Your Working Dog Radio hosts, Eric @vanessk9 & Ted @ted_summers, sit down with⁣ returning guest, KD Mathews @kdmathews, for a 2 hour long jam packed episode of all things dog and balance!

In this episode, the gents discuss Mathews’ retirement from decoy work and his passion for jiu-jitsu (stay tuned for a BJJ-related update from Eric!). They then delve into the importance of relationships in dog training and how it affects behavior, the concept of ritualistic behavior and its role in training and leadership, (and they even get into the concept of alpha dominance and its misunderstood nature). The significance of reading the dog and recognizing their temperament is discussed.

The conversation also touches on the importance of establishing functional relationships and boundaries with dogs. The misconceptions surrounding food training and the projection of human emotions onto dogs are addressed. The gents emphasize the importance of focusing on more identifiable emotions such as arousal, fear, anxiety, and distress. The discussion also delves into the role of the owner’s feelings and how they can impact the dog’s behavior. The concept of love in dog-owner relationships is explored, highlighting the selfless endeavor of caring for another being. The chat concludes with the transition to online dog training and the benefits it offers: different ways trainers can interact with clients, live coaching calls, and feedback. They also discuss the limitations of online training, particularly when it comes to addressing aggression.

The conversation shifts to the challenges trainers face and the importance of sharing mistakes and learning from experience. They also touch on the importance of balancing life as a dog trainer and the need for trainers to take care of themselves. Finally, Eric introduces his new venture, the Tap Daddy BJJ clothing line.⁣

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