Episodes

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, Their truth may not be the truth, we take a deep dive into the complexities of communication, frustration, and conflict. Misunderstandings and disagreements are inevitable in any community, including the world of dog training, but how we navigate them can make all the difference. Glenn and Pat explore how different people perceive “truth” and why someone’s version of events may not always align with objective reality. By understanding these differences, w...

In this follow-up episode of The Canine Paradigm, we continue last week’s discussion on PETA’s stance on dog ownership. This time, we take a closer look at past comments allegedly made by Ingrid Newkirk, the founder of PETA, which suggest a desire to see pet ownership come to an end. Some of our listeners pointed out that PETA actively encourages people to adopt dogs from shelters. While this may seem contradictory, we examine whether there is a deeper motive behind this message. Could promotin...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, we address the controversial allegation by PETA that crate training is neglectful, therefore cruel to dogs. This bold claim has stirred debate within the dog training and pet owner communities. Glenn and Pat dive into why they vehemently disagree with PETA’s stance, breaking down the benefits of crate training when implemented correctly. Far from being cruel, crate training offers dogs a safe and comfortable space that supports their natural instincts. It...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, we revisit one of our favourite topics: shaping behaviours. As a fundamental part of learning and training, shaping plays a crucial role in helping dogs understand and perform desired behaviours. This time, we dive deeper into some of the concepts and debates surrounding shaping, including the often-discussed distinction between shaping and free shaping. What are the differences? When is one approach more effective than the other? We also discuss the prac...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, Glenn and Pat delve into the intriguing question: What makes a tough dog? Glenn reflects on his earlier years in the dog training world, where inexperience led to misinterpretations of what toughness in a dog truly means. Over time, with exposure to a greater variety of dogs, he developed a better understanding and a clearer baseline. Pat adds to the discussion by exploring the importance of proper puppy raising as a foundation for developing stronger, mo...

The importance of time and Hermetic principles. Glenn and Pat delve into two interconnected yet unique topics: the value of time and the application of Hermetic principles. Glenn highlights the critical role time plays in the lives of our dogs, emphasising how professionals in the dog industry—whether trainers or health specialists—are effectively giving dogs the gift of more time. By enhancing their quality of life, resolving behavioural challenges, or improving their overall health, these pro...

Merry Christmas from The Canine Paradigm! In this festive episode, we kick things off with holiday cheer and well wishes for all our listeners celebrating Christmas. As part of the fun, Pat dives into his fascination with the global sightings of drones and mysterious orbs, sparking a lively and light-hearted discussion. The episode then transitions to a controversial topic inspired by a recent publication claiming that dogs wearing a harness or collar are more likely to pull. We explore the sci...

In this episode, Who is the main character in your story? We dive into the complexities of dog training communities and the dynamics that arise within them. Recent verbal scuffles and heated discussions have led to accusations of cult-like behaviour among some groups and businesses in the dog training world. These disputes have raised important questions about loyalty, influence, and why people may follow individuals or organisations that demonstrate harmful or manipulative behaviour. We examin...

In this weeks episode of The Canine Paradigm, we explore some of the most common challenges faced by dog owners and trainers, including resource guarding, destructive chewing, aggression, and a general lack of understanding of dog behaviour. The phrase “Stop Focusing on the Spider” serves as a reminder not to fixate on surface-level issues while overlooking deeper behavioural causes. We discuss how focusing too narrowly on a specific behaviour can cause trainers and owners to miss the bigger pi...

In this weeks episode of The Canine Paradigm, we delve into the fascinating interplay between negative reinforcement and positive reinforcement in dog training. The concept of “pushing in and pulling out of behaviour” explains how negative reinforcement can push a dog into a desired behaviour, while positive reinforcement pulls them out by rewarding completion. We explore how this dynamic works in shaping behaviours and how it fits into the broader phases of training. From the initial learning ...

In this episode , we continue last week’s conversation about the challenges faced by dog rescue groups. While the previous episode focused on the difficulties presented by gatekeepers and front-facing roles, this week we shift the spotlight to the other side of the coin—poor accountability from those seeking to adopt or surrender dogs. Rescue workers often deal with a barrage of excuses and a lack of responsibility from the public, making their already demanding jobs even more challenging. We u...

In this weeks episode, we tackle some of the frustrating realities of the dog rescue world. We discuss how certain rescue groups create excessive red tape and barriers, making it incredibly difficult for well-meaning adopters to rescue a dog. This unnecessary gatekeeping can delay or prevent good people from giving a dog a loving home, and we explore why this happens and its impact on both adopters and dogs. On the flip side, we highlight the issue of loose operators who quickly “flip” dogs wit...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, Glenn Cooke shares his incredible experiences in America alongside his wife, Narelle Cooke. They attended the Feed Real Institute seminar, where leading experts in dog health and nutrition laid out the realities of poor-quality pet food and outlined simple yet effective changes to improve the well-being of our pets. The seminar was eye-opening, highlighting the significant impact nutrition has on both pet and working dogs. Glenn and Narelle’s American adv...

