Advertise on podcast: Paws And Profits With Karen Laws

What if better dog training isn’t about doing more drills, but about building a stronger connection first? In this episode of Paws and Profits Podcast, powered by The Ontario Dog Trainer, Karen Laws explores the power of Connection Games and how they can improve communication, engagement, confidence, and cooperation between dogs and their people. Drawing from the lessons and breakthroughs of the recent Dog Trainer T.R.I.B.E. Connection Games event, Karen explains why successful dog training goes far beyond mechanics, commands, and perfect technique. In this episode, you'll discover:What Connection Games are and why they matterHow connection influences focus, engagement, and responsivenessWhy communication improves real-world dog training resultsHow training challenges reveal gaps in both dog and handler skillsWhy successful trainers must coach the human end of the leashHow practical training games build confidence, teamwork, and trustFor aspiring and professional dog trainers, Karen shares an important lesson: Knowing how to train dogs and knowing how to coach people are two very different skills.Whether you're a dog owner looking for better communication or a trainer ready to improve your clients' results, this episode offers practical insights into building stronger relationships and lasting success. Ready to Turn Your Passion for Dogs Into a Professional Dog Training Career?Join the Dog Trainer T.R.I.B.E. Training Academy!Learning how to train dogs is only the beginning. Learning how to coach owners, solve real-world behaviour challenges, and build a successful dog training business takes education, practice, guidance, and support. At the Dog Trainer T.R.I.B.E. Training Academy, Karen Laws combines professional dog training education, hands-on learning, business-building strategies, and personal mentorship to help aspiring and developing trainers gain the skills and confidence to succeed.You don't have to figure it all out on your own. Explore the Dog Trainer T.R.I.B.E. Training Academy and book a call with Karen to find your best starting point. Learn more: https://web.ontariodogtrainer.com/home Because great dog trainers don't just train dogs. They change lives at both ends of the leash.

Halloween might be fun for us, but for our dogs? Not necessarily!Between the constant doorbell ringing, unfamiliar faces, strange costumes, and excited trick-or-treaters, Halloween can quickly become a stressful experience for even the most well-mannered dog. In this episode, Karen Laws, professional dog trainer and founder of the Ontario Dog Trainer, shares practical advice to help you prepare your dog for Halloween and keep everyone safe.🐾 Here's what we're talking about:Why Halloween can trigger barking, fear, and overexcitement in dogs.How to manage the doorbell and unexpected visitors.Why costumes can make familiar people seem frightening.How to create a safe, comfortable space for your dog.Halloween candy and other hazards dog owners should watch for.Why planning ahead is better than trying to manage chaos at the front door.Remember, your dog doesn't need to participate in every Halloween activity to have a good Halloween.Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is give your dog a quiet place away from the excitement. 🎧 Tune in for practical tips to make Halloween safer and less stressful for both ends of the leash. 🐶 Want more dog training advice?Visit www.ontariodogtrainer.com for training resources, expert guidance, and programs to help you build a better life with your dog. Follow and subscribe to Paws and Profits Podcast for more conversations about dog behaviour, training, and responsible dog ownership.

Bringing a dog home is exciting, and our first instinct is usually to shower them with affection, soft voices, cuddles and reassurance. But that may not be what the dog needs most. In this episode, Karen Laws explains why the first hours and days after bringing a dog home can set the tone for your future relationship. Whether you're bringing home a new puppy, an adult dog, or welcoming your own dog back after training, calm structure and clear expectations should come before excessive affection. Karen discusses how well-meaning behaviours like constantly touching your dog, soothing them with your voice, following them around, or immediately giving them complete freedom can unintentionally create confusion and reinforce behaviours you don't actually want. You'll learn how to help your dog transition into your home with greater clarity, confidence and calm—and why sometimes doing a little less is exactly what your dog needs. Because bringing your dog home isn't simply about making them feel loved. It's about showing them how life with you works.

