Nate Schoemer Dog Training Podcast

What separates average dog training programs from systems that consistently produce reliable, real-world results?
In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Brian Claeys, founder of All Dogs Unleashed, to break down what professional trainers do differently when working with high volumes of real dogs and real owners.
This is a behind-the-scenes conversation about structure, clarity, proofing, client education, follow-up systems, and the operational habits that separate high-performing programs from average training businesses.
Whether you’re a professional trainer, aspiring trainer, or serious dog owner, this episode will change how you think about long-term results and real-world obedience.
Why most dog training programs fail long-term

How high-volume board & train programs are structured

What real consistency looks like in daily training routines

How clarity and proofing create reliable obedience

Why customer education matters more than most trainers realize

The importance of follow-up systems

How trainers balance obedience and behavior modification

What separates elite programs from average operations

High-quality working dog gear, training equipment, and accessories
Use Code: NATE
Shop: https://germanshepherdshop.com/
Follow German Shepherd Shop:
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From Novice To Pro — 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
Dog Training Decoded — Michael Ellis
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/dog-training-decoded-by-michael-ellis?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=51512501371169
Course Breakdown Article:
https://nateschoemer.com/dog-training-decoded-why-every-serious-trainer-should-learn-from-michael-ellis/
Peoria, AZ — February 21–22, 2026
Working Spot: SOLD OUT
Audit Spot: $250
Tickets: https://square.link/u/fUpcbPtG
North Bend, OR — March 13–14, 2026
Working Spot:
https://9ce05e2d-70ad-4316-a25c-0e8363a9306a.paylinks.godaddy.com/nateschoemerworkingspot
Audit Spot:
https://9ce05e2d-70ad-4316-a25c-0e8363a9306a.paylinks.godaddy.com/3059b659-5945-4fc3-b4e7-db5
San Marcos, TX — September 26–27, 2026
Tickets Coming Soon
Website: https://www.alldogsunleashed.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alldogsunleashed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alldogsunleashed/
Website: https://NateSchoemer.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemer
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@NateSchoemer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer
X (Twitter): https://x.com/NateSchoemer
What You’ll Learn In This Episode🎯 Sponsor — German Shepherd Shop🎓 Recommended Dog Training Courses📍 Upcoming Live Seminars👤 Guest — Brian Claeys🔗 Connect With Nate

Most dog owners try to teach obedience by jumping straight into commands, structure, and discipline. According to Jamie The Dog Trainer, that approach is backwards.
In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Jamie to break down why obedience often feels difficult, and how trick training, play, motivation, and proper foundations can make training easier, faster, and far more effective.
They explore how engagement, reward systems, emotional conditioning, and drive-building techniques create dogs that actually want to work with you, instead of simply complying under pressure.
If you want reliable obedience, stronger engagement, and training that feels fun instead of frustrating, this conversation will change the way you approach dog training.
🎓 Learn Nate’s Full Training System:
From Novice To Pro: The Ultimate Guide To Dog Training
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
🎧 Listen to the Podcast:
https://pod.link/1804414647

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
Why most owners teach obedience in the wrong order

How trick training builds engagement and focus

How reward events make food and markers more powerful

The role of classical and operant conditioning in training

Why play matters more than discipline early on

How confidence and drive affect obedience reliability

Common misconceptions about tug, play, and resource guarding

How to build motivation in low-drive dogs

Why tricks create emotional readiness for obedience

The foundations needed before addressing behavior problems

The difference between obedience and true behavior change

WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR:
New dog owners

Experienced handlers

Professional trainers

Balanced trainers

Positive reinforcement trainers

Owners struggling with engagement or obedience

Handlers working with reactive or fearful dogs

Anyone wanting a science-based training approach

KEY TRAINING CONCEPTS DISCUSSED:
Reward Event Theory

Marker Training

Engagement Building

Play-Based Motivation

Emotional Conditioning

Reinforcement Schedules

Counterconditioning

Trainer Mindset

Training Philosophy

Choosing the Right Trainer

FOLLOW JAMIE THE DOG TRAINER:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiethedogtrainer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiedogtrainer
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamiethedogtrainer1735
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamiethedogtrainer

FOLLOW NATE SCHOEMER:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemer
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/NateSchoemer
Podcast: https://pod.link/1804414647

Aggression cases don’t fail because of dogs, they fail because owners aren’t trained properly. In this episode, professional dog trainer Austin Laramee joins Nate Schoemer to break down how play-based training, leash communication, and owner education create behavior change that actually lasts.
Austin shares his journey from adopting a shelter dog with no formal experience to working hundreds of real-world behavior cases. Together, they dive into what most owners get wrong, why many training programs fail once the dog goes home, and how play builds confidence, engagement, and impulse control.
This conversation is practical, real-world focused, and packed with takeaways for dog owners and trainers who want better results without gimmicks.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• Why owner education matters more than training the dog alone
• How play builds confidence, engagement, and control
• The biggest mistakes people make with aggressive dogs
• How leash pressure becomes a powerful communication tool
• Why board-and-train programs often fail long-term
• How to structure training for real-life environments

