The Everyday Trainer Podcast

Leash meltdowns aren’t random—they’re rehearsed. We pull back the curtain on what “reactivity” really means, why barriers like leashes and fences supercharge emotion, and how to swap chaos for structure without crushing your dog’s spirit. We map the two major lanes of reactivity—overarousal versus fear—then connect them to what’s happening inside the body, from dopamine-fueled excitement to cortisol-driven stress. That biology lesson turns into timing and tactics you can use today.

We start at home, not on the sidewalk. You’ll learn a simple marker-based game that opens and closes a training window, p...

The fastest way to a reliable recall isn’t a bigger treat pouch—it’s a cleaner language. We break down a simple system that teaches dogs to look back, come in, and shut off pressure, starting with two markers: “get it” to send away and “yes” to call back. Once that loop is automatic, we layer the e-collar over the turning moment so the sensation becomes meaningful and predictable. The result is a dog that chooses you, even when the world gets loud.

We also draw clear lines between heel and with me. Different sides, different bubbles, diffe...

A wet dog smell with no dog. A food bowl scraping the ground after it’s been packed away. A bed dipping to make space for four familiar paws. Our Halloween special dives into the most compelling Reddit stories about ghost dogs—some tender, some chilling, all unforgettable—and asks what these moments might mean for people who loved a pet and had to let go.

We start with a skeptic’s tale that ties rain, timing, and a suitcase full of mysteriously soaked clothes to a beloved spaniel who “found” her human and led him home. From there...

Ever get told “be more fun” and think… how? We open the door to our training week—workshop takeaways, insecurity and breakthroughs, and the gritty details of turning vague advice into steps you can actually use. From pet behavior fixes to sport-dog precision, we trace how timing, markers, and body language turn chaos into clarity and why mastering the basics is the fastest way to level up.

We unpack the difference between obedience as a crutch and obedience as a skill, and we show how leash-led walking drills build calm focus without a single command. You’ll hear how w...

Every dog trainer's journey begins somewhere, and for Emma from Raven K9 Dog Training, that foundation was built through pack walking. In this conversation, Emma shares how she transitioned from a customer service manager in Australia to a successful dog trainer in the UK, revealing the unexpected lessons that shaped her training philosophy.

What makes Emma's approach so refreshing is her balanced perspective that honors dogs as individuals while maintaining clear expectations. She details how adopting Raven, a Dutch Shepherd with a serious history of dog reactivity, led her to explore e-collar training and develop a nuanced...

What happens when your dog training skills outpace your business skills? In this episode, I sit down with Tori, the administrative powerhouse behind The Everyday Trainer, to pull back the curtain on the messy, challenging, and often overwhelming business side of dog training.

Four years ago, I was drowning in 4,000 unread emails while running a thriving dog training practice. My fatal flaw? Being exceptional with dogs but completely overwhelmed by the administrative tasks that kept my business running. Enter Tori, who transformed chaos into systems that allowed The Everyday Trainer to flourish.

We candidly discuss...

The journey to competition success is rarely a straight line. In this episode, we're joined by Celine, Shane, and Thoma who take us behind the scenes of Celine's recent PSA Level 1 trial victory in Wyoming. What does it really take to prepare a dog for back-to-back trial days, and how do you maintain consistency when the pressure's on?

The conversation quickly evolves into a debate about training methodologies that challenge conventional wisdom. Shane shares his approach to e-collar use, arguing that "the quicker you can get out of escape, the better" and explaining why he deliberately trains...

What happens when your dog isn't in a command? Do they make good decisions or fall apart completely? This question strikes at the heart of the difference between obedience training and true behavior modification.

Many dog owners believe their problems are solved when their dog returns from a board and train program perfectly executing commands like place, sit, and heel. But as we explore in this episode, obedience is merely a tool—not the finished product. A dog that performs beautifully in training sessions but makes poor choices when "off duty" hasn't undergone genuine behavioral change.

Recorded by a crackling campfire in Montana's bear country, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to live with working dogs. Meg is joined by dog trainers Thoma and Lex (who recently welcomed a Malinois puppy into her life) for an unfiltered conversation about the expectations versus reality of high-drive dogs.

