A Conversation with Ivan Balabanov and Michael Ellis

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Sergio Pellis, a distinguished researcher who has spent over four decades studying Play in rats within lab settings. Together, we share a deep fascination with Play, having each explored its nuances for more than 40 years—myself with dogs, particularly during training, and Dr. Pellis with his groundbreaking work on rats. Throughout this conversation, we delve into the many shared benefits of Play that transcend species, from cooperation to the establishment of rules, even how discomfort can shape the play experience. We explore some truly thought-provoking questions, like, "Why do we play at all?"After my recent study comparing electric collars and positive reinforcement set the internet on fire, I've taken the opportunity to shift focus back to what has always been my core passion: Play. This episode allows us to reconnect with the foundational aspects of behavior through the lens of Play and its profound role in shaping both dog and human development.Subscribe, like and let me read your comments after

Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Forty-Five: Mia SkogsterWelcome back to my TWC Podcast! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mia Skogster once again to dive deep into discussions about our personal dogs, training, IGP rules, and FMBB judges. We focused particularly on the protection phase this time around. As I’m releasing this episode, we've already scheduled part two to continue this fascinating conversation.I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed having the conversation. And yes, I know it's a bit cliché at this point, but if you could like and subscribe, it would mean a lot. This podcast is purely for the love of it—no paid advertisements, just infinite fun and educational content. So, if you can subscribe and share with a friend, I am happy to keep providing more free information for all of you!

Hello trainers! I’m excited to bring you another fascinating conversation today. This time, it’s with my friend Nake Florin. Nake has a background just as interesting as many of our guests—he’s decoyed Mondioring at the world championships as well as USMRA and other events, gives seminars around the worlds, Nake works for one of the largest dog rescues in the UK.I first met Nake about 10 years ago when I was giving a seminar in Romania, and I’ve been impressed with his work ever since. In this episode, we dive into a variety of topics, from training sport dogs and discussing rules to tackling challenges in animal shelters and working with problem dogs.I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!

My guest is Shannon Faltak, as you will find out her journey in the dog world is one of a kind! For those that don’t know her at all just to give you a glimpse Shanon took Knox, a 5 year old dog, filled it in Mondo and French Ring , went to the world championships and now is planing to enter the IGP Malinois Nationals! Her story is very inspiring to me, she is a proof that everything is possible and starts with a dream

Today’s podcast features Dr. Michael Moyer, a veterinarian and the owner of Bridgewater Veterinary Clinic. We discuss various aspects of dog health, common reasons dogs visit the vet, spaying and neutering, the Fear Free enterprise, overmedicating and other intriguing topics related to dogs.

Training Without Conflict® Podcast Special Edition: Dr. Karen Overall's Deep Breath Protocol For DogsWelcome to this short solo podcast! Todays topic is fascinating and controversial: Dr. Karen Overall's deep breath protocol for dogs. Imagine if your stressed out or aggressive, fearful, anxious dog (pick one), could take few deep breaths and instantly calm themselves down—sounds like a superpower, right? Well, Dr. Overall suggests that with her Deep Breath Protocol, dogs can learn to do just that, taking deep breaths in the most stressful situations to Self-Regulate and improve their emotions on their own.Get ready for a fun ten-minute listen as we dig into the canine psyche, debunk some “protocols”, and have a few laughs along the way. Share your thoughts in the comments, can this be done or wishful thinking?

Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Forty-Two: Jany BöhmAs of late, many have laid claim that IGP is a dying sport. However, after the drama and theatrics of the most recent FMBB World Championship we saw a passionate outcry from trainers around the world pleading for transparency in the sport. There was also a considerable amount of outrage as to who was the rightful champion. In this podcast, I am happy to be joined by my great friend, and 2024 FMBB Vice World Champion Jany Böhm.This was recorded only weeks after the 2024 FMBB World Championship, which led to a polarizing series of events that have many wondering what the proper next step for the sport should be. Thanks to Jany, we are able to go deep into the process of this year’s World Championship.He provided an honest accounting of the competition, the judging, and rules enforced this year. We also discuss how all of these things have impacted the sport in the past. We discuss the good and the bad, in the interest of providing those in power with context on what decisions can further improve the sport of IGP.IGP has always had it’s own flavor of controversy, but it is now possible for trainers with a large platform to voice their thoughts an opinions in the interest of trainers around the world. In some cases, the Training Without Conflict® Podcast is here to share knowledge and entertainment, but thanks to you all as listeners, we have the power to have a voice to make a change.In the interest of improving and growing the sport of IGP, I look forward to seeing your thoughts in the comments.You never know how impactful your comment might be…Enjoy.For more information about Jany Böhm, check out: https://www.instagram.com/janybohm/Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.For more information about Ivan Balabanov and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out: https://trainingwithoutconflict.comhttps://malinois.comhttps://premierprotectiondogs.comPlease like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼

In the newest episode of the Training Without Conflict® Podcast, I had a chance to sit down with my friend, World Championship level helper, and IGP World Championship competitor Vladimir Dragicevic. For those in “the know” Vlad is no stranger to high level competitors having worked with many of the trainers and dogs you see on National and World Championship podiums today.In addition to his phenomenal helper work, he is also an accomplished competitor having received one of the top obedience scores at the 2022 FCI World Championship with his dog Duke Ot Dachevski.During the podcast, we discuss what it takes to be a World Championship level helper, how Vlad approaches preparation for trials as a helper and a competitor, and his history as a helper and dog trainer. I enjoyed this conversation quite a bit and I am sure you will too!

Welcome everyone to another exciting episode of the Training Without Conflict® podcast! I’m thrilled to have Markus Neutz back with us from Germany as our guest. Today, we delve into the world of the FMBB championship, exploring topics like judging, comparing training styles, and much more. Sit back, relax, and enjoy

Welcome to another episode of TWC podcast where we explore diverse perspectives and challenge the status quo. Today, I have a brave guest who steps outside the lines of her community's ideology to share her strong opinions on a topic she's passionate about. It's not easy to question deeply held beliefs, especially when they are influenced by powerful propaganda.Our conversation highlights the difficulty many people face in changing their opinions once they're anchored in a position. As Patrice O'Neil wisely said, "You can hold your opinions, but don't let your opinions hold you." It's crucial not to be "married" to your ideas. They are just ideas, and clinging to a false belief out of fear of being wrong is far weaker than admitting the mistake. But is it at all possible?!Join us as we delve into the importance of keeping an open mind, embracing change, and the courage it takes to break free from ideological constraints. Let's dive in!