Send us a text

In this episode, Josh sits down with Massimo — a professionally trained chef and certified canine nutritionist — who is redefining dog food in Montreal through his company, Cani Naturali.

What began as a way to help his own dog’s allergies evolved into a gourmet slow-cooked meal service built on real, human-grade ingredients, precise nutrient balance, and lab-tested recipes. Massimo explains why ultra-processed kibble can’t compare to fresh, whole foods, and how proper nutrition influences everything from digestion and coat health to energy and behavior.

Josh and Massimo also explore the often-overlooked link between diet and behavior, sharing how even small nutritional changes can support a dog’s confidence, focus, and overall mental well-being.

This conversation is all about community, collaboration, and raising the standard for what we feed our dogs. If you’ve ever wondered whether fresh food truly makes a difference, this episode will change the way you look at your dog’s bowl.

Learn more about Cani Naturali: https://www.caninaturali.com

Instagram: @cani_naturali

Support the show

Contact Podcast

• Join our waiting list & check out more info: https://www.instagram.com/thedogfatherjosh
• Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MontrealCanineEducation
• Check out our website: https://canineeducation.ca
• Email us at info@canineeducation.ca

Thank you all for listening & stay tuned for more!

Send us a text

In this special travel edition of From Woof to Wow, Josh takes us all the way to Beijing, where he dives headfirst into a completely different dog training culture. From luxurious pet resorts and structured “board and train” programs to certified trainers and mandatory obedience routines, Josh explores what sets Eastern training apart from Western approaches — and what both sides could learn from each other.

He compares Montreal’s owner-centric “coach-style” training to China’s intensive, trainer-led model — where dogs may spend months in full-time boarding schools. Josh unpacks the pros and cons of each system, from relationship-building and consistency to discipline, structure, and socialization, while sharing his first-hand experiences visiting top Beijing pet resorts like Noble Pet Resort.

Tune in for a raw, eye-opening reflection on how culture shapes our connection with dogs — and what it really means to raise a well-trained companion, no matter where you live.

Support the show

Contact Podcast

• Join our waiting list & check out more info: https://www.instagram.com/thedogfatherjosh
• Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MontrealCanineEducation
• Check out our website: https://canineeducation.ca
• Email us at info@canineeducation.ca

Thank you all for listening & stay tuned for more!

Send us a text

If your dog barks, lunges, or loses it on walks — this quick episode is for you.

Josh, The DogFather, breaks down the biggest mistake owners make with leash reactivity and explains why “just walking more” won’t fix it.

Learn how to finally make progress with calm exposure, smart training setups, and a totally different way of thinking: leash reactivity is math.

📩 DM “REACT” or join the next class here: https://form.jotform.com/250985392564267

Support the show

Contact Podcast

• Join our waiting list & check out more info: https://www.instagram.com/thedogfatherjosh
• Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MontrealCanineEducation
• Check out our website: https://canineeducation.ca
• Email us at info@canineeducation.ca

Thank you all for listening & stay tuned for more!

Send us a text

PETU Fall 2025 Registration is OPEN NOW, grab your spot:

https://form.jotform.com/251544036701247

In this hilariously candid episode, Josh and Sam go full chaos mode with a “Would You Rather” game tailored for pet pros and pet owners!

From pee puddles vs. ticks to working with zero income vs. nightmare clients, they unpack the real-life struggles, laughs, and hard truths of the pet industry.

Expect some savage takes, heartfelt insights, and a whole lot of unfiltered fun. Plus, a sneak peek into their coaching program, Pet U – designed to support petpreneurs worldwide.

Support the show

Contact Podcast

• Join our waiting list & check out more info: https://www.instagram.com/thedogfatherjosh
• Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MontrealCanineEducation
• Check out our website: https://canineeducation.ca
• Email us at info@canineeducation.ca

Thank you all for listening & stay tuned for more!

Send us a text

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the top 3 dog training mistakes owners are still making in 2025—and how to fix them fast.

