The Canine Paradigm

The Canine Paradigm


Episode 311: Dog trainers and invisible new clothes

August 27, 2024

In the classic tale The Emperor’s New Clothes, the emperor is deceived into believing he is wearing fine garments when, in fact, he is wearing nothing at all. Similarly, some dog trainers on social media are forcing a narrative of success that does not truly exist. They craft stories of quick fixes and foolproof methods, but when dog owners apply these methods, the results often fall short. As a result, dog owners frequently find themselves frustrated when reality fails to meet the promises made by these trainers.


By forcing a narrative of success, these trainers rely heavily on flashy marketing and carefully edited videos to push their agenda. They insist their methods are perfect and will yield guaranteed results. However, when dog owners try to replicate these techniques at home, they soon discover that the narrative doesn’t hold up. The promises of instant transformation simply do not deliver in real-world situations.


Furthermore, these trainers often double down on forcing a narrative by blaming the dog owners when the methods fail. Instead of admitting that the training approach may be flawed, they claim the owner didn’t follow instructions properly. Consequently, dog owners end up doubting their abilities rather than recognising that the real issue lies in the forced narrative itself.


Therefore, to avoid being misled by such tactics, it is crucial for dog owners to find trainers who focus on delivering real, sustainable results rather than forcing a narrative that only serves to build their social media presence. Just as the emperor eventually realised he had been deceived, dog owners must see through the illusion. In the end, forcing a narrative may create temporary attention, but genuine success comes from proven, effective training methods that stand the test of time.


Further Details

Are you in search of top-tier dog trainers and steadfast supporters of the Canine Paradigm? Below is a comprehensive list of individuals and businesses that stand by our mission, contribute to our operational costs, and make significant contributions to the canine community.



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You can also help by spreading the word within the canine community or suggesting special guests for future interviews.


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Details on joining the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) can be found here. We highly recommend membership for anyone serious about advancing in the canine industry.


We also encourage you to check out Dogs Playing for Life, a transformational rescue process making a positive impact on dogs across the USA.


Support Our Supporters

  • Narelle Cooke hosts her own podcast, Natural Health for People and Pets, available on all major podcast platforms. Be sure to listen in.
  • For the finest human-grade supplements for your dogs, visit Canine Ceuticals. Now available in the USA. SHOW SPONSOR
  • Jason Firmin of Einzweck Dog Quip is another proud SHOW SPONSOR.
  • The innovative motorcycle dog kennel can be found at Rowdy Hound. SHOW SPONSOR
  • For daycare and heartfelt training services, check out From the Heart Dog Training. SHOW SPONSOR
  • Our dear friend and frequent contributor, Birdy O’Sheedy, can be found at birdyosheedy.com.

Special Thanks

A huge thanks to all our contributing artists. Please take a moment to support their amazing work:



  • Jane Stuart
  • Avery Keller
  • Zoie Neidy