The Dog Trainers Connection

Bonnie Brown from Dog Trainers Connection interviews dog trainer Joyce Keeton about her creative and unique program for working with people and their dogs!

Dog trainer Dennis Fehling, CPDT-KA, CBATI, of Friends for Life Dog Training in Redmond, Oregon, is passionate about giving back and helping veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  He and his wife Pam Bigoni worked with a program called “Battle Buddies” in Oregon, training veterans and their service dogs. Dennis invited two veterans whom he worked with in the program, Tom Imholt and Dax McMillan, as well as retired Navy Seal John Surmont, to talk about the effects the dogs had on their lives. Dennis also discusses what kind of training he did with the veterans and their service dogs. As Dennis points out, “we need to have more programs like this one because the dogs actually change people's lives as they connect vets with a non-judgmental being to help with their new “mission.””

Steve Diller has been training dogs for over 40 years and was instrumental in helping to start Dog Trainers Connection. Besides being passionate about the dog training profession and the need for trainers to talk with each other and learn from each other, no matter what methods they use, Steve is a wonderful story teller. In the interview he shares what happened when positive reinforcement training evolved among the classical compulsion trainers – why he embraced it – and the reactions he got from both sides of the table. He also shares what he does with clients that has helped him have a successful career for over 40 years.

Mike D'Abruzzo of K9-1 Specialized Dog Training LLC in Peekskill, New York, has been specializing in aggression cases and formal protection training since 1998. He told me that most of the personal protection training he does is an outlet for otherwise aggression cases that need a job to do and “a place for owners to control the aggression even more so than to use it.” He has an impressive background of training dogs for the military, private security dogs, and he was a trainer and handler for narcotic and explosive detection dogs for FEMA in the aftermath of 9-11. I really enjoyed hearing about Mike's work with aggression and the stories of how he's helped owners with “problem” dogs overcome the obstacles of living with them.

How to Observe the “Structure” of a Dog Brian Corrigan, Chiropractor Trainers need to learn how to observe a dog fully. While we mainly focus on training and behavior, it's very important for us to look at the overall dog we're working with and observe any possible physical issues that may be going on. In my interview with Chiropractor Brian Corrigan of Jersey City, NJ who has been seeing people and their dogs for 20 years, he told me “It doesn't work out if the person isn't relaxed – I need to treat the person then their dog.” And isn't that the same with dog training? Brian talks about how to observe a dog's physical structure and what specific things to look for that may be signaling that the dog is in pain. And he shares other insightful tips that will be helpful to anyone working with dogs. You'll hear some of his success stories too. There are no machines in Brian's practice - only his healing hands for people and their dogs! Take a listen to my interview with Chiropractor Brian Corrigan of Jersey City, NJ

Living with multiple dogs is something that dog trainer Dennis Fehling, CPDT-KA, CBATI of Friends for Life Dog Training in Central, Oregon and his wife Pam have had a lot of experience with - he presently has 7 adopted dogs! Dennis shares great information on how to make multiple-dog households run smoothly, what to do to keep all the dogs relaxed, peaceful and satisfied, as well as considerations that trainers should be aware of before adding dogs to their already existing dog families.

Michael Shikashio, CDBC and Board President of IAABC, discusses the makeup of a good aggression trainer, how to deal with fear that may sometimes come up when working with an aggressive dog, and his personal path to becoming a specialist in dog aggression cases!

I loved talking with our guest trainer Dina Pavlis, ABCDT, owner of Surf City Dog Training in Florence, Oregon. She specializes in outdoor workshops! Dina discusses how she helps her clients and their dogs calm down by participating in her “Walking Meditation” program. It helps the people bond more fully with their dogs especially if that bond has been damaged because of the dog's behavior issues. She also shares a story of how one of her own dogs gave her the insight and inspiration to develop this program for others.

Colleen Demling, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CEO and Founder of Pawtopia.com talked to me about the ever so important people end of dog training - how adults learn and how you can spot your client's learning style, and use it right away to get your client motivated and on board with your training program. She also discusses how to handle disagreements between family members on training. Lots of great information on working with people and their dogs!

If you listen to my interview with Malla Haridat small biz coach and strategist, I'm positive that you'll get a huge boost towards getting the confidence you need to build your business – no matter how small or large it is. Malla talks directly to dog trainers and people who work with dogs about the 3 things that you need to do to be a success in your business. We've had personal experience with Malla and she will listen to you and help you with a plan so you can achieve your business goals – for the long haul!

