Leerburg Dog Training Podcast

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

In this practical Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed Frawley tackles a serious safety concern many cyclists face: aggressive dogs chasing them while riding through countryside or residential areas, with some dogs being extremely large and threatening. The cyclist is looking for effective strategies beyond simply stopping, which isn't always safe with aggressive dogs. Cindy shares a creative solution from a long-distance cyclist friend who carries an extra bike helmet on a tether, swinging or throwing it at chasing dogs to create unexpected opposition—most dogs don't expect any resistance and often back down or remember the encounter next time. She explains that sometimes physical contact is necessary to make an impression and deter future chasing behavior. Cindy also recommends Leerburg's telescoping hiking stick with a built-in stun gun feature, noting that it's portable and often just the sound alone is enough to scare dogs away without needing physical contact. | Links mentioned: Hike N Strike - https://leerburg.com/hike-n-strike.php

Ed Frawley delves into his well-crafted dog training philosophy shaped by decades of experience. He emphasizes that understanding dogs as pack animals is crucial for effective training. Poor family pack structure can lead to behavioral issues, and establishing respect through leadership is vital—love alone isn’t enough. Frawley contrasts different training methods and introduces marker training as a precise communication tool. Ultimately, he encourages building relationships rooted in trust and respect for better canine companionship.

In this essential training breakdown, Ed Frawley explains the five progressive Rules of Play that transform tug from chaotic wrestling into a powerful obedience and engagement tool. These rules must be taught in order: first, building genuine desire for the toy by sparking prey and play drive; second, teaching the retrieve so the dog learns that bringing the toy back continues the game rather than ending it; third, adding the "out" command at the right developmental stage to avoid suppressing drive; fourth, introducing impulse control so the dog waits for permission before grabbing; and fifth, finding the perfect balance based on the dog's individual temperament—dominant dogs need stricter structure while sensitive dogs require more freedom to build confidence. Ed emphasizes that intensity of play must be adjusted to each dog's personality: possessive dogs get shorter wins to prevent over-possession, while less intense dogs benefit from longer, more active sessions to build drive. When all five rules work in harmony, tug becomes far more than just play—it creates a dog who is motivated, responsive, and sees the handler as the ultimate source of reward and fun. | Links mentioned: The Power of Playing with Your Dog: https://leerburg.com/221.htm | The Power of Training Dog with Markers: https://leerburg.com/marker-dvd.php