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Can aggressive dogs be rehabilitated? And what can protection training teach us about canine behaviour? On this episode of the Pet To Pal Podcast, Matt Maltese sits down with Yunus of Apex Canine Canada to discuss working with reactive dogs, serious aggression cases, and dogs considered “unfixable.” We explore the importance of trust during the early stages of behaviour modification, what the first 72 hours with a new dog can look like, and why some dogs need time to decompress before training can progress. Yunus also explains how understanding canine drive through bite work and protection training can influence the way trainers approach behavioural cases. We discuss realistic expectations for board-and-train programs, transferring results into the home, and helping owners maintain long-term progress. Beyond training, we talk about building Apex Canine Canada, running a professional training facility, learning from mentors, dealing with online criticism, overcoming imposter syndrome, and scaling a business without sacrificing quality. In this episode: Working with reactive and aggressive dogsFear, confidence, drive, and canine behaviourThe first 72 hours of a board-and-train programBite work and its potential applications in behaviour trainingOwner education, structure, and long-term managementBuilding a dog training business and developing a teamFollow Apex Canine Canada on Instagram: @apex.canine.canada Hosted by Matt Maltese of Pet To Pal Dog Training, Toronto, Ontario. Follow the Pet To Pal Podcast for more conversations about dog training, behaviour modification, and the canine industry.

What does it really take to build a well-trained, confident dog? And how do we balance freedom, boundaries, play, and pressure in the training process? In episode 47 of the Pet To Pal Podcast, Matthew Maltese sits down with Andrew Goldberg of Happy Go Lucky Dog Company in Boca Raton, Florida. Andrew also hosts the Doggy Stoic Podcast, where he speaks with dog trainers to explore different training philosophies and continue learning. Andrew shares how he went from running pack walks and working with his own rescue dogs to building a dog-training business with multiple facilities and a team of trainers. We dive into the realities of modern dog training, including e-collar conditioning, LIMA, corrections, reinforcement, and the debate surrounding positive-only and balanced training approaches. We discuss why dogs need clear communication, how reinforcement history can shape behaviour, and why learning to navigate stress may be an important part of developing resilience. We also explore the role of play in dog training, how to build engagement with your dog, why repeating commands can create confusion, and how owners sometimes unintentionally reinforce the very behaviours they want to stop. Beyond training techniques, Andrew shares his thoughts on dog daycare, managing difficult behaviours, hiring and developing trainers, and building relationships with other professionals in the industry. Whether you’re a dog owner, a professional trainer, or someone interested in canine behaviour, this episode offers plenty to think about when it comes to how we train dogs and how we live with them. Connect with Andrew:
Happy Go Lucky Dog Company — Instagram
Doggy Stoic — Podcast Follow the Pet To Pal Podcast for more conversations with dog trainers and professionals working across the canine industry.

Losing a pet can change your life. But what does healing actually look like when the bond you shared with them never really goes away? In Part 2 of our conversation with Beth Bigler of Honoring Our Animals, we explore how to live with pet loss, navigate grief, and maintain a meaningful connection with the animals who have changed our lives. Beth is a pet loss grief counselor, end-of-life doula, and pet chaplain. She shares why she challenges the idea of “moving on” from grief, explaining how we can instead learn to move with it while continuing to honour the bond we shared with our pets. We discuss: • Why losing a pet can mean losing your routine, identity, and sense of purpose
• Continuing bonds and why staying connected to a pet after death can be part of healthy grieving
• How to honour your pet through rituals, memories, and everyday moments
• Why guilt, relief, laughter, numbness, and even joy can all be part of grief
• How grief affects surviving pets and what you can do to support them
• When you might be ready to welcome another pet into your life
• How pet professionals can better support clients experiencing loss
• Recognizing when grief counselling might help Whether you’re grieving a pet you lost years ago, preparing for a goodbye, or supporting someone who is hurting, this conversation offers practical guidance and reassurance that there is no single right way to grieve. You don’t have to forget them. You don’t have to stop loving them. And you don’t have to navigate grief alone. 🎙️ About Beth Bigler: Beth helps people navigate the grief of losing an animal companion through counselling, end-of-life support, and spiritual care. This is Part 2 of our Pet To Pal Podcast conversation about pet loss and grief.