In the episode,Episode 317: The speed of the dog comes from understanding, we explore how understanding plays a critical role in improving a dog’s response speed and reliability. Addressing questions from our listeners, we delve into practical advice on handling various training scenarios. One key topic is managing the go-home session after a board and train, particularly regarding the use of luring or redirecting to set up the dog and handler for success. Additionally, we discuss techniques to...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, we explore the intriguing question: Are dogs better off now compared to 30 years ago? With advancements in training methods, nutrition, and pet care, many would assume that dogs are living their best lives today. However, there are complexities to consider. Have modern lifestyle changes and human expectations placed additional stress on our canines? We also discuss how humans often want their dogs to share emotional moments with them, but they don’t alway...

In this episode, we explore the concept of “struggle cuddles” with your dog and dive into how perspectives in dog training can change over time. We discuss activities or techniques that trainers may have disliked or avoided in the past but have since embraced as valuable training tools. Additionally, we cover the opposite scenario—methods or practices trainers once believed in but now feel are ineffective or even counter-productive. The conversation provides insights into how evolving experienc...

In Episode 314 of The Canine Paradigm, we explore training methods to stop chasing behaviour in dogs by discussing a groundbreaking study titled “Comparison of the Efficacy and Welfare of Different Training Methods in Stopping Chasing Behavior in Dogs.” This study offers valuable insights into how different training approaches affect the success of stopping unwanted behaviours, particularly chasing, while considering the welfare of the dogs involved. We break down the study’s findings, highligh...

In Episode 313 of The Canine Paradigm, we dive deep into the intricacies of reward placement, direct and indirect reinforcement, and how these elements impact training success. Moreover, understanding where and how you deliver rewards can drastically shape your dog’s behaviour. In particular, we explore the nuances of direct reinforcement, where the reward is tied closely to the dog’s action, versus indirect reinforcement, where the reward is less immediate. Additionally, one of the key insight...

In this episode of The Canine Paradigm, we dive into a range of topics discussed in our training forum, including how to handle a bored dog and avoid turning them into a reactive mess. One common problem is how some dog owners inadvertently derail their dog’s training by making critical mistakes. We also explore how household partners, who aren’t fully invested in the training process, contribute to ongoing behavioural issues. Moreover, we address the growing tension with force-free (FF) traine...

In the classic tale The Emperor’s New Clothes, the emperor is deceived into believing he is wearing fine garments when, in fact, he is wearing nothing at all. Similarly, some dog trainers on social media are forcing a narrative of success that does not truly exist. They craft stories of quick fixes and foolproof methods, but when dog owners apply these methods, the results often fall short. As a result, dog owners frequently find themselves frustrated when reality fails to meet the promises made...

In Episode 310 of The Canine Paradigm, we discuss the dog training Rachael Raygun Olympic scandal and its implications for both the sports world and our industry. The controversy surrounding Rachael Raygun’s performance highlights a troubling trend: the perceived privilege of those with academic credentials, particularly PhDs, as the sole authorities on complex issues. However, this bias isn’t limited to sports. In dog training, the divide between those with formal academic qualifications and t...

n Episode 309 of our podcast, we dive into the critical concept of the canine ladder of aggression. This episode is a must-listen for both new and experienced dog trainers, as we break down the visual tool that illustrates the various levels of aggression in dogs, ranging from subtle signals to more overt behaviours. Using the traffic light system, the ladder of aggression is an essential framework that helps trainers and handlers understand where a dog might be on the spectrum of stress and ag...

In a recent podcast episode, we addressed a controversial claim regarding the origins of dog sports, specifically an unfounded assertion that these activities and police dogs have ties to Nazi Germany. However, it is crucial to clarify that the origins of dog sports, such as obedience, agility, and protection work, are deeply rooted in history, well before any association with extremist ideologies. These sports were developed to enhance the bond between humans and dogs, promote physical fitness,...

In this episode, Pat reveals Glenn his ambitious plan to address the working dog supply and demand issue in Australia by improving working dog genetics in Australia. With a focus on enhancing the genetics of working dogs, Pat’s vision aims to support both law enforcement and sporting groups by producing dogs with superior traits and capabilities. Pat outlines his strategy to implement a comprehensive breeding program that prioritises health, temperament, and performance. By collaborating with t...