Dog Pro Radio

Episode 33: Understanding Dog Training Challenges With Ivan Balabanov

Dog Pro Radio interviews world-renowned dog trainer Ivan Balabanov, creator of “Training Without Conflict,” two-time world champion, and Malinois breeder, and notes Balabanov will speak at the IACP European Summit in Poland on what drives behavior. Balabanov contrasts sport and pet training as different in goals but rooted in the same learning principles, emphasizing evaluation of genetics, learning limits, emotional/brain state, confidence, and problem “levels” rather than fixating on the surface behavior. He critiques over-attributing issues to fear and argues for building dogs’ ability to overcome fears by changing perception and state, often using play (rather than food) to shift physiology and affect. He distinguishes fear from true predation, stating predation with intent to kill cannot be reliably interrupted by reinforcement and requires properly applied suppression, prioritizing welfare outcomes over momentary appearances. He frames dominance as momentary control of resources, not a personality trait. Discussing puppies, he highlights space, cleanliness, and allowing agency in exploration and socialization. He advises trainers to avoid cases beyond their skills, seek better education, and progress in manageable steps.

Episode 32: The Power of Tone Training With Eric Stanbro

Hosts Jason Purgason and Matt Covey interview Ohio police dog handler/trainer and Vaness Canine owner Eric Stanbro about his book, "Ecollar Without Conflict for Pets and Working Dogs," and his seminars focused on fixing deeper handler-dog relationship issues, especially the verbal out. Stanbro explains “tone avoidance,” using an e-collar tone as a silent negative marker replacing verbal corrections (no, leave it, drop it) so the dog associates consequences with its behavior rather than the handler, improving manners and reducing conflict. He details how to introduce tone and stimulation quickly in real home setups, discusses timing, multi-dog households, collar fit, and common mistakes (not backing tone with stimulation). He also describes “tone recall” and “tone move/follow” for loose-leash walking and reactivity, plus limited uses for vibration.

Episode 31: Building Trust and Accountability in Dog Training With Eve Molzhon

Dog Pro Radio hosts Eve Molzhon of Dog Handler Academy, who also owns dog daycare/boarding/training facilities and runs two nonprofits placing service dogs and rehabilitating shelter dogs. Eve explains how COVID prompted her to create Dog Handler Academy’s online staff-training modules and a handler-to-trainer program, now serving clients in 15 countries. The discussion centers on “holding staff and clients accountable with love,” using empathy, fair standards, and adapting communication to the other person’s needs. Eve applies the five love languages (affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, physical touch/spatial cues) and “mirroring” to build trust, reduce shame, and improve follow-through. Through role-play, they cover homework compliance, creating house rules, motivating busy or affluent clients, using checklists and social accountability (texts/private Facebook groups), and doing regular check-ins to strengthen culture, retention, referrals, and business outcomes.

Episode 30: Ethology and Dog Training: A Deep Dive with Roberto Barata

On this episode of Dog Pro Radio, hosts Matt and Jason interview ethologist Roberto Barata, who shares his path from teenage dog walker to working in a military canine unit, an animal research lab, and now writing in Denmark. He discusses social media polarization and the limitations of scientific studies, noting that research tests hypotheses rather than proving absolute truths. Barata also explains aversives and different types of stress in dogs, emphasizing that context and function matter. He highlights the value of real-world enrichment and the importance of intellectual integrity and responsible communication in the dog training industry.

Episode 29: Running a Dog Trainer School with Jason Purgason

In this episode, the Matt Covey sit down with Jason Purgason, owner of Highland Canine and president of the IACP, to discuss running a professional dog training school. He shares insight into Highland Canine’s 24-week program, hands-on training opportunities, and the importance of building strong foundations across multiple disciplines. Jason emphasizes that success in dog training goes beyond handling skills, requiring strong communication, client management, and business knowledge. He also shares his perspective on industry regulation, advocating for education and experience over increased licensing. The episode wraps with real-world stories highlighting the impact of training and rehabilitation.