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 alongsi...
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Sep 29, 2026 · 1:09:08
In this episode, Laura Rixham shares her journey from a childhood love of dogs to competing in multiple sports, training her dogs in obedience, rally, and scent work, and her…
Sep 21, 2026 · 58:30
Foundations matter. And they matter throughout your dog's career. Mastering foundation skills are critical to becoming a good handler and teammate. Creating a strong foundation…
Sep 15, 2026 · 1:18:31
Hannah Nordstrom shares her journey from a passionate first-time dog owner to a rally competitor and instructor as well as FAST CAT competitor. Hannah and her Bedlington Terrier…
Sep 7, 2026 · 1:10:57
In this episode, Kaleigh Gagnon shares her extensive knowledge of search and rescue dogs and scent work training. Discover how dogs are trained to detect various odors and the…
Aug 31, 2026 · 52:27
In this episode, Petra and Laurie share insights on building a strong, trusting relationship with your puppy …which is also relevant for our adult dogs. They talk about the…
Aug 24, 2026 · 47:35
Petra shares a detailed account of her experience with a dog attack, emphasizing the importance of calmness, quick decision-making, and mental resilience in crisis situations. We…
Aug 11, 2026 · 1:03:40
In this episode, we meet with Reni who shares her inspiring journey from as a novice sport dog owner. We talk about to overcoming breed-specific challenges with patience,…
Aug 10, 2026 · 1:11:03
In this episode, Petra and Laurie discuss scent articles BUT the content is relevant to all behaviors. We talk about analyzing errors, how we handle errors differently based on…
Aug 3, 2026 · 57:25
Petra and Laurie continue discussing how you can learn to read dogs. This discussion emphasizes the importance of observation, understanding behavior cues, and the role of video…
Jul 20, 2026 · 46:09
Petra and Laurie start the discussion with Petra's new experience in the sport of nosework. They then discuss the nuances of reading dogs, emphasizing data collection,…
Jul 13, 2026 · 45:49
In this episode, Petra and Laurie discuss mental management strategies for events that are extra meaningful to you, focusing on handling nerves, staying focused, and maintaining…
Jul 6, 2026 · 36:05
In this episode, Petra and Laurie discuss the importance of flexibility, patience, and kindness in dog training and competitions. They share practical tips on how to adapt to…
Jun 29, 2026 · 46:58
In this episode, Petra and Laurie explore the importance of challenging dogs during training to foster resilience, confidence, and long-term learning. They discuss practical…
Jun 22, 2026 · 41:06
This episode explores the critical importance of acclimation for dogs in training and competition environments. Petra and Laurie share practical insights on how to read your…
Jun 15, 2026 · 1:10:07
In this interview, dog trainer Ariel Wolf shares her journey with non-traditional breeds like German Wirehaired Pointers and Dachshunds, highlighting innovative training…
Jun 8, 2026 · 1:08:01
In this episode, Petra and Laurie chat with Annette Flippen Pierce, a professor at NYU and an accomplished dog trainer, about the fascinating parallels between motivational…
Jun 1, 2026 · 48:12
With so much talk about reducing reinforcement we often lose sight of the fact that REINFORCEMENT drives behavior. We need reinforcement! It's important information! And…
May 11, 2026 · 50:24
This episode continues the discussion on reducing reinforcement in dog training. The conversation explores alternate reinforcement strategies, how to effectively reduce…
May 4, 2026 · 44:48
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,…
Apr 28, 2026 · 1:12:26
In this detailed discussion, Petra and Laurie discuss teaching dogs to manage their own arousal, striving for optimal arousal in training and in the ring, removing all pressure…
Apr 20, 2026 · 38:38
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…
Apr 13, 2026 · 38:59
Petra and Laurie explore the mental pressures faced by dog sport competitors, sharing personal experiences and strategies for managing expectations, criticism, and self-doubt.…
Apr 6, 2026 · 34:29
Petra and Laurie discuss the importance of relaxation and rest for dogs and humans, covering physical and mental recovery, training strategies, and how to incorporate rest into…
Mar 30, 2026 · 56:03
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…
Mar 24, 2026 · 1:45:28
In this conversation, Petra, Laurie, and Brenda explore the nuances of dog training, focusing on understanding arousal, pressure, and emotional states. Brenda shares her unique…
Mar 16, 2026 · 1:31:07
In this episode, Jenn Michaelis Stellmon shares her insights on training dogs and horses using clicker training, focusing on motivation, frustration tolerance, and…
Mar 9, 2026 · 51:19
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…
Mar 2, 2026 · 40:57
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…
Feb 23, 2026 · 52:44
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…
Feb 17, 2026 · 1:10:05
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie delve into the challenge of getting the same dog in the ring as in training. They talk about managing and…
Feb 10, 2026 · 1:34:19
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie interview Peggy Gibbon, a retired Instructor and Director for The Seeing Eye Guide Dog School in…
Feb 2, 2026 · 1:00:47
In this conversation, Laurie and Petra discuss how many dogs do not have high arousal issues. Rather they need help increasing arousal. They talk about the power of keen…
Jan 26, 2026 · 39:40
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie dive into a variety of topics surrounding dog training, particularly focusing on the recent training camp…
Jan 19, 2026 · 1:21:42
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie welcome Crystal Wing, a former high school art teacher turned dog trainer. Crystal shares her journey of…
Jan 12, 2026 · 55:56
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie dive into the concept of variable reinforcement in dog training. They discuss the importance of…
Jan 6, 2026 · 1:18:53
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Laurie and Petra interview Laura Holder, a conservation dog handler who discusses her unique work with dogs in environmental…
