Ep. 37 - Ivan Balabanov: Building Trust, Motivation, and Lasting Results in Dog Training
In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with legendary dog trainer Ivan Balabanov to explore his groundbreaking philosophy, Training Without Conflict. Ivan shares why true success in dog training comes from rapport, trust, motivation, and cooperation—not force or fear.Whether you’re a dog owner, aspiring trainer, or seasoned professional, this conversation will reshape the way you think about dogs, behavior, and effective communication.You’ll learn how to:Understand the real meaning of Training Without ConflictBuild rapport, trust, and cooperation with your dogBalance food vs. play and why play transforms focus and enduranceAvoid common miscommunication mistakes that create conflictUse struggle as a tool for growth and deeper trustApply reward strategies, timing, and reinforcement schedulesHarness the role of emotions, energy, and dopamine in learningIf you’re serious about elevating your training and building a rock-solid relationship with your dog, this is one interview you don’t want to miss.🔗 Resources & Links✅ Ivan Balabanov’s Training Without Conflict School:https://trainingwithoutconflict.com✅ OT VITOSHA MALINOIS: https://www.malinois.com/✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ivan.Balabanovhttps://www.facebook.com/TrainingWithoutConflict✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainlikeivan/✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IvanBalabanov✅ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@trainingwithoutconflict✅ X: https://x.com/BalabanovIvan✅ Nate Schoemer’s 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=50148621582625Thanks for listening and supporting the channel.
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Ep. 36 - Hollywood Dog Trainer Omar Von Muller: From Blockbusters to a Painting Dog
What happens when one of the world’s most innovative dog trainers takes his famous trick dogs from Hollywood stunts to the art world?In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Omar Von Muller — the legendary trainer behind viral sensations Jumpy and Monkey, and the man who trained the pit bull in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.Omar’s story is incredible: from rescuing dogs off the street, to training them for blockbuster films, to now teaching his dog Monkey to paint over 50 original works of art in just seven months. His philosophy blends clarity, communication, and creativity, showing the world what’s possible when we think beyond traditional obedience.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Omar trained dogs for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and other major filmsWhy communication systems like the “mark system” are the foundation for advanced trainingThe role of creativity in keeping dogs engaged and fulfilledWhy Omar retired Monkey from stunt work and pivoted into paintingThe process of teaching a dog to paint — from brush handling to unique strokesHow Omar balances play, exercise, and art to give his dogs the fullest life possibleConnect with Omar Von Muller:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omarvonmullerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/omarvonmullerFacebook (Omar & Monkey): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088557324948Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/omarsdogtrainingMonkey’s Art Gallery: https://monkeysartgallery.comOmar’s Course – The Mark System Blueprint: https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/the-mark-system-blueprint-by-omar-von-muller?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50640517660961From 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
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Ep. 35 - Inside the Bite Suit: Protection Dog Training with Bob Solimini
What makes or breaks a great protection dog? According to world-class decoy and trainer Bob Solimini, the answer lies in the person inside the bite suit.In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Bob to reveal the hidden role of decoys in shaping reliable sport, police, and military dogs. From building confidence in young puppies to testing seasoned competition dogs, Bob breaks down what every handler, trainer, and aspiring decoy needs to know.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The difference between training decoys (who build dogs) and trial decoys (who test them)How to choose the right club, trainer, and mentor to succeed in protection sportsOvercoming fear and building confidence as a new decoyBite safety, targeting, and obedience under distractionSport vs. real-world protection—what carries over and what doesn’tAbout Bob Solimini:Decoy & Trainer: Sport, Police, Military, and Pet DogsPhone: (602) 374-4555Website: https://all-americank-9.com/Online Decoy Course: https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/the-ultimate-decoy-playbook-from-basics-to-the-podium-by-bob-solimini?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=48591367373089Whether you’re an aspiring decoy, a handler in protection sports, or simply passionate about working dogs, this episode gives you rare insight into the art and science of protection dog training.Don’t miss Bob’s expertise—and check out Nate’s full course here: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
