Training Without Conflict Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ana Catarina Vieira de Castro, a researcher at the University of Porto (Portugal) specializing in canine behavior, welfare, and human–animal interactions, for a thoughtful discussion about one of the most contentious issues in modern dog training.

Catarina is well known for her research comparing reward-based (positive reinforcement) and aversive or mixed training methods. Her work is frequently ...

In this solo podcast, I address the broader argument against aversive tools in dog training promoted by the AVSAB and the R+-only movement.Recently, Dr. Michael Bailey, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association, commented on the use of electronic collars in dog training. That comment triggered backlash and a strong response from Dr. Lisa Radosta, President of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.But this p...

In this episode, I break down one of the most damaging myths in modern dog training, the idea that all resource guarding is caused by Fear.I explain why this “fear-only” narrative collapses the moment you look at real behavior, and how it leads trainers and owners to misdiagnose dogs every day.I go into the difference between fear-based guarding and competitive, status-driven guarding… and why confusing the two creates bigger, long...

In this episode I’m back with Melanie Uhde for a direct and unapologetic conversation about canine behavior, animal learning, and the growing gap between popular dog training ideology and biological reality. We examine commonly cited canine studies, how they’re often misread or selectively used, and why the force-free narrative fails to explain how animals actually learn, adapt, and thrive.

A major part of our conversation cente...

In this episode, Ivan Balabanov and Will Bangura sit down for a direct, honest conversation about dog training, learning theory, and the claims behind “positive-only” methods.

No scripts. No prepared speeches. Just two trainers with very different philosophies trying to understand and challenge each other.

The points of agreement matter just as much as the disagreements.

Different philosophies. Different experiences. Same goal: truth...

My guest in this episode is Clemente Grosso, well respected IGP and FCI Obedience judge, has officiated at numerous World Championships. Clemente is also a member of the FCI Working Dog Commission and plays a key role in shaping the rules, decisions, and long-term vision for the future of IGP. As competitor Clemente’s breed of choice is the Giant Schnauzer.

We discuss how and why the rules evolve, the direction of the sport, an...

Is your dog chasing cars because it’s afraid?Force-free trainers like Simone Mueller claim it’s all about fear — not predation.But expert trainers and science say otherwise.In this episode, I dismantle the “fear theory” behind Predation Substitute Training and explain what’s really going on inside your dog’s brain when it lunges at cars, bikes, or joggers.We’ll explore the biology of drive, dopamine, and instinct, and I’ll show why...

In this episode, I sit down with my wife, Natalia Balabanov, to talk about the unique world of living, training, and competing together at the top level of dog sports. We dive into what it’s really like to share the same passion, the same goals, and sometimes the same pressure — while balancing the roles of coach, trainer, and spouse.

From the intensity of competition to the daily grind of training plans and long-term goals, we ...

TWC Podcast #64 Slot Machines Don’t Train Dogs!What if everything you’ve been told about variable reinforcement is only half the story?Dog trainers and psychologists love to say, “Switch to variable reinforcement, it’s like a slot machine, that’s how behaviors stick.” But here’s the truth: that analogy is flawed, incomplete, and in training, often misleading.In this episode, Ivan Balabanov breaks down:-Why the slot machine comparis...

If Errorless Learning was the greatest breakthrough in how animals—or humans—learn, why hasn’t it taken over education?It’s been over 60 years since it was introduced. If it really worked, wouldn’t our schools, colleges, and universities have adopted it by now?In this solo podcast, I break down two recent publications by Eduardo J. Fernandez:“Comparing trial-and-error to errorless learning procedures in training pet dogs a visual d...

The first podcast I did with Larry Krohn was years ago, and it sparked a lot of debate around the e-collar.

Since then, Larry has completed my Training Without Conflict™ school, and through many conversations we’ve come to realize how much common ground we share. Today, we agree on nearly everything and hold a strong respect for one another.

We’ve wanted to do a second podcast for quite some time, and our schedules finally al...

Back for a second round: FCI judge David Garcia Suarez joins me for another deep and at times provocative conversation, this time focused entirely on IGP.

We dive into:

   •   The evolution of rules and judging

   •   How training styles have shifted over the last 10, 20, even 30 years

   •   The influence of genetics on modern dogs

   •   And where the sport is heading

Whether you’re a competitor, trainer, or just a passionate observer,...

Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Sixty: Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring

SSRIs, Dogs, and the Chemical Lobotomy No One Wants to Talk About - with Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Josef, a board-certified psychiatrist, former FDA medical officer, and one of the few voices brave enough to speak publicly about what SSRIs are really doing to people… and what that means for dogs.

The so-called “safe and effecti...

In this  Training Without Conflict® Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Ori Stollar, also known as Dr. Orion on YouTube, a veterinarian and board-certified veterinary behaviorist specialist.  (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists).

Dr. Orion and I connected after he publicly responded to my critiques of the widespread use of SSRIs in dogs. To his credit, he agreed to come on the show for an open conversation.

Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Fifty-Eight: Jan Van Maren

In this episode, I have a conversation with a good friend and excellent helper Jan Van Maren.

For those who know him, he needs no introduction, but for those who don’t, he is a highly respected world-level IGP helper from the Netherlands.

He was the helper at the 2017 WUSV World Championship and was also brought in to be helper at the 2017 Brazilian IPO Championsh...

I had a great conversation with Johan Weckhuyzen. Johan is the breeder of van de Duvetorre Malinois kennels in Belgium. He is also the president of FMBB.

I've known Johan for a very long time and finally was able to catch him to come to the podcast. We talk about Malinois, the legends in the breed, selection l, genetics, and training, Ring sport, IGP, detection and much more. We did not have time to go over the future goals of ...