Canine Connection Podcast

In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie interview Peggy Gibbon, a retired Instructor and Director for The Seeing Eye Guide Dog School in Morristown, NJ. Peggy shares her journey of working with dogs for over 42 years, discussing the importance of puppy raisers, the training process for guide dogs, and the impact these dogs have on the lives of their handlers. She emphasizes the significance of genetics in breeding, the selection process for matching dogs with handlers, and the need for clarity in training. They discuss the incredible training behind these dogs and their ability to quickly generalize what they learn. The conversation highlights the passion and dedication of everyone involved in the guide dog program, showcasing how these dogs truly change lives.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Peggy Gibbon
02:42 Peggy's Journey to the Seeing Eye
05:10 Training Guide Dogs: Then and Now
08:21 The Role of Puppy Raisers
12:15 Community Support in Puppy Raising
21:18 Peggy's Career Progression at the Seeing Eye
26:38 The Structured Training Program
30:19 Motivation and Bonding with Dogs
35:45 Tailoring Training to Individual Needs
39:35 The Matching Process: Dog and Handler
46:17 The Breeding Program's Role in Success
01:03:13 Understanding Car Sickness in Puppies
01:04:33 The Importance of Saying 'No' in Training
01:07:09 Building Confidence Through Clarity
01:09:52 The Teamwork Between Dog and Handler
01:11:50 Genetics vs. Training: What Makes a Great Guide Dog?
01:17:59 Transferring Training Techniques Across Disciplines
01:21:09 The Impact of Guide Dogs on Lives
01:29:00 The Passion Behind the Seeing Eye Organization
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https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod
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PETRA:
https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/
www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com
LAURIE:
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius
https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

In this conversation, Laurie and Petra discuss how many dogs do not have high arousal issues. Rather they need help increasing arousal. They talk about the power of keen observation and understanding each dog as a unique individual. It is possible to find what increases your dog’s arousal but you may need to be creative and think outside the box. They emphasize the parallels between human interactions and dog training, highlighting how dogs, much like people, have their own comfort zones and preferences. Petra shares anecdotes about her experiences with her dogs, illustrating how crucial it is to read their body language and respect their boundaries. The discussion also touches on the significance of building a strong relationship with dogs, which involves listening to their needs and preferences rather than imposing human expectations on them.
As the conversation progresses, Laurie and Petra explore the idea that training should be a collaborative and enjoyable experience for both the dog and the owner. They stress the importance of being observant and adaptable, noting that each dog is unique and requires a tailored approach. The episode concludes with a call to action for dog owners to invest time in understanding their pets, fostering a deeper bond that enhances both training and everyday interactions. This insightful dialogue serves as a reminder that the foundation of effective dog training lies in mutual respect and understanding.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Canine Behavior
31:12 The Importance of Being Normal
32:44 Understanding Dog Comfort Zones
37:02 Building a Relationship with Your Dog
43:00 Listening to Your Dog
48:55 The Power of Interaction in Training
55:55 Respecting Individuality in Dogs
01:00:02 Conclusion and Future Discussions
FOLLOW US:
https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod
https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast
PETRA:
https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/
www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com
LAURIE:
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius
https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie dive into a variety of topics surrounding dog training, particularly focusing on the recent training camp Laurie conducted. They discuss the benefits of immersive training experiences, emphasizing how spending multiple days with dogs can enhance learning and foster community among trainers. Laurie shares her insights from teaching the camp, highlighting the importance of flexibility in teaching methods and the value of engaging with participants to address their specific needs and questions. The conversation also touches on the significance of open-mindedness in training, encouraging listeners to explore different training methods and sports to enrich their understanding and skills
Petra and Laurie further explore the challenges and joys of training dogs, including the necessity of observing canine behavior closely to address issues before they escalate. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with different dogs and training techniques, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the field of dog training. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to attend seminars and camps, reinforcing the idea that dog training is a multifaceted journey that benefits from collaboration and shared knowledge.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Recent Events
01:34 Insights from the Training Camp
06:30 The Importance of Engagement in Learning
10:24 Open-Mindedness in Training
12:31 Exploring Different Training Methods
15:22 The Role of Problem-Solving in Training
18:17 The Benefits of Immersive Experiences
23:20 The Joy of Nose Work
25:17 Understanding Arousal in Dogs
28:09 Observing Dog Behavior
30:13 Managing High-Drive Dogs
32:06 The Importance of Training Seminars

