The Art of Trialing: Inside Celine's PSA Level 1 Success
The journey to competition success is rarely a straight line. In this episode, we're joined by Celine, Shane, and Thoma who take us behind the scenes of Celine's recent PSA Level 1 trial victory in Wyoming. What does it really take to prepare a dog for back-to-back trial days, and how do you maintain consistency when the pressure's on?The conversation quickly evolves into a debate about training methodologies that challenge conventional wisdom. Shane shares his approach to e-collar use, arguing that "the quicker you can get out of escape, the better" and explaining why he deliberately trains without electronic tools to build reliability when it matters most. This perspective opens up a broader discussion about creating working dogs who can function beautifully both on and off the competition field.Perhaps most valuable is the group's candid reflections on balancing intensity with livability. As Celine notes about her competition Malinois: "I thought she was going to be more crazy because everyone was telling me Mals are these crazy prey monsters." Their insights into managing multiple high-drive dogs in a household setting provide practical wisdom for anyone juggling the demands of serious training with everyday life.Whether you're actively competing in dog sports or simply fascinated by the psychology behind training working dogs, this episode delivers actionable insights, hard-earned wisdom, and a refreshing honesty about the challenges and rewards of pushing the boundaries of what's possible with our canine partners. Plus, don't miss details about an upcoming trainer seminar that promises to transform how you approach dog training as both an art and a business.To sign up for the October seminar, visit the website here.
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1:55:31
Beyond Commands: Teaching Dogs to Think for Themselves
What happens when your dog isn't in a command? Do they make good decisions or fall apart completely? This question strikes at the heart of the difference between obedience training and true behavior modification.Many dog owners believe their problems are solved when their dog returns from a board and train program perfectly executing commands like place, sit, and heel. But as we explore in this episode, obedience is merely a tool—not the finished product. A dog that performs beautifully in training sessions but makes poor choices when "off duty" hasn't undergone genuine behavioral change.True behavior modification focuses on changing how dogs feel and respond across different scenarios and drive states. While most training operates in prey drive (using food or toy rewards), real-world success requires dogs to function well in pack drive—making good decisions without visible rewards present. This is where many impressive-looking training programs fall short.The social aspect of dog training proves crucial yet often overlooked. When dogs learn appropriate communication with other dogs—how to share resources, yield space, and disengage from potential conflict—they develop the ability to navigate their world successfully without constant management. This social education forms the foundation of lasting behavioral change.For those struggling with reactive or resource-guarding dogs, understand that management strategies like keeping dogs on place are sometimes necessary but don't constitute true behavior change. Real modification means teaching dogs how to handle challenging situations appropriately, with the owner stepping in only when necessary as the "referee" who enforces fair play.Whether you're a dog owner seeking better results or a trainer looking to deepen your approach, join us for our Training for Trainers seminar on October 17-19th. Learn how to create dogs that don't just obey—but truly understand how to exist harmoniously in our complex world. Visit our website and click "For Trainers" to register while early bird pricing lasts through September 15th.
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Your dog isn't broken, it just needs the right lifestyle.
