How to Choose a Dog Trainer

Your dog’s walk is the best part of their day, but does their pulling on leash make YOU dread your walk? Leash pulling is (unfortunately) the norm for a lot of dog owners. But it doesn’t have to be! Liz and Jeff break down what lies at the heart of leash pulling and unpack the three areas to focus on to improve the quality (and enjoyment) of your dog walks.

Picking the right dog trainer can be stressful. Social media is full of trainers that look good, but are they the right fit for you and your dog? We've got you covered! In this episode, we break down choosing a dog trainer into 5 key dimensions, give you the exact questions to ask, and help you understand what to look out for. Download the FREE 1-page cheat sheet with the questions to ask:https://trainerquestions.yourfavouritedogtrainer.com/

In this episode of the Honest to Dog podcast, hosts Liz Foley and Jeff Gadway discuss the importance of addressing dog reactivity and the expectations dog owners have regarding their pets' training. They reflect on a recent five-day reboot training program, emphasizing the significance of continuous learning and striving for excellence in dog training. The conversation explores the journey from settling for mediocrity to unlocking a dog's full potential, overcoming fears and judgments, and the role of trainers in fostering growth. The hosts encourage listeners to celebrate progress, explore new possibilities, and recognize that dog training is an ongoing process.Sign up for the Healing Behaviours online course for February 5th through the website:https://www.yourfavouritedogtrainer.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Dog Reactivity Solutions02:52 Reflections on the Five Day Reboot06:05 Expectations in Dog Training09:00 Unlocking Potential in Dog Training11:49 The Journey from B to A in Training15:07 Overcoming Fear and Judgment in Training17:58 The Importance of Continuous Learning20:53 Celebrating Progress and Small Wins23:47 Exploring New Possibilities in Training27:11 The Role of Trainers in Growth30:01 Final Thoughts on Growth and Expectations

In this episode, hosts Liz Foley and Jeff Gadway reflect on the transformative year of 2024, discussing themes of growth, resilience, and evolution in both personal and professional realms. They share success stories from their dog training experiences, highlighting the impact of innovative training methods, particularly the stay-in-train model and the use of e-collars. The conversation emphasizes the importance of flexibility in training, the need for effective communication, and the personal growth that comes from overcoming doubts as a trainer. They discuss the importance of open-mindedness in dog training, the value of mentorship, and the impact of self-care tools on personal growth. The dialogue transitions into setting intentions for 2025, emphasizing joy, abundance, and focus. The conversation concludes with insights on a revamped dog training program aimed at building confidence and resilience in dogs.Chapters00:00 Building Confidence in Dogs02:12 Reflections on Growth and Evolution06:10 Hands-On Training: The Importance of Direct Interaction12:12 Success Stories: Transformative Dog Training Experiences17:47 Innovative Training Methods: E-Collar Essentials30:12 Continuous Learning and Adaptation in Dog Training32:03 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Dog Training35:12 Influential Figures in Dog Training38:00 Self-Care and Personal Growth Tools47:35 Looking Ahead: Goals for 202556:12 Rebooting Dog Training Programs

In this episode of the Honest a Dog podcast, Liz Foley and Jeff Gadway discuss strategies for ensuring calm and stress-free vet visits for dogs. They explore the common anxieties faced by both dogs and their owners, the importance of early socialization, and practical tips for managing vet visits. The conversation emphasizes the role of dog owners in preparing their pets, as well as the responsibility of veterinary clinics to create a supportive environment. The episode concludes with information about upcoming workshops aimed at improving dog behaviour and owner education.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Calm Vet Visits04:01 Preparing Puppies for Vet Visits07:24 Strategies for Existing Vet Visit Challenges18:40 Calming Techniques During the Vet Exam22:54 Post-Vet Visit Strategies and Tools29:30 The Role of Veterinary Clinics in Reducing Stress37:15 Upcoming Workshops and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Honest to Dog podcast, hosts Liz Foley and Jeff Gadway discuss the common issue of picky eaters in dogs. They explore various factors that contribute to picky eating, including the quality of dog food, potential food allergies, and behavioural conditioning. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition for dogs and offers practical advice for dog owners on managing their pets' eating habits. The hosts also highlight the significance of routine and the need to avoid creating stress around mealtime.

In this episode of the Honest to Dog podcast, hosts Liz Foley and Jeff Gadway discuss the challenges and strategies for moving with dogs. They explore how major life changes, such as moving, can be stressful for dogs and highlight the importance of maintaining routines and providing stability during transitions. The conversation covers expected behaviors in dogs during moves, practical strategies for a smooth transition, and the significance of building resilience in dogs to handle change. They also discuss how to introduce dogs to new environments and navigate neighborhood dynamics, emphasizing the need for consistency and variety in training to prepare dogs for community interactions.Chapters00:00 The Stress of Moving for Dogs02:54 Understanding Dog Behavior During Transitions05:47 Strategies for a Smooth Move09:06 Introducing Dogs to New Environments12:13 Building Resilience in Dogs14:59 Navigating Neighborhood Dynamics17:50 Preparing Dogs for Community Interactions20:55 Creating a Routine for Change24:12 The Importance of Variety in Dog Training26:56 The Playbook for Managing Change29:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Honest to Dog podcast, hosts Liz Foley and Jeff Gadway discuss the complexities of dog behavior, particularly in the context of dog fights and socialization. They reflect on early experiences in dog training, emphasizing the importance of structure and learning from mistakes. The conversation covers effective strategies for managing dog conflicts, the significance of maintaining calmness in crisis situations, and the need for community support in dog training. They also address the aftermath of dog incidents, offering advice on rebuilding confidence in both dogs and their owners, and the importance of communication in fostering a safe and supportive dog environment.00:00 Understanding Dog Behavior: Fight, Flight, and Surrender03:01Reflections on Early Experiences in Dog Training06:13Learning from Mistakes: Handling Dog Fights09:04The Importance of Structure in Dog Training11:56Effective Strategies for Managing Dog Conflicts15:11The Role of Calmness in Crisis Situations18:11Building Community for Better Dog Socialization21:03Recovering from Dog Conflicts: Human and Canine Perspectives23:51Preventing Future Incidents: Training and Leadership27:08Handling Dog Fights: Practical Advice30:01The Aftermath of Dog Fights: Lessons Learned33:13Creating a Supportive Dog Community36:09Moving Forward After a Dog Incident39:01Rebuilding Confidence in Dogs Post-Incident42:07The Importance of Communication in Dog Training45:00Final Thoughts: Advocating for Dogs and Their Owners

This one goes out to a special fan who could not find this in our catalogue of episodes. We at HTD aren’t sure where it went either. It’s stimply too good of an episode, and a real deep dive into Liz’s early experiences with dogs. Enjoy!Join the 10 day Relationship Re-boot. Sign up here!Need help with your dog? Get in touch with Liz for one-on-one or virtual training Your Favourite Dog Trainer

It all comes to down to trust, dogs most often exhibit fear because there is a lack of trust of the situation, people, and place. Liz and Jeff unpack how to recognize and provide some tips on how to work with a fearful dog. Join the 10 day Relationship Re-boot. Sign up here!Need help with your dog? Get in touch with Liz for one-on-one or virtual training Your Favourite Dog Trainer