Training Archives - The Canine Paradigm

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, Pat asks Glenn about travelling around Australia to work with Pet Resorts Australia teams on the floor. The focus is showing staff how to read dog behaviour in real time, so social boarding and daycare stay safe, structured, and enjoyable. We discuss how to set sessions up well, how to brief simple rules, and how to notice the early signs that a group needs a reset.

We cover practical ideas staff can apply immediately. For example, start with a calm entry, match energy levels, and use short check-ins to keep...

In Episode 353 of The Canine Paradigm, we talk about how genuine science gets twisted online and why that matters for dogs and their people. We begin with voices who keep the facts straight, including Dr Melanie Uhde, and show how clear reporting can upset those who rely on vibes over evidence. Then we look at the pattern that follows. Big personalities rarely enter the arena themselves. Instead, they rally highly engaged followers to attack, while they stay behind the wall and keep their hands clean.
We unpack how this cycle forms, why confused audiences become cannon fodder, and...

In Episode 352 of The Canine Paradigm, we look at stereotypes of dog owners on social media. First, we talk about how these labels form, why the algorithms reward them, and how that shapes what owners believe about training. Then we contrast two worlds. On one side, ethical and brilliant trainers who teach clearly and show real progress. On the other, clout chasers who market better than they train and turn drama into a business model. We explore how to spot red flags, how to verify claims, and how to find reliable guidance that helps dogs and families. It is...

In this gloriously grubby edition of The Canine Paradigm, we lean right into the dog pooh life and answer the two questions you sent that made us laugh out loud. First, our worst dog diarrhoea story. We relive the slip, the splatter, and the sprint for paper towels, then talk through what the mess told us about health, how we calmed the situation, rehydrated, and reset the diet without drama. Next, a classic training confession. A listener asked for a memorable time a dog blew us off in a session. We share the look, the turn away, and the...

In this episode, we shift the lens away from outcomes and titles and look at what often gets overlooked, the dog’s experience during training. Is the dog learning with clarity, or simply complying under pressure? Are we building understanding or just building behaviour?

We explore how training isn’t just about what a dog does at the end of a program, but how they felt throughout the journey. Confidence, confusion, fear, motivation, these internal states shape the long-term success of training more than most realise.

Whether you’re a trainer, a handler, or a dog ow...

In Episode 349 of The Canine Paradigm, we dive deep into a question that gets to the heart of dog ownership, what do most families actually need their dog to be trained to do?

We explore the essential skills and behaviours that, if taught properly, make the difference between a happy, well-integrated companion and a dog that ends up rehomed or worse. From recall and loose-leash walking to house manners and neutrality, we outline the minimum viable behaviours that support a successful relationship between dogs and their people.

We also venture into a future-facing discussion, will...

In this lively and insightful episode, Glenn sits down in person with three of the industry’s entertaining and passionate figures, Jacob Morgan from the Yorkshire Canine Academy, Ian Kirke, also from YCA, and Simon Moody (aka the Mutt Nut, aka the Best Dog Trainer in the Universe).

Unfortunately, Pat couldn’t join us for the episode, but when the universe gifts you the Mutt Nut, you’ve got to shake and bake.

What follows is a candid conversation filled with laughs, stories, and reflections on the dog training industry as it stands today. We discus...

In this emotionally charged episode, Glenn and Pat hit the reset button after scrapping their original recording, something we don’t often do. The reason? Frustration and sadness. The original session had been overshadowed by anger and disbelief at the overwhelming wave of negativity sweeping through both the dog training community and the wider world.

Rather than push out content clouded by emotion, we chose to re-record with clearer intent, to voice their concern, reflect more calmly, and explore why it feels like something is very wrong right now.

The conversation touches on a wide ra...

In this episode, Glenn and Pat take a hard look at the ethical cracks forming in the professional dog training industry. Prompted by Justin Rigney, who continues to call out deceptive trainers, telling lies or hiding their use of tools, we dive deep into the consequences of rewarding the wrong behaviours, not in dogs, but in people.

Too often, we see professionals extending hospitality, collaboration, and trust to individuals or organisations who do not reciprocate. These individuals happily accept support and visibility, while simultaneously working to undermine the very values and standards that good trainers work so...

In this eye-opening episode of The Canine Paradigm, Glenn and Pat explore the full weight of what happens when a dog is declared a nuisance, menacing, or dangerous by council authorities.

Firstly, they unpack how such labels don’t just affect the dog. Instead, the repercussions ripple through entire households. Families must adjust their routines, manage legal obligations, and cope with emotional stress. Meanwhile, victims of the incident face their own challenges, often receiving little support despite the trauma they may carry.

Importantly, the conversation shifts to another growing concern: the influx of underqualified trainers wh...

In this moving episode of The Canine Paradigm, Glenn and Pat welcome back their close friend and regular guest, Birdy O’Sheedy, for a conversation that speaks to the soul of dog ownership.

This time, Birdy introduces us to her new initiative, The Magic in Dogs. While it isn’t a training program, it offers something equally valuable—a shift in perspective. Instead of focusing solely on control or obedience, Birdy invites us to reconnect with our dogs in a more present and intentional way.

