Training Without Conflict Podcast

For over 40 years, dog trainers have been fed a feel-good myth: the "jackpot" reward, championed by Karen Pryor, claims a pile of treats will supercharge your dog’s learning. But does it deliver? Did the force-free movement’s “kool-aid” mislead trainers for decades?Tune in and discover the truth!

My guest in this episode is Clemente Grosso, well respected IGP and FCI Obedience judge, has officiated at numerous World Championships. Clemente is also a member of the FCI Working Dog Commission and plays a key role in shaping the rules, decisions, and long-term vision for the future of IGP. As competitor Clemente’s breed of choice is the Giant Schnauzer. We discuss how and why the rules evolve, the direction of the sport, and the often misunderstood relationship between what judges look for and what trainers think judges want to see. Clemente also shares his thoughts on the removal of stick hits in IGP and how this change is affecting performance, training methods, and even breeding and selection.We didn’t always agree, which made it even more interesting to both of us. Clemente and I go way back to my years living in Belgium, when we were both first introduced to the sport.There will be a Part 2, because we both felt there are topics we wanted go deeper into. Share your thoughts in the comments, we might include some of your ideas in our next conversation.

Is your dog chasing cars because it’s afraid?Force-free trainers like Simone Mueller claim it’s all about fear — not predation.But expert trainers and science say otherwise.In this episode, I dismantle the “fear theory” behind Predation Substitute Training and explain what’s really going on inside your dog’s brain when it lunges at cars, bikes, or joggers.We’ll explore the biology of drive, dopamine, and instinct, and I’ll show why “confidence building” doesn’t stop the behavior.Fear doesn’t make dogs chase — instinct does.And pretending otherwise doesn’t help dogs; it just sells stories.

In this episode, I sit down with my wife, Natalia Balabanov, to talk about the unique world of living, training, and competing together at the top level of dog sports. We dive into what it’s really like to share the same passion, the same goals, and sometimes the same pressure — while balancing the roles of coach, trainer, and spouse.From the intensity of competition to the daily grind of training plans and long-term goals, we talk openly about teamwork, communication, and how we handle the challenges that come with working side by side. We also explore what it takes to stay motivated, support each other, and keep improving when you’re both aiming to be the best in the world.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to mix love, sport, and ambition — this one’s for you.

The discussion dives into the misleading term 'leash reactivity,' exposing it as an oversimplified label. Distinct behaviors in dogs, such as frustration, fear, and over-arousal, require tailored solutions rather than blanket explanations. The importance of diagnosing behaviors using Tinbergen's four questions is emphasized to understand the 'why' behind actions. Ultimately, the conversation highlights how precise language in dog training can lead to better outcomes for our pets.

What if the slot machine analogy in dog training is misleading? Discover why continuous reinforcement can be more effective than variable reinforcement. Learn how extinction bursts can actually enhance behaviors and understand barking and whining as feedback, not disobedience. This discussion challenges conventional wisdom, emphasizing the importance of clarity, joy, and connection in training. It's a fresh perspective for serious dog trainers eager to rethink their approach.

If Errorless Learning was the greatest breakthrough in how animals—or humans—learn, why hasn’t it taken over education?It’s been over 60 years since it was introduced. If it really worked, wouldn’t our schools, colleges, and universities have adopted it by now?In this solo podcast, I break down two recent publications by Eduardo J. Fernandez:“Comparing trial-and-error to errorless learning procedures in training pet dogs a visual discrimination”and“The Least Inhibitive, Functionally Effective (LIFE) model: A new framework for ethical animal training practices”These aren’t scientific breakthroughs—they’re ideological maneuvers. Behind the friendly language and force-free branding lies a troubling pattern: rigging methodology, ignoring real-world complexity, and selling fantasy as welfare.I’ll explain why these ideas not only fail in practice—but are dangerous when taken seriously.here are the links for the two papers:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375769627_Comparing_Trial-and-Error_to_Errorless_Learning_Procedures_in_Training_Pet_Dogs_a_Visual_Discriminationhttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eduardo-Fernandez-27/publication/376288769_The_Least_Inhibitive_Functionally_Effective_LIFE_Model_A_New_Framework_for_Ethical_Animal_Training_Practices/links/65b9e19479007454974f5517/The-Least-Inhibitive-Functionally-Effective-LIFE-Model-A-New-Framework-for-Ethical-Animal-Training-Practices.pdf

Larry Krohn, a dog trainer who blends pet and sport dog training, engages in a deep conversation filled with insights. They tackle the impact of social media on training perceptions and the importance of genuine practice. Listeners learn about resilience in dogs overcoming challenges, the significance of continuous learning, and emotional connections between dogs and handlers. A discussion on the complexities of behavior issues reveals contrasting training methods and the ethical dilemmas trainers face, emphasizing empathy and understanding in fostering trust.

Back for a second round: FCI judge David Garcia Suarez joins me for another deep and at times provocative conversation, this time focused entirely on IGP.We dive into:   •   The evolution of rules and judging   •   How training styles have shifted over the last 10, 20, even 30 years   •   The influence of genetics on modern dogs   •   And where the sport is headingWhether you’re a competitor, trainer, or just a passionate observer, this episode pulls no punches. Let us know what you think, agree, disagree, or want to push the conversation further? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Sixty: Dr. Josef Witt-DoerringSSRIs, Dogs, and the Chemical Lobotomy No One Wants to Talk About - with Dr. Josef Witt-DoerringIn this episode, I sit down with Dr. Josef, a board-certified psychiatrist, former FDA medical officer, and one of the few voices brave enough to speak publicly about what SSRIs are really doing to people… and what that means for dogs.The so-called “safe and effective” narrative is crumbling.What we’re seeing instead are emotional numbness, cognitive damage, and permanent changes to the brain, and not just in humans.While the AVSAB continues to push SSRIs as a behavioral fix for dogs, the evidence of harm is mounting. In this conversation, we dismantle the myth of the “chemical imbalance,” and challenge the blind faith many trainers and veterinarians have placed in psychiatric drugs.If you’re a trainer, vet, or dog owner who cares about animal welfare, this is a conversation you can’t ignore.For more information about Dr. Josef, check out:https://www.instagram.com/taperclinichttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT0HW8jp8xDuczBnO7Kg7rAIvan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.For more information about Ivan Balabanov's Dog Training School and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out:https://trainingwithoutconflict.comhttps://malinois.comhttps://premierprotectiondogs.comPlease like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