Canine Connection Podcast

Petra Ford & Laurie Winter Strimavicious
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  • Pets & Animals

Canine Connection is a podcast for dog lovers, by dog lovers—people who are passionate about dog training and the incredible bond it builds between us and our dogs. We believe dog training is all about communication, and we’re here to talk about it in a way that’s approachable and relatable. Whether you're involved in dog sports or just want to better understand your pup, we’ll break down training concepts that apply across the board. Through honest conversations and inspiring interviews, we’ll explore mindset, motivation, and real-life experiences—plus share practical, actionable tips to help you grow alongside your dog. If you love all things dogs, dog training and dog sports and want to deepen your connection with your canine companion, you’re in the right place.

  1. Episode 39: Reducing Reinforcement, Part 2

    11 May

    Episode 39: Reducing Reinforcement, Part 2

    This episode continues the discussion on reducing reinforcement in dog training. The conversation explores alternate reinforcement strategies, how to effectively reduce reinforcement and how to handle mistakes. Petra and Laurie share practical insights on building confidence, variable reinforcement, and avoiding common pitfalls in training. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Understanding Reinforcement Value 02:41 Building Expectations in Dog Training 06:08 The Importance of Tracking Progress 09:01 Adjusting Reinforcement Strategies 09:14 Rapid Progression in Dog Training 11:24 Overcoming Fear and Mistakes in Training 14:58 The Importance of Going Back in Training 18:07 Building Confidence Through Reinforcement 21:56 Incorporating Motion and Games in Training 24:12 Understanding Dog Preferences for Praise 28:09 The Role of Variable Reinforcement 32:01 Chaining Exercises for Better Learning 35:40 Developing a Variable Reinforcement Strategy 40:00 Creating Better Habits in Training 48:42 Mindfulness in Reinforcement Strategies CONTACT US: https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast PETRA: https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/ www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com LAURIE: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

    50 min
  2. Episode 38: Reducing Reinforcement, Part 1

    4 May

    Episode 38: Reducing Reinforcement, Part 1

    In this episode Laurie and Petra begin a series on Reducing Reinforcement in training. They explore the nuances of reinforcement in dog training, emphasizing mindful application, the importance of timing, and how to foster problem-solving skills in dogs. Petra and Laurie share practical tips to avoid common pitfalls and enhance training effectiveness. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Understanding Reinforcement 03:06 Mindfulness in Reinforcement 06:06 The Emotional Component of Reinforcement 09:09 The Confusion of Reinforcement 12:02 The Importance of Variable Reinforcement 15:08 Separation of Marker and Reinforcer 18:02 Praise and Relationship in Training 22:56 Engaging with Your Dog: The Importance of Eye Contact 24:29 The Anticipation Factor: Delaying Reinforcement 26:14 Building Habits: When Reinforcement is No Longer Needed 28:35 Making Training Fun: Tricks as Reinforcers 31:51 Encouraging Effort: Asking for More from Your Dog 34:13 The Power of Struggle: Building Problem Solvers 37:00 Avoiding Learned Helplessness: Empowering Your Dog 40:34 Celebrating Success: The Joy of Problem Solving 42:59 Navigating Confusion: Strategies for Reinforcement CONTACT US: https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast PETRA: https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/ www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com LAURIE: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

    45 min
  3. Episode 36: What We Learned At A Mondioring Seminar

    20 Apr

    Episode 36: What We Learned At A Mondioring Seminar

    Join Petra and Laurie as they recap their fun day of playing with their dogs at a Mondioring seminar. Mondioring is considered a “bite sport” but it’s so much more! It emphasizes fun, confidence, and versatility for all breeds. Discover training insights, proofing techniques, and how this sport can enhance your dog's confidence and skills. Remember, training is training…and we can learn from ALL dog sports! CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Mondioring and Its Appeal 02:55 Training Techniques and Building Confidence 05:52 The Importance of Fun in Training 09:02 Creative Distractions in Training 11:59 Proofing and Its Role in Dog Training 14:47 Challenges and Unique Experiences in Trials 17:59 Mindset and the Importance of Confidence 20:59 Conclusion and Future Considerations 23:51 Celebrating Dog Achievements 27:27 The Importance of Fun in Training 32:26 Understanding Bite Work and Safety 36:15 Exploring New Challenges for Dogs CONTACT US: https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast PETRA: https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/ www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com LAURIE: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

