Canine Connection Podcast

In this episode, Petra and Laurie welcome Zycho, Petra's new puppy. They share insights on puppy development, training, and trialing, emphasizing the importance of patience, observation, and learning from mistakes. They also talk about what it means to be an “experienced” trainer and competitor…it’s likely not what you think!
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to puppy development and training insights
02:01 Puppy self-sufficiency and rapid learning examples
04:01 Training eye contact and engagement in puppies
07:53 Adjusting training margins and building confidence
11:54 Managing multiple dogs and space in training
16:04 Dealing with surprises and mistakes in trials
19:58 Learning from trial setbacks and mistakes
24:03 Handling high drive and genetic instincts in detection dogs
28:01 Training for distractions and environmental challenges
31:55 The importance of experience and trialing in learning
36:00 Balancing expectations and patience in training
40:02 Celebrating successes and maintaining perspective
44:59 Final thoughts on dog training and trialing journey

CONTACT US:
https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod
https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast
PETRA:
https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/
www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com
LAURIE:
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius
https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

In this episode, Laura Rixham shares her journey from a childhood love of dogs to competing in multiple sports, training her dogs in obedience, rally, and scent work, and her insights as a judge. She discusses breed differences, training transitions, and the importance of building a strong relationship with your dog. Laura Rixham shares her journey with scent work, training challenges, and the importance of handler mindset. Petra and Laurie discuss how to manage emotions, set realistic goals, and enjoy the process regardless of outcomes.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction and Laura's background
00:01 Introduction to Laura Rixham's scent work journey
02:25 Early experiences with dogs and training
02:39 Challenges faced during training and competitions
04:05 Transitioning between breeds and groups
05:00 The importance of handler mindset and emotional control
08:13 Using clickers to neutralize emotions in training
09:25 Getting into rally, obedience, and scent work
12:03 Setting realistic goals and enjoying the process
12:04 Transitioning from rally to obedience
14:32 Judging and how it improves training
15:45 Handling environmental issues and outdoor training
18:22 Judging as a learning experience
20:12 Supporting your dog through training struggles
22:31 Memorable moments in the ring
25:29 The significance of community and shared experiences
26:32 The human side of judging and training
30:05 Final thoughts on training, mindset, and enjoyment
CONTACT US:
https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod
https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast
PETRA:
https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/
www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com
LAURIE:
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius
https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

Foundations matter. And they matter throughout your dog's career. Mastering foundation skills are critical to becoming a good handler and teammate. Creating a strong foundation sets your dogs up for success. Returning to and reviewing foundations throughout your dog's career creates a dog that is confident, motivated, sharp and animated. Join Laurie and Petra as they talk about the importance of foundations and provide actionable tips and strategies for mastering them.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Foundations in Dog Training
00:05 Mastering Foundations as a Handler
00:35 The Role of Self-Awareness in Training
01:04 Handling and Body Language Awareness
01:33 The Power of Repetition and Mastery
02:03 Building Confidence Through Foundations
02:29 Practicing Skills Outside of Context
02:34 The Value of Easy Successes
02:36 Revisiting and Reinforcing Basics
02:59 Dealing with Regression and Setbacks
03:25 Using Games to Strengthen Skills
03:51 The Importance of Self-Reflection
04:01 Shaping and Problem Solving
04:02 Avoiding Common Training Pitfalls
04:05 The Role of Consistency and Focus
04:14 Handling Mistakes Gracefully
04:39 The Continuous Nature of Mastery
04:40 Balancing Hard and Easy Training Days
04:41 Weekly Review and Planning
05:07 Final Tips for Building Strong Foundations
CONTACT US:
https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod
https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast
PETRA:
https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/
www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com
LAURIE:
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius
https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

Hannah Nordstrom shares her journey from a passionate first-time dog owner to a rally competitor and instructor as well as FAST CAT competitor. Hannah and her Bedlington Terrier Breitling have already accomplished great things! Her passion, positivity and enthusiasm for Breitling and dog training is evident in all she does. Hannah emphasizes the importance of creating a foundation based on building and maintaining a trusting relationship. relationship. In this episode, Hannah and Petra discuss the importance of engagement, relationship-building, and understanding your dog's unique personality in training and dog sports. They share insights on how to foster a positive training environment and the value of patience and consistency. Hannah is also a wonderful ambassador for all dog sports. Her enthusiasm is infectious!
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction and Hannah's background in dog sports
01:54 Hannah's journey from puppy to rally champion
02:52 How environment challenges reveal training gaps
03:56 The structure and excitement of the Rock Invitational
05:55 The importance of venue and environment in competitions
06:58 Dogs choosing their handlers and the importance of patience
08:00 Fast Cat and other sports Hannah competes in
09:53 The significance of fitness and muscle building
12:07 Breed traits and unique characteristics of Bedlington Terriers
12:34 Managing arousal and environment for success
14:08 Building a relationship based on trust and confidence
16:01 The role of socialization and exposure in training
16:04 The significance of giving dogs time to engage
17:53 Handling distractions and environmental challenges
19:56 Engagement and focus in rally and obedience
20:22 Breed differences and individual personalities
22:01 The importance of relationship over exercises
23:56 Training strategies: breaking down signs and cues
24:17 The impact of social media on dog training perceptions
26:14 Long-term vision and sacrificing immediate wins
27:47 Communication and understanding between handler and dog
28:16 Celebrating small wins and building confidence
30:00 Adapting training to breed and individual needs
32:03 Creating positive associations and neutralizing fears
32:32 The importance of positive reinforcement and relationship
34:02 The value of patience and incremental progress
35:52 The impact of environment and competition stress
36:19 Final thoughts and encouragement for trainers and owners
38:12 Final thoughts on relationship, engagement, and success in dog sports
CONTACT US:
https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod
https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast
PETRA:
https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/
www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com
LAURIE:
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius
https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

In this episode, Kaleigh Gagnon shares her extensive knowledge of search and rescue dogs and scent work training. Discover how dogs are trained to detect various odors and the comprehensive certification process required to become operational. We talk about how versatile and adaptable dogs can be. Kaleigh’s emphasizes the importance of learning how to read your dog’s behavior to develop a strong partnership. Search and rescue requires an enormous amount of time, dedication and sacrifice. We are grateful for all the volunteers out there!
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Search and Rescue and Kaleigh Gagnon's background
00:06 Types of search and rescue work: live find vs. human remains detection
00:14 Training and certifying search and rescue dogs in different disciplines
00:44 Teaching dogs to differentiate odors and environments
01:00 Reading your dog's behavior and body language during scent work
01:02 The importance of trust, communication, and relationship building
01:31 Environmental factors and odor movement in scent detection
01:56 Training routines, consistency, and handling during searches
02:18 The mental aspect of scent work and handler confidence
02:29 How dogs perceive odors and the science of odor wafting
02:37 Practical tips for training and improving scent detection skills
03:08 The rewarding and fulfilling nature of search and rescue work
CONTACT US:
https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod
https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast
PETRA:
https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/
www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com
LAURIE:
https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius
https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025