Episodes
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Welcome to the latest TWC podcast, where we challenge one of the most controversial and misleading documents in the dog training industry: the AVSAB position statement on training methods. Force-free trainers often uphold this statement as the ultimate authority, claiming it represents a scientific consensus that should dictate the industry’s practices. But we believe this statement is not only flawed but also dangerous and unethical. Today, we got together to examine its weaknesses and set the record straight!
Joining me are three exceptional experts with unparalleled experience in dog training, breeding, and behavioral science:
First, Stephanie Cottee, an animal behavior and welfare scientist, researcher, and co-owner of Black Kraken K9. Stephanie combines her scientific expertise with practical experience as a working German Shepherd trainer and breeder, bringing a unique perspective to the conversation.
Next, Dr. Stewart Hilliard, a behavioral neuroscientist with a PhD and 45 years of experience in training and breeding working dogs. Much of his career has been devoted to military dog training, establishing him as one of the foremost authorities in the field.
Finally, Michael Ellis, a legendary trainer with 45 years of experience. In the past Michael has spent over a decade giving seminars for police, sport, and search-and-rescue dog handlers. He’s the founder of the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers, which he has run for 15 years, and a breeder of exceptional Belgian Malinois.
Together, we dissect the AVSAB position statement, reveal its contradictions, and discuss the true science and ethics behind effective dog training.
Subscribe Like Share and of course comment!
Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.
For more information about Ivan Balabanov's Dog Training School and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out:
https://trainingwithoutconflict.com
https://malinois.com
https://premierprotectiondogs.com
Please like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼
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Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Fifty-One: Jim Bradley
Today, I had an insightful conversation with Jim Bradley, who, for the past several years, has been dedicated to rescuing Malinois dogs on the side while maintaining a full-time job. Jim runs a rescue organization and has also gone trough my Training Without Conflict® Certification Program.
In our discussion, we delve into the complexities of rehoming dogs, the current state of animal shelters, and explore potential improvements in how they operate. We also touch on the commitment it takes to volunteer in this field.
Furthermore, we challenge the Force Free ideology, discussing how sometimes, in the face of real-world challenges, difficult decisions must be made beyond idealistic approaches. Get ready for a thought-provoking episode!
Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.
For more information about Ivan Balabanov's Dog Training School and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out:
https://trainingwithoutconflict.com
https://malinois.com
https://premierprotectiondogs.com
Please like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼
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Missing episodes?
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Welcome to another episode of my TWC podcast, where we dive deep into the real world of dog training and behavior. Today, I’m thrilled to have Jacqui Zakar join me. Jacqui is a professional dog trainer based in Perth, Australia, and the founder of Dog Sense Training and Behavior. She’s not just a trainer—she’s an investigator, spending countless hours combing through past and current canine research papers to expose the flaws and misleading narratives that are flooding the industry worldwide.
Jacqui and I have had extensive private conversations on these topics, which led us to record this podcast. If you’re a dog trainer feeling confused or frustrated by the current propaganda being pushed by ideologists, this episode is for you. Together, we’ll cut through the noise and bring you clarity, context, and practical insights.
Make sure to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected and help us spread the word. Let’s get into it!
For more information about Ivan Balabanov's Dog Training School and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out:
https://trainingwithoutconflict.com
https://malinois.com
https://premierprotectiondogs.com
Please like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼
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Today, I’m joined by my good friend, Dave Kroyer. Dave’s a well-known name in the dog training world, and we’ve known each other for over 20 years. This conversation is just the two of us talking about our experiences with dogs, sharing stories, and covering all sorts of topics. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.
For more information about Ivan Balabanov and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out:
https://trainingwithoutconflict.com
https://malinois.com
https://premierprotectiondogs.com
Please like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼
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Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Forty-Eight: Mia Skogster
Welcome back to my TWC Podcast! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mia Skogster once again to dive deep into discussions about our personal dogs, training, and IGP rules. We focused particularly on the ever changing landscape of training and what we would like to see in the future of our beloved sport.
I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed having the conversation.
This podcast is purely for the love of it—no paid advertisements, just fun and educational content. So, if you can subscribe and share with a friend, I am happy to keep providing more free information for all of you!
Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.
For more information about Ivan Balabanov and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out:
https://trainingwithoutconflict.com
https://malinois.com
https://premierprotectiondogs.com
Please like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼
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Hello everyone,
Welcome to the latest episode of my podcast! Today, I’m joined by Dr. Douglas Elliffe, a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, whose expertise lies in animal behavior, behavior analysis, and behavioral science. In this episode, we dive into some highly relevant and often controversial topics, starting with Dr. Elliffe’s well-known Kiwi Aversion Training (KAT) study, which used electric collars and included both one-month and one-year follow-ups. We also discuss his commentary on the influential China, L. Mills, and Cooper study, which compares the efficacy of dog training with and without electronic collars against positive reinforcement methods.