Have you ever wondered why some dogs seem impossible to settle or why your "reactive" dog behaves so differently from other dogs of the same breed? The answer might lie in understanding what these dogs were bred for. We dive deep into...

Ever wondered if you're using an e-collar correctly with your dog? Meg pulls back the curtain on this powerful training tool, revealing insights that even seasoned trainers might be missing.

Meg takes us deep into the two essential phases of e-collar conditioning—escape and avoidance—and explains why most trainers and owners get stuck in the first phase for far too long. This simple mistake creates dogs who only respond when the e-collar is activated rather than understanding commands independently. She shares practical examples from her board-and-train program, demonstrating how e-collars should function as follow-through tools rather than...

Ever wondered what it really takes to build a successful pet business in today's digital landscape? This candid conversation with Celine, the creative force behind WulfSnacks and multiple 100K+ social media accounts, and dog trainer Shane Murray pulls back the curtain on the messy, challenging, and ultimately rewarding journey of pet industry entrepreneurship.

Celine shares her unexpected path from aspiring veterinarian to pet influencer and business owner, revealing the moment during COVID when she decided to leave her veterinary assistant position behind. What started as homemade treats for her dogs with food sensitivities transformed into WulfSnacks, a...

Have you ever felt like you and your dog are speaking completely different languages? You're not alone. Communication barriers are the root cause of most training frustrations, but there's a solution that transforms even the most challenging relationships.

In this illuminating episode, I break down the five essential communication systems that create crystal-clear understanding between dogs and humans. Drawing from years of experience with both everyday pets and complex behavioral cases, I reveal how mastering these systems creates a shared language that eliminates confusion and builds trust.

You'll discover why consistent marker words matter more...

Dog trainers Meg and Thoma tackle your most pressing canine questions in this comprehensive Q&A episode packed with practical solutions for common behavioral challenges.

When it comes to getting dogs to truly settle down, they reveal why constant food rewards often backfire, creating dogs that stare intensely rather than genuinely relax. Their tethering approach offers a refreshingly different alternative to the overused "place" command, allowing dogs to find calm on their own terms without the pressure of perfect obedience. "It's almost like forced meditation," Meg explains, highlighting how this technique helps dogs learn self-soothing skills that...

There's something magical that happens when we allow ourselves and our dogs to escape the constraints of urban living. This episode takes you along on our adventure to Yosemite and the surrounding wilderness, where unexpected encounters became transformative experiences.

Our journey began dramatically when we spotted a wildfire starting on BLM land. After reporting it, we continued deeper into the wilderness, where fate led us to a private lakeside property. Instead of being turned away, we were welcomed by Scott, a bearded mountain man with a generous spirit. His stories about how nature rehabilitated both his troubled...

What does 25 years of dog training experience teach you? Stephanie O'Brien, owner of Dog Genius Canine Education, takes us on a fascinating journey through her evolution as a trainer—from growing up raising guide dogs to becoming an expert in protection sports.

Stephanie's story offers a rare glimpse into how dog training has transformed over decades. Before YouTube tutorials and Instagram influencers existed, trainers learned through direct mentorship, VHS tapes shipped from Europe, and traveling to competitions. Her vivid recollections of discovering Belgian Ring sport for the first time and the thrill of taking bites from champion pr...

The journey from reactive, anxious dog to confident companion isn't always straightforward. In this follow-up session, we check in with a client who's been implementing changes to address her dog's separation anxiety, reactivity issues, and their overly-structured relationship.

What happens when we stop micromanaging our dogs and instead give them opportunities to make good choices? The transformation can be remarkable. We explore how to balance freedom with boundaries by allowing dogs space to explore while maintaining clear expectations. This delicate balance creates confident dogs who understand their world rather than anxious ones constantly looking for direction.
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Lex shares her transformation from dog owner to professional trainer, sparked by her journey with her reactive German Shepherd, Koda. What began as a challenging adoption—complete with a parvo diagnosis and costly medical bills—evolved into a career-defining experience that taught her invaluable lessons about balanced training approaches.

