
Training Without Conflict Podcast
After 40 years of breeding, raising, and training dogs, Ivan Balabanov provides his expert insights on dog training that he’s developed throughout his 4 decades in the dog community. Ivan takes a deep dive into the mind of dogs with the help of incredible guests that will blow your mind and change your outlook on dog training and perhaps life in general!
Latest episodes

May 8, 2025 • 1h 30min
Episode Sixty: Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring
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💪🏼

May 3, 2025 • 1h 38min
Episode Fifty-Nine: Dr. Orion
In this Training Without Conflict® Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Ori Stollar, also known as Dr. Orion on YouTube, a veterinarian and board-certified veterinary behaviorist specialist. (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists).Dr. Orion and I connected after he publicly responded to my critiques of the widespread use of SSRIs in dogs. To his credit, he agreed to come on the show for an open conversation.We cover big questions in this episode: • Is the “chemical imbalance” theory real science or outdated marketing? • Are SSRIs really making dogs better, or just easier to live with? • What’s the role of medication vs. training in resolving behavior problems?Whether you’re a trainer, a veterinarian, or a dog owner trying to make sense of the growing push for pharmaceuticals, you need to hear both sides.Enjoy listening . Share if you liked it or if it challenges what you’ve been toldFor more information about Dr. Orion, check out: https://www.youtube.com/@UC3eNQ33_H6sub78yVa1-6PwIvan 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💪🏼

Apr 22, 2025 • 2h 37min
Episode Fifty-Eight: Jan Van Maren
Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Fifty-Eight: Jan Van MarenIn this episode, I have a conversation with a good friend and excellent helper Jan Van Maren. For those who know him, he needs no introduction, but for those who don’t, he is a highly respected world-level IGP helper from the Netherlands. He was the helper at the 2017 WUSV World Championship and was also brought in to be helper at the 2017 Brazilian IPO Championships. I had a great time with this conversation and I am sure you will love it as well!Enjoy and don’t forget to comment!Ivan 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💪🏼

Mar 8, 2025 • 1h 40min
Episode Fifty-Seven: Johan Weckhuyzen
I had a great conversation with Johan Weckhuyzen. Johan is the breeder of van de Duvetorre Malinois kennels in Belgium. He is also the president of FMBB. I've known Johan for a very long time and finally was able to catch him to come to the podcast. We talk about Malinois, the legends in the breed, selection l, genetics, and training, Ring sport, IGP, detection and much more. We did not have time to go over the future goals of FMBB , this will part two. Enjoy and don’t forget to comment!

Feb 27, 2025 • 3h 4min
Episode Fifty-SIx: Mondioring Special
Hello trainers, I’ll keep this intro shorter. This time I have as guests few very accomplished trainers Shannon Faltak, Jessica Johnson, and Spencer Bowman.We talk about the complexities of French Ring, Mondio Ring and IGP, the breeds and type of dogs that are better suited for each sport, the different style of helper/decoy work, preparation for competition, and much much more. Enjoy

Feb 13, 2025 • 2h 13min
Episode Fifty-Five: Javier Mendoza-Diek
Today, I have an incredible guest with an inspiring journey—Javier, a talented dog trainer who proves that hard work and passion can take you far. However you have to take the risks and challenges in front of you. Originally from Honduras, Javier moved to the U.S. at just 16 years old with his father. He initially pursued a career in veterinary medicine, meanwhile working as a vet tech, but soon realized that dog training was his true calling.Javier started as an army of one experimenting with the possibility and eventually took the leap into full-time dog training. Eventually he also took the TWC course. Now, he runs a thriving business with over 20 employees, showing what’s possible when you commit to your passion. His story is a must-listen for anyone on the fence about making dog training their career. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should take that leap—this episode is for you.Ivan 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💪🏼

Jan 30, 2025 • 3h 15min
Episode Fifty-Four: Jason Purgason
In this engaging conversation, Jason Purgason, President of Highland Canine Training, shares insights from his 30-plus years in dog training, spanning law enforcement to specialized service dogs. He highlights the critical importance of matching dogs with their owners' lifestyles, especially those on the autism spectrum. Jason also addresses the need for ethical standards in the industry and rethinking dog training methodologies, particularly for detection dogs, advocating for evidence-based practices while emphasizing the power of community engagement in fostering a supportive dog training environment.

30 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 3h 2min
Episode Fifty-Three: Dylan Jones
Dylan Jones, a TWC-certified dog trainer renowned for handling tough cases, shares his passion for working with challenging dogs. He discusses the barriers new trainers face and the importance of trust in building relationships with dogs. Dylan advocates for innovative, humane training methods and reflects on the unique dynamics between trainers, dogs, and owners. He highlights the emotional challenges in dog training, especially in shelter environments, urging for ethical, force-free practices that prioritize canine welfare.

Dec 19, 2024 • 2h 41min
Episode Fifty-Two: Panel Discussion (Balabanov, Ellis, Hilliard, Cottee)
Welcome to the latest TWC podcast, where we challenge one of the most controversial and misleading documents in the dog training industry: the AVSAB position statement on training methods. Force-free trainers often uphold this statement as the ultimate authority, claiming it represents a scientific consensus that should dictate the industry’s practices. But we believe this statement is not only flawed but also dangerous and unethical. Today, we got together to examine its weaknesses and set the record straight!Joining me are three exceptional experts with unparalleled experience in dog training, breeding, and behavioral science:First, Stephanie Cottee, an animal behavior and welfare scientist, researcher, and co-owner of Black Kraken K9. Stephanie combines her scientific expertise with practical experience as a working German Shepherd trainer and breeder, bringing a unique perspective to the conversation.Next, Dr. Stewart Hilliard, a behavioral neuroscientist with a PhD and 45 years of experience in training and breeding working dogs. Much of his career has been devoted to military dog training, establishing him as one of the foremost authorities in the field.Finally, Michael Ellis, a legendary trainer with 45 years of experience. In the past Michael has spent over a decade giving seminars for police, sport, and search-and-rescue dog handlers. He’s the founder of the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers, which he has run for 15 years, and a breeder of exceptional Belgian Malinois.Together, we dissect the AVSAB position statement, reveal its contradictions, and discuss the true science and ethics behind effective dog training. Subscribe Like Share and of course comment!Ivan 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💪🏼

Dec 13, 2024 • 2h 57min
Episode Fifty-One: Jim Bradley
Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Fifty-One: Jim BradleyToday, I had an insightful conversation with Jim Bradley, who, for the past several years, has been dedicated to rescuing Malinois dogs on the side while maintaining a full-time job. Jim runs a rescue organization and has also gone trough my Training Without Conflict® Certification Program.In our discussion, we delve into the complexities of rehoming dogs, the current state of animal shelters, and explore potential improvements in how they operate. We also touch on the commitment it takes to volunteer in this field. Furthermore, we challenge the Force Free ideology, discussing how sometimes, in the face of real-world challenges, difficult decisions must be made beyond idealistic approaches. Get ready for a thought-provoking episode!Ivan 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💪🏼