ep 45

What does a veterinarian actually see when a pet arrives at the emergency room? Dr. Brianna Tobin joins the Pet To Pal Podcast for a deep conversation about emergency veterinary medicine, from the first moments of triage to some of the hardest decisions a veterinarian can make. We discuss how ER vets determine which patients need immediate attention, why vital signs and an owner's observations can tell them more than appearances alone, and how veterinarians make decisions when they don't have all the information they need. Dr. Tobin also explains how existing diagnoses such as cancer can create diagnostic blind spots, why veterinarians need to resist anchoring on the first explanation, and how she approaches the process of building a clinical picture from incomplete information. We get into Fear Free veterinary care and the difficult reality of emergency medicine, including situations where sedation, restraint, or immediate intervention may be necessary to save a patient's life. The conversation then becomes much more personal. Dr. Tobin talks about euthanasia, supporting owners through impossible decisions, the emotional weight of losing patients, and how veterinarians learn to cope with the fact that sometimes you can do everything right and still lose the animal. We also discuss aggressive and anxious dogs in the ER, how behaviour and training can affect veterinary care, the relationship between trainers and veterinarians, veterinary misinformation, and what Dr. Tobin wishes every pet owner understood before an emergency happens. A conversation about emergency medicine, clinical judgment, animal behaviour, grief, and what it really means to care for animals when everything is happening at once. 🎙️ Pet To Pal Podcast with Matthew Maltese

Dog training isn’t just about training the dog. A huge part of the process is helping the human on the other end of the leash understand what their dog needs, manage their expectations, and navigate the emotional side of owning a difficult dog. In this episode of the Pet To Pal Podcast, Matt sits down with Kait of KANE9 Dog Training to talk about the realities of working with reactive and challenging dogs, why she considers herself a “Human Coach” as much as a dog trainer, and what she means when she talks about the “messy middle” of dog training. Kait shares her journey from working in corporate marketing and sales to becoming a full-time dog trainer after adopting her own challenging dog, Roadie. They discuss balanced training, e-collars and prong collars, how her approach to training tools has evolved, and why she has moved away from rigid step-by-step obedience in favor of a more intuitive approach. They also get into the emotional side of dog ownership, including shame, unrealistic expectations, family dynamics, and the difficult reality that some dogs may never fit the lifestyle their owners originally imagined. Matt and Kait also discuss advocacy and boundaries, including her “Thanks for not petting my dog” message, how strangers can unintentionally sabotage reactive dogs, and why owners shouldn’t be afraid to advocate for their dogs. The conversation also covers mentoring other trainers, imposter syndrome, burnout, building a dog-training business, social media scrutiny, and the pressure trainers can feel to present a “finished” dog online. A conversation about dogs, humans, training, business, and the reality behind the highlight reel

What happens when a dog trainer who started with compulsion and corrections completely rethinks his approach? This week I'm joined by Josh Beckler of K9 Optima for one of my favorite conversations yet. Josh talks about his evolution as a trainer, from using leash corrections and compulsion to developing a more individualized, assessment-based approach to behavior. We dive into aggression, reactivity, fear, frustration, genetics, dopamine, nervous-system regulation, polyvagal theory, sensory communication, touch, leash pressure and the role of corrections in modern dog training. We also talk about the problems Josh sees with social-media dog training, the importance of actually putting in the reps with real dogs, and why trainers need to stay humble, curious and willing to ask, "What am I missing?" Josh is the author of The Infinite Approach: Modern Dog Training and Polyvagal Insights and founder of K9 Optima. A good episode for both dog owners and trainers, especially anyone interested in understanding what is happening underneath a dog's behavior rather than simply stopping the behavior itself.

What does it actually take to train a dog? Matthew sits down with Eric Straetman of Beyond the Leash, Mazen Khan of Apex K9 Canada, and Nathan Aller of Dankroft K9 for an open discussion about modern dog training and behaviour modification. They discuss puppy socialization, reactivity, genetics, littermate syndrome, dog parks and daycare, puppy blues, e-collars, prong collars, corrections, board and trains, and the difference between a trained dog and a well-behaved dog. The trainers also share how their philosophies have changed throughout their careers, what separates an average trainer from a great one, why coaching the human is often the hardest part of the job, and their thoughts on the growing influence of social media and online dog trainers. A candid conversation between four trainers about what actually works, where trainers disagree, and what they believe dog owners need to understand. Guests:Eric Straetman | Beyond the LeashMazen Khan | Apex K9 CanadaNathan Aller | Dankroft K9Host: Matthew Maltese | Pet To Pal Dog Training