Together, we explore the benefits and challenges of using Differential Reinforcement Protocols and tackle some of the critical issues facing the dog training industry today, including the rise of bans and position statements from various organizations. Dr. Elliffe also shares his thoughts on some fascinating topics that will pique the interest of dog trainers everywhere.
So, sit back, enjoy the episode, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe if you find this discussion valuable!
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In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Sergio Pellis, a distinguished researcher who has spent over four decades studying Play in rats within lab settings.
Together, we share a deep fascination with Play, having each explored its nuances for more than 40 years—myself with dogs, particularly during training, and Dr. Pellis with his groundbreaking work on rats.
Throughout this conversation, we delve into the many shared benefits of Play that transcend species, from cooperation to the establishment of rules, even how discomfort can shape the play experience.
We explore some truly thought-provoking questions, like, "Why do we play at all?"
After my recent study comparing electric collars and positive reinforcement set the internet on fire, I've taken the opportunity to shift focus back to what has always been my core passion: Play.
This episode allows us to reconnect with the foundational aspects of behavior through the lens of Play and its profound role in shaping both dog and human development.
Subscribe, like and let me read your comments after
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Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Forty-Five: Mia Skogster
Welcome back to my TWC Podcast! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mia Skogster once again to dive deep into discussions about our personal dogs, training, IGP rules, and FMBB judges. We focused particularly on the protection phase this time around. As I’m releasing this episode, we've already scheduled part two to continue this fascinating conversation.
I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed having the conversation. And yes, I know it's a bit cliché at this point, but if you could like and subscribe, it would mean a lot. This podcast is purely for the love of it—no paid advertisements, just infinite fun and educational content. So, if you can subscribe and share with a friend, I am happy to keep providing more free information for all of you!
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Hello trainers! I’m excited to bring you another fascinating conversation today. This time, it’s with my friend Nake Florin. Nake has a background just as interesting as many of our guests—he’s decoyed Mondioring at the world championships as well as USMRA and other events, gives seminars around the worlds, Nake works for one of the largest dog rescues in the UK.
I first met Nake about 10 years ago when I was giving a seminar in Romania, and I’ve been impressed with his work ever since.
In this episode, we dive into a variety of topics, from training sport dogs and discussing rules to tackling challenges in animal shelters and working with problem dogs.
I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!
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My guest is Shannon Faltak, as you will find out her journey in the dog world is one of a kind! For those that don’t know her at all just to give you a glimpse Shanon took Knox, a 5 year old dog, filled it in Mondo and French Ring , went to the world championships and now is planing to enter the IGP Malinois Nationals! Her story is very inspiring to me, she is a proof that everything is possible and starts with a dream
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Today’s podcast features Dr. Michael Moyer, a veterinarian and the owner of Bridgewater Veterinary Clinic. We discuss various aspects of dog health, common reasons dogs visit the vet, spaying and neutering, the Fear Free enterprise, overmedicating and other intriguing topics related to dogs.
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Training Without Conflict® Podcast Special Edition: Dr. Karen Overall's Deep Breath Protocol For Dogs
Welcome to this short solo podcast! Todays topic is fascinating and controversial: Dr. Karen Overall's deep breath protocol for dogs.
Imagine if your stressed out or aggressive, fearful, anxious dog (pick one), could take few deep breaths and instantly calm themselves down—sounds like a superpower, right?
Well, Dr. Overall suggests that with her Deep Breath Protocol, dogs can learn to do just that, taking deep breaths in the most stressful situations to Self-Regulate and improve their emotions on their own.
Get ready for a fun ten-minute listen as we dig into the canine psyche, debunk some “protocols”, and have a few laughs along the way.
Share your thoughts in the comments, can this be done or wishful thinking?
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Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Forty-Two: Jany Böhm
As of late, many have laid claim that IGP is a dying sport.
However, after the drama and theatrics of the most recent FMBB World Championship we saw a passionate outcry from trainers around the world pleading for transparency in the sport.
There was also a considerable amount of outrage as to who was the rightful champion.
In this podcast, I am happy to be joined by my great friend, and 2024 FMBB Vice World Champion Jany Böhm.
This was recorded only weeks after the 2024 FMBB World Championship, which led to a polarizing series of events that have many wondering what the proper next step for the sport should be.
Thanks to Jany, we are able to go deep into the process of this year’s World Championship.
He provided an honest accounting of the competition, the judging, and rules enforced this year.
We also discuss how all of these things have impacted the sport in the past.
We discuss the good and the bad, in the interest of providing those in power with context on what decisions can further improve the sport of IGP.
IGP has always had it’s own flavor of controversy, but it is now possible for trainers with a large platform to voice their thoughts an opinions in the interest of trainers around the world.
In some cases, the Training Without Conflict® Podcast is here to share knowledge and entertainment, but thanks to you all as listeners, we have the power to have a voice to make a change.
In the interest of improving and growing the sport of IGP, I look forward to seeing your thoughts in the comments.
You never know how impactful your comment might be…
Enjoy.
