
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

Jun 1, 2024 • 2h 56min
Episode Thirty-Nine: Markus Neutz
Welcome everyone to another exciting episode of the Training Without Conflict® podcast! I’m thrilled to have Markus Neutz back with us from Germany as our guest. Today, we delve into the world of the FMBB championship, exploring topics like judging, comparing training styles, and much more. Sit back, relax, and enjoy

May 21, 2024 • 3h 55min
Episode Thirty-Eight: Jenny Gibson
Jenny Gibson, a non-professional trainer, challenges traditional dog training methodologies, focusing on force-free techniques and ethical considerations. The podcast delves into the importance of resilience, trust, and understanding dog behavior, emphasizing the impact of individual interactions. It explores the debate between force-free and traditional training methods, advocating for evidence-based practices and prioritizing animal welfare. The discussion navigates through competition dynamics, individuality in behavior, and the ethical considerations of using aversive techniques, highlighting the complexities of decision-making in dog training.

Apr 1, 2024 • 3h 60min
Episode Thirty-Seven: David Garcia Suarez
Recently, I invited David Garcia Suarez from Spain to judge our club trial so we could get our dogs and training critiqued first hand by one the most respected IGP judges at the moment. David has judged many National Championships, as well as World Championships including FMBB which he will once again judge this month in Italy.The conversation gives a glimpse of how he evaluates IGP performance and what the rule book expects from the handler, how emotional state(s) are evaluated as well. We also talk about the current pressure the sport is under in Europe, the demands of the force free advocates and much more.Enjoy!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 and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out: https://trainingwithoutconflict.comhttps://malinois.comhttps://premierprotectiondogs.com

Mar 15, 2024 • 2h 30min
A Conversation with Ivan Balabanov and Michael Ellis
On my recent trip to Northern California, I had an opportunity sit down with Michael and answer some questions that trainers submitted on social media. We had a great time and answered a ton of questions.I hope you enjoy it!

Jan 9, 2024 • 1h 58min
Episode Thirty-Six: Vadim Plotsker
Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Thirty-Six: Vadim PlotskerIn this episode, I interviewed dog sport competitor, IGP judge, member of the WUSV board of directors, and current United Schutzhund Club of America President, Vadim Plotsker. I have been wanting to have this conversation for a long time as Vadim has a very unique perspective on the sport of Schutzhund and the German Shepherd dog. During the conversation we were able to discuss the current state of Schutzhund not only in America, but worldwide. I was able to find some answers regarding rule changes and the path required for them to become rules in the FCI standard.We were also able to discuss some of the issues facing the sport of IGP worldwide and potential solutions to those issues. I learned a ton from this discussion and I am sure you will as well!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 and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out: https://trainingwithoutconflict.comhttps://malinois.comhttps://premierprotectiondogs.com

Dec 28, 2023 • 2h 59min
Episode Thirty-Five: Brian Aghajani
My goal when I started the TWC podcast was to provide knowledge and tell stories from true experts.My guest in this episode is very much a true expert in his field and at the absolute top of the game as far as I am concerned. He is someone I have known since my days in California back in the 90's and am happy to call a friend.I am happy to share my conversation with the incredibly talented photographer, Brian Aghajani.If you have seen an incredible photo from an IGP National Championship over the last 10 years, it is very likely that Brian was the person behind the lens. He has been capturing and sharing incredible moments for years, but I knew he also had a very interesting story to tell. In this episode, we dive into his history, both as a photographer and a dog trainer. He shares incredible knowledge on what allows him to take the unbelievable photos that he produces and also shares stories on what was happening behind the scenes in some of his most famous photos. I had a great time catching up and learning more about Brian and his expertise and I know you will as well. As always, if you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe to my YouTube channel to be the first to know about future episodes!For more information about Brian, check out: https://brianaghajani.comIvan 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 and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out: https://trainingwithoutconflict.comhttps://malinois.comhttps://premierprotectiondogs.com

Dec 14, 2023 • 3h 14min
BONUS EPISODE: Ivan Balabanov on the Bow Wow Bill Podcast 11/26/2023
This episode is a recording of Ivan Balabanov's appearance on the Bow Wow Bill Podcast on 11/26/23.

