The Everyday Trainer Podcast

Latest Episodes:

E-Collar Training, Crate Strategies, and Managing a High-Energy Dog Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

Meg shares insights from a virtual training session with her client Molly, who is working through reactivity issues with her high-energy husky mix, Murphy, after early socialization at dog parks and daycare created frustration-based leash reactivity.
• Distinguishing between fear-based and frustration-based reactivity
• Why dog parks and daycares can create reactivity in some dogs
• Detailed explanation of e-collar conditioning process and finding working levels
• Strategies for becoming more relevant to your dog than environmental distractions
• How to properly introduce and use a crate for dogs that struggle to settle
• Tips for managing dogs with luxating patella without rushing to surgery
• Alternatives to "place" commands for dogs that can't be held accountable yet
• The importance of limiting rewards to meaningful behaviors rather than mediocre compliance
Check out everything at TheEverydayTrainer.com for private lessons or to join the next virtual shadow program.

Visit us on the website here to see what we've got going on and how you can join our pack of good dogs and owners.

Van Life with Puppies: The Journey Begins Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

Meg and Thoma share their experiences living in vans with dogs and introduce their newly adopted Malinois puppies, exploring the ethics and controversies of dog acquisition.
• Navigating van life in southern California where regulations and neighbors create challenges for mobile dog trainers
• How two 6-week-old Malinois puppies were rescued after being scheduled for euthanasia at a veterinary clinic
• Introduction to protection dog sports and the importance of good genetics versus training
• The controversy between supporting rescue dogs versus purpose-bred working lines
• Integrating new puppies into existing dog packs and managing littermate interactions
• Understanding the reality of backyard breeding while acknowledging every dog deserves a chance
• The experience of raising potentially unpredictable genetics in a sport dog environment
• Updates on adventure board and train programs planned for northern California
Join us for our next episode where we'll discuss our recent PSA trial experiences with a full panel of sport dog trainers!

Visit us on the website here to see what we've got going on and how you can join our pack of good dogs and owners.

Better Food, Happier Dogs: A Conversation on Pet Nutrition with Megan from Pet Power Studio Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back ya'll. In this episode, we dive into the transformative world of dog nutrition with Megan from Pet Power Studio. Discover how proper nourishment can revolutionize the life of your beloved pet from overcoming behavioral challenges to enhancing their overall quality of life. Together, we explore the pitfalls of traditional kibble diets and unveil the powerful, positive changes that raw and fresh feeding can trigger.
Megan’s heartfelt narrative begins with her experience raising Diesel, a once-troubled dog who became a beacon of insight into the world of canine behavior and nutrition. She illustrates the framework of holistic pet care and how nutrition intertwines with behavioral training, enabling dogs to shine as their best selves.
Listeners will gain knowledge about the alarming statistics on pet obesity and the health implications of processed dog foods. You’ll learn practical tips on how to transition dogs to a fresh diet while maintaining a focus on individual needs and preferences. With passion, Megan challenges the conventional wisdom around pet food, urging pet parents to be advocates for their dog’s nutrition and well-being.
We also discuss the significant shifts in consumer awareness and attitudes towards pet diets, including the importance of sourcing high-quality ingredients. The episode invites owners to take an empowering step toward making informed dietary choices for their dogs and understanding their essential dietary needs.
Visit our website here to stay up to date on training, virtual shadow programs, and travel dates.

Visit Pet Power Studio here.

Visit us on the website here to see what we've got going on and how you can join our pack of good dogs and owners.

Virtual session and we’re talking separation anxiety, reactivity, and confidence building Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

This episode highlights the challenges of managing dog training while addressing separation anxiety and the unrealistic expectations often placed on both pets and their owners. The conversation emphasizes the importance of play, clear communication, and tailored training methods to cultivate a healthy bond and successful training experience.
• Discussion on separation anxiety and common behavioral issues
• Importance of setting realistic training expectations
• The value of engaging playtime for dogs
• Insights on incorporating structured routines in daily activities
• Recommendations for successful communication techniques
• Encouragement to explore fun activities, including tracking and scent work

Check out everything we’ve got going on at https://www.theeverydaytrainer.com/

Visit us on the website here to see what we've got going on and how you can join our pack of good dogs and owners.

It’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

The episode emphasizes the idea that while dog owners may feel guilty about their pets' behavior, it is essential to recognize that genetics significantly influence these actions. We discuss the prevalent culture in dog training that blames owners and shift the focus to the responsibility they have in managing their dogs with an understanding of their innate behaviors.
• The impact of living situations on dog training and behaviors
• The narrative of blame within the dog training community
• Importance of recognizing genetics in dog behavior
• Responsibilities of dog owners: fulfilling breed-specific needs
• Real-life examples illustrating the interplay of genetics and training
• Encouragement for owners to advocate for their pets instead of feeling guilty

Visit us on the website here to see what we've got going on and how you can join our pack of good dogs and owners.

