Play to Train Podcast

Is Petting or Touching My Dog Bad?

Have you ever wondered, "Is it okay for me to pet or touch my dog? Can it be BAD for me to pet or touch my dog?!" Well, this is a question we received from a client!
In this podcast episode, we discuss why this question may come up and how our dogs may actually seek out and enjoy touching and petting, as long as we take the time to do so properly.
Would you like to learn more about the power of petting? The art behind it? How you can leverage this when training, working or living with your dog? We have just the thing: Power of Petting Mini-Webinar!
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

Are Rules Mean?

Have you ever thought to yourself, setting rules for our dogs seems rather mean? You want to a good dog owner, you don't want to be mean! Perhaps you wanted to use positive reinforcement because you thought that meant you would be nice to your dog. Your dog gives you unconditional love, you want to show them how much you love them back!
In this episode, we discuss what terms such as "positive reinforcement" really mean within the context of dog training, how rules and routines can actually help to set the dog up for success and much more.
Speaker: Dianna L. Santos

Leap Into Agility

The activity of agility is not only fun, it can be amazingly beneficial for dog and handler alike!
"How?!"
In this episode, we discuss the benefits of playing agility, why you should consider it and how trialing and competing are indeed fun, but why we should also strive to incorporate elements of the activity of agility into all our dog training programs.
Speaker: Dianna L. Santos
RESOURCES
What to learn more? Perhaps you are getting started in agility or are already training and competing but looking for some help? Check out these online agility training resources, with even more coming soon!
Agility Adventures Webinar with Vicky Lovejoy
Breaking It Down: Small Sequences for Success Webinar with Vicky Lovejoy
Small Space, No Problem: Ways to Practice at Home Webinar
What Did Ya Say? Understanding Handler Cues Webinar
Sport Puppy 101 Course
Focused Competent Canine Competitor Course
TRANSCRIPT
Read the full transcript here.
 
#playtotrainpodcast #agility #agilitytraining #agilitytheactivity #agilitythesport #dogsport #dogsporttraining #dogsportrialing #petdogu #dogtraining #puppytraining

To Walk or Not to Walk

For most of us, the idea of taking a dog for a walk is something that goes hand-in-hand with owning a dog. But not all walks are created equal. The locations you choose and what you and your dog will encounter and experience during your walk makes all the difference in the world. Some walks may be really enjoyable whereas others are an utter nightmare!

Superbowl Sunday...What About the Dog?!

It is officially Superbowl Sunday and even during COVID, people are likely to get loud and rambunctious while watching the game, snaking and having a grand ole time. But what about the dog? Will they be concerned as you are screaming at the T.V. or begging for your snacks or jumping all over you with every play?
In this episode, we cover some of the ways you can better set your dog up for success so you can better enjoy the game and not butting heads with your canine friend.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

Trainer. Instructor. What’s the Difference?

This episode was originally aired as part of the All About Dog Sports Podcast, which has been merged into the It's Time to Train Your Dog Podcast.
When it comes to dog training, there are lots of terms that go along with it. Lingo and jargon that professionals throw around, which can cause a layperson's head to start to spin! In this episode, we will break down what exactly is meant when someone is called an "instructor" as opposed to a "trainer", whether these terms are truly interchangeable...and what being either of them should entail. 

What Comes First, Confidence or Dog Sport?

This episode was originally aired as part of the All About Dog Sports Podcast, which has been merged into the It's Time to Train Your Dog Podcast.
Once clients are introduced to the concept of dog sports, a common question is: do I need my dog to be confident before tackling dog sports or will dog sports make my dog more confident? This is actually a rather meaty question and we delve into different ways you can tackle it in this podcast episode!
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

Now’s the Time for Positive Reinforcement

In these trying times of dealing with COVID-19, stress levels are incredibly high. Now more than ever, we need to apply the concepts of positive reinforcement, not to our dogs, but to ourselves as well. Granting ourselves the permission to try and then noticing and rewarding those attempts, not matter how small and incremental they may be.
This includes not only how we get through our daily life but also how and when we are interacting with, or training, our dogs. Simply because there may be a stay-at-home order doesn't therefore guarantee you will master all of your dog training goals during this time. Just the opposite. It is extremely likely you will be LESS inclined to work with and train your dog - and that is okay. Please be kind and forgiving to both yourself and your pups.
We hope this episode can cause people to reevaluate how they may be approaching this difficult time and in doing so, help lessen their load even just a little bit.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos

No Dabbling in Service Dogs!

When it comes to service dogs (not therapy dogs, not emotional support dogs, SERVICE DOGS), there needs to be an extra layer of attention paid to the professional on the other end of the leash. Service dogs allow for their handlers to have an improved and more independent life. Therefore, the professional dog trainers who are training and placing these dogs MUST be of the highest caliber.
In this podcast episode, we speak with Laura Demaio Roy, a Placement Specialist with Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and the Owner of DoggyU. Laura walks us through what service dog trainers need to keep in mind, how they should ideally hone their craft and more.
Laura is an excellent resource for all things service dog-related, is a solid dog trainer in her own right and is just an overall nice person to be around! Be sure to check out, subscribe and like Laura's YouTube channel, DoggyU. 
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Laura Demaio Roy

Why You Need Treibball

This episode was originally aired as part of the All About Dog Sports Podcast, which has been merged into the It's Time to Train Your Dog Podcast.
With so many different dog sports to choose from, it can be overwhelming to try to decide which ones play with your dog. But, if you are looking for something that will really take your training chops, and the relationship with your dog, to the next level, Treibball is for you!
In this episode, we speak with Michael McManus, founder of the Treibball competition organization, PUSH Treibball, and someone who is truly passionate about this sport. Michael discusses how he personally got involved in Treibball, the history of the sport as a whole, mistakes that have been made in how people were training and how the sport itself was being described and promoted. At the core of it though, Michael breaks down the benefits of this gem of a game, why he is so passionate about it and how it is a great game for all dogs to play. You definitely need to check out this episode!
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Michael McManus