The STIM

Once again the podcast was graced by the presence of the great Don Blair - this time to discuss Noseworks. Don trains 800-1000 folks a year, mostly throughout North America, and shares a number of trends, insights and interesting ideas from his huge base of experience. There's a lot of dog training related gold here regardless of your chosen discipline, and even more if olfaction is an interest or a speciality for you. A significant part of this conversation also covers off on breed variances in detection work including some of Don's personal preferences and associated risk management considerations for application of breeds in varying detection roles. Don and I went where the conversation took us - discussing a whole range of topics and concepts along the way.  ----- Those looking to connect with Don can use the link below: Don Blair of CIA K9 Don's FB page ----- If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

Laurie Boutzetis is a breeder of Rottweilers based in Melbourne, Australia. As the owner of Seeuferhause Rottweilers, Laurie actively pursues the preservation of the true working Rottweiler character with a focus on performance, power and stability. Laurie is also an active and accomplished IPO competitor, with a particular passion for tracking. Coming to breeding through a history owning and training working dogs has strongly influenced Laurie's perspective on the aims of his breeding program, and he has travelled internationally to personally test many of the dogs that make up the Seeuferhause family tree. There is also a lot of Rottweiler history discussed in this podcast, specifically in the context of the Aussie Rottweiler community. I've known Laurie for many years, and consider him to be a close friend with a considered opinion. This is certainly a longer conversation, but I feel that reflects the depth of friendship that Laurie and I share. I sincerely hope that you all enjoy this conversation as much as Laurie and I enjoyed having it. You can keep up to date with Seeuferhause Rottweilers via the link below: Seeuferhause Rottweilers - Performance, Power & Stability ----- If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

David McKelson made his way into the studio yet again - this time to share more about his life before dogs. Not many folks have the kind of background Dave does, full stop - and very few (if any) have gone on to work with dogs in the way that Dave has. Dave spent around 17yrs working in zoos, with a significant period of time at the tail end of his career spent working in a very senior role at a prominent zoo as the program manager of their elephant program. Dave has never publicly spoken in this amount of depth about his experience in the zoo context, and the insight he shares about his career is both highly informative and engaging. So grab your favourite beverage and settle in to listen to this episode - we hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. You can find Dave's businesses via the link below: Pro Dog Training & Day Care ----- If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

Known globally as the originator of Canine Circus school based in Oakland, California, Francis Metcalf is true OG dog trainer and student of the dog. Even after near on 30 years of experience Francis still approaches his dog training and behaviour modification work with a curiosity and enthusiasm that shines strongly in his work. I consider Francis to be one of the most interesting and enigmatic characters in modern dog training, and I feel incredibly grateful to have had a chance to record this great conversation with him. You can find Francis via the Canine Circus School website. If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

Brydie Charlesworth is a true champion of dogs - tall, small, black, white, meek or wildly courageous...Brydie loves them all. From humble beginnings trying to work out how to stop her own Cattle Dog X from biting people, Brydie has grown not only a career but an empire. Starting in the back yard of a local vet running a very intimate puppy school Brydie has now become a highly successful figure in the Australian dog training community - an employer of 14+ humans with a massive day care and training business. I've been lucky to share most of Brydie's journey with her as a dear and valued friend, and I'm both proud and honoured to introduce you all to her. As is our tradition on The STIM we go wide and deep on this episode. Brydes and I talk about how we met, and how our friendship evolved. We also discuss Brydie's foray into the world of Malinois - first through 'Spare Parts' (AKA Roy) and now Jagger her working line Mal. Brydie and I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode - and if you dig her story you can reach out to her via The Dog Education Centre. If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

Don Blair's resume is truly just ridiculous. It reads like an overachiever's checklist..on steroids...and that's just the dot point version. Across his 35yrs of experience Don has developed very broad and deep skill sets, and in more recent years has been 'willingly shoehorned' into the detection space. This conversation has been a long time coming, and I was greatly honoured that Don made the time in his schedule to share his perspective on many dog related topics. I'm sure that so many of you will be left wishing that this podcast was much longer, and I look very much forward to having Don back for another episode. You can find Don Blair via his website by clicking on this link. If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

