Ep. 32 - From Frustration to Focus: Michael Ellis on Smarter Dog Training
Michael Ellis on the Most Overlooked Key to Dog Training: EngagementIn this wide-ranging conversation, world-renowned dog trainer Michael Ellis shares what he believes is the most overlooked key to successful dog training: engagement.Before you can teach a dog what to learn, you first have to teach them how to learn—and that starts by creating motivation, attention, and buy-in. Whether you’re a dog owner, a new trainer, or a seasoned pro, this discussion will change the way you think about dogs, behavior, and obedience.We cover:• Why engagement is the foundation of all dog training• How classical conditioning shapes behavior (often without us realizing it)• The right and wrong way to use markers and rewards• How to avoid common mistakes like overshadowing and learned irrelevance• When to switch from continuous to intermittent reinforcement• How to address behavior issues like fear, aggression, and anxiety• The future of dog training and how science is reshaping the fieldLearn more from Michael Ellis:Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers: https://michaelellisschool.com/Membership Platform: https://michaelellisschool.com/membership/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelellisschoolfordogtr6450Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534012479Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_ellis_school/Work with Nate Schoemer:Online Course: 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=50148621582625⏱ Episode Breakdown:00:00 – Engagement in Reward-Based Dog Training06:35 – Measuring Dog Training Engagement13:20 – Delayed Reward Timing in Dog Training18:13 – Effective Dog Training Commands26:24 – Intermittent Dog Training Strategies27:43 – Effects of Continuous Rewards36:16 – Evolving Dog Training Methods41:51 – Evolving Dog Training Insights46:09 – Training People for Dog Skills51:48 – Dog Training: Beyond Protocols58:09 – Effective Rewards for Anxious Dogs01:01:26 – Pavlovian Interference in Dog Training01:06:29 – Delayed Rewards in Dog Training01:11:20 – Evolving Approach to Dog Training01:19:55 – Michael Ellis Membership Launch01:20:56 – Affordable Dog Training Access
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Ep. 31 - Puppy Myths Busted with Maureen Cucinella
Thinking about getting a puppy—or struggling with one you already have?In this in-depth conversation, professional dog trainer Nate Schoemer sits down with Maureen Cucinella to debunk common puppy training myths, tackle crate and muzzle training, explain the truth about socialization, and offer real solutions for raising a confident, balanced dog.You’ll learn:• How to spot reliable dog training advice (and avoid the harmful stuff)• The truth about punishment, dominance, and boundaries• Crate training and muzzle use as confidence-building tools• Tips to stop puppy biting, jumping, and overexcitement• How to safely socialize unvaccinated puppiesWhether you're raising your first dog or looking to sharpen your training skills, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you raise the dog you’ve always wanted.- Work with Nate Schoemer:Online Course: From Novice to Prohttps://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625Book a 1-on-1 Virtual Lesson:https://calendly.com/nateschoemer/1-hour-virtual-training- Learn more from Maureen Cucinella:Website: https://www.SpiritedK9.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpiritedK9/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5PRQlY3iuS9oBXhXEo9LfgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritedk9/- Episode Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Dog Socialization and Reactivity Issues07:18 – Realistic Puppy Training Approaches That Actually Work13:00 – Using Maternal Techniques to Raise Well-Behaved Dogs18:31 – How to Adapt Your Training to Fit Each Dog25:47 – Playing with High-Drive Puppies (Sport Dog Tips)31:21 – Keeping Puppies Calm and Grounded34:57 – Stop Dog Jumping with the “Invitation Only” Rule38:16 – Breaking Down Common Puppy Training Advice43:54 – Crate Training: Why It’s a Must (Not a Jail)53:06 – Frustration-Free Puppy Training Techniques59:11 – Puppy Socialization Mistakes to Avoid01:01:02 – Safe Socialization for Unvaccinated Puppies01:07:11 – Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the Training
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Ep. 30 - How to Train a Life-Changing Service Dog: Expert Secrets Revealed
