All The Not So Small Things with Bree and Zak George

Welcome to Beers and Biscuits! A Dogcast for the rest of us!

We're happy to welcome Bree and Zak George to explore the challenges of navigating social media as a dog trainer and expectations of followers. We discuss the importance of patience when navigating criticism.

We discuss the importance of mental strength and self-care in dealing with criticism and burnout and touch on the challenges of certification and the need for a more streamlined and standardized process.

We then shift focus to the use of dogs in working situations, with different perspectives shared on the ethical considerations and potential for change within the system. We explore the need for change within the working dog industry and the importance of shifting from punishment-based training methods to more compassionate and effective approaches.

We discuss the need for leadership within the industry to advocate for these changes and the potential for using dogs in different capacities, such as therapy and comfort dogs.

We also touch on the challenges of questioning and challenging industry leaders and the importance of holding each other accountable. The conversation ends with a reflection on the impact of respectful and open conversations and the need for mutual respect and understanding, while also being ok with burning idols.

Episode Takeaways

• Managing social media as a dog trainer can be challenging, especially when dealing with expectations from followers.
• Conversations have evolved and expanded their scope and content over time, now addressing topics like aversive dog training and exploring issues like colonialism and toxic masculinity.
• Patience is key when fielding questions and criticism, and it's important to set boundaries and not feel obligated to respond to every comment.

• The certification process for dog trainers can be challenging and there is a need for a more streamlined and standardized approach that is more accessible.
• The use of dogs in working situations, particularly in the military and police, raises ethical considerations and the need for change within the system.
• Inviting open and evidence-based conversations can help drive positive change in the treatment of working dogs and the overall system.
• Dogs can be used in different capacities, such as therapy and comfort dogs, which requires a shift in mindset about their role in policing.
• Questioning and challenging industry leaders is important for growth and progress, but it can be met with resistance and dismissal.

Sound Bites

• "Managing social media as a dog trainer can be challenging"
• "I got like sweaty palms even just talking about it"

• "We are pursuing certifications. We're actually both signed up for an animal behavior course"
• "We are coming from a place of punishment culture."
• "It has to come from within, right?"

Where to fine @Bree | and @zakgeorge Dog Training Revolution | @zakgeorge | @thezakgeorge

We hope you enjoyed the conversation and please don’t forget to give your dog a biscuit from us. Until next time.

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