• Adopting Koda as an eight-week-old puppy during COVID, only to face immediate health challenges including parvo and hip problems
• How a traumatic dog park incident transformed Koda from confident to severely reactive almost overnight
• The frustration of working with multiple trainers whose methods either didn't help or felt to...

Meg shares the terrifying experience of her puppy Muffin accidentally ingesting marijuana at a park and the emergency vet visit that followed, then opens up the conversation to listener stories about scary incidents with their dogs.

• Collar dangers emerge as a common hazard, with multiple stories of dogs choking when collars become caught during play or in crate wires
• Breakaway collars and removing collars during unsupervised time can prevent these dangerous situations
• "He's friendly" dog greetings frequently lead to attacks and injuries, reminding owners that dogs don't need forced friendships
• Gastrointestinal obstructions from toys, leashes...

Dog trainers often talk about "drivey" dogs, but understanding drive states is key to effective training and fundamentally changes how we approach common behavioral issues.

• Drive states are innate biological impulses that motivate behavior in dogs
• Pack drive (following the leader) is the most valuable drive for behavioral modification
• Walking drills build pack drive by teaching dogs to follow your lead
• Defense drive manifests when dogs feel threatened and may result in aggression
• Prey drive involves the instinct to chase and is activated during food/toy focused training
• Most dogs don't want to be "front...

We share the keys to finding and enjoying outdoor adventures with your dogs, challenging the urban lifestyle that keeps our canine companions disconnected from their natural state. 

• Living on the road with dogs has shown us the immense benefits of nature exposure for dog behavior and wellbeing
• Urban environments disrupt dogs' natural circadian rhythms while nature helps reset their biological clocks
• Dogs have innate needs to explore, forage, and connect with natural environments that can't be met in city settings
• Microbiome development through exposure to diverse bacteria in soil and natural water sources strengthens dogs' imm...

Nicole's Staffordshire Terrier excels at tricks but transforms into an unstoppable pulling machine the moment a leash appears, especially when heading to the dog park.

• Teaching proper leash pressure is fundamental to stop pulling
• "Pressure on, pressure off" method establishes clear communication
• Pulling gets rewarded when it leads to exciting destinations like dog parks
• Dogs pull because they learn it works to get what they want
• Smart dogs can have poor manners when competing motivations are present
• Loose leash walking requires dedicated practice sessions
• Walking drills should progress from low to high distracti...

Meg shares insights from a virtual training session with her client Molly, who is working through reactivity issues with her high-energy husky mix, Murphy, after early socialization at dog parks and daycare created frustration-based leash reactivity.

• Distinguishing between fear-based and frustration-based reactivity
• Why dog parks and daycares can create reactivity in some dogs
• Detailed explanation of e-collar conditioning process and finding working levels
• Strategies for becoming more relevant to your dog than environmental distractions
• How to properly introduce and use a crate for dogs that struggle to settle
• Tips for managing dogs with luxatin...

Meg and Thoma share their experiences living in vans with dogs and introduce their newly adopted Malinois puppies, exploring the ethics and controversies of dog acquisition.

• Navigating van life in southern California where regulations and neighbors create challenges for mobile dog trainers
• How two 6-week-old Malinois puppies were rescued after being scheduled for euthanasia at a veterinary clinic
• Introduction to protection dog sports and the importance of good genetics versus training
• The controversy between supporting rescue dogs versus purpose-bred working lines
• Integrating new puppies into existing dog packs and managing littermate interactions
• Understandin...

Welcome back ya'll. In this episode, we dive into the transformative world of dog nutrition with Megan from Pet Power Studio. Discover how proper nourishment can revolutionize the life of your beloved pet from overcoming behavioral challenges to enhancing their overall quality of life. Together, we explore the pitfalls of traditional kibble diets and unveil the powerful, positive changes that raw and fresh feeding can trigger.

Megan’s heartfelt narrative begins with her experience raising Diesel, a once-troubled dog who became a beacon of insight into the world of canine behavior and nutrition. She illustrates the framework of...

