Training Without Conflict Podcast

This week on my podcast I had a conversation with the highly controversial trainer The Dog Daddy.While many of you might find this surprising or even potentially upsetting, my goal with my podcast is to allow all of you to learn about training methods and perspectives from trainers across the spectrum of dog training. Although Dog Daddy has created quite a rift in the dog training space, I was interested to have him explain his perspective on training so I could understand for myself, instead of relying on the words and beliefs of biased, social media influencers that are fixated on a particular ideology. My goal was not to disprove, disapprove, approve or propagate Dog Daddy’s methods or beliefs in this podcast. It was simply to provide myself and my audience with a first hand account of what, why, and how he views and utilizes dog training concepts in his training. This conversation, in my opinion, is another step in an attempt to bridge the wide gap between the two warring camps in dog training. I hope you approach this podcast with an open mind and save your decisions, beliefs, and feelings for the moment you have all of the information presented to you.I have asked other well known trainers and scientists to have conversations with me, and quite frankly they do not have the courage to take me up on my offer. If they are upset by this podcast, they are welcome to join me to talk about it. You may not like this podcast.You may love it.But understanding each other is crucial to progressing as a group. Progress lies just beyond a few difficult conversations and the sooner we begin to talk to each other, the sooner we can begin to truly make progress as an industry. That being said, if you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with your friends. 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

Training Without Conflict® Episode Thirty: Omar Von MullerIn this episode, I had the pleasure to catch up and have a nice conversation with a long time friend, and trick dog master, Omar Von Muller.It is highly likely you have seen one of Omar's tricks in a viral video in the past or in a major Hollywood production. As a teenager, Omar trained dogs for friends and family. Omar also spent time training police dogs for the Miami Dade Police Department, as well as competing in Schutzhund and French Ring.In 1993, Omar moved from Miami to Los Angeles where he began to train dogs for celebrities, and the motion picture industry. Some of his movie credits include, The Italian Job, Four Brothers, Jackass 3D, and Water for Elephants.The highest honor of Omar's career is his dog Uggie being involved in the Academy Award winning film, The Artist. Uggie received many awards for this role worldwide and eventually became the first dog to have his paw prints immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Currently, Omar continues to train dogs for Hollywood films, but has also created an online learning platform for students to learn how to teach tricks to their personal dogs. For more information about Omar, check out: https://www.trainingwithomar.com/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

Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Twenty-Nine: Edgar ScherklThis episode was a long time in the making. I was finally able to sit down with Edgar Scherkl to talk about Belgian Malinois, the history of Schutzhund, the German Korung, judging in competition, and the current situation in the IGP world community. The podcast is available now on YouTube, Apple Music, Spotify, and all other major podcast platforms!I’m certain that if you have been around Schutzhund (IGP) long enough, you are already highly aware of Edgar Scherkl.For those of you that don't know who he is, let me summarize his insane accomplishments:• Edgar has won 20 Championships with a few different dogs. • He has won the FCI World Championship 2 times and the FMBB World Championship 2 times as well!• Edgar is also a World Level judge and has judged many national events in Germany, as well as the FMBB World Championship 3 times, one of which being the Judge supervisor.• As a helper, Edgar did the helper work at the 2000 FMBB where my dog Django and I won Vice World Champions. He has been a helper several times at national championships in Germany as well.• Edgar is the current president of the German Malinois Club (DMC), he is a current FMBB board member and also a previous board member of the FCI Working Commission.I have known Edgar for over 20 years so we had a lot to talk about! The conversation took us back in time to many great moments in our past, and we also talked about the future of IGP and dog breeding.Enjoy the conversation and don’t forget to support my channel by subscribing and sharing.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

Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Twenty-Eight: Steve WhiteThe latest TWC podcast features guest Steve White.Steve is a seasoned expert in K9 units from the state of Washington, accredited as a Master Trainer in 1993.He is a key figure at major Police K9 conferences.In addition to his extensive career in police K9 units, Steve is also a prominent figure in the force-free training community. Notably, he was a founding instructor at Karen Pryor's ClickerExpo, frequently presenting at various “Positive Only” events.Our conversation dives deep into various training methodologies, industry trends, and much more. This conversation is close to 4 hours, we had a lot to talk about and I hope you find it interesting too.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

Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Twenty-Seven: Debbie Zappia Part TwoIn this episode, Ivan interviews the first returning guest of the TWC Podcast, Debbie Zappia.This episode features a deep dive into the sport of American Schutzhund. Ivan asks all the pertinent question to fully understand the inner workings of this burgeoning sport!Debbie has had a long, storied history in the sport of Schutzhund, highlighted by her incredible accomplishment of winning the 2015 WUSV World Championship with her dog Iron Von Den Wölfen, becoming the first American AND the first American woman to win the WUSV World Championship. Aside from her World Championship, she has been on the podium countless times with multiple dogs throughout her 30-plus years involved in dog sport. In 2019, she founded American Schutzhund with the intention to preserve the integrity of the historic sport of Schutzhund and also to continue the tradition of a proving ground for selection of some of the world's top working dogs. As always, if you enjoy this podcast, please like, comment, and share with your dog friends 👌🏻For more information about Debbie and American Schutzhund, check out: https://psak9-as.org/as/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

Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Twenty-Six: Debbie ZapiaIn this episode, Ivan interviews the founder of American Schutzhund, Debbie Zappia.Debbie has had a long, storied history in the sport of Schutzhund, highlighted by her incredible accomplishment of winning the 2015 WUSV World Championship with her dog Iron Von Den Wölfen, becoming the first American AND the first woman to win the WUSV World Championship. Aside from her World Championship, she has been on the podium countless times with multiple dogs throughout her 30-plus years involved in dog sport. In 2019, she founded American Schutzhund with the intention to preserve the integrity of the historic sport of Schutzhund and also to continue the tradition of a proving ground for selection of some of the world's top working dogs. This episode is full of great stories from past competitions, discussion about breeding and selection, training preferences, and many other awesome topics that will entertain anyone interested in dog sports. As always, if you enjoy this podcast, please like, comment, and share with your dog friends 👌🏻For more information about Debbie and American Schutzhund, check out: https://psak9-as.org/as/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

In this episode, Ivan had the pleasure to talk with one of the most respected IGP judges in the world, someone who understands the demands of the sport and looks at it from many different lenses, as a judge, competition, helper and simply as a dog man. This episode's guest is Hari Arčon, member of the FCI Utility Dog Commission, and FCI judge.In this episode, Hari Arčon gives an interesting take on the past, present, and future evolution of IGP dog sport.During the podcast, Ivan and Hari discuss how to evaluate, dog’s character, natural abilities and different trainer's training approaches. If you are already involved in IGP, you will enjoy the way Hari explains what the sport is, how to appropriately interpret the rules of the sport as both a judge and a trainer, and how we can protect the sport moving forward. If you are someone looking to learn more about what is arguably the most demanding dog sport this podcast 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 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💪🏼

Training Without Conflict Podcast Episode Twenty-Four: Aimee SadlerIn this episode, Ivan interviews long time friend and colleague Aimee Sadler.For those that don't know Aimee, she is the founder and CEO of Dogs Playing For Life, a rescue organization that prides themselves on redefining the meaning and importance of quality of life for all sheltered dogs by improving their experience through playgroups and individualized training, resulting in urgent and responsible lifesaving.Aimee has dramatically shifted the world of dog rescue and has taken on the nearly impossible task of accepting some of the world's most difficult dogs in hopes to provide an amazing and fulfilled life for them. In this conversation, Aimee and Ivan have a great discussion ranging from the current state of the animal rescue world, the effects of the positive only movement on dog survival rates in shelters, how play is an absolute game changer in dog rehabilitation, how understanding sport training is paramount in being a great trainer, and they also expand on the amazing story of Tina, the extreme OCD case Ivan successfully rehabilitated using his Training Without Conflict® methods.We are sure this podcast has something interesting for absolutely everyone in the dog training world.We hope you enjoy it!Aimee Sadler is the Founder and CEO of Dogs Playing for Life (DPFL). With over 34 years of experience working with multiple species in varying venues, Aimee has become an internationally recognized trainer and speaker specializing in shelter programs that enhance quality of life and reduce canine euthanasia in animal shelters. Aimee regularly presents at animal welfare and professional dog training conferences such as HSUS’ Animal Expo, Best Friend’s Annual Conferences, Masters in Behavior Conference, the No Kill Conferences, and the International Association of Canine Professionals Conference. Aimee’s programs have assisted Longmont Humane Society and the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation in achieving industry leading success as open-admission shelters saving more than 95% of their dogs! Aimee is a proud recipient of the Henry Bergh Leadership Award and the Maddie’s Hero Award, and has been inducted into the Members Hall of Fame for the International Association of Canine Professionals. Aimee currently resides in Longmont, CO, with her husband and their very full family.For more information regarding Aimee Sadler, please check out:https://dogsplayingforlife.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.comPlease like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼

