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💪🏼

Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Twenty-Three: Jenifer ZeligsIn this episode of the Training Without Conflict® Podcast, Ivan interviews a true expert in the field of animal training. This episode's guest is Dr. Jenifer Zeligs. Her experience in the field of animal training and animal learning cannot be overstated. She has been training species across the entire animal kingdom for over 4 decades. In this episode, Ivan dives into her history in animal training while weaving in concepts that relate her experience to present day dog training methods. Outside of her history, they go deep into the field of animal studies and how science affects the field of animal training.Having experience both in the field of scientific studies and animal training is a quality that is unmatched by most in these respective fields making this interview with Dr. Zeligs truly one of a kind. This conversation led to many eye opening moments for both Ivan and Jenifer. We are sure it will lead to many for you as well!Jenifer Zeligs, Ph.D. is a world-renown behavioral biologist with over 40 years of experience, award winning presentations on animal behavior modification, and numerous publications to her credit. In 2014 she published what has been called the new training “bible” Animal Training 101: The complete and practical guide to the art and science of behavior modification. Dr. Zeligs is the founder of Animal Training and Research International which oversees an animal care center affiliated with the California State University system. She has been teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in animal training and working with marine mammals for over 20 years. Jenifer is also a practicing Buddhist with decades of meditation experience. Her revolutionary approach is found by integrating mindfulness with cognitive, behaviorist, ethological sciences.Dr. Zeligs experience includes collaborating with and consulting for countless private and public facilities and organizations, as well as training animals for companionship, competition, liberty work, veterinary procedures, research, feature films and documentaries, detection, and public display. Dr. Zeligs has been featured in numerous documentaries and television shows including National Geographic Explorer, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Dateline, NBC. Jenifer is particularly known for her groundbreaking work training sea lions to wear video cameras to study and film wild whales.The center of her work is to foster the most compassionate care of animals suited to the needs of the individual trainer, animal, and training objective. Dr. Zeligs teaches a nuanced understanding of behavior modification through a pros/cons model to promote common ground and conversation between trainers of all backgrounds. Her students now work with and mange a wide range of animal programs throughout the world.For more information about Dr. Zeligs, please check out: http://animaltraining.usIvan 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-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...

Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Twenty-One: Mathias DögelIn this episode, Ivan had a chance to speak to long-time friend, highly respected dog sport competitor, founder and innovator of Working-Dog.Com, Mathias Dögel. This was a very fun conversation where they had an opportunity to catch up about current, past, and future dogs, as well as share stories about their experiences in dog sports. They also had some great discussions about the problems facing IGP dog sports worldwide, how to approach them, and ultimately their beliefs in how those problems can be resolved. Matthias Dögel is the founder and managing director of the technology company Dögel GmbH. As an entrepreneur, Mathias has created many successful businesses with one of the most successful being Working-Dog.com.In addition to being the founder of Working Dog, Mathias is also an extremely accomplished dog sport competitor. Along with numerous National Championships, he is also highly successful in international competition, with his highest achievement being Vice Champion of the 2013 FCI World Championship with his dog Holle vom Holzhäuser Flur.Most recently, Mathias placed second at the CACIT Germany competition, which was highly regarded worldwide as a fantastic competition event. Mathias is also a staunch proponent of dog training and dog sport competition, spearheading many initiatives and movements to increase the visibility and importance of dog sports across Germany and Europe.For more information about Mathias, check out: https://working-dog.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💪🏼

In this episode, Ivan has a conversation with Jo-rosie Haffenden. When it comes to training, they stand on the opposite sides of the line in the sand. However, they were able to have a long conversation that took them all over the place. They both realized that they actually have more common training ideas than they expected!This is what a conversation between two dog trainers on the opposite side of the spectrum looks like when they share ideas instead of digging their heels in the ground about their beliefs and ideologies.
This one is not a dull three-hour one sided monologue!This discussion could have easily continued for at least another hour. Jo-Rosie Haffenden is a MondioRing competitor that has a degree in applied psychology (human psychology), post grad in animal behavior, National Certificate in the Training of Journalism (NCTJ). She a director of international school of canine science, worked for a large national animal welfare charity, worked for a large private canine behavior consultancy. Jo-rosie has also published 3 books, presented and contributed to multiple prime time TV shows in UK. Presented at international conferences at conferences and events on topics such as Resource Guarding, Predation, Separation Anxiety and Dog Bites. She has even been requested three times as an expert in The Houses of Parliament (UK)!For more information about Jo-Rosie Haffenden, check out:https://www.caninescience.online/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 Nineteen: Nick BengerSince my presentation on The Real Facts About Science Based Dog Training, I made a commitment to talk to dog trainers on all sides of the argument with the intent to make progress and find the way forward through the current divide in the dog training industry. Thankfully, a few force free trainers have stepped forward to have conversations with me after many avoided it for years. I am happy to present this podcast with Nick Benger where we discuss many of the problems facing the dog training industry.We even come up with a few solutions on how to bridge the gap to create more conversations between trainers in opposing camps. I hope you enjoy this conversation!Nick Benger is widely respected for his skills in dog training and is the expert dog trainer on Amazon Prime's TV Series 'The Pack'.Nick also hosted his own podcast, Dog Talk with Nick Benger. He’s the author of The Engagement Guide, an introduction to engagement training for pet dog owners. He’s received a degree in Canine Behavior and Training at the University of Hull. Benger’s expertise has led to guest appearances on BBC Radio Bristol, Animal Training Academy, and others.You can find more information about NIck Benger here:http://nickbenger.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💪🏼

Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Eighteen: Jany BöhmLast month we had the privilege of working with Jany Böhm over a series of workshops at my place in Florida.During that time, we had truly amazing training, but more importantly got to know each other as friends. In this great conversation, we were able to discuss many things about IGP dogsport, helper work, past and future dogs, and stories about competitions in the past. For those who don’t know him, Jany Böhm is one of the most decorated figures in IGP dogsport. He is most well known for being a world class helper that has been selected to be the helper for many World Championships including the upcoming FMBB World Championship in Romania. However, Jany has had great success as a competitor as well. He was Vice World Champion at the FCI Championship in 2016 with his dog Forny, and has placed in the top 10 several times at World Championships. He has also won multiple National Championships in his home country of the Czech Republic. I hope you all enjoy this fantastic conversation!For more information about Jany Böhm, check out: https://www.instagram.com/janybohm/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 Seventeen: Susan GarrettA few weeks ago I released a podcast challenging the rhetoric of the force free ideology. In a short time, we have already made significant progress. One of those examples of progress is Susan Garrett, a highly respected and well accomplished reinforcement based trainer reached out to me to train some dogs together. While that is in the works, we were able to sit down and record a podcast. Although we don’t necessarily agree on everything, we were able to have an enjoyable conversation about dogs and dog training. We touched on many subjects and the conversation definitely dove into some deep waters, and although we still have disagreements by the end of the podcast, we were able to achieve one important thing. We now have professionals in opposing “camps” willing to have a conversation. I hope everyone enjoys this podcast with Susan Garrett. As always, share with your dog friends and let’s keep moving forward! Susan Garrett is one of, if not THE most highly accomplished "reinforcement based" trainers in the world.She has a degree in animal science, and for decades has been one of the most consistently successful competitors in the sport of dog agility.Susan has been on the podium of the world and national championship events more than 50 times, winning those events a total of 38 times.For more information about Susan Garrett, check out:https://dogsthat.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!