The Canine Classroom Podcast

This is the first of two episodes that we had Charlotte Hoberg and Alyse Mineroff on our podcast to chat about the nuances of dog training and behavior modification. We also chat about the changes they have seen and made about the way they train from their experiences from the world of dog sports and how dog sports have expanded their skill set and knowledge.If you want to learn more about Charlotte and Alyse, check out the links below.Charlotte Hoberg- Sit 'n Stay TrainingAlyse Mineroff- Hungry Dog TrainingTo learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's.Anthony De Marinis- De Marinis Dog Training & BehaviorVinny Viola- Canine Jester Dog Training

One question that has constantly floated around the dog training and behavior community over the past year or so has been "does obedience training solve behavior problems?". We decided to discuss this topic and give our thoughts and opinions based off a recent social media post we saw on this conversation. So, let's go!!!!To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's.Anthony De Marinis- De Marinis Dog Training & BehaviorVinny Viola- Canine Jester Dog Training

We have Tara Stillwell here with us today to discuss her program called Forrest School. She discusses how she uses outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, agility and more to help dogs with behavior issues achieve success in modifying their behavior.Tara also has two upcoming presentations on the Forrest School for 2025. She will be presenting at the L.E.G.S. In Motion Conference in New Hampshire which is happening from May 16-18, 2025. Online Tickets are still available. Click here to learn more.Tara will also be running an online webinar on June 16, 2025 at 4pm on the Forrest School. She has provided The Canine Classroom listeners with a 20% discount if you use promo code Canine20 . Click here to sign up for this webinar!If you want to learn more about Tara Stillwell and Forrest School, check out her website! You can also follow Glimmer Dog on Facebook.To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's.Anthony De Marinis- De Marinis Dog Training & BehaviorVinny Viola- Canine Jester Dog Training

In this episode we have Julie Symons from Savvy Dog Sports here to talk about Nose Work! She explains what the sport is, the benefits of this sport as an activity, and how it can benefit pet dogs even if they do not have aspirations of competing. And of course she discusses what it is like to compete for those interested in doing so. Julie shares her wealth of knowledge as an instructor and active competitor.To learn more about Julie Symons, you can check out her website, as well as her Facebook and Instagram pages.To learn more about Julie's upcoming online Introduction to Nose Work 101 course through the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, click here!To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's.Anthony De Marinis- De Marinis Dog Training & BehaviorVinny Viola- Canine Jester Dog Training

Erin Lynes has literally spent her entire life with dogs. Between growing up with her family breeding dogs to then competing dogs in a variety of sports. Today Erin devotes her time and work to her breeding program, Eromit Labs which breeds working line field labradors who are quite popular for their drive and versatility in a variety of work such as detection, Search and Rescue and even dog sports.In this episode we discuss how Erin got here, how her work has changed and developed overtime, ethical breeding and so much more! To learn more about Erin Lynes and Eromit Labs, check out her website.To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's.Anthony De Marinis- De Marinis Dog Training & BehaviorVinny Viola- Canine Jester Dog Training

In this episode we sat down with Jen Humphrey, owner and dog trainer of The Right Paw in Princeton, MA to chat about a variety of topics. Some of the topics include: the emotional impact of dog training methodologies, dog sports, obedience training and problem solving, having a safe family pet dog with a baby and young kids to name a few. To learn more about Jen, her training services and her upcoming workshops, visit her website, Instagram and Facebook page.To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's.Anthony De Marinis- De Marinis Dog Training & BehaviorVinny Viola- Canine Jester Dog Training

Are medical issues and pain really causing behavior problems in dogs? Or are trainers suggesting this to quickly to clients? Or are dog trainers not suggesting this quick enough? Vinny & Anthony jump into this conversation together as they have some questions and opinions based on their experience with their clients. To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De Marinis- De Marinis Dog Training & BehaviorVinny Viola- Canine Jester Dog Training

Episode 29 is here! We had Valentine Komissarouk on to discuss the sport, GRC and how it has changed the way she trains and works with dogs. We also discussed how GRC has helped each of us in working with dogs who tend to get overly aroused and how to work dogs through those different arousal states. To learn more about Valentine and her work, you can check out her website and visit her Instagram and Facebook pages, Chromatic-K9. To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De Marinis- De Marinis Dog Training & BehaviorVinny Viola- Canine Jester Dog Training

