Leerburg Dog Training Podcast

In this video, we discuss the dangers of using certain toys as rewards in detection dog training. Dog toys like Kongs and Tennis Balls are commonly used but they come with certain dangers and risks. Alternatively, we recommend using rolled up scented cotton towels, tied off with cotton string, as a primary reward. | Links mentioned: K-9 Detector Dog Training- https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/186

In this video, Ed shares a heartfelt message from a customer who wrote in to express their appreciation for Leerburg Online University. They highlight what they love most—clear instruction, helpful course structure, accessible pricing, and the variety of material available for dog trainers of all levels. Ed responds with a sincere thank-you on behalf of the entire Leerburg team. If you’ve ever wondered what the student experience is like inside Leerburg Online University, this message says it all. | Links mentioned: Leerburg Online University - https://university.leerburg.com

This episode discusses safe methods for separating fighting dogs, emphasizing that you need to be careful and think twice before jumping in. Breaking up a dog fight is extremely dangerous. In fact, 95% of the injury photographs received by Leerburg came from people attempting to break up dog fights, often between their own dogs. It is crucial to remember that intervening when you do not feel safe may result in severe injury; if you are a small person or small woman with two big dogs fighting, it may be too dangerous to intervene. If you must intervene, there is a right and a wrong way to proceed.| Links mentioned: Dog Bite and Dog Attack Photos: https://leerburg.com/dogbites.htm | Dealing with Dominant and Aggressive Dogs: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/137

In this practical Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed Frawley tackles a serious safety concern many cyclists face: aggressive dogs chasing them while riding through countryside or residential areas, with some dogs being extremely large and threatening. The cyclist is looking for effective strategies beyond simply stopping, which isn't always safe with aggressive dogs. Cindy shares a creative solution from a long-distance cyclist friend who carries an extra bike helmet on a tether, swinging or throwing it at chasing dogs to create unexpected opposition—most dogs don't expect any resistance and often back down or remember the encounter next time. She explains that sometimes physical contact is necessary to make an impression and deter future chasing behavior. Cindy also recommends Leerburg's telescoping hiking stick with a built-in stun gun feature, noting that it's portable and often just the sound alone is enough to scare dogs away without needing physical contact. | Links mentioned: Hike N Strike - https://leerburg.com/hike-n-strike.php

In this foundational video, Ed Frawley shares his comprehensive dog training philosophy developed over a remarkable journey that began in the 1950s and spans more than 50 years of hands-on experience. Ed explains that effective training is common sense combined with a clear understanding of how dogs think as pack animals who genetically seek ranking order and view their human family as their pack. He emphasizes that establishing sound family pack structure accounts for 75% of solving behavioral problems, while obedience training represents only 25%—dogs must respect their handlers as pack leaders through fair, firm, and consistent control, as love alone cannot earn respect. | Links mentioned: The Power of Training Dogs with Markers: https://leerburg.com/marker-dvd.php | Training Dogs with Food Rewards: https://leerburg.com/food-dvd.php | Basic Dog Obedience: https://leerburg.com/302.htm

In this essential training breakdown, Ed Frawley explains the five progressive Rules of Play that transform tug from chaotic wrestling into a powerful obedience and engagement tool. These rules must be taught in order: first, building genuine desire for the toy by sparking prey and play drive; second, teaching the retrieve so the dog learns that bringing the toy back continues the game rather than ending it; third, adding the "out" command at the right developmental stage to avoid suppressing drive; fourth, introducing impulse control so the dog waits for permission before grabbing; and fifth, finding the perfect balance based on the dog's individual temperament—dominant dogs need stricter structure while sensitive dogs require more freedom to build confidence. Ed emphasizes that intensity of play must be adjusted to each dog's personality: possessive dogs get shorter wins to prevent over-possession, while less intense dogs benefit from longer, more active sessions to build drive. When all five rules work in harmony, tug becomes far more than just play—it creates a dog who is motivated, responsive, and sees the handler as the ultimate source of reward and fun. | Links mentioned: The Power of Playing with Your Dog: https://leerburg.com/221.htm | The Power of Training Dog with Markers: https://leerburg.com/marker-dvd.php

