Best Animal Training Academy Podcasts (2025)

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Mari Valgma – Unlocking the Power of Movement Puzzles [Episode 262] 1:05:24

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15h ago1:05:24

1:05:24

In the second half of this enlightening conversation, we’re once again joined by Dr. Mari Valgma—Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer, creator of Movement Puzzles, and founder of The Moving Canine. After hearing Mari’s remarkable journey in part one, we now dive deep into the work that has touched thousands of dogs and their humans worldwi…

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Wendy Katz – Lessons From Dogs, Science, and Life [Episode 62] 45:27

5d ago45:27

45:27

In this inspiring episode of the Making Ripples podcast, we’re joined by the thoughtful and compassionate Wendy Katz - Ph.D. biologist, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Professional, certified Control Unleashed Instructor, and Family Dog Mediator. Wendy shares her remarkable journey from biomedical research to prof…

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E427: Ashley Escobar - Fitness, Agility, and Jump Training 26:00

1h ago26:00

26:00

Agility puts a lot of strain and stress on our dogs' bodies... but fitness training can go a long way to ensuring they still enjoy a long sports career. Join me and Ashley for a conversation on how workling on canine fitness can improve your dog's agility skills, especially when it comes to technical jump training!…

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Puppy Socialization: What Do I Need to Teach My Pup? 13:50

20h ago13:50

13:50

In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast, Barton Ramsey dives into one of the most important—and often misunderstood—parts of raising a great retriever: puppy socialization. What does it really mean to socialize your pup? How do you set them up for success in those crucial first months? Barton unpacks the philosophy behind socializ…

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E426: Karen Deeds and Dr. Sophie Liu - A Real Look at Negative Reinforcement 47:57

3h ago47:57

47:57

Talking about Negative Reinforcement can cause some big feelings in the positive training community - but in this episode Karen and Sophie take a look at when it's inevitable in our dogs' lives and what we should be thinking about for our own dogs.By Melissa Breau

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Does First Pick Matter? The Truth About Choosing Puppies 23:24

6d ago23:24

23:24

Does first pick really matter when choosing a puppy? In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast, Barton Ramsey dives into why focusing on the litter and parents matters far more than pick order. Backed by years of breeding, training, and research, you’ll learn what really sets you up for success. Read the Blog Referenced in This Epis…

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E321- How You Can Help Your Dog Live Longer- Rodney Habib 2:28:00

9h ago2:28:00

2:28:00

Tom sits down with world-renowned, NYT #1 Best Selling Author and pet guru Rodney Habib! Check out all the things Rodney has on his website! https://www.rodneyhabib.com/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyBy Tom Davis

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E425: Erin Lynes and Tracey McLennan - Meeting Your Dogs Needs 31:54

41m ago31:54

31:54

Dogs with a lot of interest in the environment, who come to the outside world with big feelings or who need an outlet but aren't safe off leash are our topic in this episode! Erin shares how dog powered sports can help and Tracey shares insights from working with prey-driven dogs.By Melissa Breau

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E320- When is it OKAY For A Dog To Bite Someone's Face? 20:42

18h ago20:42

20:42

Tom speaks about an online client he had that had a German Shepherd that bit people... Randomly. Courses- www.tomdaviscourses.com Seminars- www.tomdavisevents.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyBy Tom Davis

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5 Lessons I Learned Training My First Retriever 20:03

5d ago20:03

20:03

In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast, we revisit one of the most impactful lessons I’ve ever shared—the five things I learned while training my very first retriever. Originally written as an email and later expanded into a blog, these lessons have resonated with countless retriever owners. Now, I’m bringing them to the podcast—…

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E319- How a Veterinary Cancer Specialist and Petco’s Ex-CEO Are Rewriting Dog Healthcare - Dr. Nicole Leibman, DVM, MS, DACVIM-Oncology & Ron Coughlin 1:36:16

19d ago1:36:16

1:36:16

Tom speaks with Dr. Nicole Leibman, DVM, MS, DACVIM-Oncology, a globally recognized Board-Certified Veterinary Oncologist and Ron Coughlin, co-founder, former CEO of Petco and now the Chairman of Pad Home Pet Services. Toms Seminars - www.tomdavisevents.com Toms Courses- www.tomdaviscourses.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Pr…

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Introducing Retriever School: Fall in Love With Training Your Dog and Train With Confidence 39:47

8d ago39:47

39:47

In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy podcast, Barton Ramsey and Josh Parvin are introducing a new series called Retriever School. Retriever School is a 9-week video series that teaches struggling retriever owners how to turn things around step by step. It’s fun, easy to follow, and gets fantastic results for both the dog and the owner.…