Throughout the episode, Birdy shares her experiences working with dogs and th...

In this powerful episode of The Canine Paradigm, Glenn and Pat reconnect with one of their favourite guests, Dr Melanie Uhde. Known for her no-nonsense, science-first approach to canine behaviour and training, Melanie has become a respected but polarising figure in the dog world.

Her deep dives into peer-reviewed research and willingness to challenge misinformation have been applauded by many, but they’ve also drawn the ire of some high-profile dog trainers more concerned with protecting their brand than evolving with the truth.

We discuss the toll of speaking out in a field still dominated by...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, Glenn and Pat sit down with Jacob Morgan—founder of Yorkshire Canine Academy and host of the Caffeine and Canines Podcast.

Jacob’s name has been rising fast in the UK dog training scene, thanks to his blend of solid training principles, business acumen, and an unmistakable online presence. Both Glenn and Pat have been guests on his podcast, so it was only fitting to return the favour and shine a light on his journey.

From his impressive social media growth to building a thriving training business, Jacob shar...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, Glenn and Pat take a moment to reflect on the biggest lessons, shifts in thinking, and key takeaways from the last decade of living and working with dogs. From the missteps to the breakthroughs, this episode offers a candid look at how much can change when you commit yourself to growth.

But this isn’t just a walk down memory lane. We’re also proud to promote Pat’s brand-new online course, Everything Pat Knows, now available at seriousdogbusiness.com. After years of in-the-trenches work, thousands of hours with dogs and ha...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, Glenn and Pat unpack a viral video that’s got social media buzzing. It shows a dog walking into a situation and seemingly “resolving” a behavioural issue between other dogs, sparking all kinds of commentary about dominance, energy, and control. But is that really what’s going on?

Glenn and Pat break down what might actually be happening, without the hype or projection and why it’s important to remain critical of viral interpretations dressed up as truth.

The episode also revisits the ongoing debate about training tool bans. Why...

In this episode, Glenn and Pat explore the vital role of rhythm and rituals in dog training. These two elements, when intentionally used, can provide clarity and structure to the training process—both for the dog and the handler.

The episode breaks down how rituals help dogs understand how to enter a scenario correctly. Whether it’s a training session, a working environment, or a daily routine, consistent rituals reduce confusion, build engagement, and set clear expectations from the outset.

Equally important is the idea of developing rhythm throughout your training, which ensures continuity, flow, and...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, we respond to a thought-provoking question from one of our listeners: Is burning out the same as failing? Burnout is a topic that hits close to home for many dog trainers, handlers, and professionals working in emotionally and physically demanding environments.

Glenn and Pat dive into the nuances of burnout—how it differs from failure, where the overlap exists, and why it’s essential to make the distinction. They discuss personal insights, the mental weight of pressure and expectation, and the cultural narratives that often conflate stepping back with giving up.<...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, we welcome back Sam King from Therapy Dogs Australia to update us on the world of therapy dogs and their vital work with children.

Since we last spoke, Sam was facing challenges, including navigating advisors who have tried to influence how these dogs should be trained. Some of these suggestions, unfortunately, pushed back against proven and essential safe practices—raising serious concerns about the welfare of both the dogs and the children they serve.

Sam walks us through what’s changed since her last visit on the show and...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, Glenn and Pat dive into a reality that’s often overlooked: dog training can be messy. It’s not always a clean, linear process. There are times when our communication with dogs—or even our students—isn’t as clear as it needs to be, and that lack of clarity can hinder progress.

We explore how training sessions sometimes fall apart not because of effort, but because of missing or miscommunicated information. Whether it’s the handler failing to clearly mark behaviours, or a student misunderstanding a concept, clarity is critical. Th...

This week’s episode of The Canine Paradigm is one of the hardest we’ve ever had to record. Episode 334: You Made Me a Better Trainer is a deeply personal tribute to Randy, who recently passed away.

Sometimes, putting out an episode makes things all too real—and that was the case here. Avoiding the microphone felt easier than confronting the grief. But Randy deserves to be honoured properly. He wasn’t just a dog—he was a mentor, a friend, and someone who profoundly shaped how I train. he was a big loss to Narelle and I

I...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, Glenn and Pat introduce a structured concept that Pat has been refining—the Dog Trainer’s Triangle of Control. This model focuses on controlling three essential elements: the dog, the reinforcer, and the environment.

The triangle offers trainers a simple yet powerful blueprint for structuring learning in the early phases of dog training and life development. By managing these three factors, trainers can significantly reduce confusion, improve communication, and create optimal learning conditions for dogs. Glenn and Pat break down how each point of the triangle works in practice and why...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, we sit down with Neil Barnsley from Animal Holistic Therapies, a practitioner whose expertise in chiropractic and acupuncture for dogs has changed countless lives. Neil was one of the key people who helped Ladybug walk again, proving the power of alternative therapies in canine rehabilitation.

Neil’s journey into holistic animal treatments was inspired by both his father and grandfather, who introduced him to these healing methods. Over the years, he has worked with a wide variety of breeds, from those with severe spinal injuries to dogs given poor prognoses—many...