Ep. 53 - Top-Level Dogs for Elite Units (What Most Trainers Don’t Understand) | Armin Winkler

Ep. 54 - What Separates Good Trainers from Great Ones | Oscar Mora

In this episode, I sit down with Oscar Mora, founder of Elevated Canine Academy, to break down what it really takes to train dogs at a high level—whether you’re working with pet dogs, sport dogs, or protection dogs. Oscar has been training since 2009 and is certified as a Schutzhund helper, French Ring decoy, and Mondio Ring decoy. He’s a three-time Southwest Region IGP Champion and has traveled across the United States, Mexico, and Australia teaching seminars to handlers at every level. In this conversation, we cover: • The difference between a training decoy and a trial decoy • How to properly build drive in bite work • Teaching a clean and reliable out without reducing intensity • The balance required for high-level obedience and performance • Real-world case studies from Oscar’s training experience • The difference between understanding the science vs mastering the art of dog training • Mistakes we made early on and what we would do differently today • Oscar’s long-term vision for building a professional dog training school This episode is packed with practical insight for anyone serious about dog training, protection sports, obedience, and canine performance. Connect with Oscar Mora Website: https://www.elevatedcanine.com/ [https://www.elevatedcanine.com/] https://www.omk9.com/ [https://www.omk9.com/] https://www.oscarmorak9.com/ [https://www.oscarmorak9.com/] Skool: https://www.skool.com/oscarmoradogtraining/about [https://www.skool.com/oscarmoradogtraining/about] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OscarMoraK9 [https://www.facebook.com/OscarMoraK9] https://www.facebook.com/Elevatedcanineacademy [https://www.facebook.com/Elevatedcanineacademy] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oscarmorak9s/ [https://www.instagram.com/oscarmorak9s/] https://www.instagram.com/elevatedcanineacademy/ [https://www.instagram.com/elevatedcanineacademy/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oscarmorak9s [https://www.tiktok.com/@oscarmorak9s] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OscarMorak9s [https://www.youtube.com/@OscarMorak9s] Work with Nate Book a 1-hour virtual training session: https://calendly.com/nateschoemer/1-hour-virtual-training [https://calendly.com/nateschoemer/1-hour-virtual-training] Dog Training Course From Novice To Pro — Nate Schoemer https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625 [https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625] Connect with Nate Website: https://NateSchoemer.com [https://NateSchoemer.com] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer [https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemer/ [https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemer/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemer [https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemer] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer/ [https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer/] X: https://x.com/NateSchoemer [https://x.com/NateSchoemer] Podcast: https://pod.link/1804414647 [https://pod.link/1804414647] #DogTraining #ProtectionDog #BiteWork #IGP #DogTrainer

Ep. 53 - Top-Level Dogs for Elite Units (What Most Trainers Don’t Understand) | Armin Winkler

In this episode, I sit down with world-renowned dog trainer Armin Winkler to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in dog training: aggression. This conversation goes far beyond surface-level explanations and dives into what’s really happening when dogs display aggressive behavior—and why many people, including trainers, misunderstand it. We cover: • The difference between true aggression and defensive behavior • Why many “aggressive dogs” are actually acting out of defense • Common mistakes in bite work and protection training • The truth about “civil aggression” • How dogs perceive threats and respond under pressure • Real-world vs sport dog training • PTSD and neurological behavior in dogs • Safety, handling, and real-life experiences working dangerous dogs Armin shares decades of experience training working dogs in both Europe and the United States, offering insights that challenge a lot of common beliefs in the dog training world. If you’re serious about understanding dog behavior, protection training, aggression, or working dogs at a deeper level, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Connect with Armin Winkler Website: https://rivannak9services.com/ [https://rivannak9services.com/] Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/jerven.fossli [https://www.facebook.com/jerven.fossli] Facebook (Business): https://www.facebook.com/RivannaK9ServicesLLC [https://www.facebook.com/RivannaK9ServicesLLC] Articles Mentioned: The Winkler Aggression Model https://rivannak9services.com/the-winkler-aggression-model/ [https://rivannak9services.com/the-winkler-aggression-model/] Fundamentals of Aggression Control https://rivannak9services.com/fundamentals-of-aggression-control/ [https://rivannak9services.com/fundamentals-of-aggression-control/] Work with Nate Book a 1-hour virtual training session: https://calendly.com/nateschoemer/1-hour-virtual-training [https://calendly.com/nateschoemer/1-hour-virtual-training] Dog Training Course From Novice To Pro — Nate Schoemer https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625 [https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625] Connect with Nate Website: https://NateSchoemer.com [https://NateSchoemer.com] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer [https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemer/ [https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemer/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemer [https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemer] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer/ [https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer/] X: https://x.com/NateSchoemer [https://x.com/NateSchoemer] Podcast: https://pod.link/1804414647 [https://pod.link/1804414647] #DogTraining #DogAggression #ProtectionDog #WorkingDogs #BiteWork

Ep. 52 - Denise Fenzi: Why Dog Training Education Matters More Than Ever

In this episode, I sit down with world-renowned dog trainer Denise Fenzi to talk about what truly matters in dog training today: education. We break down how better education leads to better decisions, clearer communication, and more effective training outcomes, whether you’re a professional trainer or a dedicated dog owner. We cover: - Why Denise shifted her focus to education - How to structure effective seminars - The role of relationship and play in training - Errorless learning vs allowing mistakes - Training the dog in front of you Work with me: https://calendly.com/nateschoemer/1-hour-virtual-training Denise Fenzi: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denise.fenzi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denise_fenzi/ Website: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/ Podcast: https://pod.link/1601526432 Sponsored by German Shepherd Shop: https://germanshepherdshop.com/ Use code: NATE Dog Training Course: https://sitstaylearn.com/... Connect with Nate: Website: https://NateSchoemer.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemer/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nateschoemer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer/ X: https://x.com/NateSchoemer Podcast: https://pod.link/1804414647

