The story of Jay, the founder of GRC Dog Sports, is a compelling narrative of resilience, happiness, and a deep-rooted passion for Jiu-Jitsu. Recently, Jay faced a life-altering challenge, surviving a severe car accident that left him with serious injuries and the heart-wrenching loss of his new puppy. Despite these overwhelming setbacks, Jay's journey towards recovery is a remarkable testament to his enduring spirit and love for life. Jay's resilience in the face of adversity is not just about ...
Dec 16, 2023•1 hr 32 min
Embarking on the journey to become a dog trainer is both exhilarating and demanding. It's a path that requires dedication, patience, and a deep understanding of canine behaviour. For those starting from scratch, the road to becoming a proficient trainer and eventually leading seminars and teaching solo is filled with learning and growth. Initially, the focus should be on foundational knowledge. This includes understanding dog psychology, behaviour, and learning theory. Aspiring trainers should i...
Dec 10, 2023•1 hr 16 min
Decoys, in particular, are the unsung heroes in sports like, PSA, Schutzhund, French Ring, or Mondioring, where they engage dogs in exercises that could potentially lead to injury. These skilled individuals don't just wear a bite suit and endure the physicality of a dog's engagement; they are artists of canine communication, understanding the subtle language of dogs to a degree that allows them to anticipate and react in ways that protect both the animal and themselves, ensuring a safe training ...
Dec 03, 2023•1 hr 23 min
In the heart of our communities, dogs hold a special place, not just as pets but as embodiments of love and connection. This was profoundly evident in the story of Kim Grace, owner of Grey Gums Cafe on Putty Road, and her beloved rescue dog, Shilo. Shilo was more than a pet to Kim; he was a symbol of enduring love and companionship. After the passing of her husband, John, Shilo came into Kim's life, offering comfort and a sense of presence that was deeply needed. Named after the Neil Diamond son...
Nov 20, 2023•1 hr 11 min
This year's PSA (Protection Sports Association) Nationals in Texas saw an exciting addition to its roster of talented competitors: April Hulme, widely known as the "Heeling Queen" among her online followers. April, joined by her friend Jen Wormsly, showcased her exceptional skills in the PSA1 category, competing with her well-trained dog. April's reputation as the Heeling Queen isn't just a catchy nickname. It's a testament to her dedication and expertise in training dogs, particularly in the ar...
Nov 14, 2023•54 min
Samantha King, a dog trainer and psychologist at Therapy Dogs Australia, challenges industry norms by advocating for a practical, role-specific approach to working dog training, contrasting with the generalised recommendations often made by her industry member organisation. Working dogs play crucial roles, such as in search and rescue, police work, or providing assistance to individuals with disabilities. These tasks require a unique blend of intelligence, physical abilities, and sensitivity. Th...
Oct 28, 2023•55 min
When we think of psychology, often we imagine a traditional therapy session in an office setting. However, Samantha King, a psychologist from Therapy Dogs Australia, is breaking the mold by incorporating canines into her sessions. This innovative approach, known as psychology assisted by canines, utilizes the unique bond between humans and dogs to facilitate healing and growth, especially in young children with a range of needs. Canines have an extraordinary ability to connect with humans, provi...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Prey locking in dogs is a natural instinct deeply rooted in their ancestral heritage as hunters. When a dog locks onto an object, it means they've spotted something of interest, whether it's a squirrel, a ball, or even a moving vehicle. This behaviour is characterised by intense focus and a stiffened posture. However, it can be a source of frustration for both owners and trainers alike. Owners may find prey locking frustrating for several reasons. Firstly, it can make walking your dog a challeng...
Oct 15, 2023•1 hr 16 min
Jealousy and envy, often used interchangeably, have distinct meanings. Jealousy is the fear of losing something we possess to someone else, while envy involves desiring something someone else has. Both emotions aren't limited to just humans. Our canine companions, too, show signs that could be interpreted as jealousy. For humans, jealousy can arise from intricate emotional scenarios, such as witnessing a loved one grow closer to someone else or professional setbacks. In dogs, the manifestations ...
Oct 01, 2023•1 hr 21 min
From the bustling streets of the UK to the vast expanses of Australia, a storm is brewing that threatens to redefine the very core of dog training. XL Bullies, once pridefully paraded across parks in Britain, now face potential bans. Meanwhile, Down Under, Rottweilers, despite their loyal and loving nature, find themselves splashed across headlines, painting them in a less than flattering light. Why this sudden breed-specific attention? But, the plot thickens. The Australian Parliament, under th...