Are e-collars really cruel, or are they one of the most misunderstood tools in dog training? In episode 40 of the Pet To Pal Podcast, I sit down with Bethany Johnson of Walking Dog Training, one of the most recognizable voices in balanced dog training and e-collar education, to unpack the misconceptions surrounding e-collar training and what actually creates calm, confident dogs. Bethany explains why she believes the conversation around e-collars has become emotional instead of practical, how clear communication builds confidence in both dogs and owners, and why so many reactive dog owners feel isolated and overwhelmed. We discuss: * Why so many owners feel like they’re failing their dog * The biggest myths about reactive dogs * How structure, boundaries, and communication work together * Whether stress in training is always a bad thing * How e-collars can increase confidence rather than fear * Conditioned vs. unconditioned e-collar training * Common mistakes trainers make when introducing an e-collar * Why the dog training world focuses so much on tools instead of results * The ongoing debate around balanced training and force-free methods Whether you’re curious about e-collars, struggling with a reactive dog, or simply interested in becoming a better dog owner, this conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on modern dog training and owner education. Connect with Bethany Johnson 📍 Instagram: @walkingdogtraining 🌐 https://walkingdogtraining.com If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and leave a review. It helps the podcast reach more dog owners and trainers every week.

What if the biggest thing holding your dog back… is the way you’re communicating? In episode 39 of the Pet To Pal Podcast, Matthew Maltese sits down with Noelle Farr, owner and trainer of Aligned K9, to discuss what really creates clear communication between dogs and their owners. They explore why so many dogs struggle with reactivity, the difference between managing behavior and truly changing it, why dogs don’t generalize behaviors the way we think they do, and why simply talking more to your dog often makes communication worse—not better. Noelle also shares her journey from special education teacher to professional dog trainer, how that background shaped her approach to teaching both dogs and people, and why she believes effective training is less about rigid methods and more about understanding the individual dog in front of you. Whether you’re raising your first puppy, living with a reactive dog, or simply looking to improve your relationship with your dog, this episode is packed with practical advice and fresh perspectives. In this episode: Why communication matters more than obedienceThe biggest mistakes owners make without realizing itCan reactivity actually be solved?When (and if) corrections belong in trainingWhy dogs struggle to generalize commandsCommon mistakes when teaching duration and stayThe importance of body awareness and proprioceptionMalinois myths and working dog realitiesSocial media dog training trends that aren’t always helpfulWhat dogs can teach us about living in the presentIf you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with another dog owner. Follow Noelle Farr (Aligned K9):
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignedk9
Website: https://alignedcanine.com Follow Pet To Pal Dog Training:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pettopal

What’s next for Dankroft? Nathan Aular of Dankroft K9 joins the Pet To Pal Podcast in episode 38 to talk about growing up around dog training, learning from his father Dan, developing his own training philosophy, and where he wants to take Dankroft in the future. We get into balanced dog training, using food and play, e-collars and prong collars, working with skeptical clients, and why trainers need to understand the human side of dog training just as much as the dog. Nathan also shares his perspective on the Toronto dog training community, the polarization between different training philosophies, board and trains, condo dogs, behavioral cases, and why trainers need to give their clients more credit for the challenges they face. We also dive into Nathan's passion for dog sports, PSA, and Iron Dog Canada, an organization designed to give everyday dog owners an opportunity to train, compete and build a stronger relationship with their dogs. And of course, we talk about the Dankroft legacy, what Nathan learned from his dad, how their approaches have evolved, and what he hopes to build for the next generation of Dankroft. In this episode:• Growing up with a professional dog trainer as a father• Learning from Dan Dankroft• Developing your own training philosophy• Balanced dog training• Food, play, e-collars and prong collars• Working with skeptical dog owners• The Toronto and GTA dog training community• Board and train: when it works and when it doesn't• Training dogs in Toronto condos• Behavioral cases and difficult decisions• Dog sports and PSA• Iron Dog Canada• Building a relationship with your dog through training• Maintaining consistency across a dog training team• The future of Dankroft K9• Carrying on a family legacy Follow Nathan:Instagram: @DK9Nathan Dankroft K9:Instagram: @DankroftK9 Iron Dog Canada:Instagram & Facebook: Iron Dog Canada 🎙️ Subscribe to the Pet To Pal Podcast for more conversations with dog trainers, veterinarians, groomers, behaviour professionals and other people working to improve the relationship between dogs and humans.