Resources Mentioned:
From Novice To Pro — 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
Dog Training Decoded — Michael Ellis
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/dog-training-decoded-by-michael-ellis?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=51512501371169
Michael Ellis Course Breakdown Article
https://nateschoemer.com/dog-training-decoded-why-every-serious-trainer-should-learn-from-michael-ellis/

Upcoming Live Seminars:
Corpus Christi, TX — January 23–25, 2026
Hosted by Harley & Sergio Dog Training (SK9)
Tickets: https://harleyandsergio.academy/workshop
Peoria, AZ — February 21–22, 2026
Hosted by Kinected K-9 AZ Dog Training
Tickets: https://square.link/u/fUpcbPtG
North Bend, OR — March 13–14, 2026
Working Spot:
https://9ce05e2d-70ad-4316-a25c-0e8363a9306a.paylinks.godaddy.com/nateschoemerworkingspot
Audit Spot:
https://9ce05e2d-70ad-4316-a25c-0e8363a9306a.paylinks.godaddy.com/3059b659-5945-4fc3-b4e7-db5
San Marcos, TX — September 26–27, 2026
Tickets coming soon

Follow Nate Schoemer:
Website: https://NateSchoemer.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemer
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@NateSchoemer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer
X (Twitter): https://x.com/NateSchoemer

Guest — Austin Laramee (Zero To Hero Dog Training):
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AustinLarameeDogTrainer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zerotoherodogtrainingakron/
Website: https://zerotoherodogtraining.online/
Email: [email protected]
If you’re dealing with aggression, reactivity, or obedience challenges, this episode delivers real frameworks you can start applying immediately — without shortcuts or hype.

Many dog trainers chase trophies. Nate Czarnota trains to a standard.
In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Nate Czarnota of Iron Oak Dog Company to break down what “training to a standard” really means and why it creates more reliable, capable dogs than chasing titles, ribbons, or trends.
They dive into gundog training, obedience under pressure, impulse control in high-arousal environments, and how the same principles apply to hunting dogs, sport dogs, and everyday companion dogs.
This is a systems-level conversation focused on real-world performance, clarity, and reliability, not appearances.
Whether you work high-drive dogs or just want better obedience at home, these principles translate across all training environments.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• Why training to a defined standard outperforms trophy-based training
• How to build impulse control without suppressing drive
• Using obedience as a communication system, not just control
• Reward-based strategies that hold up under pressure
• Why dogs become “collar-smart” and how to prevent it
• How gundogs can succeed both in the field and at home

RECOMMENDED TRAINING RESOURCES
From Novice To Pro – 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
Dog Training Decoded – Michael Ellis
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/dog-training-decoded-by-michael-ellis?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=51512501371169
Nate’s breakdown of Michael Ellis’ course:
https://nateschoemer.com/dog-training-decoded-why-every-serious-trainer-should-learn-from-michael-ellis/

UPCOMING SEMINARS
Corpus Christi, TX — January 23–25, 2026
Hosted by Harley & Sergio Dog Training (SK9)
Friday: Private Lessons (Application Only)
Saturday–Sunday: Workshop (8:00 AM – 5:30 PM)
Working Spot: $350
Audit Spot: $250
Tickets: https://harleyandsergio.academy/workshop
Peoria, AZ — February 21–22, 2026
Hosted by Kinected K-9 AZ Dog Training
Location: The Pitbull Store, Peoria AZ
Working Spot: SOLD OUT
Audit Spot: $250
Tickets: https://square.link/u/fUpcbPtG
North Bend, OR — March 13–14, 2026
Hosted by Campbell K9 University & Daycare
Working Spot: https://9ce05e2d-70ad-4316-a25c-0e8363a9306a.paylinks.godaddy.com/nateschoemerworkingspot
Audit Spot: https://9ce05e2d-70ad-4316-a25c-0e8363a9306a.paylinks.godaddy.com/3059b659-5945-4fc3-b4e7-db5
San Marcos, TX — September 26–27, 2026
Hosted by Pets and Moore, K9 Waterworld
Tickets Coming Soon

WHY THESE SEMINARS ARE DIFFERENT
This is not a massive, anonymous event.
You’ll see real training, coached live, with real dogs, real genetics, and real challenges.
Same framework. Different dogs. Real environments.

GUEST: NATE CZARNOTA (IRON OAK DOG COMPANY)
Website: https://www.ironoakdogs.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironoakdogs
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ironoakdogs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ironoakdogs
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gun-dog-it-yourself/id1475109621

FOLLOW NATE SCHOEMER
Website: https://NateSchoemer.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemer
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@NateSchoemer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer
X (Twitter): https://x.com/NateSchoemer
Podcast Feed: https://pod.link/1804414647

EPISODE KEY TOPICS
Hunting dog training, gundog obedience, impulse control, reward-based systems, training to objective standards, real-world reliability, high-drive dogs, field training principles, and companion dog performance.

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 Resource
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🔗
Connect with Justin Rigney
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jrigk9/⁠
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/K9servicesunlimited⁠
TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@k9servicesunlimited⁠
YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@k-9servicesunlimited136⁠
Website: ⁠https://k9servicesunlimited.com/⁠

🔗 Connect with Nate Schoemer
YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer⁠
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nateschoemer⁠
TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemer⁠
Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer⁠
X (Twitter): ⁠https://x.com/NateSchoemer