We're back after taking a little break with the podcast! In this episode we have our friend, Haylie Gernert-Dott on to discuss a variety of topics. We discuss what Haylie considers to be an ethical animal sheltering program, the concept of temperament testing dogs and adopting dogs into the community. We then dive into a great conversation on genetics, biological fulfillment and play skills and what that might look like for specific dogs.To learn more about Haylie and her work, you can check out her website and visit her business Facebook page, Intuitive Dog Training.To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De Marinis- De Marinis Dog Training & BehaviorVinny Viola- Canine Jester Dog Training

We have Nick Benger with us in this episode! This episode was all over the place with many different topics. (Just the way we like it!!!) Nick discussed the impact dog sports has recently had on him as well as lessons he has learned throughout his dog training career. This is a dog trainers episode for sure!Nick is known for his podcast, Dog Talk With Nick Benger, where he has a variety of guests and topics all surrounding dogs and dog training. To learn more about Nick Benger, his work and his services, click here!To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

In this episode we sit down with Matthias Lenz on some of his recent posts on social media about negative consequences, negative reinforcement and how to use these situations as learning opportunities and positive experiences. To learn more about Matthias, you can listen to his dog training podcast, Not Another Dog and Pony Show. To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

This episode came about because our guest, Abbey White, who trains dogs using positive reinforcement based methods, took to social media to post about her journey on choosing to use an electric collar with one of her dogs for safety and quality of life reasons. Abbey received quite a bit of blow back about her decision so we figured it would be worth having her on the podcast to tell her story rather than letting social media tell it for her. Abbey is a talented and well accomplished dog trainer who explains the reasons behind her decision as well as how she uses the electric collar with her personal dog. To learn more about Abbey, you can check out her Facebook and Instagram pages. You can also visit her website by clicking here!To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

We had the pleasure of having Denise Fenzi on the pod to discuss some of her recent posts on social media, one of them being, "Making Punishment Personal". Denise explains her thoughts on this matter and why she feels it is affective in her training with her own dog. Vinny explains his views and thoughts on the difference between "correction" and "punishment" and why distinguishing the two are important within the dog training community. We also discuss with Denise how to develop a relationship with your puppy and the sport of Mondio.If you want to learn more about Denise Fenzi, you can find her on THE HIGH DRIVE DOG.You can also find Denise and her team at the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, where dog professionals and dog owners can take a variety of online dog training courses from dog sports to basic training and more!To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

Episode 23 is here! Vinny and Anthony sat down with dog sport coach and herding instructor, Helene Lawler to discuss modern approaches to sheep herding training. Helene also discusses the use of the quadrants, specifically negative reinforcement and its application to sheep herding.To learn more about Helene and her work check out her website! You can also find her on instagram @helene.lawlerTo learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

The man himself, Forrest Micke, joins us! Forrest is known for his thoughtful training strategies and breaking skills down when training. He is well known in the dog sports world, especially within bite sports. Forrest shares his thoughts on reinforcement training, how to "jackpot" correctly and effectively, and how to even move away from reinforcement when achieving your training goals. There is so much information in this episode that you will probably need to listen to this two or three times to take it all in!To learn more about Forrest Micke and his work, click here to checkout his website! You can also check out his dog training products at Micke Wear and Dog Wurks.To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

In this episode we had an in-depth conversation with Kamal Fernandez, sports competitor, dog trainer and coach about a variety of topics. They included: multi-dog households and how you can create peace among a group of dogs living together, reward specific and location specific markers in training, the importance of play skills and enrichment and what enrichment is to Kamal.To find out more about Kamal Fernandez, private coaching and his online programs, you can visit his website here!To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

In this episode we talk to dog trainer, Jordan Zeunges of JZ's Canine Coaching to discuss the mistakes we as dog trainers make both before becoming dog trainers and while being dog trainers. We also jump into conversations with Jordan about the pro's and con's of group classes as well as what she found didn't work for her and her dogs and how she made the changes she felt were necessary for her. We also discuss the use of teaching dogs to go to their "place" on a dog bed and the pro's and con's of this concept. And of course, Vinny and Anthony argue...this time about what a garnish actually is. To learn more about Jordan Zeunges, you can check out her business, Jz's Canine Coaching.To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