My guest is Dog Behavior Expert Christina Shusterich, a successful New York City dog trainer who specializes in aggression. Christina talked to me about her work with Stranger Aggressioncases and why owners unknowingly in their denial can put trainers seriously at risk. Christina shares details of many aspects of how she works her cases and some surprises that have happened to her along the way!

Laura Garber, CPDT-KA, Behavior & Enrichment Manager at the Pennsylvania SPCA in Philadelphia, talked to us about the program she's put in place at the shelter, the temperament testing and training for dogs, staff and adopters, and the wonderful results they're having. (Yes they “temperament test” the adopters!)

Bonnie Blumenfeld, RVT, talks about the ins and outs of giving your dog raw bones - both for recreational chewing and nutrition. She discusses how to monitor your dog when you give them a bone, what types of bones are good for your dog, and the overall process of doing it safely.

Besides the fact that most recalls on dog food are of kibble and not canned dog food, canine nutritionist Bonnie Blumenfeld, RVT, sheds light on the many reasons that canned dog food is actually healthier for your dog than kibble - besides the fact that it smells better to your dog!

  What a treat that I got to interview a dog trainer named Dennis Fehling from Friends for Life Dog Training in Redmond, Oregon. Not only is he one of a handful of men who are Guild Certified Tellington TTouch trainers, but he was the first man to be certified in BAT (Behavior Adjustment Training) by its founder, Grisha Stewart. Dennis describes how he uses TTouch with his aggression cases and talks about how he works with dogs that have severe bite histories. Are you familiar with “Treat and Retreat?” Make sure to visit www.dogtrainersconnection.com for all of your dog training needs!

  Canine nutritionist Bonnie Blumenfeld talks about some shocking things that are added to many commercial kibble brands, the truth about rendering vats where kibble is made, why “grain-free” kibble isn't carbohydrate free, and why you should walk away if you see the words “by-product” on a label. Please visit www.dogtrainersconnection.com for more information about the podcast and for more helpful tips!

  Jeff Coltenback talks about how a person, no matter how physically weak they may be, can learn to safely play tug with an exuberant and strong Pit Bull. Jeff's been rescuing and training Pit Bulls for many years. He's definitely the man when it comes to all things Pit Bull! For more information about dog training, please visit www.dogtrainersconnection.com.

Dog nutrition expert, and holistic veterinary technician, Bonnie Blumenfeld, discusses why you should avoid generic and supermarket brand dog foods, what to add to your dog's kibble to make it more nutritious and what chemicals to absolutely avoid!   Bonnie is available for nutritional consults by phone. Her website is www.headtotailhealth.com.

  Bonnie talks with Brian Manning, CPDT-KA, a Rhode Island dog trainer, who uses his pack of 12 dogs to help other dogs with behavior problems such as separation anxiety and aggression. Brian talks about how he discovered the ability of dogs to cure other dogs of severe behavior problems, and how the program that he developed works. Brian's website is https://www.k9behavioralservices.com/. Make sure to visit www.dogtrainersconnection.com for more information.

Are your dog training clients resisting your teaching? Is it you? Is it them? What can you do to get through to them? My guest is dog trainer and expert "people trainer" Sue Grey of Bone-afide Dog Training LLC in CT. Learn what Sue considers her most powerful tool when working with people, hear Sue share what she says to people who resist the very thing that they paying her to teach them! And hear more expert tips on the people end of dog training! Make sure to visit www.dogtrainersconnection.com  for complete show notes and to visit our blog. Also, share the show with anybody who is interested in both dog training and the profession of dog training! 

Carol Lea Benjamin is a dog trainer, writer, and expert in the ever growing area of training Invisible Disability Service Dogs. She trained the first ever service dog for Crohn's Disease - an 84 lb. pit bull mix. Do you know what "intelligent disobedience" is? Carol shares why that's important in a service dog, what her Invisible Disability Service Dog does for her, and how she trained her. This discussion is split into two parts as we covered a ton of information. Please check out both parts as they work together and you'll get a complete picture of an Invisible Disability Service Dog in action. Make sure to visit www.dogtrainersconnection.com  for complete show notes and to visit our blog.

Carol Lea Benjamin is a dog trainer, writer, and expert in the ever growing area of training Invisible Disability Service Dogs. She trained the first ever service dog for Crohn's Disease - an 84 lb. pit bull mix. Do you know what "intelligent disobedience" is? Carol shares why that's important in a service dog, what her Invisible Disability Service Dog does for her, and how she trained her. This discussion is split into two parts as we covered a ton of information. Please check out both parts as they work together and you'll get a complete picture of an Invisible Disability Service Dog in action. Remember to download part two of our conversation with Carol! Make sure to visit www.dogtrainersconnection.com  for complete show notes and to visit our blog.