Canine Connection Podcast

Episode 55: The Power of Foundations

Foundations matter. And they matter throughout your dog's career. Mastering foundation skills are critical to becoming a good handler and teammate. Creating a strong foun

Episode 54: Interview with Hannah Nordstrom

Hannah Nordstrom shares her journey from a passionate first-time dog owner to a rally competitor and instructor as well as FAST CAT competitor. Hannah and her Bedlington

Episode 53: Interview with Kaleigh Gagnon

In this episode, Kaleigh Gagnon shares her extensive knowledge of search and rescue dogs and scent work training. Discover how dogs are trained to detect various odors an

Episode 52: Puppies And Relationships

In this episode, Petra and Laurie share insights on building a strong, trusting relationship with your puppy …which is also relevant for our adult dogs. They talk about t

Episode 51: Be The Anchor For Your Dog!

Petra shares a detailed account of her experience with a dog attack, emphasizing the importance of calmness, quick decision-making, and mental resilience in crisis situat

Episode 50: Interview With Reni LeBard

In this episode, we meet with Reni who shares her inspiring journey from as a novice sport dog owner. We talk about to overcoming breed-specific challenges with patience,

Episode 49: Problem Solving Strategies with Scent Articles

In this episode, Petra and Laurie discuss scent articles BUT the content is relevant to all behaviors. We talk about analyzing errors, how we handle errors differently ba

Episode 48: Reading Dogs, Part 2

Petra and Laurie continue discussing how you can learn to read dogs. This discussion emphasizes the importance of observation, understanding behavior cues, and the role o

Episode 47: Reading Dogs, Part 1

Petra and Laurie start the discussion with Petra's new experience in the sport of nosework. They then discuss the nuances of reading dogs, emphasizing data collection, ob

Episode 46: Mental Management for Meaningful Events

In this episode, Petra and Laurie discuss mental management strategies for events that are extra meaningful to you, focusing on handling nerves, staying focused, and main

Episode 45: Flexibility In Training

In this episode, Petra and Laurie discuss the importance of flexibility, patience, and kindness in dog training and competitions. They share practical tips on how to adap

Episode 44: Challenges Build Resilience

In this episode, Petra and Laurie explore the importance of challenging dogs during training to foster resilience, confidence, and long-term learning. They discuss practi

Episode 43: Importance of Acclimation

This episode explores the critical importance of acclimation for dogs in training and competition environments. Petra and Laurie share practical insights on how to read y

Episode 42: Interview with Ariel Wolf

In this interview, dog trainer Ariel Wolf shares her journey with non-traditional breeds like German Wirehaired Pointers and Dachshunds, highlighting innovative training

Episode 41: Interview with Annette Flippen Pierce

In this episode, Petra and Laurie chat with Annette Flippen Pierce, a professor at NYU and an accomplished dog trainer, about the fascinating parallels between motivation

Episode 40: Increasing Reinforcement in Rally & All Sports

With so much talk about reducing reinforcement we often lose sight of the fact that REINFORCEMENT drives behavior. We need reinforcement! It's important information! And

Episode 38: Reducing Reinforcement, Part 1

In this episode Laurie and Petra begin a series on Reducing Reinforcement in training. They explore the nuances of reinforcement in dog training, emphasizing mindful appl

Episode 37: Optimal Arousal, Reducing Pressure, Offering for Empowerment

In this detailed discussion, Petra and Laurie discuss teaching dogs to manage their own arousal, striving for optimal arousal in training and in the ring, removing all pr

Episode 36: What We Learned At A Mondioring Seminar

Join Petra and Laurie as they recap their fun day of playing with their dogs at a Mondioring seminar. Mondioring is considered a “bite sport” but it’s so much more! It em

Random Reflections: We All Feel Pressure!

Petra and Laurie explore the mental pressures faced by dog sport competitors, sharing personal experiences and strategies for managing expectations, criticism, and self-d