Mark Keating truly is one of the dog training worlds most understated gems. Beyond being a dog trainer Mark is fascinated with animal training in general, which over the last 4yrs has resulted in him investing significant time in learning the craft of raising and training highly intelligent flighted birds. As a French Ring decoy Mark was renowned as a 'monster' due to his aptitude and intelligence in presenting very difficult pictures for the dogs he played against in competition. As a dog trainer Mark displays a beautiful feel for dogs, with a strong, well demonstrated ability to connect with dogs and tap into the best that dog has to give. Beyond titling multiple dogs to French Ring titles himself, Mark has also coached and assisted in the development of a great many dogs towards high level competitive outcomes. In his current role as a dog trainer Mark trains dogs on the daily, predominantly in a board and train capacity at Red Star Kennel in Hudson, WI USA. If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THE SHOW? 1 - Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2 - Leave a comment on the Apple podcasting platform - even one word helps other folks find the show 

Being the 'Nice Guy' to your dog is always awesome, right? The truth is...maybe not! Dr. Michelle and Brad catch up for a chat about Dr. Michelle's recent fascination with one of Brad's favourite catch phrases. Together they. deep dive into to how attitudes and intention can have profound effects in training - in an immediate sense, as well as further down the line. From puppies and obedience, to dogs with behavioural issues, Michelle and Brad team up pick apart what they consider to be 'Nice Guy' problems, how to identify them, and most perhaps most importantly how to begin to deal with them. On the flip side, 'Mean Guy' problems present their own unique difficulties, and Brad and Michelle investigate why some trainers (and owners) go down this route. If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: You can keep up with Dr. Michelle Rassool via her IG account. HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THE SHOW? 1 - Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2 - Leave a comment on the Apple podcasting platform - even one word helps other folks find the show

From very early on Jordy knew he felt a strong affinity towards working type dogs like German Shepherds and Malinois. When Jordy and his wife Shae finally moved into their new home it was agreed that they were going to finally get that working type dog - and their decision was a KNPV line Dutch Shepherd. And it's there that Jordy and Shae's adventure with their dog Remi began! The popularity of working breeds like Malinois and Dutch Shepherds has drastically increased in recent years. Prominent appearances of the breeds in films like the John Wick franchise, and more recently Channing Tatum's DOG have put these dogs in the spotlight in a way that has some very real potential detriment for owners and dogs alike. As you'll hear shared by Jordy and Shae, we hope that this episode can act as a resource for folks considering making the leap into first time ownership of a working line dog. Thanks so much to Jordy and Shae for being generous with their time, and making the effort to share their story with you all. Links from show: KNPV Bloodline ResourceKNPV website If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

Dr Kim Hooper is a Melbourne based general practice veterinarian based in Melbourne, Australia. The Doc joined Brad for a chat, and the pair covered a fair bit of ground: ✅ Kim's journey into veterinary medicine ✅ Kim's personal connection to dogs ✅ Challenges of being a mobile veterinarian ✅ Euthanising dogs - the toll it can take on vets ✅ How Kim helps families through such a difficult time ✅ The variety of ways losing a pet affects Kim's many clients ✅ Mental health for veterinarians - high suicide rates ✅ How Kim helped Brad say a special goodbye to Lexus, his old Malinois ✅ Some amazing stories Kim has from her time as a vet Of course, there is much more covered than the dot points above - and we hope you dig the content. Dr Kim Hooper can be found via her website: Paws At Yours If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment on the Apple platform - the more meaningful, the better

In this episode Dave and Brad go back and forth about all things rescue dogs and delve into related topics - from the advantages rescue dogs offer to the intricacies of working with rescue organisation as a dog trainer, and so much in between. Please note: This episode has some faults with sound quality and editing - this is my fault (Brad). I'm learning as I go, and ironically these issues resulted from me trying to actually improve the audio quality and listenability. ⚠️Rather than being vein about this to prioritise the sharing of the information in the hope that it may be useful to many over the inherent risk of appearing unprofessional. I hope this decision proves to be the right one. David McKelson is a regular co-host of this podcast, and is the owner of Pro Dog Training and Pro Dog Daycare in Melbourne, Victoria. If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

Ben Guerts is well known within the Australian K9 community - he's served in both the Australian Army and RAAF in K9 related roles, as well as having achieved a number of other accolades along the way. Alongside his wife Samantha, Ben owns and operates Kaizen K9, based in Perth, Western Austrlaia. Ben made some time to join me for this episode with the goal of discussing some of the differences he perceives between the requirements for sporting, police and military dogs. In typical STIM style Ben and I of course go wider than the above topics, however I'm sure many of you will be interested in the conversation. Kaizen K9 and all their social links can be found by clicking this link. If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