Recorded by a crackling campfire in Montana's bear country, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to live with working dogs. Meg is joined by dog trainers Thoma and Lex (who recently welcomed a Malinois puppy into her life) for an unfiltered conversation about the expectations versus reality of high-drive dogs.Have you ever wondered why some dogs seem impossible to settle or why your "reactive" dog behaves so differently from other dogs of the same breed? The answer might lie in understanding what these dogs were bred for. We dive deep into what defines a working dog, from detection K9s and protection sport competitors to high-energy pets with working genetics that leak out as behavioral issues when not properly channeled.The conversation takes a candid turn as we discuss the lifestyle adjustments necessary for working dog owners – the crate rotations, the management strategies, and the acceptance that not every dog can be a "coffee shop dog." We explore how e-collars provide freedom rather than restriction for many high-drive dogs, and why the expectations we place on our dogs often cause more frustration than the dogs themselves.Whether you're considering a working breed, struggling with a high-drive dog, or simply curious about a different approach to dog ownership, this episode offers practical wisdom on matching dogs to lifestyles, finding appropriate outlets for natural drives, and the freedom that comes from accepting your dog for exactly who they are – not who you wish they would be.Listen in as we share personal stories of success, failure, and the beautiful reality of building our lives around these remarkable animals who weren't bred to fit into our world, but rather, to work alongside us in it.theeverydaytrainer.com
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Navigating E-Collar Training: Conditioning Phases and Best Practices for Pet Dogs
Ever wondered if you're using an e-collar correctly with your dog? Meg pulls back the curtain on this powerful training tool, revealing insights that even seasoned trainers might be missing.Meg takes us deep into the two essential phases of e-collar conditioning—escape and avoidance—and explains why most trainers and owners get stuck in the first phase for far too long. This simple mistake creates dogs who only respond when the e-collar is activated rather than understanding commands independently. She shares practical examples from her board-and-train program, demonstrating how e-collars should function as follow-through tools rather than becoming the cue itself.The conversation tackles the differences between sport dog training and pet dog reality. While competitive trainers might use e-collars for precision behaviors, Meg offers refreshingly honest advice about what actually works for everyday pet owners. "I didn't learn from other trainers," she explains. "I learned from dogs and owners what people are willing to do and keep up with."Perhaps most valuably, Meg challenges the common belief that all behaviors can be trained away. Through compelling stories about dogs like Mayan and Ziv, she illustrates how genetics significantly impact what's possible through training. This realistic perspective helps owners understand when to adjust expectations versus when to implement different training approaches.Whether you're a professional trainer looking to refine your e-collar skills or a pet owner wondering if this tool might help your challenging dog, this episode provides clear, practical guidance without judgment or dogma. Meg's balanced approach acknowledges both the power of positive reinforcement and the appropriate use of tools for accountability.Ready to transform your understanding of e-collar training? Listen now and discover the clarity your dog needs to thrive.Schedule your interview for the next Virtual Shadow Program here
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The Pet Industry Playbook | ft. Celine Tran + Shane Murray
Ever wondered what it really takes to build a successful pet business in today's digital landscape? This candid conversation with Celine, the creative force behind WulfSnacks and multiple 100K+ social media accounts, and dog trainer Shane Murray pulls back the curtain on the messy, challenging, and ultimately rewarding journey of pet industry entrepreneurship.Celine shares her unexpected path from aspiring veterinarian to pet influencer and business owner, revealing the moment during COVID when she decided to leave her veterinary assistant position behind. What started as homemade treats for her dogs with food sensitivities transformed into WulfSnacks, a thriving business that appears much larger online than its family-run reality. From cutting meat herself and packaging orders to managing multiple social platforms, Celine's story demonstrates the unglamorous work behind her success.Both guests emphasize that overnight success is a myth. Before viral moments, they spent years creating content that barely anyone watched. They discuss the critical importance of authenticity in standing out in oversaturated markets, why outsourcing weaknesses is essential for growth, and how to build valuable relationships in the dog training community.The conversation takes fascinating turns through topics like manifestation, maintaining work-life balance with 20+ animals, and their contrasting approaches to entrepreneurship—Shane's calculated transition versus Meg's leap-of-faith methodology. Whether you're a pet professional looking to grow your business or simply curious about the reality behind pet influencer success, this episode offers honest insights about what it really takes to build something meaningful in today's digital world.Follow Celine @CelineTails on Instagram and TikTok, and check out her upcoming Farmer's Market Box launching August 1st at wulfsnacks.com.
Join Meg, a Pet Dog Trainer in Orlando Florida, as she chats about all things dogs. From training tools and techniques to mindfulness and habit formation, Meg's got all the insight you need to help you form a better relationship with your dog.
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