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 films

• Why communication systems like the “mark system” are the foundation for advanced training

• The role of creativity in keeping dogs engaged and fulfilled

• Why Omar retired Monkey from stunt work and pivoted into painting

• The process of teaching a dog to paint — from brush handling to unique strokes

• How Omar balances play, exercise, and art to give his dogs the fullest life possible

Connect with Omar Von Muller:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omarvonmuller

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omarvonmuller

• Facebook (Omar & Monkey): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088557324948

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/omarsdogtraining

• Monkey’s Art Gallery: https://monkeysartgallery.com

• Omar’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=50640517660961

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

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 sports

• Overcoming fear and building confidence as a new decoy

• Bite safety, targeting, and obedience under distraction

• Sport vs. real-world protection—what carries over and what doesn’t

About Bob Solimini:

• Decoy & Trainer: Sport, Police, Military, and Pet Dogs

• Phone: (602) 374-4555

• Website: 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=48591367373089

Whether 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

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/wiKC9xeS

• https://onlineuniversity.stsk9.com/a/2147496476/wiKC9xeS

📌 Follow Nino (STSK9):

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stsk9/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stsk9

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nino.drowaert

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@STSK9

• Website: https://stsk9.com/

Michael Ellis on the Most Overlooked Key to Dog Training: Engagement

In this wide-ranging conversation, world-renowned dog trainer Michael Ellis shares what he believes is the most overlooked key to successful dog training: engagement.

Before you can teach a dog what to learn, you first have to teach them how to learn—and that starts by creating motivation, attention, and buy-in. Whether you’re a dog owner, a new trainer, or a seasoned pro, this discussion will change the way you think about dogs, behavior, and obedience.

We cover:
• Why engagement is the foundation of all dog training
• How classical conditioning shapes behavior (often without us realizing it)
• The right and wrong way to use markers and rewards
• How to avoid common mistakes like overshadowing and learned irrelevance
• When to switch from continuous to intermittent reinforcement
• How to address behavior issues like fear, aggression, and anxiety
• The future of dog training and how science is reshaping the field

Learn more from Michael Ellis:
Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers: https://michaelellisschool.com/
Membership Platform: https://michaelellisschool.com/membership/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelellisschoolfordogtr6450
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534012479
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_ellis_school/

Work with Nate Schoemer:
Online Course: 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

⏱ Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Engagement in Reward-Based Dog Training
06:35 – Measuring Dog Training Engagement
13:20 – Delayed Reward Timing in Dog Training
18:13 – Effective Dog Training Commands
26:24 – Intermittent Dog Training Strategies
27:43 – Effects of Continuous Rewards
36:16 – Evolving Dog Training Methods
41:51 – Evolving Dog Training Insights
46:09 – Training People for Dog Skills
51:48 – Dog Training: Beyond Protocols
58:09 – Effective Rewards for Anxious Dogs
01:01:26 – Pavlovian Interference in Dog Training
01:06:29 – Delayed Rewards in Dog Training
01:11:20 – Evolving Approach to Dog Training
01:19:55 – Michael Ellis Membership Launch
01:20:56 – Affordable Dog Training Access

Thinking about getting a puppy—or struggling with one you already have?

In this in-depth conversation, professional dog trainer Nate Schoemer sits down with Maureen Cucinella to debunk common puppy training myths, tackle crate and muzzle training, explain the truth about socialization, and offer real solutions for raising a confident, balanced dog.

You’ll learn:
• How to spot reliable dog training advice (and avoid the harmful stuff)
• The truth about punishment, dominance, and boundaries
• Crate training and muzzle use as confidence-building tools
• Tips to stop puppy biting, jumping, and overexcitement
• How to safely socialize unvaccinated puppies

Whether you're raising your first dog or looking to sharpen your training skills, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you raise the dog you’ve always wanted.

- Work with Nate Schoemer:
Online Course: From Novice to Pro
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

Book a 1-on-1 Virtual Lesson:
https://calendly.com/nateschoemer/1-hour-virtual-training

- Learn more from Maureen Cucinella:
Website: https://www.SpiritedK9.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpiritedK9/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5PRQlY3iuS9oBXhXEo9Lfg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritedk9/

- Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Dog Socialization and Reactivity Issues
07:18 – Realistic Puppy Training Approaches That Actually Work
13:00 – Using Maternal Techniques to Raise Well-Behaved Dogs
18:31 – How to Adapt Your Training to Fit Each Dog
25:47 – Playing with High-Drive Puppies (Sport Dog Tips)
31:21 – Keeping Puppies Calm and Grounded
34:57 – Stop Dog Jumping with the “Invitation Only” Rule
38:16 – Breaking Down Common Puppy Training Advice
43:54 – Crate Training: Why It’s a Must (Not a Jail)
53:06 – Frustration-Free Puppy Training Techniques
59:11 – Puppy Socialization Mistakes to Avoid
01:01:02 – Safe Socialization for Unvaccinated Puppies
01:07:11 – Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the Training

🎙️ What does it really take to raise a reliable service dog?

In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with professional service dog trainer Heather Lowell to explore the science and strategy behind raising life-changing canine partners. From genetics and early development to advanced training and public access proofing, this episode is packed with honest insights and expert advice.

Whether you’re starting with a puppy, considering a rescue, or looking to train a dog you already have, Heather shares a clear roadmap to success—rooted in real-world experience and evidence-based techniques.

• How to select the right dog for service work (puppy vs. rescue)

• The role of genetics, epigenetics, and the critical socialization period

• Crate training, potty training, and early management strategies

• Common myths around service dog certification and ADA laws

• E-collar training, reward timing, and advanced behavior shaping

• Public access training, task work, and distraction proofing

Founder of The K9 Advocate
📺 YouTube: @TheK9AdvocateLLC
🌐 Website: https://www.thek9advocate.com/
📸 Instagram: @k9advocateheather
💡 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheK9AdvocateLLC

Check out Nate’s complete step-by-step course:
🎓 From Novice to Pro: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training
👉 https://bit.ly/4jGVNNB

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and leave a rating — it helps us reach more dog lovers and support more training journeys. 🐶

🔍 Topics Covered:👤 Guest: Heather Lowell🐾 Want to train your own dog like a pro?

Join me, Nate Schoemer, for a special Q&A session all about my online dog training course, From Novice to Pro. Whether you’re just starting your training journey or looking to level up, I’m answering your questions and sharing insider tips to help you get the most out of the course.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to navigate the course in the right order for maximum results
• What each module covers—from engagement and marker training to leash skills and off-leash mastery
• Why short, targeted lessons lead to faster progress
• How to troubleshoot common training challenges using the course system

As a professional dog trainer who’s taught at the Tom Rose School, I’m here to help you train with clarity and purpose. Ready to dive deeper? Check out the full From Novice to Pro course or book a virtual lesson with me—links below!

Take Your Training Further:

• Enroll in From Novice to Pro: https://sitstaylearn.com/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer
• Book a Virtual or In-Person Lesson: https://calendly.com/nateschoemer/in-person-training-lesson
• Follow Me on Instagram & Facebook: @NateSchoemer

Love This Episode? Share it with a fellow dog owner, leave a review on your podcast app, or tag me on social media—I’d love to hear your biggest training takeaway! Stay tuned for more episodes to help you and your dog thrive.