Anxiety in dogs - it's such an involved topic, it affects a great many dog (and their owners), and it can be a baffling aspect of a dogs make up to deal with. For folks hitting the internet to try and get their bearings on how to proceed they have to navigate s a veritable minefield of myth, misinformation, partial truths, and opinion purveyed as fact. For Dr Michelle Rassool and I, helping guide folks on this topic really is our bread and butter. For the Doc, she sees a lot of anxious dogs in a clinical veterinary setting. For me, I see it from the dog trainers perspective, but both of us do what we can to help dogs and their owners better understand each other, and to make their collective lives better. We cover so much in this episode, with a focus on trying to keep the information accessible and understandable to a layperson listening in. It's our hope that this conversation offers a reference point for folks dealing with an anxious dog, and provides tangible benefit at both ends of the leash. Dr Michelle Rassool runs a great instagram page which you can find by clicking on this link. If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

Jackie Abikhair of AbiK9 joins The STIM to discuss the history of dog training, and she absolutely blew my mind with what she shared. Jackie's enthusiasm and love for the history of dog training shines brightly throughout this episode, and so many of you are sure to find it infectious. No write up can really do this episode justice, but check out just some of what is covered: ✅ The Pearsalls and why were they important to modern dog training ✅ Where formal trialling of working dogs began ✅ How dog training began to make game keepers obsolete ✅ Where the beginning of pet dog training began ✅ The beginning of dog training as a business ✅ The origin of the rift between the working and show dog world ✅ Where the term ‘Dog Fancy' originated ✅ Where and when puppy socialisation became popular ✅ How the Belgian Shepherd Dog was saved from destruction Show links: AbiK9 - Jackie Abikhair's business If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform:

In this episode I'm joined byTom Brown of Origin K9, and The Stoic Dog. Built on a commitment to uncompromising quality and function, Origin K9 is an Australian canine equipment manufacturer designed to deliver the right gear to the dogs (and handlers) that need it most. Tom knows a little bit about what the right gear looks like too - only a few short years ago he retired from serving as a K9 Handler/Trainer with Australia's elite 2nd Commando Regiment. Tom now works day to day as a dog trainer helping folks and their pets through The Stoic Dog based in Brisbane, Australia. Far from being now detached from his passion for tough working dogs, Tom continues to develop dogs to be placed in working roles. Tom shares very openly and honestly about his battle with depression, the difficulty of his transition from the military into civilian life, his visions for his companies, and a whole bunch more. If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

Ant Rhodes is currently experiencing the joy and wonder of a new puppy - and it's his first Malinois! Before he was an owner of Conquest Coffee Co. Ant was a soldier in the Australian Army, and it was there that he was first exposed to working dogs. When Ant made the decision that a Malinois was the right choice for him, he reached out to me for some advice on where to buy a well bred dog. This led Ant to purchase his puppy from K9 Solutions Australia and Virtus House Kennels. As the owner of a working prospect puppy Ant has all the standard puppy related considerations to make, as well as raising his dog towards being a well rounded working dog. We get into all that puppy related goodness, and a whole lot more in this episode. If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

David DC Christopher is more than a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor - he's a true renaissance man. The dude cooks, reads broadly, has a strongly philosophical outlook, is a committed husband and father, he's role model to many, is a physical specimen and he can fight. I should probably also mention that Dave and his lovely wife Kelly also own Leo, a kick-ass little Staffodshire Terrier. During this convo Dave and I went DEEP on a whole bunch of topics. With his strong speciality in working with kids, this conversation focussed a lot on the similarities between Dave's work with kids and my own work with rearing puppies. DC is the kind of bloke that doesn't tend to form an opinion without serious consideration, and in spite of this the way that he expresses himself is able to be effortlessly understood. I immensely enjoyed this conversation, and I sincerely hope that you find the same kind of value in it as a listener. If you found value in this episode, or if you're a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: You can find Dave 'DC' Christopher on social media using the following links: DC Academy Academy Jiu Jitsu Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

Buddy and I got together to put this episode together Buddy's latest first big commitment in exploring whether pro dog training is the right fit for him. We also check in with him about how he's been feeding his interest since our last chat: We'll hear about Buddy's experience attending his first 1.5 seminars, including being a relative novice dog trainer and working his dog in front of a crowd at one of these events. Of course we go much deeper than this too, with plenty of general dog training chit chat from ecollars to expert generalists and so much in-between. LINKS: David McKelson @ ProDog TrainingChristian GomezStorm The KingLarry KrohnMichael Ellis SchoolForrest MickeGerry BradshawDave Kroyer Academy If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