What does it actually mean for a dog to be “trained”?In this episode of the Pet To Pal Podcast, I sit down with Eric Straetmans of Beyond The Leash Training for a wide-ranging conversation about real-world dog training, obedience, reliability, e-collar training, socialization, dog parks, board and trains, crates, and what it actually takes to build a dog that can function in everyday life.Eric has been training dogs for nearly 30 years and has built his approach around family obedience, control, neutrality and real-world reliability. We get into some controversial topics and challenge a few common ideas in the dog training industry.We discuss:-Why Eric stopped offering private lessons and focuses on group dog training-Why he hates board and train programs-Why training the owner may be more important than training the dog-Why your dog knowing “sit” at home doesn't necessarily mean your dog actually knows “sit”-Generalization in dog training and why dogs need to practice behaviours in different environments-The importance of duration, distance and distraction-Why Eric changed his mind about dog parks-Why socialization doesn't necessarily mean letting dogs play with other dogs-Neutrality and calm coexistence around people and dogs-Eric's philosophy on balanced dog training-E-collar training, corrections and conditioned responses-Learned optimism vs. learned helplessness-Whether stress during training is necessarily a bad thing-Why crate training can remain useful even after a dog no longer needs a crate every day-Why more control can actually give a dog more freedom-The difference between training a dog for real life vs. dog sports-Why reliability matters more than simply having a dog perform obedience in a controlled environmentWe also talk about the evolution of Eric's training philosophy, including why he went from being completely against dog parks to taking a more nuanced position, and why he ultimately chose to focus his career on family obedience rather than trying to be everything to everyone.If you're interested in dog training, dog obedience, balanced dog training, e-collar training, dog behaviour, reactive dogs, leash training, off-leash reliability, dog socialization, crate training or real-world obedience, this episode is worth watching.Guest: Eric StraetmansBusiness: Beyond The Leash TrainingPodcast: Beyond The Leash🎙️ Pet To Pal PodcastConversations with dog trainers, veterinarians, groomers, behaviour professionals and other people working in the pet industry.#DogTraining #DogTrainer #DogObedience #EcollarTraining #BalancedDogTraining #DogBehavior #PetToPalPodcast

What does it really mean to raise a calm, confident dog? In episode 36 of the Pet To Pal Podcast, Matthew Maltese of Pet To Pal Dog Training sits down with Sierra Liberty, owner of K9 Summit, to discuss modern dog ownership, puppy training, neutrality, proper socialization, separation anxiety, structure, crate training, e-collars, prong collars, and why so many owners unintentionally create behavioral problems despite having the best intentions. They also dive into social media, building a successful dog training brand, leading an all-female team, and how Sierra’s faith influences her leadership and business. Whether you’re a dog owner or a trainer, this episode offers practical advice and thoughtful discussion on raising dogs that are confident, stable, and enjoyable to live with.

Professional dog grooming is about far more than making dogs look good. In this episode of the Pet To Pal Podcast, Matthew Maltese sits down with Nadia Bongelli, Mari Kusanagi (Top Knot Grooming), and Karol (Scooby Grooms) for an honest discussion about the realities of the grooming industry. Together, they explore fear-free grooming, puppy introductions, cooperative care, handling difficult dogs, owner expectations, and how groomers, trainers, and veterinarians can work together to improve canine welfare.  Whether you're a dog owner, groomer, trainer, veterinary professional, or simply passionate about dogs, this episode offers practical insights into one of the most misunderstood professions in the pet industry. In this episode: Fear-Free grooming explainedPuppy first-groom tipsGrooming myths and misconceptionsDog behavior during groomingNail trims and handling challengesGrooming cats vs. dogsSocial media's influence on groomingEthical grooming and animal welfareBuilding better collaboration between groomers, trainers, and veterinarians

What is it really like to be a veterinarian? Dr. Aleksandra Ascione joins the Pet To Pal Podcast to discuss the realities of veterinary medicine. From the four-year journey to have her veterinary degree recognized in the United States to the emotional challenges of treating patients every day. We also explore preventative healthcare, vaccines, pet insurance, obesity, social media misinformation, compassion fatigue, and the relationship between veterinarians, trainers, and pet owners. If you’ve ever wondered what your veterinarian wishes every dog owner knew, this episode is for you