Dec 1, 2023 • 3h 1min
Episode Thirty-Four: Louis Donald
Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Thirty-Four: Louis DonaldIf you are German Shepherd lover, this episode is for you!This week’s episode epitomizes the reason I started my podcast.I wanted to have in depth conversations and talk dogs with some of the most accomplished, knowledgeable, and interesting people on the planet. Louis Donald is one of the world’s foremost experts on the German Shepherd breed.Louis has had a lifelong passion for the German Shepherd dog.At the young age of 26, he was elected President of the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia and held the position for 2 decades. His book, The Definitive German Shepherd Dog, in my opinion should be MANDATORY reading for anyone not only interested in German Shepherds, but dogs in general. Louis became a fully licensed working dog judge in 1974, and in 1978, he became Australia’s first fully licensed SV German Shepherd Dog Judge, and at the time, the youngest SV judge in the world. His knowledge about the breed, to put it mildly, is vast.He is a true dog man with a passion for German Shepherds.In the podcast, we discuss the origins of the German Shepherd dog, how the division between working and show lines occurred, problems facing the German Shepherd Dog breed in present day, and some of the deepest and darkest secrets of the German Shepherd dog lineage going back to some of the breeds most heralded studs.The 3 hours we talked absolutely flew by and we still had more to talk about, but we agreed to save it for another episode. This is absolutely one of my favorite podcasts to date, and I know you will all love it. As you check out this amazing episode, all I ask is that you hit the subscribe button and tell a friend!For more information about Louis Donald and to buy his book, check out his website: https://louisdonald.comIvan 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 and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out: https://trainingwithoutconflict.comhttps://malinois.comhttps://premierprotectiondogs.com

Nov 13, 2023 • 50min
Episode Thirty-Three: Dr. L. David Mech
Welcome to another Training Without Conflict podcast! In today's special episode, I’m honored to have with us Dr. David Mech, a globally recognized authority on wolf behavior. Dr. Mech's groundbreaking research has reshaped our understanding of these majestic creatures, but his work has often been misinterpreted, especially in the dog training community.For years, the concept of dominance in animal behavior has been a topic of contention, with many in the dog training world advocating for positive reinforcement methods and dismissing dominance as an outdated idea. Today, Dr. Mech joins us to set the record straight. We'll discuss the nuances of wolf behavior, the misconceptions about dominance, and how these insights apply to dog training. Join us as we debunk myths and explore the rich complexity of animal behavior with the expert himself, Dr. David Mech.Ivan

Oct 5, 2023 • 3h 16min
Episode Thirty-Two: Dean Calderon
Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Thirty-Two: Dean CalderonI’m sure many of you have heard the term “dog boy” around certain dog training circles.Many people don’t know where that term came from, but this week, you will find out where it came from and why…My guest this week is self proclaimed “Dog Boy”, dog sport legend, and my friend Dean Calderon.Dean has some strong opinions that you may or may not agree with, but you can feel the passion and love he has for IGP and for all dogs as he shares his thoughts with me. This conversation was as real as it gets. Completely organic, raw, and unfiltered.The only way Dean knows how to do it. Dean is an incredible storyteller and believe me…These are stories you will want to hear!The cover photo of this podcast is from the 2007 FCI World Championship when Dean and I stood proud as champions of the world!This is one of the amazing stories we tell in this podcast. Absolute MUST LISTEN for any dog sport fan, competitor, and enthusiast.As always, if you enjoy this podcast, subscribe for more to come, share with your friends, and hit the like button so more people like you can find out about it!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 and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out: https://trainingwithoutconflict.comhttps://malinois.comhttps://premierprotectiondogs.com
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