What Pet Stores Know That Dog Owners Don’t (Inside the Industry)

The Messy State of Dog Training | Jonas Black (Punk Ass Dog Trainer)

In episode 28 of the Pet To Pal Podcast, Jonas Black (Punk Ass Dog Trainer) joins Matt Maltese of Pet To Pal Dog Training for a wide-ranging conversation about dog training, behavior, neuroscience, mentorship, social media, industry reform, and personal growth. We discuss the challenges facing modern dog training, the dangers of ideological thinking, why experience matters more than dogma, and how trainers can continue evolving throughout their careers. Jonas also shares powerful stories about the dogs that shaped his journey, the lessons he learned from failure, his work in wolf advocacy, and how losing two beloved dogs changed his perspective on life and training forever. A thoughtful and candid conversation for trainers and dog owners alike.

Dog Groomers Spill the Tea: Matting, Pricing & Difficult Clients

What really happens behind the grooming table? In episode 27 of the Pet To Pal Podcast, Matthew Maltese of Pet To Pal Dog Training sits down with professional dog groomers Nancy Bryson, Alessia Macri, and Giulia Laudari for a candid discussion about matting, pricing, difficult clients, dog behavior, social media trends, and the realities of working in the dog grooming industry. The panel shares insights on common grooming misconceptions, why some dogs require shave-downs, how grooming affects behavior, and what dog owners can do to make grooming appointments safer and less stressful for their dogs. Along the way, they also share some hilarious and unforgettable stories from their years working with dogs. If you've ever wondered what your groomer wishes you knew, this episode is for you. Guest Instagram Accounts: @nancybrysongroomer @thedogstudiovaughan @jujusgrooms Follow the Pet To Pal Podcast for more conversations with experts from across the pet care industry.

Justin Rigney: Police K9 Work, Dog Training Philosophy & Behavior Truths

In Episode 26, Justin Rigney joins the Pet To Pal Podcast to discuss his background in law enforcement K9 work, dog sports, and pet dog training. With over 30 years of experience, Justin shares insights on: * Working dogs vs pet dogs * Behavior modification and training philosophy * The role of genetics in dog performance * Real-world K9 deployments and decision-making under pressure A deep, experience-driven conversation on what it actually takes to train reliable dogs.

From Reactive Cattle Dog to National Agility Finals | Grace Clairmont | Pet To Pal

In episode 25 of the Pet To Pal Podcast, Matt Maltese of Pet To Pal Dog Training in Toronto sits down with agility competitor, dog trainer, and wellness educator Grace Clairmont from Learning Through Dogs, Optimal Performance Canine, and Little Chief & Co. We dive deep into: -What separates a good dog from a national-level sport dog -The reality of living with high-drive working breeds -Whether some qualities in dogs simply can’t be trained -Balancing competition, obedience, and relationship -Pressure, nerves, and the mental side of dog sports -Why some dogs thrive under stress while others shut down -Reactive dogs, genetics, and realistic expectations -Raw feeding, nutrition, supplements, and pet industry trends -Management vs training -Why dog owners often expect the wrong things from their dogs Grace also shares the story of her cattle dog Hotch — a dog who struggled with reactivity and aggression early on before eventually competing successfully at a national level. This was one of the most honest conversations we’ve had yet about dog training, sport culture, and the emotional side of working with dogs.🐾 Grace: 📍 @learningthroughdogs 📍 @optimalperformancecanine 📍 @littlechief.dog Matt: @pettopaldogtraining www.pettopal.com 🎙️ Subscribe to Pet To Pal on Spotify, YouTube & Apple Podcasts

What Pet Stores Know That Dog Owners Don’t (Inside the Industry)

This episode of the Pet To Pal Podcast, Matt Maltese of Pet To Pal Dog Training in Toronto dives deep into the pet industry with former Bone & Biscuit owner Megan Billingsley. After running one of Ontario’s top-performing pet stores, Megan shares what really happens behind the scenes - how pet food is marketed, how to actually read labels, and what most dog owners get wrong. We cover: * The truth about pet food ingredients and labels * Grain-free diets, DCM, and common nutrition myths * Franchise vs independent pet stores * What products actually work (and what doesn’t) * Customer behavior, trends, and buying psychology * The realities of owning a pet store If you’ve ever felt confused about what to feed your dog—this episode will clear it up. 🎧 Listen on Youtube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more dog training and pet industry content