Join Dr. Jenifer Zeligs, a world-renowned behavioral biologist with over 40 years in animal training, as she shares her journey from zoo experiences to founding an animal care center. She discusses the art of genuine animal interaction and the significant parallels between sea lions and dogs. The complexities of training methodologies unfold, particularly the balance between positive reinforcement and aversive techniques. Tune in for insights on managing noise sensitivity, enhancing animal well-being, and innovative training approaches!

Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Twenty-Two: Dr. Stewart HilliardIn this episode, Ivan speaks to a true dogsport legend filled with a wealth of expertise and experience in the dog training world. This episodes very special guest is Dr. Stewart Hilliard. They discuss an array of fascinating topics about all aspects of dogs and dog training ranging from breeding and raising sport and working dogs, the history of dog sports in the United States and worldwide, working dog selection, the differences in selecting for different dog sports, and of course they even dive into canine science.Whether you know it or not, Dr. Stewart Hilliard has likely impacted your dog training education having been the lead script writer for many trainers that created content for Canine Training Systems on top of being a long time dog man that directly and indirectly inspired some of your favorite dog trainers today, including Ivan. Some of the younger generation of trainers might wonder why his name does not ring a bell, and this is because of the career decision that Dr. Hilliard made years ago to spearhead dog training programs and research with the United States Armed Services. However, we can assure you that his contributions to the world of dog sports in the United States are nothing short of remarkable. Dr. Hilliard has played an instrumental role in shaping and advancing the dog training field and industry.Here are some of Dr. Hilliards exceptional credentials:Stewart Hilliard has over 40 years experience in training companion and working dogs. He began training working dogs in 1980 in Denver, Colorado, when he became involved in German-style sport training and joined the Rocky Mountain Schutzhund Club, where he soon became the Training Director. Shortly thereafter he became a professional dog trainer, and established a reputation as an authority on canine aggression and man-work for both sport dogs and police service dogs. In the mid-1980's he was one of the first Americans to import working-bred Belgian Malinois to the United States, and he traveled widely in Western Europe studying Malinois breeding and the training disciplines of French Ring, Belgian Ring, and KNPV. He was the founder and first president of the American Ring Federation, the first F.C.I.-sanctioned organization for French Ring Sport in the U.S., and he was the first American to receive his Selection (certification) in France as a French Ring Trial Decoy.He has taught working dog training seminars for sport clubs and law enforcement agencies all over the United States, and also been invited to teach in Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Montreal, Canada, and Beijing, China. He is the co-author, with Susan Barwig, of the very successful training manual Schutzhund: Theory and Training Methods, and has also written and directed many well-received videotapes about sport and service dog training produced by Canine Training Systems®. In 1983, Stewart Hilliard received his B.A. in psychology, and in 1990 he moved to Austin, Texas to enter Graduate School at the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied animal behavior and learning.He is the author of a number of scientific papers in reputable psychological journals, and in 1997 he received his Ph.D in Behavioral Neuroscience. Dr. Hilliard has worked in various research & development and operational capacities for the Department of Defense Military Working Dog program since 1997, including Chief of the Military Working Dog Course at the 341st Training Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. In this role, he managed the basic training of most of the patrol and substance detector dogs supplied to all branches of the U. S. armed forces. Dr. Hilliard also served as Chief of Military Working Dog Logistics and Procurement at the 341st. He directed the testing and procurement of...