Nate Schoemer Dog Training Podcast

The dog training world is deeply divided, force-free vs balanced training. But what happens when avoiding pressure actually creates more fear, anxiety, and instability in dogs?In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Justin Rigney, veteran dog trainer and former law-enforcement K9 handler, for an honest, experience-driven conversation about pressure, fear, genetics, and real behavior change.Justin explains why he doesn’t view pressure as punishment, but as communication, when applied correctly, fairly, and with timing. Drawing from decades of experience working with pet dogs, working dogs, and high-drive behavioral cases, he breaks down how pressure can provide clarity, encourage neutrality, and help dogs move through stress instead of becoming trapped in avoidance or fear.They also explore how well-intentioned training approaches can unintentionally reinforce fear, why genetics matter long before formal training begins, and why experienced trainers avoid rigid systems in favor of reading the individual dog in front of them.This conversation is especially relevant for dog owners, professional trainers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of canine behavior beyond trend-driven or ideological training narratives.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode• Why pressure is often unavoidable in real-world dog training• How fear can be unintentionally reinforced by handlers• The difference between fair, structured pressure and harmful handling• Why neutrality can be a powerful emotional state for many dogs• How balanced trainers blend reward, pressure, and restraint• Why some reward-only systems struggle under high stress or distraction• How genetics influence behavior long before formal training begins🎓 Recommended Training ResourceFrom Novice To Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog Training By Nate Schoemer👉 ⁠https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625⁠🔗 Connect with Justin RigneyInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jrigk9/⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/K9servicesunlimited⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@k9servicesunlimited⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@k-9servicesunlimited136⁠Website: ⁠https://k9servicesunlimited.com/⁠🔗 Connect with Nate SchoemerYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemer⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemer⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer⁠X (Twitter): ⁠https://x.com/NateSchoemer

The dog training world is deeply divided, force-free vs balanced training.But what happens when avoiding pressure actually creates more fear, anxiety, and instability in dogs?In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Justin Rigney, veteran dog trainer and former law-enforcement K9 handler, for an honest, experience-driven conversation about pressure, fear, genetics, and real behavior change.Justin explains why he doesn’t view pressure as punishment, but as communication, when applied correctly, fairly, and with timing. Drawing from decades of experience working with pet dogs, working dogs, and high-drive behavioral cases, he breaks down how pressure can provide clarity, encourage neutrality, and help dogs move through stress instead of becoming trapped in avoidance or fear.They also explore how well-intentioned training approaches can unintentionally reinforce fear, why genetics matter long before formal training begins, and why experienced trainers avoid rigid systems in favor of reading the individual dog in front of them.This conversation is especially relevant for dog owners, professional trainers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of canine behavior beyond trend-driven or ideological training narratives.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode• Why pressure is often unavoidable in real-world dog training• How fear can be unintentionally reinforced by handlers• The difference between fair, structured pressure and harmful handling• Why neutrality can be a powerful emotional state for many dogs• How balanced trainers blend reward, pressure, and restraint• Why some reward-only systems struggle under high stress or distraction• How genetics influence behavior long before formal training begins🎓 Recommended Training ResourceFrom Novice To Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog TrainingBy Nate Schoemer👉 https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625🔗 Connect with Justin RigneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jrigk9/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/K9servicesunlimitedTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@k9servicesunlimitedYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@k-9servicesunlimited136Website: https://k9servicesunlimited.com/🔗 Connect with Nate SchoemerYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemerX (Twitter): https://x.com/NateSchoemer

Most dog training advice tells owners to keep their dog calm at all costs.Neuroscience suggests that approach often backfires.In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with neuroscientist and dog trainer Dr. Melanie Uhde to challenge some of the most common assumptions in modern dog training.Rather than chasing constant calm, this conversation explains why manageable stress, frustration, and challenge are essential for building confident, resilient, real-world dogs.Drawing from neuroscience, biology, genetics, learning theory, and real training experience, Dr. Uhde breaks down how dogs actually learn, adapt, and cope — and why avoiding stress entirely can create long-term behavioral problems.This is not theory for theory’s sake. Every concept discussed is tied back to practical training decisions dog owners and trainers make every day.🧠 Topics Covered in This Episode• Why “calm” is often the wrong goal in dog training• The difference between productive stress and harmful stress• How stress inoculation builds confidence and resilience• Why frustration and challenge accelerate learning• Common myths about cortisol and dopamine in dogs• Why emotional corrections damage learning• How genetics and environment interact in behavior• Why biologically appropriate outlets prevent problem behaviors• How to build real-world reliability without suppression🎓 Recommended Training ResourceFrom Novice To Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog TrainingBy Nate Schoemer👉 https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625🔗 Connect with Nate SchoemerYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemerX (Twitter): https://x.com/NateSchoemer🔬 Learn More from Dr. Melanie UhdeWebsite: https://www.caninedecoded.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.melanie.uhdeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/caninedecodedYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.melanieuhdeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caninedecoded