5 Do’s, 5 Don’ts of Dog Training Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

This episode outlines the five essential do's and don'ts of dog training, focusing on clarity, communication, and consistency. By emphasizing crate training, marker words, early exposure, respecting other dogs' spaces, and maintaining consistency, listeners will gain valuable insights into effective dog training methods.
• The importance of crate training
• How marker words enhance communication
• The need for early exposure training
• Respecting other dogs' spaces during interactions
• The significance of consistency in training
Join us in our upcoming virtual lessons to continue your dog training journey!
To donate to the Pasadena’s Humane Society, click here
To visit our website to book a lesson, sign up for group class, or purchase our hands-free leashes, click here

Visit us on the website here to see what we've got going on and how you can join our pack of good dogs and owners.

13 Rules for Good Dog Owner Etiquette Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

This episode explores essential dog etiquette rules to help owners navigate public spaces responsibly. Meg emphasizes the importance of respecting boundaries for both dogs and their owners to foster a safe and positive experience in community interactions.
• Importance of being considerate toward other dogs and their owners
• Experiences highlighting the struggles of off-leash encounters
• Teaching children to respect a dog’s personal space
• The consequences of misunderstanding dog behavior in public
• Core rules of dog etiquette to change public perceptions
• Addressing entitlement and setting boundaries
• Recognizing the unique needs of individual dogs in various social settings
• Encouragement to promote shared understanding among dog owners
Thank you for listening! If you'd like to support the podcast, please consider sharing this episode with fellow dog owners.
To Donate to Pasadena Humane Society and help them care for the animals effected by the fires, visit their website here.
To book an in person lesson with Meg (or virtual session) visit our website here.

Visit us on the website here to see what we've got going on and how you can join our pack of good dogs and owners.

Van Life Adventures: Balancing Dogs, Seasonal Shifts, and Sport Training Jan 03, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back ya'll. This week's episode explores the unique challenges of living in a van while managing the needs of multiple dogs during winter. We discuss the emotional toll of dog mom guilt, the importance of clear communication in training, and the balance between work and taking care of pets.
• Managing life updates and routines while living in a van
• Balancing dog care while grappling with dog mom guilt
• Adjusting to winter and understanding its impacts on lifestyle
• Navigating daily routines and training challenges in vans
• Communicating effectively with dogs through marker words
• Embracing the ebb and flow of seasonal changes in pets’ needs
• Finding harmony between work commitments and dog activities
Interested in learning more about dog training? Join our virtual shadow program starting soon!

Visit us on the website here to see what we've got going on and how you can join our pack of good dogs and owners.

Crafting Trust and Communication with Your Dog: A Dog Trainer Convo Dec 27, 2024

Show notes

Hey ya'll welcome back. This week I wanted to give you a little behind-the-scenes look into our Virtual Shadow Program and a conversation amongst dog trainers. This podcast is a recording from our VSP and dives into using tools with hesitant owners, navigating tough conversations as dog trainers, and how we can show up as confident leaders for the dogs and owners we work with.
This podcast episode presents an insightful conversation on dog training, emphasizing the nuances of using corrective devices and understanding dog behavior. Trainers share firsthand experiences navigating challenging situations and managing the balance between corrective measures and building trust.
• Exploring the use of corrective devices in dog training
• Understanding the impact of owner emotions on training outcomes
• Discussing real experiences with dogs exhibiting bite histories
• The importance of building strong relationships with dogs
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating trainer identity
• Insights on the balance of management and behavioral modification
• Preparing for the next steps in dog training and behavior management.
If you're a new dog trainer or are looking to break into the industry and want to join our next VSP, click the link HERE.

Visit us on the website here to see what we've got going on and how you can join our pack of good dogs and owners.

Dog training growth + insights with our fav guy, Shane Murray Dec 20, 2024

Show notes

He's back and better than ever. This episode we chat with everyone's favorite dog trainer, Shane Murray to explore his evolution of his dog training biz and the importance of building a supportive community. Meg and Shane explore various training methods, the strengths of private sessions over board and train programs, and the value of mentorship. They discuss their upcoming shadow program, which combines practical training and business insights to help aspiring dog trainers develop their skills and sustain their careers.
• Shane shares his reflections on the past year in dog training
• Discussion on the effectiveness of board and train vs. private sessions
• Emphasis on the importance of owner education and empowerment
• Insights into the role of community and mentorship in dog training
• Breakdown of the upcoming shadow program
• Focus on preventing burnout through business systems and automation
Fill our your info below if you'd like to be the first to know about our next shadow program!
https://theeverydaytrainer.hbportal.co/public/6764aa009be3920030c423b2
If you'd like to join The Everyday Trainer January Virtual Shadow Program, click here.

Visit us on the website here to see what we've got going on and how you can join our pack of good dogs and owners.

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