In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie welcome Janice Gunn, an experienced dog trainer, to discuss her journey in dog training, the evolution of training methods, and the importance of building a strong relationship with dogs. Janice shares her experiences with various breeds, the challenges of training, and the significance of positive reinforcement. The conversation emphasizes the need for curiosity and adaptability in training, as well as the joy of sharing knowledge within the dog training community. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the emotional connections they have with their dogs, the challenges and joys of dog ownership, and the complexities of training in competitive environments. They discuss the importance of exposure and generalization in training, managing nerves during competitions, and the supportive community within dog training. The conversation highlights personal experiences, the decision to bring new puppies into their lives, and the lifelong commitment to their canine companions.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Janice Gunn and Her Journey02:12 The Early Days of Dog Training05:10 Transitioning from Dalmatians to Retrievers08:44 The Evolution of Training Methods12:13 The Shift to Positive Reinforcement13:59 The Role of Curiosity in Training17:30 Sharing Knowledge in the Dog Training Community19:29 Canine Fitness and Rehabilitation21:41 Challenges in Training Different Breeds27:10 Understanding Sensitivity in Dogs28:54 Balancing Arousal in Dog Training30:08 Recognizing Effort and Mistakes in Training31:41 Achieving Consistency in Performance33:12 The Importance of Positive Reinforcement35:56 Understanding Marker Training37:59 Challenging Traditional Training Methods39:03 Training Across Different Disciplines43:02 The Role of Enjoyment in Training50:14 Dogs as Pets First, Competitors Second51:37 The Bond with Our Dogs52:37 The Joy of Dog Ownership53:56 The Decision to Get Another Puppy56:38 Training Challenges and Competition01:00:01 The Importance of Exposure in Training01:04:52 Managing Nerves and Distractions01:08:04 Experiences at Dog Shows and Competitions01:15:34 Celebrating Wins and Building Connections01:18:28 The Journey of Dog Training and Competitions01:19:39 Encouragement and Support in the Dog Training Community01:22:17 Challenges in Dog Training and Problem Solving01:28:32 Balancing Training and Business01:31:58 The Joy of Dog Training and Future Aspirations FOLLOW US:https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpodhttps://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcastPETRA:https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/www.petrasdogresourcecenter.comLAURIE:https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimaviciushttps://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025
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1:33:17
Episode 14: Training Plans
In this episode of the K9 Connection podcast, Petra Ford and Laurie discuss the significance of having a structured training plan for dog training. They emphasize the importance of setting high goals, understanding the motivation behind training, and the necessity of tracking progress. The conversation also covers the adaptability of training plans, the importance of quality over quantity in training sessions, and the need for constant reminders and accountability. They highlight that dog training is a journey filled with ups and downs, and celebrating small victories is crucial for both the trainer and the dog. Chapters:00:00 The Importance of Training Plans03:03 Setting High Goals for Dog Training06:06 Understanding Your 'Why' in Training08:56 The Role of Commitment and Motivation12:13 Tracking Progress and Adjusting Plans15:16 Quality Over Quantity in Training Sessions18:13 Breaking Down Training Goals21:08 Recognizing Progress and Adjusting Strategies23:58 Managing Training Sessions Effectively27:14 Avoiding Repetition and Overwhelm30:18 The Importance of Reflection and Adaptation31:38 The Importance of Accountability in Training34:11 Breaking Down Training Skills36:06 Planning and Flexibility in Training Sessions39:09 Learning from Training Experiences42:54 The Role of Progress in Training47:05 Managing Expectations and Goals50:09 The Need for Adaptability in Training54:06 Tracking Progress and Learning from Mistakes57:43 Embracing the Journey of TrainingFOLLOW US:https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpodhttps://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcastPETRA:https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/www.petrasdogresourcecenter.comLAURIE:https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimaviciushttps://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025
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1:05:48
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Episode 13: Coaching