Sep 23, 2023•1 hr 22 min
After the rousing discussion sparked by our previous episode, "Things Dog Trainers Hate to Hear," it's clear that the conversation between pet owners and dog trainers is far more nuanced than can be captured by a list of frustrating phrases. The topic was so well-received that we decided to take it a step further in our newest podcast episode, where we delve into how the dynamic between pet owners and trainers is evolving in contemporary society. Social media platforms, with their host of cute d...
Sep 16, 2023•1 hr 26 min
A recent Facebook post ignited a fascinating discussion around the relationship between pet owners and dog trainers. The user asked friends to share things that dog trainers hate to hear. Not surprisingly, the thread garnered over 200 comments, full of humour and earnest concerns alike. We found the conversation so compelling that we even discussed it in our most recent podcast episode. Initially, one phrase that dog trainers often hate to hear is, "I've tried everything." This comment perpetuat...
Sep 02, 2023•1 hr 14 min
Undoubtedly, the very essence of dog training is encapsulated in a single, albeit often elusive, concept: the moment. Interestingly, this pivotal lesson came into sharp focus for many of us while sharing space with the incomparable Michael Ellis. A master in his field, Michael exemplifies the art of being fully "in the moment." When you find yourself fortunate enough to be immersed in his dynamic presence, you can’t help but feel the magnetic allure of present awareness. Importantly, this is not...
Aug 27, 2023•1 hr 49 min
Sorting through life's chaos is akin to training an unpredictable dog; both require mastery over the when, why, and how. When: Just as we sort our life decisions at opportune moments, we must also discern when to guide our dogs. Proper timing in both ensures success. Why: Understanding our motivations and those of our dogs is key. Is your dog's barking due to anxiety, boredom, or health? Similarly, sorting the reasons behind our feelings adds depth to our growth. How: Our strategies in life, lik...
Aug 16, 2023•1 hr 23 min
Glenn, Pat, and Cameron Ford came together to take a hard look at the existing 'system' that governs many dog training practices. This meeting ignited an important discussion, probing into long-standing practices that have become ubiquitous within the industry. We raised concerns over the rigid thinking that is prevalent in the field. This often manifests as a cult-like dedication to a single methodology, stunting the growth of new ideas and innovation. Our conversation highlighted how this narr...
Aug 06, 2023•1 hr 54 min
Dog training is a blend of art and science, utilising various techniques to shape desired behaviours. One such method is negative reinforcement, encapsulated nicely in the phrase, "pressure motivates, release educates." Negative reinforcement is often misunderstood. It doesn't involve harm or punishment but utilises slight discomfort to stimulate behaviour change. In dog training, 'pressure' refers to the minimal discomfort that motivates the dog to behave differently. This could be a firm tug o...
Jul 24, 2023•59 min
Nothing beats a hearty chat with Jason Firmin, the main man at Eizweck Dogquip, and his son Ryan, especially after their whirlwind European tour. Now, this wasn't your typical sightseeing trip. Nope, the Firmins had a mission - to immerse Ryan into the exciting world of dog sports decoy. Europe's got some seriously talented decoys, and it was in this lively backdrop that Ryan received his crash course. Jason couldn't stop beaming as he spoke of his son's meteoric rise in the decoy scene. Ryan wa...
Jul 07, 2023•1 hr 22 min
In Australia, introducing a four-legged friend to the work site has unlocked a unique charm and improved productivity. In an environment often characterized by stress and deadlines, a tail-wagging canine offers a magical and unanticipated boost. The presence of a dog at a work site serves as a powerful stress reliever. Their capacity to provide unconditional love, coupled with their humorous antics, tends to lighten the work atmosphere, fostering a more relaxed, happier, and ultimately more prod...
Jun 25, 2023•1 hr 38 min
"Punished by Rewards" by Alfie Kohn delves into the concept of intrinsic motivation, suggesting that rewards can actually be counter-productive, undermining our inherent drive to learn and explore. While primarily focused on humans, this compelling theory has implications for dog training. Traditionally, reward-based training has been a staple in teaching our canine companions. But should we be wary of over-relying on treats and praise? This question leads us back to the concept of intrinsic mot...
Jun 12, 2023•1 hr 23 min
In this fascinating episode, we delve deeper into the dynamic world of dog clubs, sharing our rich experiences that encompass managing, operating, and engaging with the colourful tapestry of individuals who breathe life into these clubs. We bring to light both the inspiring stories of those who make the journey truly rewarding, as well as the challenging experiences that test our resilience and passion. As we continue, we explore an intriguing aspect of dog training: sign tracking. This behaviou...