In this important Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed Frawley addresses a concerned owner's question about whether to continue using an e-collar on their 7-year-old dog who recently started having seizures, with the last one occurring two months ago and no current medication. Cindy explains that she cannot provide a definitive answer without understanding the underlying cause of the seizures—whether they're linked to a medical condition, reaction to flea, tick, or heartworm medication, epilepsy, or another outside substance. She offers her perspective that a quality e-collar functions like a TENS unit used by chiropractors, so she doesn't expect it to cause or aggravate seizure conditions, but emphasizes that she is not a healthcare professional or veterinarian. | Links mentioned: Seresto Pet Collar Review - https://www.epa.gov/pets/seresto-pet-collar-review

In this video, we discuss the critical importance of developing a detection dog that works independently without relying on handler cues or direction. A "handler proof" K9 is a dog that commits to searching for and locating target odor based on their own drive and training—not because they're reading their handler's body language, following where the handler looks, or waiting for permission to alert. | Links mentioned: Three Day Foundations of Detection Seminar - Nov 8-10 at Leerburg: https://leerburg.com/kevin-sheldahl-scentwork-seminar.php | K-9 Detector Dog Training: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/186

In this video, Ed addresses a critical problem he's seeing in the detection dog training community—trainers are prioritizing passive indications over their dog's ability to commit to searching for target odor. This backwards approach is creating dogs who can perform beautiful alerts but lack the fundamental drive to actively hunt and locate odor independently. | Links mentioned: Three Day Foundations of Detection Seminar - https://leerburg.com/kevin-sheldahl-scentwork-seminar.php | K-9 Detector Dog Training - https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/186

In this episode of Ask Cindy, Ed Frawley reads a question from a dog owner wondering which course is best for using an e-collar with their 7-month-old GSD puppy. Cindy breaks down the steps, explaining why starting with Leash Reactivity training is the priority before introducing e-collar work. Learn how to set your training priorities, reduce leash reactivity, and prepare your dog for off-leash success safely and effectively.| Links mentioned: How We Manage Dogs In Our Home: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/14 | Leash Reactivity with Tyler Muto: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/15 | Loose Leash Walking: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/17 | Training Your Dog to Come When Called: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/197 | Remote Collar Training for the Pet Owner: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/94 | Dogtra 1900X: https://leerburg.com/dogtra1900x.php

In this straightforward Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed Frawley addresses a common question from a new Golden Retriever puppy owner about the right age to transition from harness to collar for loose leash walking training. The owner plans to use a harness initially for taking their 8-week-old puppy outside and exploring, but wants guidance on when to begin formal loose leash walking with a flat collar. | Links mentioned: Leash Skills: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/89 | Loose Leash Walking: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/17

In this practical Ask Cindy Q and A session, Ed Frawley addresses a common but frustrating challenge with an 11-week-old Mastiff puppy who constantly bites the leash, grabs at handlers during collaring, and shows zero food motivation despite being underweight. The owner has tried standard redirection techniques with toys and treats, but the puppy drops toys immediately and returns to biting, making even basic handling like putting on a harness nearly impossible. Cindy provides targeted solutions including upgrading to extremely high-value food rewards like cheese, chicken, and steak in tiny pieces to break through the puppy's disinterest in training. She explains the critical difference between toys the puppy has constant access to versus special redirection toys that only appear during handling sessions, recommending soft stuffed toys with paracord attachments that can be yanked away to increase the puppy's commitment to holding them. Cindy emphasizes that this biting phase is temporary and will fade after teething if properly managed, directing the owner back to Michael Ellis's puppy material for detailed redirection techniques.

