Reinforcements play a crucial role in dog training, but what exactly are they? In this episode, we break down what reinforcements are, how they evolve over time, and how you can effectively work with them to shape your dog's behavior. Whether it’s food, praise, or life rewards, understanding reinforcement strategies will help you build a stronger connection with your dog and achieve better training results. Dog Fact of the Week: Did you know that Greyhounds are built for endurance? Unlike cheetahs, which can only maintain their top speed for a few hundred yards, Greyhounds can sustain 35 mph f ..read more

Understanding your dog's body language is key to building a better relationship with them. In this episode, we break down what different body signals mean, the context in which they appear, and what you should be looking for to interpret your dog's emotions and intentions correctly. Whether it's a wagging tail, pinned ears, or subtle shifts in posture, knowing how to read these cues will help you communicate more effectively with your pup. Dog Fact of the Week: Roland and Ian dive into the fascinating world of a dog's nose. Did you know that a dog's nose is as unique as a human fingerprint? Ia ..read more

In this special episode of The Vermont Dog Trainer Show, I sit down with the legendary Cesar Millan to discuss his 20 years on television, how he’s evolved as a trainer, and his deep understanding of energy—not just in dogs, but in people too. Cesar shares how his approach has improved over the years, why mastering calm, confident energy is the key to better relationships with dogs, and how these same principles could even help world leaders create more harmony in their decision-making. But this conversation goes beyond dog training—these are life lessons that apply to leadership, relationship ..read more

In this special episode of The Vermont Dog Trainer Show, I sit down with the legendary Cesar Millan to discuss his 20 years on television, how he’s evolved as a trainer, and his deep understanding of energy—not just in dogs, but in people too. Cesar shares how his approach has improved over the years, why mastering calm, confident energy is the key to better relationships with dogs, and how these same principles could even help world leaders create more harmony in their decision-making. But this conversation goes beyond dog training—these are life lessons that apply to leadership, relationship ..read more

In this episode, we dive into the world of scent games—an incredible way to stimulate your dog's mind and tap into their natural abilities. We discuss what scent games are, how you can use treats or toys to create engaging challenges, and the simple steps to set up fun, rewarding scent-based activities at home. Whether for enrichment or training, scent games are a great way to build confidence and provide mental stimulation for your dog. Dog Fact of the Week: A dog's sense of smell is so powerful...........   Courtesy 93.9 WLVB Join the Early Bird VIP Wait List for my Canines & Cultu ..read more

In this episode, we explore why some dogs seem to behave differently indoors versus outdoors. What does this shift in behavior mean, and how does the outside environment impact your dog’s mindset? We break down how factors like space, stimulation, and freedom can affect your dog's reactions and discuss ways to create consistency in their behavior no matter where they are. Listener Question: A listener asks what a positive dog-to-dog interaction looks like when one dog is aggressive. We explain how to safely manage these situations, set up controlled introductions, and recognize the signs of pr ..read more

In this episode, we dive into the playful interactions dogs have, like sparring and "thumb wrestling" (gentle mouth play). These behaviors are natural and can be a great outlet for energy, but what happens when play becomes too intense? We discuss how to read your dog’s body language, set boundaries, and ensure play remains fun and safe for everyone involved. Listener Question: A listener asks how to help their 3-month-old puppy who is scared of everything. We share practical steps to build confidence, create positive experiences, and help the puppy feel more secure in the world.   Courte ..read more

In this episode, we tackle common myths about playing tug with your dog. Many people believe that tug makes dogs aggressive, but the truth is, when played with structure, it’s a great way to build confidence and trust. Another myth is that you always have to win the game—when in reality, allowing your dog to "win" at times can make the game even more rewarding. We break down how to use tug as a powerful tool to strengthen your bond with your dog. Listener Question: A listener asks whether they should give their dog a joint supplement. We discuss signs that may indicate a need for joint support ..read more

In this episode, we discuss how play can be a powerful tool for helping nervous dogs build confidence and trust. The key is establishing structured play first, so your dog understands how to engage in a positive way. We also cover how to introduce new people to your dog using play as a bridge for connection and comfort. When done right, play becomes more than just fun—it’s a way to shape a calmer, more social dog. Listener Question: A listener struggles with a dog that seems to have endless energy. We break down why exercise alone isn’t enough and how incorporating structured mental challenges ..read more

In this episode, we explore the benefits of mushrooms for dogs and how they can contribute to longevity and overall health. Certain mushrooms contain powerful, health-sustaining compounds that support immune function and gut health. A key rule to remember: if a mushroom is safe for human consumption, it’s safe for dogs—but never feed wild mushrooms, as they can be toxic. Tune in to learn how adding mushrooms to your dog’s diet can be a game-changer. Listener Question: A listener asks how to stop their dog from biting their hands during play. We discuss why dogs develop this habit and share eff ..read more