Jun 05, 2023•1 hr 21 min
Bull breeds, children and best case versus Armageddon are once again the topics of discussion that came from surveys within our on-line discussion group.Bull breeds are well-known for their strength, stamina, and loyalty, but their reputation often suffers due to negative portrayals in the media. However, in a loving environment, breeds like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier can be fantastic family pets, particularly when socialised with children early and properly...
May 28, 2023•1 hr 8 min
Dog training is a journey, underscored by significant transitions through distinct learning phases, each showcasing your dog's growth and understanding. Initially, in the Introduction and teaching phase, your dog doesn't understand the expected behaviour. However, as they begin to recognise the task or command, they naturally transition into the Learning and Association phase. This shift becomes noticeable as your dog starts associating your command with the corresponding action, albeit inconsis...
May 20, 2023•1 hr 18 min
In Part 2 of our conversation with Chad Mackin, we delve deeper into the nuances of dog training methodologies and the role of language in shaping the industry's future. We discuss the significance of continued education for dog trainers and ways to stay informed and up-to-date in this ever-evolving field, where language plays a crucial part. Chad shares his experiences with various dog training tools and the importance of using them responsibly and ethically. He also touches on how social media...
May 06, 2023•54 min
In our latest episode, we welcome back Chad Mackin to join us for an insightful discussion on the dog training industry. The conversation focused on Chad's experiences, concerns, and aspirations for the world of dog training, emphasising the importance of better language in the industry. Chad expressed his concerns about the widespread issue of substandard dog training practices being shared on social media platforms such as, Facebook. He highlighted how these methods not only affect the welfare...
Apr 30, 2023•1 hr 9 min
Have you ever talked to your pets as if they were human beings? If you have, you might have been accused of being anthropomorphic. Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics, emotions, and behaviours to non-human entities such as animals, objects, or even natural phenomena. Recently, Pat asked Glenn if he was being anthropomorphic when he was observing behaviours from his dogs, Remco and Valerie. While dogs do feel emotions like joy and fear, they might not necessarily express ...
Apr 22, 2023•1 hr 15 min
When it comes to dogs participating in bite sports, developing their grip strength and technique is a crucial aspect of their training. Proper grip development through good techniques in tug and rag work can help improve a dog's performance, prevent injuries, and increase their confidence and drive. In bite sports, such as PSA, Schutzhund, IPO, and French Ring, dogs are trained to bite and hold onto various objects, including sleeves, bite suits, and hidden sleeves. To prepare them for these tas...
Apr 17, 2023•1 hr 24 min
we had the pleasure of hosting Luke and Panos from the "Life with Your Dog" podcast. They joined us to discuss Joel Turner's open and closed loop training system, as well as other dog training philosophies. The conversation was both insightful and engaging. We delved deep into the open and closed loop training system. By using the open and closed loop training system, the Shot IQ system helps archers develop a deeper understanding of their shooting technique and build mental and physical skills....
Apr 11, 2023•1 hr 21 min
In this episode, we explore the topic of seeing your dog in a new light after they display unexpected aggressive or concerning behaviour. As dog owners, we often assume that we know our pets inside out and understand their behaviour patterns. However, sometimes our dogs can surprise us and exhibit behaviour that we don't expect or fully understand. When a dog displays aggressive behaviour, it can be a jarring experience for their owners. Suddenly, the dog that we have loved and cared for can see...
Apr 02, 2023•1 hr 15 min
Dog owners often unwittingly trigger certain behaviours in their pets, without realising the implications of their actions. While the owners may not understand what they did, the dog's perception of the situation is entirely different. Due to the data it has collected, the dog's brain sees this as a cue to run a particular program. This phenomenon is not uncommon, and it's a result of a dog's ability to learn and adapt to its environment. Dogs are highly intelligent animals, and they have an exc...
Mar 29, 2023•1 hr 27 min
As much as we all love our canine companions, sometimes behavioural issues arise that can make life with them difficult and even dangerous. In some cases, these issues can be so severe that they pose a threat to not only the safety of others but to the dog itself. In such situations, the difficult decision to consider euthanasia may arise. It's important to note that behavioural euthanasia should always be a last resort, and only considered after all other options have been exhausted. This inclu...
Mar 12, 2023•1 hr 6 min