The need for a social media presence is part of the new reality for any person looking to operate as a professional dog trainer. For individuals posting footage of your dog training journey is a powerful way to showcase your continuing progress, remain accountable, build a community of supportive individuals, and attracting potential mentors. For business owners in the dog training space there is also a clear benefit to sharing your message, adding value to those that invest in following your page, and potentially even gain new clients. Despite the tremendous good that can be gained from sharing content on these platforms, the reality is that it's almost inevitable one will encounter critics and detractors along the way. In this episode Brad and Dave discuss the good, the bad and the ugly about maintaining a social media presence. The lads also outline some key strategies that can be employed to help you navigating the idea of posting content on social media, and allow you to get the most benefit with the least amount of drama. ----- David McKelson is the owner and operator of Pro Dog Training, based in Melbourne, Australia. Give PDT a follow on IG and FB. SUPPORTING THE STIM: If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

Alternative Title: ‘Why You Should Fondle Your Puppy's Balls" Dr Michelle Rassool and Brad managed to turn a weekday social hangout into an impromptu podcast - and the

Christian Gomez is a professional dog trainer with a humble attitude who takes the craft of dog training very seriously. Together with his dog Luca, Christian recently turned heads with a stand out performance at USCA IGP Nationals. The pair tied for equal 4th in Obedience competing with 72 German Shepherd Dogs, 1 Malinois, 1 Bouvier...and Luca being the only Rottweiler. Thanks to this performance Christian and Luca also qualified for the IFR - basically the world Rottwieler championship. Beyond the IGP dog sport Christian & Luca have also achieved titles in other sports, and Christian is actively pursuing participation in other sports as an accredited decoy. In this episode Christian shares the story of his dog training genesis, which really showcases just how he used the right attitude and work ethic to create excellent opportunities for himself to further his experience in the field. I deeply enjoyed connecting with Christian in this episode, and found him to be humble, personable, passionate and an impressive example for others early in their careers. Christian can be found at: IG: Christian Gomez FB: Christian Gomez IG: Luca The Rottweiler ----- If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

In this episode Dave and Brad answer listener questions shared on their social media pages. The rivalry between the lads is pretty strong in this one, with plenty of banter between both of these blockheads. We hope you enjoy the episode. ABOUT DAVE: David McKelson's career path to dog training is perhaps the most interesting you're likely to find. In this episode you'll hear about how Dave came to be the head of the elephant program for an internationally renowned zoo, and how that work eventually allowed him a rapid transition into the dog training world. It's a truly fascinating transition, and in hearing Dave describe this one can see how it all makes complete sense. On the back of building a thriving dog training and doggy daycare business which employs multiple trainers, Dave has become a sought after mentor for student trainers and other business owners in the dog training and behaviour community. If you're a student dog trainer or perhaps newer to the industry, this episode has a ton of content relevant to you. David McKelson is the owner and operator of Pro Dog Training, based in Melbourne, Australia. Give PDT a follow on IG and FB. SUPPORTING THE STIM: If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

Mark Wales is one hell of an achiever. In this interview we discuss Mark's evolution from life as an SASR Major, recreating himself to become a published author, father, husband, fashion designer, corporate speaker, veterans advocate, and much more. Mark's attitude to enduring hardship and learning how to cope on the other side to have a better life is truly inspirational. This is the first instalment of a two part series with Mark. The following links will allow you to find out more about Mark and his work: Kill Kapture Mark Wales' website Books mentioned in this podcast: Papillon, Steven Pressfield, Survivor If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

So you love dogs, and you love dog training, and you're thinking about making a move to begin working in the field professionally. That's where Buddy Spohn finds himself right now, so we figured we'd share the conversation with you all. Though we definitely go down some rabbit holes, we really did go deep on the topic of folks starting out. We have an in depth look at formal learning as an avenue for entering into the dog training industry, as well as looking at multiple other learning sources and their pros and cons. Buddy also asks plenty of questions of Brad about being a professional trainer, and some of what's involved. Brad also talks about his upcoming Staying Safer Seminar for women in the dog training industry. This episode is also chock full of references to great training influences that you can follow on social media, as well as actionable advice to help you work out whether professional dog training is the right choice for you. If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

