Ep. 45 - Training to a Standard, Not Trophies | Hunting Dog & Obedience Truths

Many dog trainers chase trophies. Nate Czarnota trains to a standard.

In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Nate Czarnota of Iron Oak Dog Company to break down what “training to a standard” really means and why it creates more reliable, capable dogs than chasing titles, ribbons, or trends.

They dive into gundog training, obedience under pressure, impulse control in high-arousal environments, and how the same principles apply to hunting dogs, sport dogs, and everyday companion dogs.

This is a systems-level conversation focused on real-world performance, clarity, and reliability, not appearances.

Whether you work high-drive dogs or just want better obedience at home, these principles translate across all training environments.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
• Why training to a defined standard outperforms trophy-based training
• How to build impulse control without suppressing drive
• Using obedience as a communication system, not just control
• Reward-based strategies that hold up under pressure
• Why dogs become “collar-smart” and how to prevent it
• How gundogs can succeed both in the field and at home

RECOMMENDED TRAINING RESOURCES

From Novice To Pro – Nate Schoemer
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625

Dog Training Decoded – Michael Ellis
https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/dog-training-decoded-by-michael-ellis?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=51512501371169

Nate’s breakdown of Michael Ellis’ course:
https://nateschoemer.com/dog-training-decoded-why-every-serious-trainer-should-learn-from-michael-ellis/

UPCOMING SEMINARS

Corpus Christi, TX — January 23–25, 2026
Hosted by Harley & Sergio Dog Training (SK9)
Friday: Private Lessons (Application Only)
Saturday–Sunday: Workshop (8:00 AM – 5:30 PM)
Working Spot: $350
Audit Spot: $250
Tickets: https://harleyandsergio.academy/workshop

Peoria, AZ — February 21–22, 2026
Hosted by Kinected K-9 AZ Dog Training
Location: The Pitbull Store, Peoria AZ
Working Spot: SOLD OUT
Audit Spot: $250
Tickets: https://square.link/u/fUpcbPtG

North Bend, OR — March 13–14, 2026
Hosted by Campbell K9 University & Daycare
Working Spot: https://9ce05e2d-70ad-4316-a25c-0e8363a9306a.paylinks.godaddy.com/nateschoemerworkingspot
Audit Spot: https://9ce05e2d-70ad-4316-a25c-0e8363a9306a.paylinks.godaddy.com/3059b659-5945-4fc3-b4e7-db5

San Marcos, TX — September 26–27, 2026
Hosted by Pets and Moore, K9 Waterworld
Tickets Coming Soon

WHY THESE SEMINARS ARE DIFFERENT
This is not a massive, anonymous event.
You’ll see real training, coached live, with real dogs, real genetics, and real challenges.

Same framework. Different dogs. Real environments.

GUEST: NATE CZARNOTA (IRON OAK DOG COMPANY)
Website: https://www.ironoakdogs.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironoakdogs
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ironoakdogs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ironoakdogs
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gun-dog-it-yourself/id1475109621

FOLLOW NATE SCHOEMER
Website: https://NateSchoemer.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemer
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@NateSchoemer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer
X (Twitter): https://x.com/NateSchoemer
Podcast Feed: https://pod.link/1804414647

EPISODE KEY TOPICS
Hunting dog training, gundog obedience, impulse control, reward-based systems, training to objective standards, real-world reliability, high-drive dogs, field training principles, and companion dog performance.