    39 min
  4. Episode 35: Empowerment Using Offering

    30 Mar

    Episode 35: Empowerment Using Offering

    In this episode, Petra and Laurie talk about the ongoing journey to get a more relaxed dog in the ring. They talk about using offering as an engagement tool and a way to reduce perceived pressure. They talk about building confidence, managing arousal levels, and fostering a positive relationship with dogs through patience and understanding. They share practical insights and personal experiences to help handlers improve their training approach. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Understanding Dog Behavior and Perception 03:09 The Importance of Choice in Training 06:05 Building Engagement Through Play 09:01 Navigating Training Environments 12:16 Empowering Dogs Through Agency 15:09 Shifting the Training Dynamic 18:18 Recognizing and Addressing Pressure in Training 27:47 Understanding Ego in Dog Training 30:23 The Complexity of Arousal in Training 36:56 Finding the Right Arousal Level 40:46 Training in the Right Arousal State 52:40 Building Confidence and Speed in Dogs CONTACT US: https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast PETRA: https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/ www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com LAURIE: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

    56 min
  5. Episode 33: Interview with Jenn Michaelis Stellmon

    16 Mar

    Episode 33: Interview with Jenn Michaelis Stellmon

    In this episode, Jenn Michaelis Stellmon shares her insights on training dogs and horses using clicker training, focusing on motivation, frustration tolerance, and generalization. Discover how species differences influence training strategies and learn practical tips for building confidence and resilience in your animals. In this engaging conversation, Jenn shares her insights on training dogs and horses, emphasizing the importance of emotional health, physical soundness, and the power of positive reinforcement. Discover practical strategies for shaping behavior, addressing emotional states, and integrating cross-species training techniques. Jenn emphasizes the importance of observation, and breaking down training down into tiny steps. She discusses how positive reinforcement and understanding emotional states can transform training outcomes and deepen the bond with all animals. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Background of Jen Stellmon 03:07 Training Techniques: Back Chaining and Freestyle 06:03 Transition to Horse Training: Clicker Training and Rehabilitation 09:08 Differences in Training: Dogs vs. Horses 12:10 Frustration and Learning: Managing Expectations 14:53 Generalization in Training: Dogs vs. Horses 18:14 The Importance of Agency in Learning 21:18 Handling Frustration in Training 24:04 Conclusion and Future Aspirations 30:28 Navigating Technical Difficulties 30:46 The Impact of Training on Dog Performance 35:30 Building Frustration Tolerance in Dogs 40:21 Understanding Emotional States in Dog Training 46:49 The Complexity of Dog Training 54:02 Strategies for Effective Dog Training 55:59 The Power of Data in Training 56:30 Exploring Clicker Training in Competitive Dressage 57:52 Positive Reinforcement: A Shift in Horse Training 59:47 The Joy of Training: Motivation and Expression 01:03:28 Innovative Ideas: Horse Training Camps 01:06:49 Understanding Behavior: The Role of Physical Health 01:09:29 The Importance of Shaping in Training 01:13:39 Building Rapport: Baby Steps in Training 01:17:18 The Challenge of Choosing the Right Horse 01:19:39 The Balance of Soundness and Relationship in Training CONTACT US: https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast PETRA: https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/ www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com LAURIE: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

    1hr 31min
  6. Episode 33: Errors! Oh No!

    9 Mar

    Episode 33: Errors! Oh No!

