Confessions of a Dog Trainer

Bethany Johnson
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I'm a balanced dog trainer who loves to keep it real. I want to empower YOU to bring out the best in your dogs through training and support you along the way. I hope these episodes help you feel less alone!

  1. JAN 29

    Fearful Dogs + E-Collar Training: What People Get Wrong

    In today’s episode of Confessions of a Dog Trainer, I’m bringing you behind the scenes with Hazel - a sweet, houndy little “Bambi body” dog who’s fearful of people and famous for one frustrating walk habit: putting on the brakes and refusing to move. I’m sharing what I expected when she arrived, what I actually saw, and the biggest game-changer in her training so far - including why the dial-up method on the e-collar didn’t work for her the way it usually does, and why a prong collar ended up being the missing piece to help her stop freezing and start moving forward. We’ll also talk about one of my favorite confidence-building frameworks for nervous dogs: job + exposure (and exactly what that looked like for Hazel this week), how my dog Johnny helped her warm up to my husband without anyone forcing an interaction, and what “real progress” looks like when you’re living with a fearful dog (hint: it’s usually subtle - and easy to miss if you don’t know what to watch for). Plus, I answer Hazel’s owner’s questions about measuring progress at home, nervous pooping, and whether running with a dog like Hazel is a good idea - and I touch briefly on Azula’s update, including why tools aren’t about “correcting dogs all over the place,” but about clear communication and safer, calmer outings. If you have a nervous dog and you’ve ever wondered, Am I doing this right? - this one’s for you. Products & Resources Book: ⁠⁠Dear Owner⁠⁠ (⁠⁠Amazon link⁠⁠) ⁠⁠Dog Diary Desk Calendar ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠E-Collar Starter Guide ⁠⁠ ⁠E Collar Video Library ⁠ ⁠Brick device - get 10% off code⁠ ⁠Find me on Instagram @walkingdogtraining

    44 min

  2. JAN 22

    Reactive Dogs: The “Little Things” That Change Everything (Azula’s Week 1)

    In this episode, I’m walking you through week one with Azula - a 100+ lb Cane Corso in my 2-week board and train in Orlando, Florida - and what’s actually been making the biggest difference in her reactivity so far. A lot of owners focus on the big reactive explosion (barking, lunging, chaos on the walk) - but I’m sharing the other moments that quietly fuel reactivity every day: rushing thresholds, pushy doorway behavior, over-the-top excitement, mouthing, jumping, whining, and all the “little stuff” that adds fuel to the fire. I also share my real-time experience using a bark collar (the Bark Pro) to interrupt nighttime barking and kennel chaos - including the part where I accidentally had it set wrong at first (true confessions) - and how it’s been helping Azula settle and actually rest. Plus, I answer owner questions like: Why is she insanely reactive with me, but an angel without me - is it protection? How do I set boundaries without “shutting my dog down”? How do I know if a correction is too much? How do I avoid my dog associating triggers (like other dogs) with stim? Does breed-specific enrichment help with reactivity and anxiety? What does “bluffing” mean with tone vs stim? If you’re working through reactivity and feel like you’ve tried everything, this episode will help you zoom out and look at what’s happening outside the reactive moment - and how those pieces can change the walk more than you think. Message me on Instagram @walkingdogtraining if you listened - I love hearing what clicked for you.

    59 min

  3. JAN 17

    One Tool - Three Dogs: How E-Collar Training Changes Case to Case

    In this episode, Bethany breaks down how e-collar training can look totally different depending on the dog in front of you - and why it’s not a one-size-fits-all tool. She shares what she’s currently working on with Nola (a pushy 9-month-old Frenchie), what she’s preparing for with her first-ever Cup of Joe Scholarship board + train (a big, powerful, highly reactive dog already e-collar trained), and how her approach shifts for a dog who is extremely fearful of people. Bethany walks you through her real-time thought process: how she handles drop-off day, why she ignores nervy dogs at first, what she’s watching for with kennel behavior, and how she thinks about safety and fit as a trainer. She also explains her framework for using the e-collar as both a boundary setter (stimulation - “red light”) and an encouraging guide (tone - “green light”), especially for fearful dogs where fleeing becomes the default option. To wrap up, she answers three common questions owners ask: pairing “no” with stimulation, heeling vs potty needs, and how to handle judgment when your dog wears a muzzle - with a reminder that most people who get it are quietly rooting for you. Products & Resources Book: ⁠Dear Owner⁠ (⁠Amazon link⁠) ⁠Dog Diary Desk Calendar ⁠ ⁠E-Collar Starter Guide ⁠ E Collar Video Library Brick device - get 10% off code Find me on Instagram @walkingdogtraining

    52 min

  4. JAN 8

    Why Multi-Dog Homes Feel So Hard - Resource Guarding, Management, and What to Do Instead