🎙️ What does it really take to raise a reliable service dog?In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with professional service dog trainer Heather Lowell to explore the science and strategy behind raising life-changing canine partners. From genetics and early development to advanced training and public access proofing, this episode is packed with honest insights and expert advice.Whether you’re starting with a puppy, considering a rescue, or looking to train a dog you already have, Heather shares a clear roadmap to success—rooted in real-world experience and evidence-based techniques.How to select the right dog for service work (puppy vs. rescue)The role of genetics, epigenetics, and the critical socialization periodCrate training, potty training, and early management strategiesCommon myths around service dog certification and ADA lawsE-collar training, reward timing, and advanced behavior shapingPublic access training, task work, and distraction proofingFounder of The K9 Advocate📺 YouTube: @TheK9AdvocateLLC🌐 Website: https://www.thek9advocate.com/📸 Instagram: @k9advocateheather💡 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheK9AdvocateLLCCheck out Nate’s complete step-by-step course:🎓 From Novice to Pro: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training👉 https://bit.ly/4jGVNNBIf you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and leave a rating — it helps us reach more dog lovers and support more training journeys. 🐶🔍 Topics Covered:👤 Guest: Heather Lowell🐾 Want to train your own dog like a pro?
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Ep. 29 - From Novice to Pro: Dog Training Q&A with Nate Schoemer
Join me, Nate Schoemer, for a special Q&A session all about my online dog training course, From Novice to Pro. Whether you’re just starting your training journey or looking to level up, I’m answering your questions and sharing insider tips to help you get the most out of the course.In this episode, you’ll discover:How to navigate the course in the right order for maximum resultsWhat each module covers—from engagement and marker training to leash skills and off-leash masteryWhy short, targeted lessons lead to faster progressHow to troubleshoot common training challenges using the course systemAs a professional dog trainer who’s taught at the Tom Rose School, I’m here to help you train with clarity and purpose. Ready to dive deeper? Check out the full From Novice to Pro course or book a virtual lesson with me—links below!Take Your Training Further:Enroll in From Novice to Pro: https://sitstaylearn.com/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemerBook a Virtual or In-Person Lesson: https://calendly.com/nateschoemer/in-person-training-lessonFollow Me on Instagram & Facebook: @NateSchoemerLove This Episode? Share it with a fellow dog owner, leave a review on your podcast app, or tag me on social media—I’d love to hear your biggest training takeaway! Stay tuned for more episodes to help you and your dog thrive.
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Ep. 28 - Say It Once – Why Your Dog Ignores You & How to Fix It
🎧 Why Your Dog Ignores You — And How to Fix ItTired of repeating yourself just to get your dog to listen? In this episode, I break down the real reasons dogs tune us out—and what you can do to change that.We’ll dive into the most common training mistakes, like unclear communication and inconsistent follow-through, and I’ll share practical, step-by-step strategies that help your dog respond the first time, every time.You’ll learn:🧠 Why repetition can actually teach your dog to ignore you🎯 How to add meaning and accountability to your commands🐾 Easy adjustments that instantly improve clarity and responsiveness✅ My go-to system for building strong engagement and structureIf you're ready to stop repeating yourself and start creating lasting results, this episode is for you.Want to go deeper?🐾 Take my full online course:👉 From Novice to Pro: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training📍 Book a 1-on-1 Virtual Lesson:👉 https://calendly.com/nateschoemer/1-hour-virtual-training📲 Connect with me on Instagram & Facebook👉 @NateSchoemer
Join Nate Schoemer as he interviews top dog trainers—from behavior specialists and protection experts to authors, judges, and training school founders. Each episode offers expert advice on real training topics, followed by live Q&As where listeners can ask direct questions. You’ll also hear real virtual sessions solving common issues, plus unique follow-along obedience routines that simulate private lessons to help you train effectively. Whether you're a dog owner or aspiring trainer, this podcast gives you direct access to high-level training insights you can use right away.
Netherlands