope that they'll grow out of it (they won't!) But don't worry - I reveal the #1 thing you can do today to help your dog grow in all of these skills and become a joy to train!
40. Trigger stacking in dog training AND human behavior
What does your work stress have to do with dog training? Why does our dog do worse the longer a training session goes on?And how can we predict our dog's seemingly unpredictable outbursts? The surprising answer to all of these question lies in trigger stacking. In this episode, I dive deep into the detrimental effects of trigger stacking - as well as how to navigate them in your training!
39. Six Dog Training Goals for 2024
Ready to dive into training for 2024? But hold on - Setting the wrong training goals will hinder your progress and demotivate you! In this episode I share the surprising truth about why traditional training goals are bad, as well as 6 goals to will truly accelerate your training progress.
38. Christmas Training With Dogs: Yay or Nay?
In this episode I talk about a client case study. They reached out to me the day before Christmas with a big ask: To teach their dog and their visitors' dog to stop fighting! Listen in to learn how I handled this, and how to decide between training and "damage control" - especially during the busy holidays!
37. Dog Behaving Badly In The Yard?
A lot of dog owners struggle with their dog's behavior in the yard. Whether digging, barking, fence fighting or chewing on patio furniture ... many dogs do NOT inherently behave well outside! In this episode I go into detail on why dogs misbehave outside and how to fix it.
36. The Dreaded Management
Management is a very unpopular topic among dog training students ... but without management, training is likely to fail! Today we dive deep into understanding why management is the foundation of any training you do - as well as the key to success.
35. Group Classes Are HARD
Is your dog failing at group training classes? Are they always the odd one out who's barking, pulling on leash and being unfocused? In this episode I discuss 3 ways to make group classes easier - as well as how to know if a group class is NOT the right place for your dog.
34. Why Treat Training Is NOT Working For You
Did treat training not work for you? In this episode I explain why some dogs don't take treats outside, why they only listen when they see a treat, why they sometimes learn the wrong thing with treat training ... and how to turn all of this around by improving your training mechanics!
33. Five Reasons Your Dog Training Hit A Plateau
Is your training stagnating? Did your dog make progress initially, but then you hit a plateau? It's frustrating and disappointing when you don't see progress anymore! The good news is that there are 5 common reasons why training is stagnating ... with 5 easy solutions! In this episode I discuss small changes you can make to get back on track and watch your dog improve rapidly.
32. Old dog, new tricks?
Can old dogs learn new tricks? Every dog trainer will tell you 'yes', but the true answer is more complex than this. In today's episode I dive into the WHY and HOW of teaching adult dogs novel behaviors, and re-training known skills! We also discuss when you should NOT teach your old dog a new trick.
31. Ignoring Bad Behavior
"Ignore bad behavior" Does this really work? In which situations is ignoring the right approach ... and in which might it make your dog's behavior WORSE? Dive in and discover why behavior can be stopped by ignoring ... and why it sometimes is absolutely the wrong choice!
30. The #1 Tip To Accelerate Your Training Today
In this episode I share one small change that you can make today - with big results! Listen in to find out how to reduce your dog's frustration, eliminate unpleasant training surprises and become a better trainer for your dog right away.
29. The Magical Training Solution?
What should you do in the very moment that your dog is misbehaving? What is the "magical solution" ... and does this even exist? Join me to learn how your dog's behavioral history decides how they act in a certain moment, as well as what this has to do with why I cannot run a marathon tomorrow.
28. Separation Anxiety
Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety. The solution is not intuitive at all: You actually need to leave your dog alone MORE OFTEN. But it needs to be done the right way ... in this episode, we discuss how to have dogs shake off the fear of being home alone! For more tips and trainings visit us at: https://academy.spiritdogtraining.com/
27. How often should you practice a behavior?
How often do you need to practice a skill in dog training? Why isn't your dog 100% better after 3 sessions? And what does this have to do with how many times you picked up your phone today?
26. Starting in dog agility
Want to try dog agility with your dog? Think you are too slow for your dog? Think again! This sport is awesome for many dog and handler teams. We tell you how to get started!
25. Common household dangers
Our vet Dr Cori is back to answer the most common questions about household accidents. What are some dangers you might not be aware of? How can you keep your dog out of trouble at home? And do we have to watch out for household dangers even after the puppy stage (hint: yes!)? Let's dive right in!
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