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E424: Michael Shikashio - Arousal and Aggression (Plus a Peek at CANIS 2026!) 37:43

22d ago37:43

37:43

Michael Shikashio joins me for a conversation around the impact arousal has on aggression, and how we should think about the two when working on behavior cases... plus, he shares a bit of behind-the-scenes info on the planning for the 2026 CANIS conference!By Melissa Breau

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Dog Overheating: Signs, What to Do, and How to Prevent It 11:35

11d ago11:35

11:35

Is your dog at risk of overheating this summer? 🌡️ You head out for a hunt, a training session, or even just a walk — and suddenly your dog seems sluggish, panting hard, or worse. Overheating can happen quickly, and if you don’t know what to look for, it can be dangerous. In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy podcast, we dig into the wa…

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E318- What My Reactive Dog Taught Me as a Dog Trainer 19:45

12d ago19:45

19:45

Can you train a reactive dog on the leash to not be reactive? Can you stop leash reactivity altogether? Sometimes you can, and sometimes you can't. Courses- www.tomdaviscourses.com Seminars- www.tomdavisevents.com Equipment- www.buynobaddogs.com Listen to my podcast everywhere! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: …

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Why Your Dog Won’t Listen (And How to Fix It) 26:01

12d ago26:01

26:01

Is your dog ignoring you no matter what you try? You give a command, and they look away, wander off, or act like they’ve never heard you. In this episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy podcast, we dig into why your dog won’t listen—and how you can fix it starting today. You’ll learn: The real reasons dogs ignore commands (it’s not always disobed…

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E317- Dog Training Alone Won’t Fix Your Dog - Evan Doggett 2:14:53

18d ago2:14:53

2:14:53

Evan Doggett joins Tom Davis on the No Bad Dogs Podcast to talk everything from gut health to flea and tick medications and everything in between. Evans Youtube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7aHxo-2YmtzojcI0TlYLTA Evans Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/DoggettStyle/ Evans Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/doggett.style/?hl=en Bark…

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E316- A Complete Walk Through- How To Stop Severe Leash Reactivity 1:03:26

25d ago1:03:26

1:03:26

Tom speaks with a dog owner who has an Airedale Terrier that has severe leash reactivity. Course- www.tomdaviscourses.com Seminars- www.tomdavisevents.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyBy Tom Davis

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Mari Valgma and The Journey Behind Movement Puzzles [Episode 261] 1:00:04

28d ago1:00:04

1:00:04

In this inspiring first half of a two-part conversation, we’re joined by the innovative and passionate Dr. Mari Valgma - Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer, creator of Movement Puzzles, and trailblazer bringing evidence-based training from Estonia to the world. Mari’s story is anything but ordinary. From pursuing a PhD in maritime engine…

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How Much Does Retriever Training Really Cost in 2025? 37:03

17d ago37:03

37:03

Retriever training costs have become one of the most confusing and misleading aspects of owning a hunting dog. Drawing from years of experience and hard-learned lessons, this episode cuts through the noise to reveal what you'll actually pay for various levels of retriever training in 2025. What standard are you actually training to? What expectatio…

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E423: Julie Flanery - "Building A Musical Freestyle Routine" 33:14

25d ago33:14

33:14

Curious what musical freestyle is and whether it might be for you? Join Julie and I for a conversation that includes tips and tricks for laying out your routine, choosing which tricks to train, and more!By Melissa Breau

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E315- They Tried to Hold Down My 150 LB Dog/ Why Your Dog Hates The Vet 22:33

20d ago22:33

22:33

In this episode, Tom talks about a recent experience he had with a veterinarian. Seminars - www.tomdavisevents.com Coures- www.tomdaviscourses.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyBy Tom Davis

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How to "Read" Your Dog 24:56

25d ago24:56

24:56

Ever found yourself wondering what your retriever is trying to tell you? That moment when training suddenly goes sideways and you can't figure out why? The answer lies in understanding your dog's engagement level—a fundamental skill that transforms good handlers into great ones. This deep dive into "reading your dog" strips away the complexity and …

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E422: Petra Ford - Competing in Obedience at the Top 48:50

28d ago48:50

48:50

In this episode, we talk to Petra Ford, the 2025 National Obedience Champion, about her recent win and what it takes to compete at the top levels of obedience here in the US, how she approaches training, and more!By Melissa Breau

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The Reinforcement History We Ask Others to Ignore with Adam Skandarani [Episode 260] 53:34

1M ago53:34

53:34

In this second installment of our two-part conversation, Adam Skandarani returns to explore one of the most nuanced and vital topics in our industry: the intersection of art, science, and culture in animal training. Blending professional insight, lived experience, and thoughtful introspection, Adam and Ryan unpack the complexities that arise when t…