Bringing home a puppy is exciting. It’s also messy, exhausting, occasionally ridiculous and one of the most important stages in shaping the dog you’ll live with for years to come.But good puppy training isn’t about how many commands your puppy can perform.In this episode of the Paws & Profits Podcast, professional dog trainer Karen Laws breaks down the three things that matter most in the first few months of puppy training: connection, structure, and confidence. You’ll learn why engagement should come before obedience, how everyday routines create good—or unwanted—habits, and why proper puppy socialization doesn’t mean letting your puppy greet every dog and person they see. Karen also explains why training time is all the time. Your puppy is learning when you open the door, prepare dinner, welcome guests, go for a walk, or react to the stolen sock disappearing down the hallway. In this episode, you’ll discover: • Why connection is the foundation of a puppy that listens • How structure and management prevent unwanted habits • Why too much freedom too soon can create problems • What healthy puppy socialization actually looks like • How to build confidence without creating an overexcited puppy • Why everyday life matters as much as formal training sessions • How these same principles of connection, structure, and confidence apply to professional dog trainers and their businesses Your puppy doesn’t need to know twenty commands by twelve weeks old. They need a solid foundation for becoming a dog who can successfully live in your world. And for the professional dog trainers listening: if your hands-on training skills have outgrown your business systems, pricing, positioning, or confidence, Karen explains why it may be time for the business side of your work to catch up. Enroll Here: https://thedogtrainertribeacademy.thinkific.com/courses/ULTIMATEGuidetoPuppyParentingPreschool Hosted by Karen Laws, certified professional dog trainer, founder of Ontario Dog Trainer and the Dog Trainer TRIBE Training Academy, with more than 40 years of hands-on dog training experience.

What does calm, assertive leadership actually look like on a walk? In this episode, I break down the difference between simply holding the leash and actually leading your dog with clarity, purpose, and consistency. If your walks feel messy, reactive, frustrating, or like your dog has appointed themselves head of security, this episode is for you. I explain what calm, assertive leadership looks like in real life, not the dramatic nonsense people imagine, but the quiet, practical habits that help dogs feel guided and owners feel more in control. She talks about body language, timing, leash handling, mindset, and the small decisions that shape whether your walk feels cooperative or chaotic. If you’ve ever wondered why your dog pulls, scans the environment, ignores you, or seems to take over the outing, this episode will help you understand what may be missing and what to do differently. In this episode, you’ll learn:What calm, assertive leadership really meansHow leadership shows up during everyday walksCommon mistakes owners make without realizing itHow to create more connection and less chaos on leashWhy your dog’s behaviour on a walk is often a reflection of the conversation happening through the leashThis is practical, no-fluff guidance for owners and trainers who want better walks and better relationships with their dogs.

Growing a dog training business requires more than knowing how to train dogs. You also need to communicate what you do, show up consistently, attract the right clients, and somehow avoid burning yourself out in the process. In this episode of Paws & Profits, Karen Laws speaks with AI marketing strategist and entrepreneur Molly Mahoney about using artificial intelligence, video, and authentic content to become more visible without turning yourself into a full-time content machine. Molly shares practical insights into building confidence on camera, creating content that sounds like you, and using AI as a tool to organize and amplify your ideas—not replace your personality. Because potential clients do not need another stream of polished, generic marketing. They need to understand who you are, how you help, and why they should trust you with their dog. Karen and Molly also discuss the isolation and burnout many dog trainers experience while trying to serve clients, manage a business, and keep up with social media. They explore how clearer systems, genuine relationships, and consistent visibility can help trainers build a business that supports their lives rather than quietly consuming them. In this episode, you’ll learn:• How dog trainers can use AI without producing generic content • Why authenticity matters more than appearing perfectly polished • How to become more confident using video and social media • Ways to turn your knowledge into content that attracts clients • Why visibility, relationships, and business systems must work together • How to market consistently without being online every waking moment Whether you are starting your dog training business or trying to grow an established one, this conversation will help you use modern marketing tools while keeping your experience, values, and personality firmly in charge. Listen now and discover how to make AI work for your dog training business—without allowing it to sound suspiciously like everyone else’s.