In this episode we sit down with behavior consultant, Brian Fleming, to discuss his unique outlook on dog behavior, its complexity and the chaos that comes a long for the ride. To learn more about Brian, click here to check out his website. You can also click here to check out his podcast, The Canine Complexity Podcast.To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

Jo-Rosie is back!!!! In this episode we discuss the new movement in the dog training industry of no longer training dogs. We also discuss why we should be training dogs, the importance of training a dog. To learn more about Jo-Rosie Haffenden, click here!To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

WE HAVE KHAZ BROOKS with us for an awesome episode! This episode we discuss training will life, understanding wolves, wolf behavior and dogs. Our conversation takes us on a discussion of dominance, what it is and what it looks like. Khaz does a great job explaining and breaking down the information so that you can visually see what these behaviors looks like. Khaz has provided us with helpful links siting information as well as links to help you gain more knowledge on wolves and wolf behavior. (links are below).To learn more about Khaz Brooks, you can click on the click here!Credible Links & Resources From Khaz:David Mech and Luigi Boitani: Wolves: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation, edited by L. David Mech and Luigi Boitani (Chicago & London: University of Chicago Press, 2003).Alternative citation- Mech L. D. Boitani L. (eds.). 2003. Wolves: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, Illinois, and London, United KingdomRolf Peterson, JA Vucetich- Wolves of Isle Royale in MITom Gable - Voyageurs Wolf Project in Voyageurs NPTo learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

We have Kayla from the Toby Project, a popular instagram page about Kayla, her dog Toby and their journey together working through his reactivity. This episode is for all the dog owners out there who own a reactive dog. Kayla talks about her journey with Toby, how she has helped him and where she is now. To learn more about Kayla and The Toby Project, visit their instagram page!To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

Episode 15 is here! We took a little break but we are back!! This episode is about dogs and kids living together, keeping kids and dogs safe and dog bite prevention towards children. We also touch on how to work with kids for those professionals who are slightly unsure or uncomfortable with kids. Justine Schuurmans is the founder of The Family Dog, a company that has programs for kids, families and dog training professionals looking to work with kids. To learn more about Justine Schuurmans and her company and programs, The Family Dog, click here!To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

In this episode we discuss the Resilience Rainbow framework developed by Dr. Kathy Murphy & Bobbie Bhambree. They explain what this framework is and their thoughts on resilience. They also discuss whether dogs can learn from errors and what that looks like for each individual. To learn more about their upcoming workshops for the Resilience Rainbow, you can click here! To learn more about Dr. Kathy Murphy and her company, Barking Brains, click here!To learn more about Bobbie Bhambree click here.

One of the most controversial topics in the dog training and behavior industry today is an individual's ethics and beliefs. What is ethical and who decides? In this conversation, we are joined by Rutger's University professor and animal researcher, Rebecca Potosky. We discuss how and why one chooses their ethical framework. We also discuss what each of us considers to be ethical. To learn more about Professor Rebecca Potoksy, you can visit her instagram page by clicking here or visit Rutger's University's Personnel page by clicking here.To learn more about the show's host's by visiting their website's.Anthony De MarinisVinny ViolaStefanie Rainer

In this episode we sit down with trainer, behavior consultant and service dog breeder, Abigail Witthauer. Abigail explains what trainers and dog owners should look for when searching for an ethical breeder. She also explains a bit about breeding service dogs. Vinny tells us how much he enjoys Lover Boy... You can find out more about Abigail by visiting her website. You can also learn more about Abigail's service dog foundation, The Roverchase Foundation by clicking here.To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

In this episode we have special guest, Chad Mackin, a dog trainer based in the Chicago area. Chad has been training dogs for 30 years, travels across the globe holding workshops and seminars and has hosted a couple of dog training podcasts. Chad talks about the differences in training methodologies, how he views training, what he has learned over his 30 year career and Ox Blood! (you will need to tune in to find out!). To learn more about Chad Mackin, click here to visit his website!To learn more about Anthony De Marinis and Vinny Viola, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

In this episode Vinny & Anthony discuss what being proactive versus reactive in training looks like, specifically with a puppy, redirecting puppy behavior and how to set a puppy up for success. They also dive into how they like to create predictable situations when training and predictability looks like. To learn more about the hosts of the show, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