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Ep. 34 - From Fear to Mastery: Nino (STSK9) on Building the S-Flow Dog Training System
In this episode, I sit down with Nino from STSK9, one of the most respected and innovative figures in the dog training world. Nino’s journey is extraordinary—he grew up afraid of dogs, yet went on to become a K9 handler, elite trainer, and the creator of the S-Flow system that’s redefining obedience and working dog training.We cover:Nino’s unlikely path from fear to obsession and ultimately to the K9 unit.The mindset it takes to overcome obstacles and achieve mastery.Why handler skills, synchronization, and mechanics are as critical as the dog’s abilities.How the S-Flow system was developed and why it produces precise, powerful, and reliable obedience.The role of psychology, decision-making, and talent development for both dog and handler.Lessons from Belgian Ring, Mondioring, and K9 deployments that apply to anyone training dogs.The difference between focus heel, contact heel, and street heel—and how synchronization is the real secret to leash work.Whether you’re a pet owner wanting a better connection with your dog, a professional trainer, or a working-dog enthusiast, this conversation is packed with insights that will change the way you think about training.🎓 Learn more from Nino and STSK9’s programs (use code NATESCHOEMER):https://onlineuniversity.stsk9.com/a/2147494584/wiKC9xeShttps://onlineuniversity.stsk9.com/a/2147496476/wiKC9xeS📌 Follow Nino (STSK9):Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stsk9/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stsk9Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nino.drowaertYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@STSK9Website: https://stsk9.com/
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Ep. 33 - Stop Leash Reactivity: Transform Your Walks with Stephanie Vichinsky
Does your dog lunge, bark, or pull on walks? In this episode, professional dog trainer Stephanie Vichinsky (founder of Method K9) explains exactly how to stop leash reactivity and turn stressful walks into calm, enjoyable experiences.🎧 Exclusive Offer: Use code NATE (all caps) for 50% off Method K9 courses—including all four certification levels, video-only bundles, Puppy Jump Start, Basic & Intermediate Foundation, and Crate Training. Redeem here: https://methodk9.thinkific.com/You’ll learn:Why leash reactivity happens and how fear or frustration fuels itHow short leashes can trigger fight-or-flight responses—and what to do insteadSafely using long lines to reduce tension and give your dog choiceFulfilling your dog’s genetic drives (biting, chasing, sniffing) without bad habitsA “good/nope” communication system to replace chaos with calmWhy crate training is essential for safety and managementStep-by-step distraction training for real-world reliabilityHow Method K9’s certification program is helping save more dogs📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Dealing With Leash Reactivity: Paving the Path to Peaceful Walks – https://sitstaylearn.com/products/dealing-with-leash-reactivity-paving-the-path-to-peaceful-walks-by-stephanie-vichinsky?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50047123620129The Foundation of Clear Communication for Better Training – https://sitstaylearn.com/products/the-foundation-of-clear-communication-for-better-training-by-stephanie-vichinsky?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=49548210340129Beyond the Foundation: Intermediate Obedience & Socialization – https://sitstaylearn.com/products/beyond-the-foundation-intermediate-obedience-socialization-by-stephanie-vichinsky?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=49548219810081Mastering Mealtime: Conquering Food Aggression – https://sitstaylearn.com/products/mastering-mealtime-conquering-food-aggression-by-stephanie-vichinsky?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=51043723673889Vet Visit Mastery – https://sitstaylearn.com/products/vet-visit-mastery-by-stephanie-vichinsky?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=49548240322849Stress-Free Grooming for Reactive Dogs – https://sitstaylearn.com/products/stress-free-grooming-for-reactive-dogs-by-stephanie-vichinsky?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=49551513026849From Novice to Pro: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training – 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=50148621582625Method K9 YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@methodk9
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.
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