When your dog barks, lunges, or reacts on leash, it can feel embarrassing, frustrating, and sometimes personal. But your dog is not trying to ruin your walk, make you look bad, or publicly announce that you have failed as a dog owner. Lovely thought, but no. In this episode, Karen Laws explains why leash reactions are communication, not defiance. Your dog may be overwhelmed, worried, excited, frustrated, or unsure what to do next. The real work begins when owners stop taking the behaviour personally and start looking at what the dog actually needs in that moment. Karen breaks down how owner emotions, leash tension, timing, distance, and expectations all affect the walk. She also talks about the importance of staying calm, being proactive, and giving your dog clear information instead of reacting to the reaction. This episode is for dog owners who feel embarrassed or discouraged by leash struggles and need a practical, grounded way to move forward. In this episode: Why leash reactions are not personalWhat your dog may actually be communicatingHow owner frustration can add pressureWhy distance and timing matterHow to become your dog’s advocate on walksWhy progress starts with clarity, not emotionYour dog’s behaviour may be loud, inconvenient, and badly timed. Dogs do enjoy choosing peak public visibility. But it is still information. And once you understand that, you can start training from a much better place

Rescue dogs often come with a history we do not fully know. Some have lived on the street, defended themselves, learned to avoid pressure, or reacted because reacting worked. In this episode, Karen talks about what rescue dogs really need when they struggle with fear, reactivity, uncertainty, or difficult behaviour in the home. Love matters, of course. But love without structure can leave both the dog and owner spinning in circles, which is touching, but not especially useful. Karen explains why rescue dog owners should not drown in guilt, why the right training system can create change faster than people expect, and how clear communication helps dogs feel safer. This episode also touches on an important seasonal reminder: tick prevention. Whether your dog is a rescue, a puppy, a senior, or the self-appointed mayor of every grassy ditch, ticks are a real concern. Daily checks, proper removal, and a prevention plan that fits your dog’s lifestyle matter. Ticks are showing up earlier, staying active longer, and spreading into more areas across Ontario and Canada. Dog owners need to be practical, not panicked. Check your dog after walks, field time, camping trips, and even yard time. Look around the legs, underarms, ears, tail area, collar area, and anywhere warm or hidden. This episode is for anyone living with a rescue dog who is reactive, anxious, defensive, hard to settle, or still trying to figure out how to live in a home — while also remembering that physical safety matters too.Your rescue dog does not need pity forever. They need clarity, consistency, and someone willing to lead them kindly.And yes, they also need you to check for ticks. Annoying little freeloaders, but here we are.

Crate training is one of the most misunderstood parts of raising a puppy. Too many owners think the crate is either a punishment, a magic puppy container, or something their dog should instantly love because they bought the nice one. Sadly, puppies do not read the product description. In this episode, Karen explains how to use crate training as a practical life skill that helps your puppy learn how to settle, handle frustration, and feel safe when you are not actively entertaining them. You’ll learn why calm crate exits matter, how to avoid creating a puppy who bursts out like a tiny unpaid intern escaping a meeting, and why timing, routine, and your own handling make such a difference.  This episode covers:Why crate training is not about “locking your puppy away”How the crate helps teach calm, structure, and independenceWhen to crate your puppy and when not toHow to prevent frantic exitsWhy quiet handling beats constant talkingHow crate training supports house manners, travel, rest, and confidenceIf your puppy protests, barks, whines, or acts like the crate is a personal insult, this episode will help you think clearly and respond calmly. Crate training is not about being harsh. It is about being consistent, fair, and clear. And yes, your puppy can learn this. They may just learn loudly at first.