Brad and Dr Michelle come together for another conversation about dogs and dog training. Dr Michelle decided that she wanted to build on our last episode together, so in this pod we talk more on working backwards to raise your puppy into a dog you love owning - and a dog that is well prepared for life. Far from being a puppy-only episode, there is plenty of discussion relating to adult dogs as well. We unpack some common areas that Dr Michelle sees dogs of all ages struggle with in her work as a veterinarian, and discuss what can be done to prepared dogs to deal better with these. Conditioning and training both play a role here - and simply training your dog effectively for action is simply not enough. Many dog owners simply don't conceive of what their adult dog may have to deal with into adulthood, or even of just how change can challenge certain adult dogs. Brad and Dr Michelle go deep on the concept of manual handling of dogs - why it's important, where to begin, how to begin, and some observed benefits of doing this work. Dr Michelle talks about how likely she considers certain injuries are for dogs to experience certain medical issues in their lifetime, and how consideration of these factors should figure into a dog owner's forward planning. We also look at some common objections to manual handling of dogs that exist in the dog training world - these opinions do exist. Brad discusses the idea of using obedience commands during a veterinary visit - some common pitfalls of doing so, and some age specific expectations relating to this that are often overlooked, and shares some ideas to help navigate these situations. Your hosts share some advice they've observed as useful for dog owners to use in order to proactively assist their veterinarian in doing the best possible job - and become a rockstar client for them in the process. Dr Michelle also discusses some tips for veterinarians to reduce stress on dogs during clinic visits, and asks Brad to chime in with his own insights. ----- Brad mentions a study relating to cherry blossom odour causing an an aversive response in parent rats which was shown to be passed on to their offspring: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3923835/ Brad and Michelle share details of their upcoming educational events at Pro Dog Training, owned by David McKelson. The events page on their website will allow you to check out the details and buy your tickets online: https://www.prodogtraining.com.au/events/ If you found value in this episode, or if you're a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Please make a moment to rate the show on Apple Podcasts ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Leave a comment too - the more meaningful, the better

Through his dog Skye, Michael 'Buddy' Spohn has developed an obsession with dog training. Buddy always has a million questions, and a curious mind, which made him the perfect co-host for this episode. In this episode Buddy showcases questions submitted by listeners of The STIM via our social media post earlier in 2021. Of course, Buddy being Buddy, he also finds his own slant on those questions which is sure to be of interest and value to others in a similar position. Dog trainer, dog owner, aspiring dog trainer...there is something in this for most everybody. So sit back, tune in, and enjoy Buddy and Brad going back and forth. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as the boys did recording it. Of course if you dig Buddy's style as a co-host please be sure to reach out and let us know so that we can get him back for more episodes. Buddy's wife Jodi runs The Zone Academy as mentioned in this episode and the link to that IG account is below:

Dr Michelle Rassool returns with the goods on puppy rearing and training in this episode. Intended to be a powerful point of reference for those developing their new pet puppy, there is a ton of useful information covered: Working backwards to realise successPlan well to avoid overthinkingTips for prioritising your puppy development workThe concept of stress inoculationVaccination advicePlaying it smart to minimise environmental risksBad advice you should work to avoidDeveloping resilienceA deep dive on socialisation and habituationThe necessity of variation and noveltyCataloguing anchoring experiences‘Shining like a diamond for your puppy'Real puppy training fundamentalsThe power of your dog having the right friendsBuilding your dog's independenceHow to prevent 'second dog syndrome'Steering your dog away from anxiety based issuesExtra considerations for high drive dog breedsand much, much more. If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

Jason Kelly of K9 Solutions Australia has earned a strong reputation as being very humble, highly capable, and zero bullshit dogman.  This is the personal story of one of the Australian dog world's more quiet achievers, and he's never shared his story in a public format before now. I was truly honoured that Jase trusted me to have this conversation. Jase's K9 training experience within the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) included a posting to an elite Special Operations Command (SOCOM) unit which involved him maintaining, developing and caring for a group of world class dogs that supported Aussie operators in some of the most demanding and complex environments and scenarios possible. After exiting the Australian military Jason has gone from strength to strength with his own business, producing highly trained dogs that are destined for difficult and dangerous roles with agencies and organisations within Australia and abroad. This conversation is wonderfully candid - it's not sugar coated in any way and we hope that you can all get a real feel for some of what Jase went though on his dog training journey. This episode's audio isn't as clear as we'd like due to the conversation being had over Zoom, and you'll hear some garbled audio and longer pauses from time to time. I've done the best I can to edit it for clarity, but this really isn't my skill set. Regardless, I found this to be a great story that showcases the genesis of a true dogman. The following links support the communities mentioned in this podcast: Voice Of A Veteran - Heston Russell SAS Resources Fund Commando Welfare Trust Australian Defence Force Trackers And War Dog Association Jason Kelly and K9 Solutions Australia can be found via the The K9SA website which has links to all the K9 Solutions Australia social accounts.  K9 Solutions Australia is family run, veteran owned business. If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