This episode highlights the challenges of managing dog training while addressing separation anxiety and the unrealistic expectations often placed on both pets and their owners. The conversation emphasizes the importance of play, clear communication, and tailored training methods to cultivate a healthy bond and successful training experience. 

• Discussion on separation anxiety and common behavioral issues
• Importance of setting realistic training expectations 
• The value of engaging playtime for dogs 
• Insights on incorporating structured routines in daily activities 
• Recommendations for successful communication techniques
• Encouragement to explore fun activities, including tracking and scent work

Check out ever...

The episode emphasizes the idea that while dog owners may feel guilty about their pets' behavior, it is essential to recognize that genetics significantly influence these actions. We discuss the prevalent culture in dog training that blames owners and shift the focus to the responsibility they have in managing their dogs with an understanding of their innate behaviors.

• The impact of living situations on dog training and behaviors 
• The narrative of blame within the dog training community 
• Importance of recognizing genetics in dog behavior 
• Responsibilities of dog owners: fulfilling breed-specific needs 
• Real-life examples illustrating t...

This episode outlines the five essential do's and don'ts of dog training, focusing on clarity, communication, and consistency. By emphasizing crate training, marker words, early exposure, respecting other dogs' spaces, and maintaining consistency, listeners will gain valuable insights into effective dog training methods.

• The importance of crate training
• How marker words enhance communication
• The need for early exposure training
• Respecting other dogs' spaces during interactions
• The significance of consistency in training

Join us in our upcoming virtual lessons to continue your dog training journey!

To donate to the Pasadena’s Humane Soc...

This episode explores essential dog etiquette rules to help owners navigate public spaces responsibly. Meg emphasizes the importance of respecting boundaries for both dogs and their owners to foster a safe and positive experience in community interactions.

• Importance of being considerate toward other dogs and their owners
• Experiences highlighting the struggles of off-leash encounters
• Teaching children to respect a dog’s personal space
• The consequences of misunderstanding dog behavior in public
• Core rules of dog etiquette to change public perceptions
• Addressing entitlement and setting boundaries
• Recognizing the unique needs of individual dogs in various...

Welcome back ya'll. This week's episode explores the unique challenges of living in a van while managing the needs of multiple dogs during winter. We discuss the emotional toll of dog mom guilt, the importance of clear communication in training, and the balance between work and taking care of pets.

• Managing life updates and routines while living in a van 
• Balancing dog care while grappling with dog mom guilt 
• Adjusting to winter and understanding its impacts on lifestyle 
• Navigating daily routines and training challenges in vans 
• Communicating effectively with dogs through marker words 
• Embracing...

Hey ya'll welcome back. This week I wanted to give you a little behind-the-scenes look into our Virtual Shadow Program and a conversation amongst dog trainers. This podcast is a recording from our VSP and dives into using tools with hesitant owners, navigating tough conversations as dog trainers, and how we can show up as confident leaders for the dogs and owners we work with.

This podcast episode presents an insightful conversation on dog training, emphasizing the nuances of using corrective devices and understanding dog behavior. Trainers share firsthand experiences navigating challenging situations and managing the balance...

He's back and better than ever. This episode we chat with everyone's favorite dog trainer, Shane Murray to explore his evolution of his dog training biz and the importance of building a supportive community. Meg and Shane explore various training methods, the strengths of private sessions over board and train programs, and the value of mentorship. They discuss their upcoming shadow program, which combines practical training and business insights to help aspiring dog trainers develop their skills and sustain their careers.

• Shane shares his reflections on the past year in dog training
• Discussion on the effectiveness of b...

Join us as we chat with Lauren and Danielle from The Animal Pad, a passionate dog rescue organization based in sunny San Diego. Lauren shares her transformative journey from volunteering for Bernie Sanders' political campaign to leading a life devoted to dog rescue. With personal anecdotes of fostering her first dog, Rusty, and the hilarity of managing a household filled with furry companions with special needs, Lauren and Danielle paint a vivid picture of the rollercoaster ride that is dog rescue.

