Pet To Pal Podcast

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

Why Some Dogs Fail With Positive Only Training

In episode 23 of the Pet To Pal podcast, Matt Maltese of Pet To Pal Dog Training in Toronto sits down with Karolina Littlefoot of Beauty and Her Beast Dog Training. Karolina started her career using positive-only methods, but over time, working with different dogs, breeds, and behavioral issues forced her to rethink everything. We break down what actually works in real-world dog training, why some approaches fall short, and how clear communication - using both “yes” and “no” - can completely change your dog’s behavior. We also get into: • The biggest mistakes dog owners make every day • Why crate training is essential (and misunderstood) • How dogs actually learn (timing, reinforcement, and consistency) • The truth about tools like prong collars and e-collars • Why the dog training industry is so divided • How to build confidence in nervous or reactive dogs • What horse training teaches about pressure, release, and behavior This is a practical, honest conversation about what it really takes to build a well-behaved, stable dog. Follow Karolina: Instagram: @beautyandherbeastsco Website: www.beautyandherbeasts.com Follow Matthew Instagram/Facebook/TikTok : @pettopaldogtraining Website: www.pettopal.com If you found this helpful, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with another dog owner.

What 20, 000 Dogs Taught This Trainer About Behaviour

In episode 22 of the Pet To Pal Podcast, Matt Maltese of Pet To Pal Dog Training in Toronto sits down with Andre Yeu, founder of When Hounds Fly, one of Toronto’s largest dog training companies, to break down what actually works in dog training - and what doesn’t. With over 20,000 dogs trained, Andre shares a systems-based approach to behavior that challenges a lot of common beliefs in the industry. We get into: • Why most dog training fails (and how to fix it) • Positive reinforcement vs correction-based training • The truth about board & train programs • Why guarantees in dog training are misleading • How to choose the right trainer for your dog • Puppy socialization and preventing behavior issues early • The reality of tools like prong collars and e-collars • Debunking dominance theory and “alpha” myths This is a real, nuanced conversation, not black and white - about what creates long-term results for both dogs and owners. If you’re a dog owner, trainer, or just want a better relationship with your dog, this episode will give you a clearer framework for how training actually works. Follow Andre / When Hounds Fly: Instagram: @whenhoundsfly Website: https://whenhoundsfly.com Follow Pet To Pal: Instagram / Facebook / Tik Tok: @pettopaldogtraining Website: www.pettopal.com 🎙️ Pet To Pal Podcast Hosted by Matthew Maltese Subscribe for more conversations with top trainers, vets, and industry professionals.