Leerburg Dog Training Podcast

In this important Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed Frawley addresses a concerned owner's question about whether to continue using an e-collar on their 7-year-old dog who recently started having seizures, with the last one occurring two months ago and no current medication. Cindy explains that she cannot provide a definitive answer without understanding the underlying cause of the seizures—whether they're linked to a medical condition, reaction to flea, tick, or heartworm medication, epilepsy, or another outside substance. She offers her perspective that a quality e-collar functions like a TENS unit used by chiropractors, so she doesn't expect it to cause or aggravate seizure conditions, but emphasizes that she is not a healthcare professional or veterinarian. | Links mentioned: Seresto Pet Collar Review - https://www.epa.gov/pets/seresto-pet-collar-review

In this video, we discuss the critical importance of developing a detection dog that works independently without relying on handler cues or direction. A "handler proof" K9 is a dog that commits to searching for and locating target odor based on their own drive and training—not because they're reading their handler's body language, following where the handler looks, or waiting for permission to alert. | Links mentioned: Three Day Foundations of Detection Seminar - Nov 8-10 at Leerburg: https://leerburg.com/kevin-sheldahl-scentwork-seminar.php | K-9 Detector Dog Training: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/186

In this video, Ed addresses a critical problem he's seeing in the detection dog training community—trainers are prioritizing passive indications over their dog's ability to commit to searching for target odor. This backwards approach is creating dogs who can perform beautiful alerts but lack the fundamental drive to actively hunt and locate odor independently. | Links mentioned: Three Day Foundations of Detection Seminar - https://leerburg.com/kevin-sheldahl-scentwork-seminar.php | K-9 Detector Dog Training - https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/186

In this episode of Ask Cindy, Ed Frawley reads a question from a dog owner wondering which course is best for using an e-collar with their 7-month-old GSD puppy. Cindy breaks down the steps, explaining why starting with Leash Reactivity training is the priority before introducing e-collar work. Learn how to set your training priorities, reduce leash reactivity, and prepare your dog for off-leash success safely and effectively.| Links mentioned: How We Manage Dogs In Our Home: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/14 | Leash Reactivity with Tyler Muto: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/15 | Loose Leash Walking: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/17 | Training Your Dog to Come When Called: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/197 | Remote Collar Training for the Pet Owner: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/94 | Dogtra 1900X: https://leerburg.com/dogtra1900x.php

In this straightforward Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed Frawley addresses a common question from a new Golden Retriever puppy owner about the right age to transition from harness to collar for loose leash walking training. The owner plans to use a harness initially for taking their 8-week-old puppy outside and exploring, but wants guidance on when to begin formal loose leash walking with a flat collar. | Links mentioned: Leash Skills: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/89 | Loose Leash Walking: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/17

In this practical Ask Cindy Q and A session, Ed Frawley addresses a common but frustrating challenge with an 11-week-old Mastiff puppy who constantly bites the leash, grabs at handlers during collaring, and shows zero food motivation despite being underweight. The owner has tried standard redirection techniques with toys and treats, but the puppy drops toys immediately and returns to biting, making even basic handling like putting on a harness nearly impossible. Cindy provides targeted solutions including upgrading to extremely high-value food rewards like cheese, chicken, and steak in tiny pieces to break through the puppy's disinterest in training. She explains the critical difference between toys the puppy has constant access to versus special redirection toys that only appear during handling sessions, recommending soft stuffed toys with paracord attachments that can be yanked away to increase the puppy's commitment to holding them. Cindy emphasizes that this biting phase is temporary and will fade after teething if properly managed, directing the owner back to Michael Ellis's puppy material for detailed redirection techniques.

A Malinois owner grapples with fear-reactive behavior lurking in her backyard. The trainers stress the importance of strict environmental control and supervision to curb these reactions. They discuss how allowing reactive behavior reinforces fears, ultimately undermining training efforts. Timely corrections and preventing practice are crucial for making lasting changes. This insightful conversation sheds light on effective strategies to help dogs overcome fear while ensuring both safety and progress.

In this Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed reads a viewer’s question about a skittish dog who hesitates when being called to have his leash put on. The owner has been using the recall command to bring the dog over, but the hesitation and slow response raised concerns about whether corrections or adjustments were needed. Cindy explains why it’s best not to use a formal recall command in this situation, and instead teaches viewers how to create a positive association with leashing up by using a new verbal cue, pairing it with rewards, and practicing inside without the added stress of going outside every time. She also shares tips for helping nervous dogs build confidence and avoid rehearsing avoidance behaviors, like hiding under furniture. | Links mentioned: Getting Started with Reward Based Training Bundle - https://leerburg.com/reward-based-training-bundle.php

In this episode, we break down the key differences between Leerburg Prong Collars and Herm Sprenger Prong Collars. From materials and craftsmanship to design and functionality, you’ll see what sets each brand apart and what is the same. This video will help you determine which option may be the best fit for your dog’s training.| Links mentioned: Leerburg Stainless Steel Prong Collar: https://leerburg.com/leerburg-prong-collar-stainless.php | Leerburg Quick Release Prong Collar: https://leerburg.com/quick-release-prong-collar.php | Herm Sprenger Stainless Steel Prong Collar: https://leerburg.com/hermsprenger_stainlesssteel_prongcollars.htm | Herm Sprenger Small Prong Quick Release Collar: https://leerburg.com/smallprong-easysnap-kit.php

Does your Schutzhund-trained dog bark excessively outside the training field? In this video, Cindy answers a common question from a GSD owner: How can I stop my dog from barking at strangers and other dogs without ruining her protection work? Learn why this behavior is often a sign of reactivity, not aggression, and how to manage it without affecting your dog’s drive and performance in IGP. Cindy shares practical tips for leash walking, car rides, and at-home management, plus a resource that covers effective reactivity training. If your working dog struggles with barking in everyday situations, this advice will help you create balance without sacrificing success in the sport. | Links mentioned: Leash Reactivity and Loose Leash Walking Bundle - https://leerburg.com/leash-skills-bundle.php