    In this episode of Confessions of a Dog Trainer, Bethany dives into one of the most common (and stressful) challenges for dog owners - living in a multi-dog household when one dog is resource guarding. Using a real case study from her current board-and-train dog, Nola (a 9-month-old Frenchie navigating resource guarding with her housemate), Bethany explains what’s actually happening beneath the behavior, how to teach a clear “out” command using the e-collar, and how boundaries and management create safety and clarity for everyone involved. You’ll hear practical tips for: Working with one dog when you don’t have access to the other Teaching “out” for both safety and emotional regulation Why management isn’t failure — it’s leadership How to use crate-and-rotate, place, and kennel time effectively Why multi-dog training often feels messy before it feels better Bethany also shares updates on her book Dear Owner, the Dog Diary calendar, new social media boundaries she’s setting, and why consistency (not perfection) is what actually creates change with your dog. Whether you’re a trainer or a dog owner, this episode will help you feel less alone, more confident, and more clear on what to do when living with multiple dogs feels overwhelming. Products & Resources Book: Dear Owner (Amazon link) Dog Diary Desk Calendar Use code SALE26 for 20% off E-Collar Starter Guide E Collar Video Library 00:00 Welcome back to the pod! 02:53 Introducing Nola and Resource Guarding 06:11 E-Collar Training Insights 09:05 Teaching the 'Out' Command 11:58 Multi-Dog Household Management 19:45 Training Strategies for Multiple Dogs 27:55 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    37 min

  5. 05/28/2025

    Reactive Dogs & E-Collar Breakthroughs: Meet Toast & Ozzy

    Two reactive dogs. Two very different personalities. In this episode, I walk you through what I’ve been prioritizing with Toast and Ozzy during their first few days of training, how I use the e-collar for both reactivity and recall, and why understanding “pushy” moments matters more than where reactivity stems from. I’m sharing behind-the-scenes updates, breakthroughs with tone + stim, and how one correction helped Toast soften in a way that reminded me why I love this work. Plus: a little life update, a sprinkle of grief, and some lessons from my chickens. This one’s for the dog owner who wants to better understand their reactive dog, and the trainer who’s ever wondered if they’re doing it right. Resources mentioned: → E-Collar Starter Guide (now $50 off!) → Reactive Dog Handbook → Guide to Separation Anxiety → Instagram Highlights: Toast & Ozzy @walkingdogtraining 🎧 Let me know what resonated over on IG!

    41 min

  6. 04/08/2025

    Personalities, E-Collars, and Progress: Behind the Scenes of Milo’s Training

    Episode Description: In this episode of Confessions of a Dog Trainer, Bethany shares the inspiring story of Milo, a board and train dog whose sweet, sensitive personality made for a unique training journey. Bethany dives into how a dog's personality can drastically impact the pace and feel of their training, especially when introducing tools like the e-collar and prong collar. She explains: Why structure is key and how starting with the right tools changes everything How Milo’s sensitive nature helped him quickly respond to training The real role of the e-collar and how it creates clarity (not conflict) Why comparing your dog’s progress to others is often misleading How giving your dog a “job” like place or down can transform their behavior Whether you're struggling with reactivity, pulling, or just trying to better understand your dog, this episode is packed with real-life examples, encouragement, and practical tips you can start using today. Mentioned in the Episode: E-Collar Starter Guide Episode E-Collar Starter Guide Resource Go Home Guide Template for Trainers Walking Dog Training Website Connect with Bethany: Instagram: @walkingdogtraining

    37 min

  7. 03/26/2025

    Small Dogs, Big Reactions: The Real Talk on E-Collar Levels

    If you’ve got a little dog with big energy, this episode is for you. I’m talking through real-life lessons from recent board and train dogs - including a spicy little Frenchie named Valentina - and what surprised me about her reactivity and E-Collar training. I’m also sharing a heartfelt update on the book I’m writing (Dear Owner), how grief shaped the timing, and why it feels more important than ever to share the stories that have shaped me (and my training). Plus: When to upgrade from a Micro to a Mini EducatorThe mindset shift that helps owners stop underwhelming their dogsWhy sustainability in training matters more than perfectionHow one message from an owner brought me to tears (in the best way) If you’ve ever felt stuck, second-guessed your training, or wondered if you were doing it “wrong,” this one’s for you. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 🐾 Free 7-Day Reset Guide🐾 Place Command Starter Guide🐾 Free Reactivity Guide🐾 E-Collar Starter Guide + Video Library🐾 Separation Anxiety Guide🐾 Reactive Dog Handbook Connect with me on Instagram: @walkingdogtraining Let me know what resonated with you — I love hearing from you.

    55 min

  8. 02/28/2025

    Noelle’s Journey: Overcoming Reactivity with the E-Collar

    Is your dog’s reactivity keeping you from enjoying walks? In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how I worked with Noelle, a highly reactive Australian Shepherd mix, and the game-changing approach that made all the difference using the e-collar. I’ll walk you through: ✅ The most common mistake owners make when correcting reactivity✅ How I determine the right e-collar level for each dog✅ Why addressing the big reactive moment first is key✅ The connection between anxiety, crate time, and the place command✅ How one owner finally got it - and why her dog’s “calm muscle” is stronger than ever If you’ve been hesitant about dialing up the e-collar or wondering if you’re doing it right, this episode is for you. Plus, I answer a fantastic listener question about whining vs. barking during reactivity - how do you know what to correct? Let’s get into it! 🎧 Listen now & let me know what resonates with you! Show links: E Collar Starter Guide Reactive Dog Bundle Reassurance Coaching Calls - 30 minutes Place Command Freebie

    38 min
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4
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

I'm a balanced dog trainer who loves to keep it real. I want to empower YOU to bring out the best in your dogs through training and support you along the way. I hope these episodes help you feel less alone!

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