    In this episode of the Canine Connection Podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the importance of embracing mistakes in both human and dog training. They explore how mistakes are an integral part of the learning process, emphasizing that errors should not be viewed negatively but rather as valuable information. The conversation highlights the need for trainers to reframe their relationship with mistakes, create a positive learning environment, and communicate effectively with their dogs. They also address the pressure of perfection in dog training and the significance of developing strategies to handle mistakes, ultimately advocating for a more compassionate and understanding approach to training. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Embracing Mistakes as Part of Learning 12:28 The Importance of Allowing Dogs to Make Mistakes 24:38 Building Resilience Through Problem Solving 26:43 The Fascination of Dog Training 28:16 Embracing Mistakes in Training 30:58 Understanding the Dog's Experience 32:21 The Importance of Communication 36:42 Evaluating Mistakes and Learning 40:03 The Insanity of Repeated Mistakes 43:08 Setting Clear Criteria for Training 46:50 Developing a Training Strategy FOLLOW US: https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast PETRA: https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/ www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com LAURIE: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

    51 min
  7. Episode 32: Importance of Life Skills

    2 Mar

    Episode 32: Importance of Life Skills

    In this episode of the Canine Connection Podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the importance of life skills in dog training, emphasizing that understanding a dog's personality and behavior is crucial for effective training. They highlight the need for safety skills like recalls and stays. They discuss how life skills impact performance training. The conversation also covers the role of observation in understanding a dog's needs and motivations, and how past experiences can influence current behavior. The episode concludes with a reminder that training is an ongoing process that requires consistency and patience. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Seminar Insights 03:09 The Importance of Life Skills in Dog Training 06:21 Understanding Your Dog's Personality 09:08 Safety and Recall Training 12:17 The Role of Consistency in Training 15:10 Addressing Impulse Control and Relationship Dynamics 18:18 Maintaining Training Standards Over Time 22:10 Understanding Dog Behavior and Personality 25:18 Training Techniques Based on Dog's Nature 30:06 The Importance of Objective Observation 34:10 Emotional Detachment in Training 37:11 Life Skills and Responsibility in Dog Training FOLLOW US: https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast PETRA: https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/ www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com LAURIE: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

    41 min
  8. Episode 31: Training Is Hard

    23 Feb

    Episode 31: Training Is Hard

    In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the challenges of dog training, particularly in the context of competition. They explore various training techniques, the importance of managing a dog's arousal levels, and the emotional responses that arise during trials. The conversation emphasizes the need for resilience in dogs, the significance of effort and engagement, and the complexities of reinforcement strategies. They also touch on the importance of allowing dogs to figure things out on their own and the necessity of adapting training methods to suit individual dogs. The episode concludes with reflections on the ongoing journey of dog training and the importance of flexibility and experimentation. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 01:46 Challenges in the Trial Ring 04:37 Adjusting Training Techniques 08:33 Finding the Right Arousal Level 10:52 Transitioning and Managing Expectations 14:45 Implementing New Strategies 18:44 Doodling and Emotional Awareness 22:40 Exploring Arousal Techniques 26:42 Final Thoughts and Future Plans 28:04 Shifting Mindsets in Training 31:11 Understanding Dog Intelligence and Learning 33:33 The Complexity of Training Methods 36:19 The Challenge of Reinforcement in Training 40:11 Navigating Competition Stress 43:37 Building Resilience in Dogs 48:18 The Importance of Flexibility in Training FOLLOW US: https://www.youtube.com/@canineconnectionpod https://www.facebook.com/canineconnectionpodcast PETRA: https://www.facebook.com/petrafordtrainer/ www.petrasdogresourcecenter.com LAURIE: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.strimavicius https://www.facebook.com/groups/trainme2025

    53 min
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About

Canine Connection is a podcast for dog lovers, by dog lovers—people who are passionate about dog training and the incredible bond it builds between us and our dogs. We believe dog training is all about communication, and we’re here to talk about it in a way that’s approachable and relatable. Whether you're involved in dog sports or just want to better understand your pup, we’ll break down training concepts that apply across the board. Through honest conversations and inspiring interviews, we’ll explore mindset, motivation, and real-life experiences—plus share practical, actionable tips to help you grow alongside your dog. If you love all things dogs, dog training and dog sports and want to deepen your connection with your canine companion, you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Petra Ford & Laurie Winter Strimavicious
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Canine Connection Podcast

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