For more information about Jany Böhm, check out: https://www.instagram.com/janybohm/
Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.
For more information about Ivan Balabanov and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out:
https://trainingwithoutconflict.com
https://malinois.com
https://premierprotectiondogs.com
Please like, comment, and share with your dog friends💪🏼
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In the newest episode of the Training Without Conflict® Podcast, I had a chance to sit down with my friend, World Championship level helper, and IGP World Championship competitor Vladimir Dragicevic.
For those in “the know” Vlad is no stranger to high level competitors having worked with many of the trainers and dogs you see on National and World Championship podiums today.
In addition to his phenomenal helper work, he is also an accomplished competitor having received one of the top obedience scores at the 2022 FCI World Championship with his dog Duke Ot Dachevski.
During the podcast, we discuss what it takes to be a World Championship level helper, how Vlad approaches preparation for trials as a helper and a competitor, and his history as a helper and dog trainer.
I enjoyed this conversation quite a bit and I am sure you will too!
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Welcome everyone to another exciting episode of the Training Without Conflict® podcast! I’m thrilled to have Markus Neutz back with us from Germany as our guest. Today, we delve into the world of the FMBB championship, exploring topics like judging, comparing training styles, and much more. Sit back, relax, and enjoy
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Welcome to another episode of TWC podcast where we explore diverse perspectives and challenge the status quo. Today, I have a brave guest who steps outside the lines of her community's ideology to share her strong opinions on a topic she's passionate about. It's not easy to question deeply held beliefs, especially when they are influenced by powerful propaganda.
Our conversation highlights the difficulty many people face in changing their opinions once they're anchored in a position. As Patrice O'Neil wisely said, "You can hold your opinions, but don't let your opinions hold you." It's crucial not to be "married" to your ideas. They are just ideas, and clinging to a false belief out of fear of being wrong is far weaker than admitting the mistake. But is it at all possible?!
Join us as we delve into the importance of keeping an open mind, embracing change, and the courage it takes to break free from ideological constraints. Let's dive in!
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Recently, I invited David Garcia Suarez from Spain to judge our club trial so we could get our dogs and training critiqued first hand by one the most respected IGP judges at the moment.
David has judged many National Championships, as well as World Championships including FMBB which he will once again judge this month in Italy.
The conversation gives a glimpse of how he evaluates IGP performance and what the rule book expects from the handler, how emotional state(s) are evaluated as well.
We also talk about the current pressure the sport is under in Europe, the demands of the force free advocates and much more.
Enjoy!
Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.
For more information about Ivan Balabanov and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out:
https://trainingwithoutconflict.com
https://malinois.com
https://premierprotectiondogs.com
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On my recent trip to Northern California, I had an opportunity sit down with Michael and answer some questions that trainers submitted on social media.
We had a great time and answered a ton of questions.
I hope you enjoy it!
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Training Without Conflict® Podcast Episode Thirty-Six: Vadim Plotsker
In this episode, I interviewed dog sport competitor, IGP judge, member of the WUSV board of directors, and current United Schutzhund Club of America President, Vadim Plotsker.
I have been wanting to have this conversation for a long time as Vadim has a very unique perspective on the sport of Schutzhund and the German Shepherd dog.
During the conversation we were able to discuss the current state of Schutzhund not only in America, but worldwide.
I was able to find some answers regarding rule changes and the path required for them to become rules in the FCI standard.
We were also able to discuss some of the issues facing the sport of IGP worldwide and potential solutions to those issues.
I learned a ton from this discussion and I am sure you will as well!
Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.
For more information about Ivan Balabanov and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out:
https://trainingwithoutconflict.com
https://malinois.com
https://premierprotectiondogs.com
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My goal when I started the TWC podcast was to provide knowledge and tell stories from true experts.
My guest in this episode is very much a true expert in his field and at the absolute top of the game as far as I am concerned.
He is someone I have known since my days in California back in the 90's and am happy to call a friend.
I am happy to share my conversation with the incredibly talented photographer, Brian Aghajani.
If you have seen an incredible photo from an IGP National Championship over the last 10 years, it is very likely that Brian was the person behind the lens.
He has been capturing and sharing incredible moments for years, but I knew he also had a very interesting story to tell.
In this episode, we dive into his history, both as a photographer and a dog trainer.
He shares incredible knowledge on what allows him to take the unbelievable photos that he produces and also shares stories on what was happening behind the scenes in some of his most famous photos.
I had a great time catching up and learning more about Brian and his expertise and I know you will as well.
As always, if you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe to my YouTube channel to be the first to know about future episodes!
For more information about Brian, check out: https://brianaghajani.com
Ivan Balabanov is a 2-time World Champion dog trainer, Ot Vitosha Malinois breeder, trainer of Premier Protection Dogs and founder of the revolutionary Training Without Conflict® dog training system.
For more information about Ivan Balabanov and information on how to train your dog using the Training Without Conflict® system, check out:
https://trainingwithoutconflict.com
https://malinois.com
https://premierprotectiondogs.com
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