In this episode, we discuss dog management. Dog management has become the default approach for far too many situations that could be addressed through training. We review some common examples of how dog management and training intersect, when one is more appropriate than the other, and general aspects to consider when making decisions about management and training solutions. You will better understand what training can help with and when management is more appropriate.

Visit the Podcast Episode Page to watch the video version, see additional content, and access a list of the episode references.

Buy Ralf's book If Your Dog Could Talk - Understand Your Dog Like Never Before (5th Edition) on Amazon.

In this episode, I speak with dog training legend Ivan Balabanov about Service Dog Training. Ivan is best known for his accomplishments in dog sports. He is a two-time world champion in the protection sport IGP but has worked in every dog discipline you have heard of. Ivan is known and respected across the globe and has lectured over 900 times and on every continent.

We discuss Ivan's history with service dog training, the differences between training service dogs and other dog training specialties, and Ivan's key takeaways from his time at Guide Dogs for the Blind. Further, we explore the necessary traits of good service dogs and the state of the service dog industry and discuss the causes of the staggering 50% washout rate, even with service dog breeding programs.

Additionally, we discuss the right drive for service dogs, the business of dog training, the challenges of the industry overall, dog trainer regulations, and other topics.

Visit the Podcast Episode Page to watch the video version, see additional content, and access a list of the episode references.

Buy Ralf's book If Your Dog Could Talk - Understand Your Dog Like Never Before (5th Edition) on Amazon.

This episode discusses using cannabis for dogs. We review what to look for and to consider before grabbing a random cannabis product off the shelf. You learn about the importance of having a Certificate of Analysis, understanding the molecular profile of your cannabis product, and how to avoid wasting your money. Further, we look at some drug interactions, how to work with your veterinary team, and how to get help with using cannabis for your dog from a Veterinary Cannabis Guide, Counselor, or Veterinarian.

Visit the Podcast Episode Page to watch the video version, see additional content, and access a list of the episode references.

Buy Ralf's book If Your Dog Could Talk - Understand Your Dog Like Never Before (5th Edition) on Amazon.

This episode discusses dog socialization. We review how to socialize a dog correctly and what socialization is about. Also, we discuss the importance of socializing early and which dogs benefit most. It benefits all dogs, but some are more affected than others when this is missed. Further, we look at the differences between how to socialize a dog from a shelter that may be older versus a puppy that joins the family at a young age. I also touch on my journey and how I look at socialization today compared to earlier in my career. In addition, I have some pointers on how you can get help with socialization if you need it.

Visit the Podcast Episode Page to watch the video version, see additional content, and access a list of the episode references.

Buy Ralf's book If Your Dog Could Talk - Understand Your Dog Like Never Before (5th Edition) on Amazon.

This episode discusses hiking with your dog. You can find many resources for human hikers online, but comprehensive information for canine hiking companions is hard to locate. Most articles seem to center around bringing enough water and taking breaks. These points are, of course, important, but there is much more to consider. Some things are fairly obvious when bringing a dog on a hike, but many are not so straightforward. This episode and its companion article aim to close that gap.

Visit the Podcast Episode Page to watch the video version, see additional content, and access a list of the episode references.

Buy Ralf's book If Your Dog Could Talk - Understand Your Dog Like Never Before (5th Edition) on Amazon.

This episode discusses the likely most controversial tool in dog training, the electric collar, aka shock collar. This tool can get some people's blood boiling. However, most online videos are ignorant of what this tool is suitable for and how to use it. It is either hailed as the greatest thing since sliced bread or condemned as a torture tool. Instead of piling onto this mess, I aim to explain the shock collar, when and why one may consider using it, when it is the best or only option, and how to see it in the context of real-world challenges instead of theoretical abstracts.

Visit the Podcast Episode Page to watch the video version, see additional content, and access a list of the episode references.

Buy Ralf's book If Your Dog Could Talk - Understand Your Dog Like Never Before (5th Edition) on Amazon.

This episode discusses dumb ideas, some of which have become accepted norms. We review three cases of stupidity in particular. First, trainers attacking dogs as a means of temperament testing. Second, deworming dogs that have no parasites. Third, a relaxation protocol by Karen Overall which has nothing to do with relaxation, for starters.

Visit the Podcast Episode Page to watch the video version, see additional content, and access a list of the episode references.

Buy Ralf's book If Your Dog Could Talk - Understand Your Dog Like Never Before (5th Edition) on Amazon.