In this episode Dave and Brad take a critical look at the balanced dog training community. Balanced dog training has become an umbrella term for folks that use positive punishment and/or negative reinforcement in the course of their training. Now synonymous with the use of tools such as pinch collars and ecollars, the balanced dog training community often comes under fire from a variety of camps within the dog training world. The boys look at some of the pitfalls that come with this territory, and discuss some potential solutions to improve this sector of the dog training industry. Equipment, ideology, effective communication, dealing with attacking elephants, 'last chance' dog training, effective behavioural modification work....and much more. David McKelson is the owner and operator of Pro Dog Training, based in Melbourne, Australia. Give PDT a follow on IG and FB. If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

After a 29yr career in the special operations community, Rick Hogg retired from the US Army...and his war dog Duco retired with him. Far from living the easy life post retirement, Duco has also had a popular video game character modelled after him, and has done a full season of training tips on Trigger Time TV. Now Rick and Duco are teamed up to fight the osteosarcoma that has taken one of Duco's hind legs. Rick talks about all things Duco as we try and get to the bottom of who this remarkable dog is, and some of what makes him so amazing. If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

David McKelson's career path to dog training is perhaps the most interesting you're likely to find. In this episode you'll hear about how Dave came to be the head of the elephant program for an internationally renowned zoo, and how that work eventually allowed him a rapid transition into the dog training world. It's a truly fascinating transition, and in hearing Dave describe this one can see how it all makes complete sense. On the back of building a thriving dog training and doggy daycare business which employs multiple trainers, Dave has become a sought after mentor for student trainers and other business owners in the dog training and behaviour community. If you're a student dog trainer or perhaps newer to the industry, this episode has a ton of content relevant to you. David McKelson is the owner and operator of Pro Dog Training, based in Melbourne, Australia. Give PDT a follow on IG and FB. If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: Rate the show ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment - the more meaningful, the better

This episode is a sequel to the interview beginning in Episode 2, and we suggest that you listen to Ep2 first as it may provide necessary context for some of what is discussed in this episode. Michelle works as a general practices veterinarian based in Melbourne, Australia, with a strong interest in animal behaviour...and she's also a pretty handy dog trainer herself. Michelle shares a little about her background including what drove her to become a veterinarian (after first completing another degree), as well as discussing one of her key areas of professional interest - animal behaviour, and in particular dog behaviour. Brad and Michelle do a deep dive into the ever controversial area of behavioural modification, with a specific focus on how Michelle intelligently and ethically approaches the use of medication to augment the behavioural modification process. Brad and Michelle work together professionally with a number of shared clients through their respective roles, and this conversation represents a unique insight into the dog trainer-veterinarian relationship. ----- If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rate the show

Michelle works as a general practices veterinarian based in Melbourne, Australia, with a strong interest in animal behaviour...and she's also a pretty handy dog trainer herself. Michelle shares a little about her background including what drove her to become a veterinarian (after first completing another degree), as well as discussing one of her key areas of professional interest - animal behaviour, and in particular dog behaviour. Brad and Michelle do a deep dive into the ever controversial area of behavioural modification, with a specific focus on how Michelle intelligently and ethically approaches the use of medication to augment the behavioural modification process. Brad and Michelle work together professionally with a number of shared clients through their respective roles, and this conversation represents a unique insight into the dog trainer-veterinarian relationship. This is part one of a two part conversation, so keep your eyes out for Ep 3 in the near future to hear the remainder of the conversation. ---- If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rate the show

Welcome to our first episode! Early in this episode you'll get to know Brad Griggs, thanks to the interviewing skills of Tony Wiedermann. We also get to hear from Tony about how working Kelpies have been an integral part of him managing his mental health, as well as recovering from a very serous stroke at age 38. ----- If you found value in this episode, or if youre a fan of this podcast, then please consider supporting us via your favourite podcasting platform: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rate the show

Welcome to The STIM - the Stuff That Interests Me. This is a short placeholder episode which will later be deleted.