Thinking about leaving your 9–5 to become a professional dog trainer?Natalie Dobkins did exactly that — and in this episode, she breaks down how and why she made the leap, plus what it really takes to build a sustainable dog training business.Natalie (Team K9 Training) joins host Nate Schoemer for an honest, no-fluff conversation about transitioning out of the corporate world and into full-time dog training. They dive deep into the business foundations most trainers overlook, including LLC setup, pricing, marketing, client management, and how to avoid burnout in an unregulated industry.This episode isn’t just about training dogs — it’s about building a career that lasts.Whether you’re an aspiring dog trainer, a working professional considering a career shift, or an established trainer looking to tighten up your business systems, this episode delivers real-world insight you can apply immediately.The Career LeapWhat finally pushed Natalie to leave her corporate job and pursue dog training full-time.Business Foundations for Dog TrainersWhy LLCs, finances, contracts, and structure matter before you ever take a leash.Marketing & Client AcquisitionHow to attract clients without feeling salesy — and when paid ads actually make sense.Owner Education & Client RetentionWhy training owners is just as important as training dogs.Avoiding BurnoutWhy “being the Walmart of dog training” destroys trainers — and how to set boundaries.Scaling With SystemsHow email automation, follow-ups, and streamlined programs free up your time.Get 20% OFF with code: YONEISALLAmazon (US):https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DS2N3T3X?maas=maas_adg_A9BF15CFF1EEF7A701CF2F51611A4226_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maasOfficial Store:https://oneisallinc.pxf.io/WyjNrMCourse:From Novice To Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog Traininghttps://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625Follow Nate:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemerX (Twitter): https://x.com/NateSchoemer🎧 Podcast Home:https://pod.link/1804414647Guest – Natalie Dobkins (Team K9 Training)Website: https://www.teamk9training.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamk9.training/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teamk9trainingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teamk9training/videos

From Marine Corps discipline to professional dog training, Steven Hueston’s journey shows how structure, patience, and purpose can transform both people and dogs.In this powerful episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Steven Hueston—Marine infantry veteran, professional dog trainer, and host of the Dogs of War Podcast—to explore how lessons from military life shaped his approach to balanced dog training, behavior modification, and helping veterans heal through canine companionship.If you’ve ever wondered how the mindset of a Marine translates to calm, confident, reliable dogs, this episode breaks it all down.How military structure and timing translate directly into effective dog trainingThe difference between sport protection dogs and true working dogsWhy service dogs can both help and harm veterans—and the long-term emotional risks few discussHow to build confidence in fearful dogs without coddling or over-correctingThe truth about “force-free” training and why many trainers use punishment without realizing itWhat balanced training really means and how Steven tailors it to each dog and ownerWhy patience and timing matter more than toolsThe biggest mistakes dog owners make (and how to fix them quickly)The story of Dobby, a Dogo Argentino who went from reactivity to off-leash freedomHow working with dogs provides veterans with purpose, healing, and connectionSteven Hueston is a Marine infantry veteran turned professional dog trainer. He brings real-world structure, discipline, and emotional intelligence to every dog he trains. He is the founder of Oracle K9 Training in Avon, Colorado, and host of the Dogs of War Podcast, where he interviews top trainers, handlers, and veterans on life, healing, and training.Website: https://oraclek9training.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083883048752Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oracle_k9_trainingPodcast: https://pod.link/1532993707From Novice to Pro: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Traininghttps://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NateSchoemerPodcast: https://pod.link/1804414647Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemerPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/NateSchoemerSit Stay Learn: https://sitstaylearn.com