FOLLOW US:
https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod
https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast
PETRA:
https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/
www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com
LAURIE:
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius
https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie welcome Crystal Wing, a former high school art teacher turned dog trainer. Crystal shares her journey of transitioning from teaching to dog training, emphasizing the importance of following one's passion and the challenges of finding safety and comfort in change. The conversation explores the significance of creativity, curiosity, and observation in dog training, as well as the application of art principles to enhance training techniques. Crystal introduces the Six C's framework for understanding dog behavior and discusses the importance of being present in the moment during training sessions. The episode concludes with insights on embracing mistakes as learning opportunities and valuing information over judgment in the training process. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the emotional aspects of dog training, emphasizing the importance of emotional awareness, overcoming judgment, and fostering curiosity. They discuss how societal expectations can weigh heavily on trainers and the need to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. The conversation highlights the significance of observation and analysis in understanding dog behavior, as well as the role of confidence and self-perception in effective training. Ultimately, the speakers advocate for a shift from judgment to curiosity, encouraging trainers to focus on the process rather than perfection.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Crystal Wing
01:11 Transitioning from Teaching to Dog Training
03:56 The Importance of Taking Risks
07:43 Finding Safety and Comfort in Change
11:04 Creativity in Dog Training
16:15 Curiosity as a Tool for Creativity
21:36 The Role of Critical Analysis in Training
28:32 Staying Present and Mindful in Training
29:44 Mindfulness and Sensory Awareness
31:32 The Importance of Paying Attention to Dogs
33:08 Video Analysis in Dog Training
35:45 Mastering One Skill at a Time
36:37 Compassion in Training
38:46 Curiosity and Continuous Learning
41:14 Shifting from Judgment to Curiosity
44:19 Emotional Awareness in Training
46:13 The Role of Mistakes in Learning
49:31 Creating a Weightless Training Environment
52:00 Embracing Nervousness and Uncertainty
54:10 The Art of Observation in Dog Training
01:02:12 Understanding Dog Communication
01:05:09 The Importance of Intent and Confidence
01:09:21 Building Skills: Curiosity, Creativity, and Confidence
01:13:05 The Impact of Self-Perception on Training
01:15:40 Generosity in Observations and Learning
01:18:08 Innovative Teaching Techniques for Better Understanding
FOLLOW US:
https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod
https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast
PETRA:
https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/
www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com
LAURIE:
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius
https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie dive into the concept of variable reinforcement in dog training. They discuss the importance of unpredictability in reinforcement, how to recognize and address struggles in dogs, and the role of cookies in training. The conversation emphasizes building confidence through challenges, creating self-reinforcing behaviors, and the need for mindfulness in reinforcement strategies. They also explore the impact of predictability on performance and provide practical strategies for implementing a variable reinforcement schedule. The episode concludes with insights on teaching through confidence and the importance of planning in training sessions.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Understanding Variable Reinforcement
02:43 The Importance of Unpredictability in Training
05:51 The Role of Struggle in Learning
08:26 Building Confidence Through Variable Reinforcement
11:11 Creating Self-Reinforcing Behaviors
14:05 Mindfulness in Reinforcement
16:55 The Power of Surprise in Training
19:57 Managing Expectations in Training
22:40 The Balance of Reinforcement
25:22 Teaching Through Tricks
28:18 The Mindset Shift in Training
31:02 Using Praise as Reinforcement
33:50 Planning Your Reinforcement Schedule
36:33 Avoiding Predictability in Training
39:28 Encouraging Persistence in Dogs
42:13 The Journey to Variable Reinforcement
45:03 Final Thoughts on Training Mindfulness
FOLLOW US:
https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod
https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast
PETRA:
https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/
www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com
LAURIE:
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius
https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025