In this episode Vinny & Anthony interview Sara Brueske, a dog trainer who has a special interest in dog sports and helping other trainers achieve their goals in the dog sport world. Sara chats about her experiences with dog sports as well as how she manages arousal and competing motivators with sport dogs. Learn more about Sara Brueske by visiting her website! To learn more about the hosts of the show, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

What does "the science" and studies really say about dog training and the findings on how to train dogs? Jo-Rosie Haffenden, a dog trainer and behavior professional who has a degree in applied psychology and post graduate in animal behavior; discusses breaking down and understanding what science really says and what studies on dogs and dog training really tells us. Learn more about Jo-Rosie by visit her website The School of Canine Science by clicking here.To learn more about the hosts of the show, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

Sue Sternberg is here! Sue is one of the most experienced dog training and behavior professionals in the shelter and rescue field. In this episode she explains how families can find the right family pet, what to look for when searching, including "red flag behaviors" and so much more! This episode is jam packed with information. To learn more about Sue, check out her website! www.suesternberg.comTo learn more about the hosts of the show, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

Dr. Chris Pachel is a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist. In this episode dog owners and dog professionals will learn what the role of a Veterinary Behaviorist (VB) is, when and why to consider getting help from a VB. We also discusses the philosophy of LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) in training and behavior modification. Lastly, we have an interesting conversation about the considerations of using Aversive's in behavior modification.To learn more about Dr. Pachel and his work, seminars or to inquire about his services, visit his website by clicking here!To learn more about the hosts of the show, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.com

World renown aggression specialist, Michael Shikashio joins The Canine Classroom to discuss the philosophy of LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) in dog training and behavior. This episode explains how professionals should consider using a LIMA approach towards their cases as well as some real life examples of what a LIMA approach might look like.To learn more about Michael Shikashio and helping dog's with aggression issues, visit his website by clicking here! To learn more about the hosts of the show, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.comStefanie RainerWebsite http://www.stefanierainer.com

In this episode we interview John Imler of Top Dog Training KY and discuss his thoughts and ideas on industry standards in the dog training and behavior industry. Before creating regulations and banning tools, hear John's thoughts on where we should really begin as an industry. We also discuss training tools, training methodology and much more!To learn more about John Imler you can visit his website by clicking here!To learn more about the hosts of the show, visit their website's below.Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comVinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.comStefanie RainerWebsite http://www.stefanierainer.com

Let's explore what resource guarding (possessive behavior) is, why our dogs do it and how to address it. We also cover what you should and shouldn't do with your dog. This is a really helpful episode for dog owners, especially new puppy owners! REMEMBER to always consult with a professional when dealing with problematic behaviors, especially when behavior is aggressive.To learn more about each of the hosts, you can visit their personal website's and social media pages. (Links below).Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comInstagram https://www.instagram.com/demarinis_dog_training/Vinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.comInstagram https://www.instagram.com/canine.jester/Stefanie RainerWebsite http://www.stefanierainer.comInstagram https://www.instagram.com/stefrainer/

Does playing tug with your puppy or adult dog cause aggression? What foundation concepts are important for puppies? In this episode Anthony, Vinny & Stefanie discuss playing tug and why it can be beneficial. Also discussed are puppy foundation concepts such as how to interact with your puppy, the first few days of having your puppy, as well as teaching rules and boundaries. You will also get insight to how each of the hosts dealt with their own struggles and issues with their own puppy's and what worked for them.To learn more about each of the hosts, you can visit their personal website's and social media pages. (Links below).Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comInstagram https://www.instagram.com/demarinis_dog_training/Vinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.comInstagram https://www.instagram.com/canine.jester/Stefanie RainerWebsite http://www.stefanierainer.comInstagram https://www.instagram.com/stefrainer/

Welcome to class and our first episode! Learn about who Anthony, Vinny & Stefanie are, what they do and how they think. You will also learn what it takes to become a dog trainer and how each of your hosts started their dog training journey. This is just a little taste of more to come!To learn more about each of the hosts, you can visit their personal website's and social media pages. (Links below).Anthony De MarinisWebsite https://demarinisdogtraining.comInstagram https://www.instagram.com/demarinis_dog_training/Vinny ViolaWebsite https://www.caninejester.comInstagram https://www.instagram.com/canine.jester/Stefanie RainerWebsite http://www.stefanierainer.comInstagram https://www.instagram.com/stefrainer/