Ep. 51 - The Fastest Way to Make Your Dog Reliable (No More Guessing)

In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with Andy Krueger to break down what truly creates reliability in dog training. From understanding genetics and temperament to mastering leash pressure, neutralization, and structured learning, this conversation focuses on the real-world principles that separate guessing from intentional training. Whether you’re working toward advanced protection sports like French Ring, PSA, or IGP, or simply want a stable, obedient family dog, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately. Andy explains how high-level sport training sharpens a trainer’s ability to read dogs, identify gaps in training, and apply pressure with precision instead of chaos. If you’ve struggled with reactivity, inconsistent obedience, poor engagement, or confusion about training methods, this episode will give you a clearer lens to evaluate what’s actually happening in front of you. What You’ll Learn • Why genetics influence training outcomes more than most people realize• The three pillars of proper socialization: interaction, familiarization, and neutralization• Why many owners move too fast and skip foundational work• How structure builds trust, cooperation, and clarity• Why leash pressure is often misunderstood yet essential• How to properly layer tools without creating dependency• The emotional side of training: stress, anxiety, drive, and engagement• How sport training improves real-world obedience• What separates average trainers from elite competitors Connect with Andy Krueger Patreon https://www.patreon.com/andykrueger [https://www.patreon.com/andykrueger] Website https://www.kruegercanine.com/ [https://www.kruegercanine.com/] YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AndyKrueger [https://www.youtube.com/@AndyKrueger] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/andy_krueger/ [https://www.instagram.com/andy_krueger/] TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@andykrueger [https://www.tiktok.com/@andykrueger] German Shepherd Shop High-quality working dog gear and training equipment Use code NATE https://germanshepherdshop.com/ [https://germanshepherdshop.com/] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GSDstagram [https://www.facebook.com/GSDstagram] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gsdstagram/ [https://www.instagram.com/gsdstagram/] Connect with Nate From Novice To Pro — Nate Schoemer https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625 [https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625] Dog Training Decoded — Michael Ellis https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/dog-training-decoded-by-michael-ellis?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=51512501371169 [https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/dog-training-decoded-by-michael-ellis?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=51512501371169] Michael Ellis Course Breakdown Article https://nateschoemer.com/dog-training-decoded-why-every-serious-trainer-should-learn-from-michael-ellis/ [https://nateschoemer.com/dog-training-decoded-why-every-serious-trainer-should-learn-from-michael-ellis/] Website https://NateSchoemer.com [https://NateSchoemer.com] YouTube https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer [https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemer [https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemer] TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@NateSchoemer [https://www.tiktok.com/@NateSchoemer] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer [https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer] X https://x.com/NateSchoemer [https://x.com/NateSchoemer] Podcast https://pod.link/1804414647 [https://pod.link/1804414647]

Ep. 50 - Hollywood Dog Trainer Reveals What Most Trainers Get Wrong

What separates average dog trainers from elite professionals? In this episode, Nate Schoemer sits down with legendary Hollywood animal trainer Joel Silverman to unpack decades of real-world experience training animals for film, television, marine mammal programs, and advanced performance work. Joel explains the principles that actually create reliable obedience, strong motivation, and lasting communication between dog and handler. From reinforcement schedules to environmental influence and foundational structure, this conversation reveals what professional trainers understand that most people overlook. Whether you’re raising a puppy, solving behavioral issues, or refining advanced obedience, this episode delivers practical strategies grounded in behavioral science and real-world application. As Joel puts it, if your dog does not experience training as engaging and rewarding, you limit its full potential. • Why bonding should come before formal training• The biggest mistake trainers make with foundations• How variable reinforcement builds long-term motivation• When to use high-value vs low-value rewards• Why rewarding in position matters for precision behaviors• The truth about markers, shaping, and luring• How environment influences training outcomes• What professional trainers consistently do differently From Novice To Pro — Nate Schoemer https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625 [https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/from-novice-to-pro-the-ultimate-guide-to-dog-training-by-nate-schoemer?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=50148621582625] Joel Silverman’s Hollywood Dog Training Program https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/joel-silvermans-hollywood-dog-training-program-by-joel-silverman?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=49804463079713 [https://sitstaylearn.com/collections/instructional-videos/products/joel-silvermans-hollywood-dog-training-program-by-joel-silverman?rfsn=8100182.cd38c94&variant=49804463079713] Website https://NateSchoemer.com [https://NateSchoemer.com] YouTube https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer [https://www.youtube.com/nateschoemer] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemer [https://www.instagram.com/NateSchoemer] TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@NateSchoemer [https://www.tiktok.com/@NateSchoemer] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer [https://www.facebook.com/NateSchoemer] X https://x.com/NateSchoemer [https://x.com/NateSchoemer] Podcast https://pod.link/1804414647 [https://pod.link/1804414647] Website https://joelsilverman.net/ [https://joelsilverman.net/] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/joelsilverman22 [https://www.facebook.com/joelsilverman22] YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CompanionsForLife1 [https://www.youtube.com/@CompanionsForLife1] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joelsilvermandogtrainer/ [https://www.instagram.com/joelsilvermandogtrainer/] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joel_dogtrainer/ [https://www.instagram.com/joel_dogtrainer/] TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@joelsilverman8 [https://www.tiktok.com/@joelsilverman8]