Despite all the info out there, these common missteps are still derailing progress for so many well-meaning dog owners:

1. Using punishment instead of teaching
2. Mistaking dog parks for proper socialization
3. Waiting too long to train recall

Josh breaks down why these habits don’t work, what to do instead, and shares real-life stories from clients who made simple changes with big results.

Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or walking your dog, you’ll come away with actionable tips to help your dog become calm, confident, and connected to you.

Support the show

Contact Podcast

• Join our waiting list & check out more info: https://www.instagram.com/thedogfatherjosh
• Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MontrealCanineEducation
• Check out our website: https://canineeducation.ca
• Email us at info@canineeducation.ca

Thank you all for listening & stay tuned for more!

Send us a text

In this heartfelt and often hilarious episode, Josh and Sam reflect on how their pet care businesses began—not with a grand vision, but from simple needs, passion, and a little bit of chaos.

Key Highlights:

• How it all started:
  Sam launched her cat-sitting business after needing care for her own five cats. Josh found his path to dog training through a chance opportunity and an early mentor who told him, “You were meant to do this.”
• Side hustles to full-time:
  Both began their businesses as side gigs, juggling jobs, school, and long commutes. Growth was slow but steady—and filled with sacrifices (think $5 training sessions and Christmases spent working).
• The role of passion:
  Entrepreneurship, they agree, requires a touch of madness. They recall long hours, burnout, fast food, and doubt—but also the drive to build something meaningful, not just profitable.
• When it got real:
  Josh credits early clients like Sidney and Kevin for boosting his confidence and allowing him to go full-time. Sam grew her team gradually before finally quitting her office job six years later.
• What keeps them going:
  They talk honestly about money, burnout, imposter syndrome, and being misunderstood by non-entrepreneurs—but ultimately, they’re driven by impact, connection, and the belief that this work changes lives.
• About PetPreneur University (PETU):
  The episode closes with an update on their new project: a training program for pet industry pros that blends real-world experience with mentorship.

Applications for the fall semester are OPEN:

https://form.jotform.com/251544036701247

Support the show

Contact Podcast

• Join our waiting list & check out more info: https://www.instagram.com/thedogfatherjosh
• Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MontrealCanineEducation
• Check out our website: https://canineeducation.ca
• Email us at info@canineeducation.ca

Thank you all for listening & stay tuned for more!

Send us a text

In this heartfelt episode, Josh and Sam dive into a topic that’s rarely discussed but deeply felt in the pet industry: mental health.

From the emotional toll on veterinarians and pet sitters to the burnout and impostor syndrome many dog trainers face, this conversation gets real about the hidden weight professionals carry while caring for animals.

They explore the pressure of client expectations, the reality of compassion fatigue, and the isolation many feel behind the scenes.

Plus, they introduce Petpreneur University—a new resource for pet pros looking to thrive, not just survive. Whether you're a vet, groomer, trainer, or animal lover, this one’s for you!

Mentioned in the podcast:

1. Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words

by John W. Pilley Jr. (Author), Hilary Hinzmann (Author)

2. Join our waitlist here:

https://linktr.ee/TheDogFatherJosh

Support the show

Contact Podcast

• Join our waiting list & check out more info: https://www.instagram.com/thedogfatherjosh
• Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MontrealCanineEducation
• Check out our website: https://canineeducation.ca
• Email us at info@canineeducation.ca

Thank you all for listening & stay tuned for more!

Send us a text

In this episode, Josh is joined by Sam Havill to talk about how she grew her pet care business from solo cat sitting to leading a 20+ person team across Montreal. They chat about the rise of force-free grooming, the impact of COVID on dog behaviour, and why trust-based care is changing the game in both grooming and training.

They chat about some common myths in the dog training world, why positive reinforcement matters, and what it really means to support our dogs’ mental well-being.

💡 Sneak Peek: Josh and Sam are teaming up on something big—designed to raise the standard for pet professionals. Curious? Tune in to hear what’s coming next.

Support the show

Contact Podcast

• Join our waiting list & check out more info: https://www.instagram.com/thedogfatherjosh
• Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MontrealCanineEducation
• Check out our website: https://canineeducation.ca
• Email us at info@canineeducation.ca

Thank you all for listening & stay tuned for more!