In this essential training discussion, we address a common but critical question from a Malinois owner: "Is my training work being undone when my fear-reactive dog practices reactive behaviors in our own backyard?" A 3-year-old spayed Belgian Malinois displays fear-reactive behavior both on walks and at home behind the fence. When dogs or people pass by the yard, the dog reacts, and when these "threats" move away, it reinforces the dog's belief that their reactive behavior "worked" - creating a cycle of self-reinforcement that undermines all training progress. | Links mentioned: How We Manage Dogs in Our Home: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/14 | Dealing with Dominant and Aggressive Dogs: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/137 | Leash Reactivity with Michael Ellis: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/165 | Leash Reactivity with Tyler Muto: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/15 |  Remote Collar Training for the Pet Owner: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/94

In this Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed reads a viewer’s question about a skittish dog who hesitates when being called to have his leash put on. The owner has been using the recall command to bring the dog over, but the hesitation and slow response raised concerns about whether corrections or adjustments were needed. Cindy explains why it’s best not to use a formal recall command in this situation, and instead teaches viewers how to create a positive association with leashing up by using a new verbal cue, pairing it with rewards, and practicing inside without the added stress of going outside every time. She also shares tips for helping nervous dogs build confidence and avoid rehearsing avoidance behaviors, like hiding under furniture. | Links mentioned: Getting Started with Reward Based Training Bundle - https://leerburg.com/reward-based-training-bundle.php

In this episode, we break down the key differences between Leerburg Prong Collars and Herm Sprenger Prong Collars. From materials and craftsmanship to design and functionality, you’ll see what sets each brand apart and what is the same. This video will help you determine which option may be the best fit for your dog’s training.| Links mentioned: Leerburg Stainless Steel Prong Collar: https://leerburg.com/leerburg-prong-collar-stainless.php | Leerburg Quick Release Prong Collar: https://leerburg.com/quick-release-prong-collar.php | Herm Sprenger Stainless Steel Prong Collar: https://leerburg.com/hermsprenger_stainlesssteel_prongcollars.htm | Herm Sprenger Small Prong Quick Release Collar: https://leerburg.com/smallprong-easysnap-kit.php

Does your Schutzhund-trained dog bark excessively outside the training field? In this video, Cindy answers a common question from a GSD owner: How can I stop my dog from barking at strangers and other dogs without ruining her protection work? Learn why this behavior is often a sign of reactivity, not aggression, and how to manage it without affecting your dog’s drive and performance in IGP. Cindy shares practical tips for leash walking, car rides, and at-home management, plus a resource that covers effective reactivity training. If your working dog struggles with barking in everyday situations, this advice will help you create balance without sacrificing success in the sport. | Links mentioned: Leash Reactivity and Loose Leash Walking Bundle - https://leerburg.com/leash-skills-bundle.php

In this Ask Cindy Q and A, we answer an important question from a Rottweiler puppy owner: Does jumping in and out of the car affect a puppy’s bone development? Cindy explains how repetitive impact can impact growth plates and joints in large breed puppies, and shares practical tips for minimizing wear and tear throughout your dog’s life. If you own a large breed puppy or travel frequently with your dog, this advice is essential for long-term joint health. | Links mentioned: Getting Started With Your New Puppy Bundle - https://leerburg.com/puppy-bundle.php

Bringing an adult dog into your home and need help getting started with training? This course bundle is designed for dog owners who want to build reliable obedience and create a better relationship with their dog—no matter their age or background. It includes four of our most essential online obedience courses for adult dogs—plus a practical slip lead to help you apply what you learn right away. | Links mentioned: Basic Obedience for Adult Dogs Bundle - https://leerburg.com/basic-obed-bundle.php

In this video, Ed Frawley shares a video clip from our new online course, Sport Skills Master Class with Michael Ellis. In this clip, Michael addresses how to teach fronts to your dog for competitive retrieves.| Links mentioned: Sport Skills Master Class with Michael Ellis - https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/241

In this Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed shares answers to a common question: Should you let your puppy sniff on walks? Learn the benefits of sniffing, how it impacts training, and when it’s okay to set boundaries. Perfect advice for new puppy owners looking to balance structure and fun on walks. | Links mentioned: Leash Reactivity and Loose Leash Walking Bundle - https://leerburg.com/leash-skills-bundle.php