
Ep. 42 - Should You Quit Your 9–5 to Become a Dog Trainer? (Natalie Dobkins’ Story)
15-12-2025 | 3 u. 22 Min.
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

Ep. 41 - The Mindset That Turns Struggling Dogs Into Confident Companions
04-12-2025 | 1 u. 27 Min.
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

Ep. 40 - Are You Neglecting This Vital Step in Your Dog ’ s Training Plan? | Evan Doggett Interview
04-11-2025 | 2 u. 38 Min.
Many dog trainers only focus on obedience… but what if the real solution to your dog’s behavior issues lies somewhere else entirely?In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Nate Schoemer sits down with Evan Doggett (@doggett.style) to explore how small, often-ignored factors can transform a dog’s behavior from the inside out. From understanding canine communication to rethinking tools like e-collars, this episode uncovers what truly makes dogs reliable, calm, and happy companions.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:• Why your dog’s daily habits can shape behavior long before formal training begins• A simple “doggie multivitamin” recipe that owners swear by• How to use e-collars the right way, as a tool for communication, not punishment• The difference between socialization and desensitization (and why it matters)• Practical ways to fix reactivity, aggression, and resource guarding• How to make training fun, effective, and sustainable for both ends of the leashTop Quotes from Evan Doggett:“If your dog treat has more than five ingredients, throw it away.”“Most behavior problems start with the body, fix the health, and you fix the brain.”“At the beginning, think of the e-collar like a gentle leash pull, it’s about communication, not control.”About Evan Doggett:Founder of Doggett Style Dog Training, Evan blends humor, science, and real-world experience to help owners raise confident, balanced, and well-behaved dogs through clear communication and modern training strategies.🌐 Website: https://doggettstyle.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doggett.style/🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doggettstyle▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@doggettstyledogtraining📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoggettStyleFollow Nate Schoemer:YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Podcast | Sit Stay Learn🎓 From 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

Ep. 39 - Carlos Ramirez: From Special Forces K9s to Everyday Obedience | A Masterclass in Dog Training
17-10-2025 | 1 u. 34 Min.
Carlos Ramirez of CRK9 is one of the most respected and experienced dog trainers in the country, and in this episode, he breaks down exactly how he gets such reliable, real-world results.From training elite military and police K9s to transforming household pets with serious behavioral issues, Carlos brings a deep, proven approach to canine development. In this interview, you’ll learn:How he went from farm life in Puerto Rico to training special forces dogsThe truth about e-collars, prong collars, and the balanced training debateHow to stop leash pulling, jumping, aggression, and disobedienceThe foundations required for off-leash reliabilityWhat separates personal protection dogs from basic obedienceWhy training the owner is just as important as training the dogThis is a must-listen for dog owners, aspiring trainers, and anyone curious about what it really takes to build a confident, well-behaved, and trustworthy dog.Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms.- Follow Carlos Ramirez / CRK9 Online:- Website: https://carlosramirezk9.com- Email: [email protected] Instagram: @carlosramirezk9- Facebook: facebook.com/carlosramirezk9- YouTube: @carlosramirezk9- TikTok: @crk9Don’t forget to subscribe and share!

Ep. 38 - The Most Misunderstood Dog Training Lessons | Robert Cabral Interview
03-10-2025 | 2 u. 10 Min.
In this episode, Robert Cabral shares how his journey from martial arts shaped his dog training philosophy—and how discipline, empathy, and clarity help dogs trust, thrive, and transform.We dive into shelter dog work, communication systems (yes/no, binary), building rapport, and why the “alpha” model is often misunderstood.This interview is for dog owners, trainers, or anyone passionate about animals. Whether you want better clarity, stronger results, or a deeper bond with your dog, there’s something here for you.What You’ll Learn:How Robert’s martial arts background shaped his training approach.The real meaning of “alpha” and why aggression doesn’t belong in leadership.How to build trust, motivation, and engagement with puppies.Step-by-step strategies for issues like potty training and reactivity.Insights into Robert’s “binary dog” concept and why yes/no can simplify communication.Why training is about clarity, not control.Tools, corrections, and fairness in balanced training.Lessons from shelter dogs and what they can teach us about resilience.Check Out Robert’s Courses:Shelter Course – $995https://robertcabral.com/shelter-dog-training/training/nateschoemer/Puppy Course – $199https://robertcabral.com/my-first-30-days-with-my-puppy-course/training/nateschoemer/Crate Mini Course – $39https://robertcabral.com/crate-training/training/nateschoemer/Membership – $20/month or $129/yearhttps://robertcabral.com/training/nateschoemer/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=50148621582625Connect with Robert Cabral:Website: https://robertcabral.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobertCabralDogsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertcabral/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertCabralTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@robertcabraldogsConnect with Nate Schoemer:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer



Nate Schoemer Dog Training Podcast