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra Ford and Laurie discuss the complexities of dog training from both the instructor's and student's perspectives. They emphasize the importance of flexibility in coaching, empowering students to trust their instincts, and the value of continuous learning. The conversation also touches on the impact of online training, the significance of finding a training philosophy that aligns with one's values, and the necessity of enjoying the training process. Throughout the discussion, they highlight the need for instructors to adapt their methods to suit individual dogs and handlers, and the importance of fostering a supportive and encouraging environment for growth.Chapters:00:00 The Importance of Coaching in Dog Training02:55 Navigating Training Environments and Instructor Relationships05:36 Empowering Students to Trust Their Instincts08:37 The Role of Flexibility in Coaching11:43 Building Confidence in New Trainers14:30 The Value of Online Training and Self-Assessment17:15 Overcoming Insecurities in Dog Training20:15 The Continuous Journey of Learning and Improvement23:05 Collaborative Learning and Sharing Knowledge26:13 Embracing Diverse Training Methods28:58 The Broader Perspective on Dog Training32:40 Creative Problem Solving in Dog Training39:42 The Importance of Tweaking Training Methods44:52 Avoiding the Confusion of Multiple Training Methods47:59 The Impact of Social Media on Training Perception50:21 Finding Joy in Dog Training58:37 Taking Risks and Embracing ChangeFOLLOW US:https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpodhttps://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcastPETRA:https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/www.petrasdogresourcecenter.comLAURIE:https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimaviciushttps://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025
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Episode 12: Danette Chorney Interview
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Danette Chorney shares her journey into dog sports, particularly focusing on rally obedience. She discusses her transition from obedience to rally, the importance of understanding rally rules, and the significance of engagement in training. Danette also highlights the challenges faced by competitors, the resources available for rally training, and the design of effective rally courses. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the need for praise and engagement to enhance the training experience for both dogs and handlers. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the nuances of dog training, the importance of effective communication with dogs, and the proposed changes in dog sports, particularly regarding the inclusion of a veterans class. They discuss the challenges faced by judges in designing courses and the mental and physical demands of judging at competitions. The conversation emphasizes the need for appreciation of judges' efforts and the importance of creating a positive environment for dogs in competitive settings.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Danette Chorney01:15 Danette's Journey into Dog Sports05:05 Transitioning from Obedience to Rally09:45 Understanding Rally Rules and Judging15:05 The Differences Between Rally and Obedience20:23 Engagement and Training in Rally26:34 Teaching Rally: Challenges and Resources34:50 Mastering Rally: The Importance of Setup37:19 Designing Engaging Courses for Dogs38:35 The Art of Praise: Keeping Dogs Engaged41:09 The Challenges of Rally Training43:58 Engagement: The Key to Successful Rally49:08 Judging Rally: The Work Behind the Scenes53:41 Proposed Changes to Rally Classes01:03:19 Judging Dynamics in Rally Competitions01:08:47 Challenges of High-Volume Dog Events01:13:55 The Evolution of Judging Standards01:22:03 The Importance of Positive Reinforcement in TrainingFOLLOW US:https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpodhttps://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcastPETRA:https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/www.petrasdogresourcecenter.comLAURIE:https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimaviciushttps://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025
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Random Reflections: Labels
In this episode of Random Reflections, Petra and Laurie discuss the significant impact of labeling dogs on their training and behavior. They explore how labels can create limitations and affect the trainer's perception of the dog. The conversation delves into confirmation bias, the importance of objective training, and managing expectations in dog training. They emphasize the individuality of each dog and the need for patience and understanding in the training process, ultimately advocating for a more compassionate and flexible approach to dog training.Chapters:00:00 The Impact of Labeling Dogs05:18 Understanding Confirmation Bias in Dog Training11:35 The Importance of Objective Training18:50 Managing Expectations in Dog Training26:15 The Role of Genetics and Individual Differences30:53 Final Thoughts: Avoiding LabelsFOLLOW US:https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpodhttps://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcastPETRA:https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainerwww.petrasdogresourcecenter.comLAURIE:https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimaviciushttps://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025
Canine Connection is a podcast for dog lovers, by dog lovers—people who are passionate about dog training and the incredible bond it builds between us and our dogs. We believe dog training is all about communication, and we’re here to talk about it in a way that’s approachable and relatable. Whether you're involved in dog sports or just want to better understand your pup, we’ll break down training concepts that apply across the board. Through honest conversations and inspiring interviews, we’ll explore mindset, motivation, and real-life experiences—plus share practical, actionable tips to help you grow alongside your dog. If you love all things dogs, dog training and dog sports and want to deepen your connection with your canine companion, you’re in the right place.
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