Leerburg Dog Training Podcast

In this video, Ed Frawley reads and discusses an Ask Cindy Q and A that addresses a challenging and increasingly common issue in German Shepherd Dogs: obsessive tail chasing that may be developing into a compulsive behavior. The question comes from an owner of a young GSD whose tail chasing has escalated over the last six months to the point where changes in energy or environment trigger frantic spinning, vocalization, and difficulty responding to verbal commands. Despite a veterinary exam showing no physical cause, the behavior continues to worsen, leaving the owner unsure how to proceed.  | Links mentioned: How We Manage Dogs in Our Home: https://leerburg.com/managementdvd.htm | Basic Dog Obedience: https://leerburg.com/302.htm | Remote Collar for the Pet Owner: https://leerburg.com/ecollar-pet-owner.php

In this Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed Frawley reads and discusses a thoughtful question from a new puppy owner preparing to bring home an 8-week-old puppy for the first time. After the recent loss of a beloved 12-year-old Labrador, the viewer wants to make sure they start their new puppy off the right way—from day one. | Links mentioned: Getting Started With Your New Puppy Bundle - https://leerburg.com/puppy-bundle.php

This course was hosted by Leerburg in November 2025 and taught by Kevin Sheldahl. Recognized as one of the world’s leading scent work instructors, Kevin presents a clear, step-by-step approach to building strong detection fundamentals. Led by one of the nation’s most qualified detection dog trainers, this three-day workshop covers core foundations for all levels and detection disciplines, including odor recognition, indication, alert behavior, and search development. | Links mentioned: Foundations of Scent Work Training - 323 Videos: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/243

This seminar is a primer on detection training that every dog trainer should see. Taught by Kevin Sheldahl, a practical teacher with decades of experience. This course is jam-packed with little gold nuggets of information and wisdom, you don't even realize how good it is until you've seen it. There is 323 videos with additional text and supplemental content. | Links mentioned: K-9 Detector Dog Training: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/186 | Foundations of Detection (Coming Soon): https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/243

Kevin Sheldahl, an experienced police canine instructor, dives into the intriguing story of Clever Hans, the horse that amazed audiences with its supposed math skills—only to reveal it was reading handler cues. He discusses how this phenomenon, dubbed the 'handler's ghost,' affects detection dog training today. Kevin highlights the dangers of unconscious signals and the importance of blind testing to ensure dogs rely on scent, not people. The conversation underscores the need for disciplined handling to build trust and prevent false alerts in real-world scenarios.

In this video, Ed Frawley reads an Ask Cindy Q and A about choosing the right width for an agitation collar. A viewer new to protection sports asks whether collar width is simply personal preference—especially since the 2" collar they bought looks large on their 70-lb dog. Cindy explains why wider collars help distribute pressure during protection work and why 2" is typically appropriate for a dog this size, while also noting options for narrower collars if the handler prefers. Ed shares the full exchange, including the viewer’s follow-up after deciding to keep the collar because of its excellent craftsmanship.| Links mentioned: 2" Agitation Leather Collar: https://leerburg.com/leatheragitcollar-2in.htm | 1 1/4" Agitation Leather Collar: https://leerburg.com/leatheragitcollar.htm

Discover the art of preemptive redirection for managing reactive dogs! Learn to recognize early warning signs like stiffening and low growls. Timing is everything; divert attention before a reaction escalates. Creating a calm practice environment with relaxed helpers is essential. Find out how ignoring helps prevent reinforcing bad behavior. The goal? Stop reactions before they start and keep your furry friend calm and in control!

Ed Frawley, an experienced detector dog trainer and former handler for law enforcement, dives deep into the surprising dangers of using common toys like Kongs and tennis balls as rewards in detection dog training. He highlights issues such as safety risks, contamination, and conflicts with the dog’s obedience. Frawley introduces a safer alternative—scented cotton towels—explaining their training advantages and how they can be adapted to individual dogs' drives. Prepare to rethink your reward choices!

In this video, Ed shares a heartfelt message from a customer who wrote in to express their appreciation for Leerburg Online University. They highlight what they love most—clear instruction, helpful course structure, accessible pricing, and the variety of material available for dog trainers of all levels. Ed responds with a sincere thank-you on behalf of the entire Leerburg team. If you’ve ever wondered what the student experience is like inside Leerburg Online University, this message says it all. | Links mentioned: Leerburg Online University - https://university.leerburg.com

This episode discusses safe methods for separating fighting dogs, emphasizing that you need to be careful and think twice before jumping in. Breaking up a dog fight is extremely dangerous. In fact, 95% of the injury photographs received by Leerburg came from people attempting to break up dog fights, often between their own dogs. It is crucial to remember that intervening when you do not feel safe may result in severe injury; if you are a small person or small woman with two big dogs fighting, it may be too dangerous to intervene. If you must intervene, there is a right and a wrong way to proceed.| Links mentioned: Dog Bite and Dog Attack Photos: https://leerburg.com/dogbites.htm | Dealing with Dominant and Aggressive Dogs: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/137