Dec 30, 2025 · 1:40:51
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Katelyn Graham from Katalyst Kennels shares her journey in breeding working dogs, particularly for detection purposes. She…
Dec 20, 2025 · 59:30
In this episode of the Canine Connection Podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the unique challenges and experiences associated with participating in prestigious events. They…
Dec 16, 2025 · 31:34
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the challenges of training dogs in environments where different philosophies prevail. They emphasize…
Dec 2, 2025 · 36:29
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the intricacies of trial day for dog sports, focusing on the superstitions and routines that many…
Nov 25, 2025 · 1:03:12
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the concept of pressure in dog training, emphasizing the importance of understanding how pressure…
Nov 18, 2025 · 1:00:53
In this episode of the Canine Connection Podcast, Petra and Laurie do a deep dive into the concept of pressure in dog training. They explore how pressure affects dog behavior,…
Nov 11, 2025 · 1:26:32
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie welcome mental management expert Julie Bacon. They discuss the significance of mental management in dog…
Nov 4, 2025 · 51:14
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, host Petra and guest Denise Fenzi delve into the intricacies of dog training, emphasizing the importance of socialization,…
Oct 27, 2025 · 50:48
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, host Petra Ford interviews Denise Fenzi, founder of the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. They discuss Denise's journey in dog training,…
Oct 20, 2025 · 41:41
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss various aspects of dog training, including the excitement of starting a new dog training school, the…
Oct 14, 2025 · 28:13
In this episode of Random Reflections, Petra and Laurie discuss the various trial venues for dog training, exploring the pros and cons of different environments. They emphasize…
Oct 7, 2025 · 1:33:17
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie welcome Janice Gunn, an experienced dog trainer, to discuss her journey in dog training, the evolution of…
Sep 30, 2025 · 1:05:48
In this episode of the K9 Connection podcast, Petra Ford and Laurie discuss the significance of having a structured training plan for dog training. They emphasize the importance…
Sep 23, 2025 · 1:01:45
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra Ford and Laurie discuss the complexities of dog training from both the instructor's and student's perspectives. They…
Sep 16, 2025 · 1:28:15
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Danette Chorney shares her journey into dog sports, particularly focusing on rally obedience. She discusses her transition from…
Sep 9, 2025 · 31:11
In this episode of Random Reflections, Petra and Laurie discuss the significant impact of labeling dogs on their training and behavior. They explore how labels can create…
Aug 31, 2025 · 52:15
In this episode of the K9 Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the significance of matches (also known as show-n-goes, run-throughs or a friend acting as judge for a…
Aug 25, 2025 · 1:02:40
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the concept of arousal in dogs, exploring how it affects their performance in various training and…
Aug 25, 2025 · 33:23
In this conversation, Petra and Laurie discuss the importance of good sportsmanship in competitive environments. They share personal experiences and insights on how competition…
Aug 25, 2025 · 1:14:02
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the critical role of mental management in dog training and competition. They explore the importance of…
Aug 25, 2025 · 1:19:00
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra and Laurie welcome AKC judge Esther Zimmerman. Esther shares her extensive experience in dog training and judging,…
Aug 25, 2025 · 28:33
In this episode of Random Reflections, Petra and Laurie discuss the importance of returning to foundations. They share personal experiences and insights on how revisiting basic…
Aug 25, 2025 · 1:18:28
In this Special Edition episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Laurie and Petra discuss the National Obedience Championship (NOC), sharing insights on the competition's…
Aug 25, 2025 · 1:05:43
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, host Petra Ford interviews her student Donald Bruckner about his dog training journey. Students often think they are the only…
Aug 25, 2025 · 29:24
In this episode of Random Reflections, Petra and Laurie discuss the essential qualities of a good training partner. They emphasize the importance of following instructions, being…
Aug 25, 2025 · 1:23:01
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Lauri discuss the various reasons why errors occur in dog training, emphasizing the importance of identifying the root…
Aug 25, 2025 · 1:08:29
In this episode of the Canine Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie discuss the human side of errors in dog training. They explore the emotional impact of mistakes, the importance…
Aug 25, 2025 · 56:58
In this episode of the K9 Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie continue their discussion on Clear Communication. They discuss the critical aspects of clear communication in dog…
Aug 25, 2025 · 49:00
In this episode of the K9 Connection podcast, Petra and Lauri delve into the essential elements of clear communication in dog training. They emphasize the importance of markers,…
Aug 25, 2025 · 1:04:22
In this episode of the K9 Connection podcast, Petra and Laurie reflect on a recent dog trial weekend, discussing the challenges and lessons learned from competing with their…
Aug 25, 2025 · 22:47
In this first episode of Random Reflections, Petra and Laurie discuss the realities of dog training, emphasizing that it is not always easy, even for experienced trainers. They…
Aug 23, 2025 · 1:00:23
In this first episode of the Canine Connection podcast, hosts Petra Ford and Laurie Strimavicius share their personal journeys into dog training, discussing the importance of…
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