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E 314- This Could Change Dog Training Forever 21:13

1M ago21:13

21:13

New York State had proposed a new law requiring dog trainers to be licensed — and it could change dog training forever. In this video, I explain exactly what the NY dog trainer license law means, who it applies to, when it takes effect, and how it could impact professional dog trainers, aspiring trainers, and dog owners across the state. The law ha…

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Steadiness is a Lifestyle 35:30

1M ago35:30

35:30

Steadiness might be the most underrated quality in a hunting retriever. It's also the most misunderstood. Rather than simply sitting still during retrieves, true steadiness represents something far more profound: a dog that trusts you enough to override its own powerful instincts. Ever watched another hunter's dog break on birds while yours sits ca…

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E421: Jane Ardern - Anticipation vs. Relaxation: Training Release Cues 31:23

1M ago31:23

31:23

Jane Ardern joins me for a conversation about how our release cues can influence our dog's state of mind and ability to learn. She shares what the field-bred spaniels she's owned have taught her about frustration, frantic behavior, anticipation, and relaxation... with several helpful takeaways bound to apply to any dog sports team.…

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E 313-The Power of Keeping Dog Training Simple - Uncle Jess- 1:21:33

1M ago1:21:33

1:21:33

Today's guest is Uncle Jess, owner of Your Dog's Favorite Uncle out of Florida! Find Jess on social media- @yourdogsfavoriteuncle Website- www.yourdogsfavoriteuncle.com/ My New Master The Walk Course- https://tomdaviscourses.com/p/master-the-walk Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…

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Tackling Separation Anxiety with Nicola Cook 58:53

1M ago58:53

58:53

What is separation anxiety and why do so many dogs suffer with this condition? How can you tell the difference between separation anxiety and boredom? Why is it so difficult to treat and what therapies are out there that can help? Victoria chats with VSPDT trainer Nicola Cook from the Poochie People about her work with dogs that have separation anx…

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Introducing The Cornerstone Gundog Academy Podcast 7:54

1M ago7:54

7:54

Welcome to the first episode of the Cornerstone Gundog Academy podcast, where we provide valuable tips and insights for your retriever training journey. This shorter-format podcast aims to deliver concrete, trustworthy advice in 20-30 minute episodes to help you overcome training challenges and develop a retriever you can be proud of. • Cornerstone…

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E420: Sharon Carroll - "A Real Look at Reducing Reinforcement" 31:48

1M ago31:48

31:48

If you plan to compete, you need a plan for reducing reinforcement - but so often this is where trainers go wrong! Join us for a conversation about how Sharon recommends you reduce reinforcement to maintain attitude and correctness.By Melissa Breau

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Choice, Control & Conservation with Olly Jacobs & Calum Torcasio [Episode 61] 1:10:03

2M ago1:10:03

1:10:03

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Olly Jacobs (he/him) and Calum Torcasio (they/them) from Moonlit Sanctuary - two zookeepers whose passion for animal welfare and behavior science shines through every word. From early dreams of working with animals to becoming key members of Moonlit’s show and mammal teams, their parallel journeys are fil…

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From Lunging to Learning: Flash Gordon’s Legacy with Adam Skandarani [Episode 259] 52:06

2M ago52:06

52:06

In this powerful and heartfelt first part of a two-part conversation, we’re joined by the insightful and compassionate Adam Skandarani—Certified Control Unleashed Instructor, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, and tireless advocate for both dogs with Really Big Feelings and the humans who support them. Adam takes us on their “behavior …

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E419: Nancy Little - "Weave Pole Performance" 37:49

2M ago37:49

37:49

Thinking about weave pole training? Whether you're troubleshooting a problem or beginning to teach weaves to a new dog, in this episode we dive into Nancy's thoughts on how to approach things... and where so many teams seem to go wrong.By Melissa Breau

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The Power of "No": Why We Need to Set Boundaries with Young Children, Part 2 16:35

2M ago16:35

16:35

Welcome back to the second part of our essential discussion on setting boundaries with children. In this episode, host Alexandra Dutton and Katrinca Ford, MFT, pick up where they left off, continuing to explore the impact that well-defined limits have on a child's emotional development and their ability to navigate the world.Building on our previou…

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E418: Irith Bloom - "Getting Geeky On Behavior Change" 40:24

2M ago40:24

40:24

What is Applied Behavior Science? Learning Theory? Why bother, if folks have been training dogs for more than 10,000 years? Irith and I get into all that and more in this episode on the science of behavior change!By Melissa Breau