Lauren and Danielle's stories shine a light on the profound commitment and compassion required for this...

Unlock the secrets to transforming your dog's health with insights from Tannisha of Pet Matrix, a trailblazer in canine nutrition. She takes us on a journey through the groundbreaking CMD cell matrix delivery system, which revolutionizes nutrient absorption for dogs by bypassing traditional pitfalls like low bioavailability. You'll learn how peptides play a crucial role in maintaining gut health, acting as a repair system for the gut lining, and why removing common household contaminants can protect your pet’s well-being.

Explore the nutritional nuances that affect canine behavior and performance, and discover how proper diet can alleviate in...

We've loaded up our pack and are headed to Southern California with our 8 dogs and two vans, and amongst the chaos that comes with this eclectic lifestyle, we're here to inspire you to not take training (or life) too seriously.

If you're here, it's because you're immersed in the world of dog training- but that comes with it's own downsides. But that can sometimes leads to high expectations for ourselves and our dogs, comparrsison, and just simply a lack of fun. 

In this episode, we're diving into how letting loose can improve your relationship with y...

In this episode we're joined by Thoma and dog trainer Faruukh, chatting all about how to manage resource guarding in dogs with actionable insights if you're struggling with this pretty common behavior. Discover the art of building a non-confrontational relationship with your dog while setting structured boundaries. Learn how to navigate the complexities of dog training, debunk common misconceptions, and tailor your approach to fit the unique needs of your dog based on their level of behaviors.

Faruukh shares his personal journey with his Malinois, Arya, offering practical strategies for addressing complex behaviors. From crate training to...

Curious about the world of dog training from an international perspective? Discover the unique insights of Alessandro, our skilled guest from Spain, as he shares his transformative journey from BMX riding to becoming a passionate dog trainer. Learn about the cultural nuances in dog training across borders, particularly in Spain, where certain tools and approaches are viewed differently. Alessandro’s personal story of adopting a Malinois with challenging behaviors serves as a gateway to exploring the broader responsibilities and expectations of dog ownership.

From understanding the complexities of high-drive dogs to addressing common misconceptions in dog training cu...

Trigger warning: This is a heavy episode that features topics such as behavioral euthanasia.

As the door to another adventure in dog rescue swings open, we find ourselves in a chaotic whirlwind of emotions, underscored by River's tale, a Malinois narrowly rescued from euthanasia. Imagine the rollercoaster of emotions as we grapple with nurturing him back to health amidst the clamor of living out of vans with 7 personal dogs. Yet, woven through this chaos is a testament to the power of community and the unseen heroes like Zara, who make such rescues possible. Join us as we...

We asked, you delivered. This week, we're diving into listener responses to our question "What do you want all dog owners to know?". Everything from proper dog "socialization" to what types of dog friendly places to avoid, our listeners fill you in on everything you need to know to be a well-educated dog parent and live the most fulfilling life with your dog. I'm once again joined by my lovely partner Thoma, so enjoy our hot takes on all of your responses. Don't forget to grab your tasty drink, and enjoy.

Visit us on the website here...

Imagine sending your beloved dog to daycare, only to find the experience leaves them more anxious and misbehaving than before. This episode pulls back the curtain on the unsettling reality behind many doggy daycare facilities, with stories that might make you reconsider where to leave your furry friend. I’m Meg, a seasoned dog trainer, and joining me is my partner Thoma. Together, we expose some eye-opening tales of chaos and mismanagement that dogs encounter in these supposed havens.

Our conversation spans from chaotic thunderstorms causing pandemonium in understaffed facilities to heartbreaking tales of dogs regressing after vi...

This week we're joined by more than just yours truly. We sat down with the girls from our leadership retreat in Joshua Tree to chat about our favorite and most controversial dog training topics. From understanding the importance in neutrality training, to shelter problems, and off-leash etiquette, the girls had the opportunity to sit down and discuss these topics amongst each other and discover what it's like to run a podcast. This episode is broken down into "mini episodes" with each girl discussing something new.

You know the drill, grab a tasty drink and enjoy.

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