In this episode of Paws and Profits, Karen sits down with Tyler for a practical conversation about what it really takes to grow in the dog training industry. They discuss the mindset, consistency, and real world experience needed to build confidence as a trainer and business owner. This episode is for aspiring and newer dog trainers who want more than theory. They want honest guidance, useful perspective, and a clearer path forward. If you are working to become a stronger trainer, attract better clients, and build a business that supports your life instead of swallowing it whole, this conversation will give you plenty to think about. Because passion matters, but let’s be honest, passion alone does not pay the hydro bill. Listener Takeaways In this episode, you’ll hear about: • Building confidence as a dog trainer • Why practical experience matters • The role of mentorship in business growth • How newer trainers can stay focused and keep improving • What it takes to turn skill into a sustainable dog training business

What your dog eats may be affecting far more than their digestion. In this episode of Paws and Profits, Karen Laws welcomes Dr. Judy Morgan, an integrative veterinarian, author, speaker, and founder of Naturally Healthy Pets, for a fascinating conversation about the connection between diet, gut health, behaviour, and long-term wellness in dogs. Karen and Dr. Judy discuss: • How diet can influence dog behaviour • Why gut health and the microbiome matter • The connection between anxiety, aggression, and inflammation • Why species appropriate feeding deserves a closer look • The problem with relying only on highly processed food • How food therapy can support different dog personalities • Why senior dogs may need a different nutritional approach • The importance of advocating for your dog at the vet • How training, nutrition, health, and personality all work together. This episode is for dog owners and dog trainers who want to look beyond surface behaviour and better understand what may be happening inside the dog. Because sometimes the behaviour problem is not just a training problem. Annoying, but true.

You found a tick on your dog. Now what? In this episode of Paws and Profits, we walk through what dog owners should do after finding a tick, without panic, guesswork, or questionable backyard remedies. Because yes, the internet has opinions, and not all of them should be trusted near your dog. We’ll cover how to remove a tick safely, what not to put on it, why timing matters, how to dispose of it properly, and what signs to watch for after a tick bite. We’ll also talk about why prevention matters, especially as ticks become more active across Ontario and many parts of Canada. This episode is practical, calm, and straight to the point. The goal is not to scare you. It is to help you know what to do before you are standing there with a tick, a pair of tweezers, and mild regret. Tune in to learn how to handle ticks safely and make a clear plan for protecting your dog. Download the guide Now! https://stan.store/KarenLaws/p/tick-prevention-for-dogs

Tick prevention used to feel simple. Now, not so much. Ticks are showing up earlier, staying active longer, and becoming a concern in more areas across Ontario and Canada. That leaves many dog owners stuck between two strong opinions: use commercial veterinary products, or go the natural route. In this episode of Paws and Profits, Karen breaks down the practical side of natural versus commercial tick prevention for dogs. No fear tactics. No internet shouting match. Just a clear look at risk, safety, consistency, and what actually works in real life.  You’ll learn: What ticks are and why they matter Why tick season is lasting longer The difference between commercial and natural prevention Why “natural” does not always mean safe Why commercial products still need to be chosen thoughtfully How your dog’s lifestyle, location, health, and routine affect your decision Why tick checks still matter, no matter what prevention method you choose How to build a prevention plan you can actually follow The real question is not whether natural or commercial is “better.” The better question is whether your dog is actually protected. Because ticks do not care about opinions, trends, or Facebook comment sections. Rude, but true.

What do you do when your dog reacts before you even have time to prepare? In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most frustrating parts of living with a reactive dog: those moments when your dog barks, lunges, or explodes before you can step in. You’ll learn why reactions happen so quickly, the subtle warning signs most owners miss, and how to shift your focus from “fixing” the reaction to preventing it before it starts. We’ll cover:Why timing matters more than perfect obedienceThe biggest mistake reactive dog owners makeHow to recognize triggers earlierWhat to do in the critical seconds before a reactionSimple strategies to help you stay calmer and more prepared on walksIf you’ve ever felt embarrassed, overwhelmed, or like you’re always one step behind your dog’s reactions, this episode will help you approach things with more clarity and confidence. Because progress with reactive dogs doesn’t start after the reaction — it starts before it.